Mention the war to boost town's trade (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Mention the war to boost town's trade

TOURISM bosses hope to boost flagging trade in Stow by highlighting the town's gory history.

Stow Business Association believes that erecting brown heritage signs on the way into the town stating it was the site of the last battle of the Civil War will help put the town on the map.

Association chairman Robert Warner said: "There has been a down turn in the retail trade throughout the UK. Stow is no exception but we are hoping this will encourage visitors to the area.

"The town council together with the district council are already looking at the possibilities of improving signage around Stow and we believe this could be a way of attracting more visitors to the town."

The last battle was fought in March 1646 and the association hope to capture visitors' imagination by highlighting the town's gory past.

Mr Warner added: "Stow has a chequered and long history. Blood ran down Digbeth Street and St Edward's Church was used as a prisoner of war camp for around 1,400 Royalists.

"Obviously we don't want to recreate blood running down the street but people love a good ancient battle and we hope that these historical facts might capture the visitors' imagination."

The association, which formed in May this year, is also looking at other ways to boost the profile of the town. It is developing a website and is already preparing for this year's Christmas festivities.