Regeneration plans for Matchborough and Winyates have been required to be put on hold following a change in funding opportunities.

Redditch Borough Council has been informed that 55 local authorities have been chosen to receive funding from central Government with Redditch not being on that list.

This follows public consultation carried out on the Council’s proposals in preparation for these plans to be submitted for the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (round three).

Residents and businesses in the localities have been informed of the changes and Council officers are being made available to answer any questions.

Council leader Matt Dormer said: “Whilst we are hugely disappointed by the news, as soon as we found out about the change in funding allocations we have advised our residents and local businesses immediately.

“This is not the end of the road and we will take some time now to with our architects to formulate a plan for both district centres.

We will be ready for any future round of public funding and indeed we will continue to explore each and every option available

“I want to reassure Matchborough and Winyates residents that they will not be forgotten, and they continue to be a very important part of our plans to regenerate Redditch.”

All the comments collected as part of the consultation will help shape the next round of proposals.