MAKING Bewdley's historic Guildhall accessible for disabled people is a major priority for the new mayor of Bewdley.

Town councillor Liz Davies pledged to improve access to the Load Street building, where Bewley Town Council meets.

The Health Concern councillor said she would start a fund-raising drive to meet recent disability legislation.

Mrs Davies, a former leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: "We have to look at disabled access in Bewdley as a whole but I would like to start with the Guildhall."

Failure to make the first floor council chamber accessible to disabled people could lead to legal action under laws brought in last year.

A disabled toilet was also needed, Mrs Davies said.

The Wribbenhall resident added: "For Friday's mayor making there were two people who I would have loved to have been there but couldn't because of the access."

A stairlift would cost between £15,000 and £20,000, the 69-year-old. She said: "I can't do it in a year.

"If I manage to get £2,000 to £3,000 then we can keep fund- raising after the mayoral year," she added.

Mrs Davies said of her appointment: "I am absolutely delighted. It is a wonderful thing to have. I feel very privileged."

She added: "It is going to be a very, very busy year but it is going to be great fun."

A stalwart of the Health Concern movement, Mrs Davies began her career in nursing at Kidderminster Hospital, when she was 18.

She spent the rest of her working life in health care and told the Shuttle/Times and News she aimed to stick up for the town's elderly.

Mrs Davies went on: "At the other end of the spectrum is the youth of Bewdley and the lack of facilities for young people.

"There is a very small group who are disruptive and it is a shame when people feel they can't go out of their houses because a very small minority are causing trouble.

"Perhaps if we were doing more for the youth of Bewdley they might be less disruptive."

Refurbishing the kitchen in Wribbenhall Parish Rooms and pedestrianising Severnside North, along the River Severn, were also priorities, she said.