AWM "THINKS BRUM DOES DOESN’T EXIST"

11-12-2007

Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has hit back at claims by a Birmingham councillor that it "behaves as though the city doesn’t exist".

The claim was made on The Stirrer Message Board by Lib Dem councillor Jon Hunt, whose job as a former member of the Regional Assembly was to scrutinise AWM.

He says that when he tried to ask questions, “[I] had the feeling I spoke out of turn when I dared to open my mouth!

Hunt was also involved in the SRB6 regeneration zone in north-west Birmingham, and claims, “it was clear there was minimal coordination between city council, AWM and learning and skills council.

“Some of this has improved through the Birmingham Strategic Partnership but I wonder if AWM is there.”

His comments come after yesterday’s launch of a new Regional Economic Strategy which identifies Birmingham as the key driver for the region.  Despite this, “AWM behaves as though the city doesn't exist” argues Hunt.

That’s brought a swift and vigorous response from the agency’s PR executive Mat Danks who says AWM is usually accused of only being interested in the big city.

As counter-examples to Hunt, he cites investment of £12million Fort Dunlop, £30 million in Eastside, £20m in East Birmingham, £8million at Icknield Port Loop among others.