IN her bid to ensure Redditch benefits as much as possible from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch, has been elected vice-chair of an influential parliamentary group to make the town’s case.

With Redditch just 15 miles away from the second city, Rachel has joined the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Commonwealth Games to ensure Redditch is in pole position to reap the benefits Birmingham 2022 will bring to the Midlands.

Rachel said: “Our town has excellent sporting facilities and with Redditch less than 30 minutes away from Birmingham, there’s no reason why our town shouldn’t be involved in the Commonwealth Games in some way."

The APPG for the Commonwealth Games was set-up by Mike Wood, the MP for Dudley South, to showcase the best of what the Midlands has to offer, but also to help build a real and lasting sporting and social legacy.

The new APPG will bring together Birmingham 2002 organisers, broadcasters, infrastructure providers and competing nations to ensure MPs are kept up-to-date with preparations for the Games and have an opportunity to help shape Birmingham 2022.

Rachel added: “From the moment Birmingham’s successful bid was announced, I have been determined to ensure Redditch plays a role in Birmingham 2022. The Games will leave behind a real sporting and social legacy and I want Redditch to benefit from this too.

“I’m looking forward to working with the APPG, to bang the drum for Redditch and to make sure our town is in pole position to play its part in Birmingham 2022.”