THE new Mayor of Bewdley said his year-long appointment had come during a crunch time for the town and was determined to do all he could to improve life for its residents.

Tony Williams explained he saw the next 12 months as a challenge which he would meet head on by working on three priorities - business, young people and transport.

The Queensway, Wribbenhall, resident, 60, said he felt "very honoured" to be taking on the role but acknowledged he had a job on his hands now the town had lost more than 130 car parking spaces through flood defence works in Severnside South.

Mr Williams said: "One of my priorities is, obviously, to help the traders as much as possible with regard to the difficult time they are going to have with the flood defences.

"We are working to try and increase the parking in the town, we are trying to find ways of bringing more tourists back into the town and encouraging new traders to take up the vacant shops.

"It is sad we are losing dear friends as traders but it is nice to see new people taking their place and I will assure the new traders that Bewdley Town Council will give them every support and help in the future."

Plans set in motion by the town council during the last 12 months for a skateboard park beside Bewdley Leisure Centre and a cyber caf, were exciting projects for the town's young people and must be followed through, the Health Concern councillor went on.

"There is very little in the area for them to do and I feel it is important in this day and age to have a safe haven where they can meet and converse.

"My other concern is about the transport system - or the lack of it. There is a huge problem with people becoming isolated in Bewdley. People in the town are finding it increasingly difficult to get around Wyre Forest."

Mr Williams, who is married and has two teenage children, said he was excited by the task ahead and was confident about the make-up of the 12-member town council.

He said: "I am delighted the way the town council has come together. We work in different political arenas but we leave the politics outside the front door when we meet in the council chamber.

"Every councillor has one thing in common and that is to work for the betterment of the residents in Bewdley."

His chosen charities for his mayoral year are Toc H, Dial-a-Ride and the cyber cafe and skateboard park.