THE historic first ever meeting of Kidderminster Town Council since it was given the green light will take place next week.

The new authority will come into force on Tuesday (December 1) when it meets at Kidderminster Town Hall for the first time to discuss initial arrangements for the council.

Councillors will consider a host of reports such as the town council’s budget for the remaining financial year, adopt a code of conduct and appoint members to committees.

Residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of creating the new council in a local advisory poll held in May.

A host of assets, including the freehold of Kidderminster Town Hall, will be transferred to the authority in April 2016.

Current Wyre Forest District Councillors for Kidderminster wards will serve as members of the new council until the first elections to the new council are held on May 5 next year.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: “The first meeting of Kidderminster Town Council is an historic moment.

“As a former member of the Charter Trustees and a former Mayor of Kidderminster myself, I appreciate how it represents the culmination of campaigns for over 40 years to create a local council for the town following the abolition of the Borough of Kidderminster in 1974.

“The people of Kidderminster made their views very clear in the local advisory poll held in May, when almost 80% voted in favour of taking this step.

“Since then, a great deal of hard work has been done by councillors and staff at Wyre Forest District Council and by members and officers of the Charter Trustees to prepare for the launch of the new council.

“Wyre Forest District Council has already taken decisive steps to transfer significant assets to the town council in April 2016, including the freehold of the Town Hall.

“We have a strong track record of working with parish and town councils across the district. I look forward to forging a strong partnership with Kidderminster Town Council to secure sustainable services and facilities for the town’s residents, businesses and visitors.”