THE history of pubs and shops in Stourport is coming under the spotlight with the launch of a project by the town's civic society.

Stourport Civic Society has appealed for traders, licensees and older people with memories of Stourport in times past to back the project which is aimed at informing residents and tourists about the "wealth of history" in the town's shops and inns.

In addition, the society is hoping the project will boost civic pride and encourage the refurbishment of some of the "sad-looking" premises in Stourport.

Pauline Annis, chair of the civic society, said the town had a "rich and varied past" and the project would provide a visible and accessible history of this.

She added researchers would produce information with photographs for display in the window of the premises taking part, as well as smaller leaflets which could be given away to customers.

The project will initially target pubs and shops along Bridge Street and the High Street, but the owners of any premises wishing to take part are invited to contact the society.

"We have set up two small working parties, one to look at pubs and one to look at shops," she said. "Some of the pubs and shops in Stourport have very interesting histories. Some of the pubs have disappeared - there used to be a lot in the heyday of the canal."

Mrs Annis said the society felt there was a need to tackle the problem of sad-looking shops which did not give an air of prosperity to the town, or encourage people to shop there.

She added: "Hopefully, we will get some of the premises refurbished."

Any shops and pubs interested in taking part and anyone wishing to carry out research is invited to contact Stourport Civic Society.