COMMUNITY spirit is helping a Worcestershire town keep independent trade alive during the recession.

Upton-upon-Severn’s numerous festivals and events are organised by an army of volunteers who are not only keen to attract tourists, but determined to see local business thrive.

Almost every single shop in Upton-upon-Severn is a member of the Trade and Tourism Association.

Brenda Till, owner of The Laundrette in New Street, believes that alone says an awful lot about the riverside town’s overall attitude towards independence.

“Upton is a special place,” said Ms Till.

“There’s an incredible community spirit and probably always has been.

“I’ve lived in Ireland and America and I’ve not been able to find anything like it.

“I love being an independent trader here and providing a service for people.

“Upton has so many volunteer organisations, from the jazz festival committee to the Upton in Bloom group. All these local people are giving up their free time to make Upton what it is and you simply don’t find that anywhere else.”

Peter Webb, an active member of the 80-strong trade and tourism association, agreed that Upton was unique. But, like many others backing your Worcester News’ Buy Local campaign, he believed marrying trade and tourism has helped the smaller, local companies survive harsh economic times.

“We’ve only got a population of 3,400 in Upton,” said Mr Webb.

“There’s no way we could sustain all our shops unless we get visitors in so we use tourism to support trade.”

The Map Shop in Upton has attracted customers from all over the UK for almost 35 years.

Land surveyor Tony Atkinson, who opened the store stocking rare and unusual maps in 1975, said people will always travel for a specialist service.

“I think it’s comes down to knowledge,” he said.

“That – and choice – is the difference between independent shops and supermarket-type shops.

“We do use the internet and we sell a lot online, but we always encourage people to telephone us.

“So many people don’t know what’s available until they speak to someone with expertise and knowledge.”

For Richard Myers, proprietor of R & L Myers butcher and greengrocers in Upton’s High Street, getting people to buy local is not easy, but is worthwhile.

“People buy meat from the supermarket and they don’t know what quality it is or how long it’s been packaged,” he said.

“If you buy local and you support your butcher you get what you want,” he said.

“It’s really as simple as that.”