BEWDLEY'S bid for a share of about £2.5 million of Govern-ment money for flood-hit towns has been backed by Wyre Forest District Council.

The council's overview and scrutiny (environment and development) committee has agreed to oversee the development of an economic strategy of the town which chiefs say will "mirror" forthcoming activities in the Opportunity Bewdley project.

This involves improving the town by harnessing a range of opportunities including funding for flood defences, being in the West Midlands Rural Regeneration Zone, and the Government's Mark-et Towns Initiative, which has so far seen £17,000 provided for a town "healthcheck".

The council is acting as a banker for all money received from the various sources - which means the authority will "play a pivotal role in the success of both Opportunity Bewd-ley and the economic development strategy", according to council economic development chief Steve Singleton.

Opportunity Bewd-ley working groups will make presentations on methods of improving the town in terms of environment, economy, social and community and transport and accessibility issues, at a public consultation scheduled for Wednesday, January 9 next year.