A "GOLDEN opportunity" to revive Stourport with a multi-million pound vision of the future is set to be unveiled to townsfolk.

Wyre Forest District Council chairman John Gordon said the Severn Road and Lichfield Basin redevelopment scheme was pivotal in shaping a key part of Stourport's housing, employment and retail prospects for years to come.

Mr Gordon, who was speaking at the council's policy and implementation committee meeting, said now was the time for the public to play their part.

He said: "The scheme will create employment and housing land and a new food store, all for the benefit of Stourport people.

"Along with the potential relief road for the town, this is a massive moment in time for Stourport."

He added: "There are three elements to the consultation.

"The Severn Road development brief sets out possible uses for the Carpets of Worth and the former Larch Lap sites, the Lichfield Basin development in partnership with British Waterways and a complete economic strategy for the town."

The council has proposed a new food store near Severn Road and believes an area of land between the site and new housing should be allocated to create business and employment opportunities.

Plans for the Lichfield Basin include the re-opening of the third basin currently hidden under the former Larch Lap site, creating waterside development opportunities and space for housing.

Improved movement through the town is also proposed by enhancing the pedestrian environment of Mitton Street and Lichfield Street.

A nature corridor off the River Stour is in the pipeline, with plans to create a new habitat and enhance the existing landscape.

However, the plans were greeted with scepticism by some. District councillor Michael Grinnall said after the meeting: "Many schemes for Stourport have fallen flat on their face before so I will believe this when I see it.

"From what I have seen of the initial plans this seems more of a tourism development more than for the benefit of Stourport folk.

"I still believe the planners are trying to appease Stourport and get on with KTC1 for Kidderminster, which will become the district's Merry Hill while Stourport remains a poor relation like Dudley."

His doubts were echoed by Stourport Business Association chairman Russell Hinton.

He said: "Stourport has got greater potential for attracting visitors than Kidderminster, but it is vital the plans are taken on further and do not stop at improving the waterways and retail opportunities."

Council head of planning and environment Jake Berriman said: "A tremendous amount of thought has gone into preparing this plan. The public have as big a part to play as any councillors or anybody else in this redevelopment, which is the most important in Stourport's recent history."

Detailed plans for the development, which forms part of Wyre Forest District Council's Local Plan for the 10-year period to 2011, will be on display at a public exhibition at Stourport Civic Centre on Tuesday between noon and 8pm.

People can write to Mr Berriman with detailed views by May 18 at the council's planning and environment division at Land Oak House, Chester Road North, Kidderminster, DY10 1TA.

Full copies of the draft brief and design guide are available at Land Oak House. Amendments after a consideration of responses will be made by the end of June before a final plan is adopted in July.