A SECOND bridge could be built over the River Severn at Bewdley to make it safer for pedestrians coming into the town.

It is one of a number of possibilities which may be considered by a group set up to look at improving the town with a share of £2.5 million Government money.

Dr Clive Prince, a GP at Bewdley Medical Centre, is backing proposals for a pedestrian bridge downstream from the 200-year-old listed Thomas Telford structure, one of the main attractions of the town.

He said such a bridge would promote walking into the town and make it more attractive to visitors. Dr Clive Prince, of Bewdley Medical Centre, who is backing calls for a second bridge for pedestrians over the River Severn.

Dr Prince also pointed out a recent example of a boy being knocked "right up into the sky" by a car while crossing the bridge - although luckily he was not seriously harmed.

"Many of my elderly patients think crossing the bridge is dangerous and there is not enough space," he added.

A steering group has been set up to look at harnessing a range of funding opportunities - including Government funding as part of the Market Towns Initiative - under the banner "Opportunity Bewdley".

Chairman John Iles said the group was looking at a range of "sensible" projects, with suggestions being put out to public consultation on January 9.

He said the idea of a second bridge would have to be considered by members of the public - and while he felt the scheme offers "a lot of plusses" he predicted "technical difficulties and possible aesthetic objections".

Dr Prince agreed: "People are uncomfortable with change. The existing bridge is one of the most beautiful structures in the town and the design of a second bridge would have to be carefully considered."