BEWDLEY traders have banded together to create a new fold-out map of the town to highlight independent businesses.

The initiative is in response to decreased footfall in the town due to essential flood defence works, traders have said. 

The illustrated map pinpoints parking, points of interest, and features 35 Bewdley businesses, all of which contributed to its production.

Its reverse side provides key information on each business featured, enhancing its utility as a guide for tourists and residents alike.

10,000 copies of the map are set to be distributed for free across town.

Traders have said that whilst it's crucial for safeguarding Bewdley’s future, the flood defence work has proven to be "off-putting" to both Wyre Forest residents and visitors from further afield, which is "significantly impacting local commerce".

The community-driven initiative, led by Brynn Hazelwood of The Green Cobbler and Martin Fisher from Num Lock Solutions, aims to mitigate this downturn by promoting the town's "unique" offerings.

10,000 copies of the map are being distributed 10,000 copies of the map are being distributed (Image: Dani Brushfield-Smith)

They enlisted Dani Brushfield-Smith of Rogue Letters for her artistic talents in creating the map’s engaging design.

Mr Hazelwood said: "While the flood defence works are essential for the town’s safety, it is disheartening to see the traders’ livelihoods overlooked in the planning.

"This map is our way of drawing visitors back to our wonderful town and showing that our shop doors are still open."

Local printers Outpost Custom have sponsored the map by bringing production costs down for participating traders.

Hannah Dudley of Outpost Custom said: "We've been part of the Bewdley business community for years, so when we saw the traders pulling together like this, we were happy to help."

The map project was more than a creative challenge for Dani Brushfield-Smith, who only opened her Bewdley studio last year.

She said: "An unexpected pleasure of working on the map was discovering local businesses I hadn’t visited yet.

"It made me appreciate just how much we have here in Bewdley and how special our community really is."