BIG changes are in the pipeline for Bewdley with a revamped town centre, theatre and arts centre and skate park all in the offing.

Townsfolk have been urged to grasp a "once in a lifetime" chance to shape its future over the next 10 years.

A 2002 Domesday Book has been created for the town as part of a scheme to harness a range of funding opportunities, including a share of about £2.5 million available to West Midlands market towns from the Government.

People flocked to Bewdley's Baptist Church in High Street to hear about the findings of a "healthcheck" into the state of the town's environment, economy, transport and community.

Working groups, including residents and representatives of town, district and county councils, were set up under the banner "Opportunity Bewdley" to look at these issues six months ago and have now reported their findings.

An action plan will now be developed to woo funding from sources such as Advantage West Midlands and the Countryside Agency.

Town clerk David Flack, speaking on the findings of the group set up to look at Bewdley's environment, said it was important to emphasise the good things in the town including the River Severn, historic buildings and surrounding countryside.

But an early priority is improving "poorly designed" shop fronts in Load Street as well as signage and replacing out-of-character metal poles and "street furniture".

The group looked at links between Bewdley and the surrounding countryside and pointed out there are 250,000 visitors to the Wyre Forest each year - more of whom, the economy group found, need to be persuaded to visit Bewdley.

It also said more bed and breakfast establishments are needed as the Tourist Information Office frequently had to turn away people seeking overnight accommodation due to a shortage.

Other early priorities could see a new brochure produced to promote the town and a website set up. This would also act as a connection between the many Bewdley-related internet sites which are "not always linked together to best effect".

Dr Clive Prince, of Bewdley Medical Centre, told the meeting he had received positive feedback from his patients after he suggested a second bridge over the River Severn for pedestrians in an interview with the Shuttle/ Times and News last year.

Opportunity Bewdley chairman John Iles praised the "tremendous turnout" at the church and suggested such meetings take place about twice a year.

"If we don't take this once in a lifetime opportunity then we only have ourselves to blame," he added.