The Dudley Borough Community Vision was publicly launched by community leaders and council bosses this week and residents are urged to get involved in forging a bright future for the borough.

The Dudley borough Community Vision (CV) was launched today by community leaders including council bosses, college students and youth council representatives, to show off the borough’s story so far as they set about defining a clear direction for the borough.

In a public launch, leaders declared Dudley borough as the historic capital of the Black Country, outlining how people should be ‘proud of our past’ and calling for people to get involved in ‘Forging our future’. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

“We have so much to be proud of in Dudley borough and we also have plenty to be excited about as we look to forge a positive future.

"No matter what the political landscape of the borough is at any time, we need to have a clear vision for our community which remains consistent as we look to ensure Dudley borough is a great place to live, work and play.”

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of the opposition, added:

“We want this piece of work to engage with people on the street, workers from the voluntary sector, the faith networks, young people, our emergency services and the business community. By coming together we are confident we can overcome challenges by creating one clear vision for our borough.”

Councillor Paul Brothwood, leader of the UKIP group, said:

“Setting a vision for Dudley borough, which all of our 318,000 residents can truly be part of, will be a big step in the right direction. Dudley borough is the historic capital of the Black Country and by working together we can shout loud and proud about the great attributes the borough has to offer.”

Today’s launch set out Dudley borough’s great past from its reference in the Domesday Book of 1086, through to its pivotal role in the industrial revolution as England became the engine room of the world.

It also references the bright future for the borough, building on the hard work, humour and humility of borough residents together with exciting projects including the new DY5 Enterprise Zone in Brierley Hill which is set to generate 7,000 new jobs.