Minister for Europe Chris Bryant has visited Wolverhampton as part of his tour of the West Midlands to see how EU funding of 400 million euros has helped the region to thrive.

The MP visited five organisations to see how they have each benefited from the money, meeting representatives from Wolverhampton Network Consortium (WNC), Windsor High School in Halesowen, the University of Birmingham, Smartroof in Solihull and the Bangladesh Youth Forum in Lozells, Birmingham, during a one-day tour.

Mr Bryant visited ASAN Workspace to meet and talk to members and beneficiaries of several projects that had received a share of the cash - distributed by WNC through a community-based regeneration action plan between 2003 and 2006.

The minister met staff from Access 2 Business, The Bilston Redevelopment Project, Bushbury Triangle Neighbourhood Nursery and All Saints Action Network (ASAN) at 'The Workspace' in All Saints Road, which was redeveloped using £85,000 of funds. The facility now houses All Saints Children's Centre together with office space, conference and meeting rooms.

Access 2 Business received £76,450 to develop their disability support centre which helps local people access training, further education and employment opportunities.

The Bilston Redevelopment Project - which supports new businesses in the town, works with community groups and develops training for local individuals - was awarded £452,000.

Facilities and buildings at Bushbury Triangle benefited from more than £500,000 - used to build a new 48-place nursery and renovate adjoining community buildings.

Mr Bryant said: "I'm pleased to see all the benefits that EU funding has brought to the West Midlands including jobs, education and development for our young people and regenerated local communities.

"The West Midlands is an excellent showcase of how European funding has brought real change and development to areas that need it most. It has helped rebuild communities and give young people a focus for the future."

WNC chief executive Betty Taylor added: "We were delighted to be asked to co-ordinate this visit from the minister. WNC is very proud of the European Action Plan's success and of all the projects involved. The impact of the funding on Wolverhampton was huge and the effects are still being felt in the city today.

"It was great for the beneficiaries to be able to talk personally to Mr Bryant about the difference the money has made to their lives and the opportunities it has given them."

The programme created 280 new jobs in the city, training for more than 1,000 residents and 14 new or refurbished community facilities.

WNC is currently working to secure more EU funding for Wolverhampton and the wider Black Country.

To visit the Foreign Office website and find out more about Chris Bryant, Minister for Europe, and his tour of the Midlands, click here

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