TRADERS and residents in Wyre Forest are set to have their say about the future of shopping and leisure facilities in Kidderminster through a comprehensive lifestyle study.

Wyre Forest District Council's key aim is to establish what leisure and retail facilities are needed in a bid to fend off competition from out-of-town shopping centres.

Councillors, who will involve all key partners, are particularly keen to concentrate part of the study on the regeneration of Worcester Street, Blackwell Street and Oxford Street.

The study will also help to determine what sort of shops are required and whether there is a call for large and small specialist shops and professional outlets like hairdressers.

Many proposals have already been put forward to rejuvenate Kidderminster, particularly around Worcester Street.

Councillor James Dudley, responsible for environment and economic regeneration, said there were plans to build apartments, shops and family-friendly cafes.

A town centre manager will also be appointed, eventually, to help market Kidderminster and plans have been put forward to expand New Road car park.

The former Brintons sports field is also set to be redeveloped.

Mr Dudley wholeheartedly supported the 10-year development plan, feeling it was needed, on the edge of Oldington and Foley Park.