Tourism set for big boost

A major tourism boost could be on the way to Kidderminster under plans to link Hartlebury Castle with a heritage trail around the region.

The scheme to make the castle a tourist trap has won the backing of local residents and MPs.

The project would link the castle with a trail around the Wyre Forest, the basins at Stourport, a water-powered forge at Churchill, Bewdley Museum and a carpet museum proposed for Kidderminster.

The plans were unveiled by Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor at a public meeting held in the Great Hall of the castle.

About 200 people heard him say that he was "absolutely behind" the project and urged people to give it their support.

They voted to form a group to be called the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library in a bid to ensure the castle, its gardens and grounds remain open to the public.

The move follows a decision by the Church Commissioners to base the Bishop of Worcester in the city rather than at the castle which has been used as his home for centuries. There are also fears that the Hurd Library, an 18th century country gentleman's library containing many first edition books, could be moved elsewhere.

Dr Taylor and Mid-Worcestershire Tory MP Peter Luff told the meeting it was "important" the castle was not redeveloped or converted into apartments. Lord Sandys, of Ombersley, also urged people to "ensure the castle was retained for generations to come". Worcestershire County Council leader Councillor George Lord told the meeting that a business case for how the castle could be taken over and operated was being drawn up.

But he warned that the council faced a cash crisis and would have to save £25million on its budget during the next three years.