New map aims to help showcase independent businesses across Bewdley

Traders have  banded together to create an foldout map of Bewdley after flood defence works cause a reduction in footfall to the area. 

The illustrated map pinpoints parking, points of interest, and features 35 Bewdley businesses, all of which contributed to its production, with the reverse side providing key information on each business featured.

The group said that while the flood defences were crucial for safeguarding Bewdley’s future, the work had proven to be off-putting to both Wyre Forest residents and visitors from further afield, significantly impacting local commerce. 

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

He 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 sponsored the map by bringing production costs down for participating traders, with team member Hannah Dudley saying the company saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported them. 

She 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 group enlisted Dani Brushfield-Smith of Rogue Letters to create the map’s engaging design, with the artist saying it was more than just a creative challenge for her.

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."

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