DETERMINED Droitwich Spa residents met to hear about and discuss the best way forward for the town.

The meeting last Thursday saw visitors discuss a potential town plan and the effect it could have on the area. It also saw a number of people support the idea, with 30 putting their names forward to be involved with a steering group and consultation group that could help produce the plan.

At the meeting Mayor Richard Morris said: "There is a vision out there for the community. This would be a blue print for what Droitwich Spa wants to be."

A town plan is a statement of how a local community sees itself developing over the next few years. It represents the views of all sections of the community, identifies features and characteristics that people value in the town and also includes an action plan to achieve the vision.

It can be used to form practical projects, put across the needs of residents, and help influence and form plans, policies and services.

A presentation was given by Malcolm Reid from West Midlands planning aid services who gave advice about the origin and purpose of town plans and what they hope to achieve.

His presentation was followed by a talk from John Power and Gloria White who underwent a similar process in Stratford Upon Avon.

Mr Power spoke passionately about the importance of a town plan and how residents should get involved for their grandchildren. Even though he described how the plan in Stratford had not yet had a noticeable effect it did not stop 15 people putting their names forward for the steering group and another 15 for the consultation group.

Clerk of Droitwich Spa Town Council, Diane Malley, said: "I am really pleased with the response. There was a good mix of the community as well. Droitwich has a good community spirit and a lot of residents who care what happens."