Poundland founder backing plans for town's future

The founder of chain store Poundland is "backing a bright future for Walsall" amid worries from local businesses about a lack of footfall in the town.

Steve Smith, who grew up in Willenhall, started his career working at Bilston Market.

The businessman recently spoke at the first We are Walsall 2040 conference, where businesses and organisations discussed "opportunities for the borough to thrive".

Mr Smith also described a "long-term plan" for the area, and said: "It won't be the same as when I used to work on the market stalls, but it can be a future where our children do well for themselves and succeed in life."

"It is the people of Walsall who make me most proud to come from this area.

"I built my business with good people, and with good people who work hard you can achieve a great deal." Mr Smith added.

It comes as new figures revealed the town was economically below average on nearly every front.

Despite this, the council maintains the view that the borough is "full of potential" and is laying out its ambitions through its We are Walsall 2040 vision.

The vision includes becoming the most improved borough in the region, a vibrant place where people are proud to live, and residents in all neighbourhoods have the same life chances.

Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council, said: "More than 10,000 Walsall residents and local businesses helped us to shape the 'We Are Walsall 2040' vision, the ambitions set out are everyone's ambitions."

"Walsall is my home. I've lived here for 51 years. I've been a local councillor since 1980.

"I want the very best for this borough and for those who live and work here. There are many things that we can be proud of, but there are also things that need fixing and together we're going to fix them."

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