Ludlow's needs ignored on car parking issues

Andy Boddington, who will be standing for Ludlow North in Shropshire Council's local elections in May, questioned why Ludlow wasn't included in the temporary parking changes, and claimed traders in the town needed the same level of support as those in Shrewsbury.

The concerns were raised after the local authority revealed that car parking charges in the county town will be slashed through an eight-week 'Super Sunday' scheme from July 21.

It means people can park all day in town centre promoted off-street car parks for the price of one hour's parking.

Tickets on the Shrewsbury Park and Ride service will be cut to half price from April 1 for anyone who owns a bus pass, and a Sunday bus service will also be reintroduced in the town from June.

But Mr Boddington said: "Why has this initiative not been extended to Ludlow?

"Sunday parking charges are a major issue here and our traders need all the help they can get. Why can't we have Super Sundays here?"

He added: "Keith Barrow has also announced free parking on Sunday, June 30, in Shrewsbury. Why can't we have free parking days in Ludlow? Once again, the needs of Ludlow are being ignored by Shirehall."

Shropshire Council announced the plans at a full council meeting yesterday in a bid to revive Shrewsbury town centre.

Last week independent music shop County Music Supplies, on Wyle Cop, fired a parting shot to the council over increased parking charges.

It became the latest shop to close on Shrewsbury's high street and a message painted on its window partly blamed its demise on 'morons' who put together parking policies.

Councillor Simon Jones, Cabinet Member responsible for parking, said the authority was 'absolutely committed' to working with businesses to improve trade across the county.