Rebuilding Ludlow Town Walls.

Investigations were under way today to prevent the collapse of Ludlow’s historic town walls and repairs could cost more than £100,000, it was claimed today.

Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, for Ludlow South, said Shropshire Council has warned that until a section of the medieval town walls had been repaired, it could not rule out the possibility of collapse.

He said: “It could be major works we’re looking at. The last lot of work done by South Shropshire District Council was £110,000. It’s going to be of that size at least.”

Councillor Rosanna Taylor-Smith, for Ludlow North, added that they did not believe the walls were in imminent danger of falling down.

John Williams, team leader for structures at Shropshire Council, confirmed a survey was being carried out.

He said: “First, Mouchel will be doing a survey of the wall to see which bits need to be taken down and we are working closely with English Heritage, Ludlow Town Walls Trust and our historic environment team.”

Possible removal of the parapet and the rebuilding of it, is one of a number of options under investigation.

Any such moves will need the consent of English Heritage because of the walls’ status as a scheduled monument and Shropshire Council is in talks with the body.

A section of the walls in Castle Square car park has been cordoned off, with the loss of 20 parking spaces.

The move is to reduce the risk of possible damage caused by vibration and to protect people in the event of any collapse.

The limit on parking will remain until the walls have been repaired.

The area affected backs on to the gardens of Knole Lodge and Spinnaker.

Engineers working for the council are now looking at a repair strategy, with a view to applying for Heritage Lottery Funding for any long- term works that need doing.

The Town Walls Trust is co-ordinating the survey of the walls. Different sections are owned by different bodies, including Ludlow Town Council and the Diocese of Hereford.

Repair work is expected to take up to four months and could begin in late summer.

By Hannah Costigan