Harriett Baldwin, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for West Worcestershire, this week called on Worcestershire County Council to consider following Essex's example and setting up a bank to help local small businesses.

In April 2009, Essex County Council set aside £50million from its cash on deposit to set up "Banking on Essex" in conjunction with Santander for small businesses to access loans of up to £100,000. The money earns a higher yield for the council tax payer and helps the local economy. In Worcestershire, small businesses are still struggling through the credit crunch, with many commercial banks tightening their credit conditions or refusing to accept new customers.

Harriett Baldwin said, "Last week I heard from another local business with a full order book that is struggling to get the funding it needs to keep going. I raised questions on this topic at Party Conference in Manchester last week. As a result I was informed of the initiative undertaken by Essex County Council earlier this year. I have therefore written to Cllr Adrian Hardman, Deputy Leader of Worcestershire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, asking him to consider a similar scheme in Worcestershire."

Photo: Harriett Baldwin speaking on behalf of small business at Conservative Party Conference 2009