A BUSINESS group set up to promote the Wyre Forest area holds its first meeting next week, aiming to stress its strong support for promoting the region's assets.

The Wyre Forest Business Forum, set up following the merger of Kidderminster and District Chamber of Commerce with the Hereford and Worcester chamber, meets on Monday evening at Kidderminster Harriers headquarters.

The group's first meeting will take place on Monday evening, at Aggborough, Kidderminster Harriers Football Club's headquarters.

"The issues the forum will be discussing affect all of us who live and work in the Wyre Forest area, and will ultimately affect the district's prosperity and employment prospects," said Tim Jones, a partner in Morton Fisher solicitors, one of the companies taking part.

The forum has set up an executive committee to represent the main business sectors and will look at broad policy issues affecting the Wyre Forest area, such as regional development, transport, education and training.

It will also give a high priority to local issues, including the continuing campaign to save Kidderminster General Hospital, the controversy over the proposed Kidderminster Waste for Energy plant and various proposals for developing local land.

Speakers on Monday will debate whether or not the Wyre Forest is a serious player in the business world of the 21st Century and whether it is a commuting area or a business area.

The speakers at the meeting, which starts at 5.30pm, will be Walter Delin, chief executive of Wyre Forest District Council, Keith Williams, sustainable transport manager with Worcestershire County Council, and Keith Fenwick, who represents the Offmore Farm Partnership.

Wyre Forest MP David Lock will outline to the audience the assistance the Government is offering Wyre Forest.

Anyone interested in attending Monday's meeting can obtain a ticket from Lyn Ward by telephoning 01562 820181.