A GROUP which aims to strengthen the community in Bewdley is looking at setting up a portal website for the town as part of its plans for the future.

Opportunity Bewdley has mainly been working on delivering the grant-funded programmes of Advantage West Midlands since it was set up in 2002.

It will draw to the end of implementing these programmes in March and is aiming to set up a Development Trust for the town, which would continue the work of Opportunity Bewdley and its partners.

The trust would operate as a social enterprise, managing assets and projects that are self-sustaining and not dependent in the longer term on grant funding.

That would include maintaining and managing a portal website to represent the town and working with the public and private sectors to develop businesses and services to encourage business start-ups.

The proposed vision for the new organisation is: "To have a thriving, high quality market town, which meets the needs of the local community, develops to enhance the town's historic character, encourages and supports existing and new creative businesses and achieves a reputation distinct from other neighbouring towns."

Gordon Dwyer, programme manager at Opportunity Bewdley, said the plans were at an early stage but it was hoped the trust would be up and running by the end of March. The organisation is looking for comments from residents, businesses and community organisations about the proposal.

Suggestions can be sent to Opportunity Bewdley (Bewdley Development Trust), Snuff Hill Warehouse, Park Lane, Bewdley, Worcestershire DY12 2EL.

It also can be contacted on 01299 405516 or info@opportunitybewdley.org.uk