A POLITICAL party in the city has set up a new way to help local businesses.

The Worcester Green Party have formed an online community portal through Facebook to aid local business in the wards of Battenhall and St Peter’s.

This new medium was created by Councillor Louis Stephen and Green campaigner Tom Piotrowski, with the aim of virtually bringing the communities together through a platform where the public can interact with independent business owners and discover new services in the local area.

The page boasts an interactive map which highlights businesses and services by postcode and gives business owners the option to give further details and be added to their own personal pin which users can access.

Louis Stephen, city councillor for Battenhall, said: "With the ongoing pandemic, it's tough right now for many self-employed business owners and Tom and I are keen to encourage residents to use their neighbour's local businesses wherever possible."

The party is enthusiastic for the Business Hub to be accessible to a wider remit in the future for the Worcestershire area to further support local trade.

Tom Piotrowski, Green campaigner, said: "It's been really interesting seeing the great number and variety of businesses present in the community, from accountants and artists to electricians and carpenters. If anyone reading this in Battenhall & St Peters would like their business adding, we encourage you to get in touch with us."

The project already has 206 online members and is open to join by anyone who is interested.

For more information, see https://www.facebook.com/groups/352241905841239.