Questions to be raised over Ludlow town walls repair

Ludlow North councillor Andy Boddington will be calling for answers from leader of Shropshire Council Keith Barrow as to why no task force has been set up to deal with the repairs.

A section of the walls behind St Laurence Church, on Upper Linney, collapsed more than 18 months ago.

With both Ludlow Town Council and the Diocese of Hereford denying responsibility for the repairs, Councillor Boddington says he will also be asking the council to clarify its position and give a timescale for "ensuring that this precious heritage asset is repaired and kept in good order".

He claims dogs have got at human remains exposed by the fallen wall, which borders the ancient churchyard.

Councillor Boddington said: "This all started back in February 2013.

"A major section of Ludlow's town walls collapsed beside the graveyard of St Laurence's church.

"Shropshire Council initially acted with alacrity with former cabinet member Martin Taylor-Smith promising urgent action and funding.

"But since then nothing almost has happened – except that the security fencing has been vandalised, the temporary supports for the vulnerable areas of the wall are in a state of collapse, human bones have been carried away by dogs and officials argue over responsibility."

Ludlow Town Council last month pointed the finger at Shropshire Council in an official letter, stating that the repairs – which could end up costing £1 million – are up to the county-wide authority.

In a letter to Shropshire's legal services department, town clerk Gina Wilding stated that responsibility for the walls transferred to Shropshire Council in 2012. The letter follows an assertion by Shropshire Council that repairs had been held up because the situation was "complicated"and discussions were taking place.