THE development of the eastern part of Redditch is just one key project as part of an ambitious county blueprint.

A new body which is aiming to transform the area has rallied investors amid concerns too many people are failing to realise its full potential.

The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – a group of industry chiefs and politicians – launched its business plan last week.

The strategy, along with £566,000 of initial funding, aims to attract new investment and jobs by marketing the county.

As well as a revamped Redditch, other projects include more than 1,000 new apprenticeships, better signs to alert drivers to Worcestershire and a greater choice of quality hotels.

Peter Pawsey, LEP executive chairman, said: “When I was invited to become chairman, I thought about our county and saw how hidden it was, and still is.

“It’s tucked away and largely undersold, but there is massive potential.”

The Government has set up 39 LEPs across the country which are tasked with attracting new investment.

Next year the Government is expected to take on board a recommendation that they be allowed to bid for £58 million worth of economic growth funding.

For more information, visit worcestershirelep.org.