BEWDLEY is set to share in a £43 million Government cash injection aimed at boosting rural communities and surrounding villages.

The town will receive up to £1 million under the second phase of the nationwide £100 million market town regeneration programme.

The scheme is designed to help rural towns create new jobs, restore high streets, improve transport and encourage people and businesses to get involved in building better communities.

Bewdley is among 43 towns identified for help in the latest phase of the scheme. A total of 49 were listed in the first part with a further 30 to be listed next year.

Mayor Bill Mason said: "This certainly is good news for the people of Bewdley."

He said the cash could be used to address local issues including Bewdley Museum, traffic enhancements for Lower High Street, car parking safety and improvements to the riverside frontage.

He added that it was particularly welcome after recent bad news including foot and mouth.