Since the onset of the recession the majority of the region's market towns have seen unemployment rise by more than 50% and the Taskforce has moved to address a number of specific issues.

The measures include support to help larger employers retain jobs and build resilience, £150,000 of extra support for advisory bodies, such as Citizens Advice Bureau and a £250,000 package to support retailers in market towns.

Last week Advantage West Midlands also announced a significant programme to attract more visitors to the West Midlands and support the many festivals and events being held over the summer that showcase the region's market towns.

The programme includes TV advertising targeted at domestic visitors; a campaign to attract new conferences, exhibitions and events; a boost to business tourism through Marketing Birmingham and the Celebration of Imagination Festival and Events Programme, which celebrates the region's wide range of important anniversaries in 2009 e.g. Charles Darwin's birth, Wedgwood 250th and 300 years since the first successful coke smelting at Ironbridge.

Mick Laverty, Chief Executive at Advantage West Midlands, said: "It is important to remember that the rural parts of the West Midlands are significant contributors to the regional economy providing an estimated 33% of the region's employment and 36% of the region's GVA.  Many of these communities are hugely reliant on a few local employers, their local high streets and tourism.   

"The Taskforce is committed to supporting the region as a whole and the measures announced are focused on helping our vulnerable market towns and rural areas survive this recession and thrive when the upturn comes. 

"These measures are above and beyond Advantage West Midlands' current rural programme and will benefit rural communities across the region. 

"Alongside these practical measures it is vital individuals and businesses understand that support is available and that the first port of call should be www.supportwm.co.uk."