Leader’s new year message
Released: 31 December 2007
Wolverhampton City Council Leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, has issued a New Year’s message to the city.
Today he said: “I wish to thank the people of Wolverhampton for their support over the last year, particularly given my temporary disability.
“The coming year will see a number of developments coming to fruition.
"I hope to see the Summer Row development starting on site with a £300 million vote of confidence in our city as a retail centre.
“I look forward to the beginning of work on two major Government investments in the city - the £280 million programme to bring the council’s homes up to a decent standard and the Building Schools for the Future programme to replace or refurbish all our secondary schools. We should all congratulate the staff who have made these dreams a reality.
“Other major projects like i54, Bilston Urban Village, the Canalside Quarter, the Interchange and Wednesfield Village Link will all progress in 2008.
“I sincerely hope that the long running delays over the Raglan Street superstore will also be resolved.
“The progress the council has made in increasing recycling must be continued. We need to ensure that recycling targets are met and that waste minimisation strategies are embedded. We also have to deliver value for money and it is possible that a focus on commercial waste recycling will offer bigger returns than domestic waste.
“I am committed to working with our partners to reach our ambitious targets for education, community safety and cleaner greener streets and open space.
“My disappointment over the failed bid for the Black Country Urban Park has become a fierce determination to see this project through, however long it takes to secure the resources needed.
“In wishing the citizens of Wolverhampton a happy, safe and prosperous 2008, I hope you will all be able to share my ambitions for the transformation of our city in the year ahead.”
Issued by the press office.