METHODS of tackling the bad behaviour of drivers in Bewdley should be an important part of shaping the town's future.

This was the view of the group set up to look at transport as part of the Opportunity Bewdley process. Plans are in the pipeline that could change the face of Bewdley over the next decade.

"Driver behaviour lacks courtesy," said Tony Clay, Bewdley town councillor and member of the transport working group.

"I have never known a town where people park on the pavement so much. For pedestrians the middle of the road is often a safer place to be."

Re-shaping Load Street, restricting HGV deliveries and 20mph speed limits are all options under discussion.

However, there was a different view held by the economy group, which was concerned proposed traffic calming around Cleobury Road - "the main route into Bewdley from the west" - could discourage people from coming into the town.

Improving the quality of footpaths was another priority as well as spending money on cycle routes, as encouraging cyclists to come through the town could benefit the economy.

Mr Clay added: "Cyclists spend £30 per day - they have to stop for pub grub and the caf breakfast."