£250,000 needed for square

The cost of revamping Ludlow's Market Square is likely to be at least £250,000 - and a separate, more ambitious plan could cost more than double that.

Forty residents were last night at the Bishop Mascall Centre, in Lower Galdeford, to find out about the town council's plans to breathe new life into Castle Square.

The council wants to carry out improvements, even though Ludlow underwent a £1 million facelift just five years ago.

The first option, which includes refurbishing market stalls, will cost about £250,000, with money coming from Advantage West Midlands.

The second option, which would involve moving the market next to Woolworths, and re-routing a road to the opposite side of Castle Square, could cost more than double that.

Town council officials and bosses from Advantage West Midlands were due to meet today to discuss the plans.

Last night residents found out about the scheme. Councillor Graeme Perks, who represents the Castle Square area, said people were wary of moving a road. "People don't want the inevitable disruption," he said.

Trader Robin Farmer, whose family has kept a stall on the market for generations, said he thought the more ambitious plan was pointless. He said: "I don't think it will generate more trade for us. It doesn't seem to make any sense."

Businesswoman Maggie Wright, who co-owns Deli On The Square, said her business would be badly affected if the road was re-routed past its front door.

Councillors will submit a planning application after talks with Advantage West Midlands.