Posters accuse Ludlow council of bullying shop owners

POSTERS ACCUSING Shropshire Council of "bullying" traders in a row over advertising A-boards have appeared in Ludlow.

The posters under the banner "A Boards United" have been put up in a number of shop windows and on the side of buildings and is a backlash to the council's efforts.

The posters feature slogans such as "Stand firm against bullies" and "We say no to council bullies - save Ludlow shops".

Traders are opposing a Shropshire Council pilot aimed at reducing the number of A-boards belonging to businesses in Ludlow and Bridgnorth town centres, which they fear will put some out of business.

They have also accused the council of failing to address specific queries forwarded by solicitors acting on their behalf.

Shirehall officials today said they were due to meet traders.

Discuss

Gareth Proffitt, for Shropshire Council, said: "We have written to all of the traders named in Hatchers' letter and invited them to a meeting on July 1 at Stone House in Ludlow, at 7pm, when we will be happy to discuss and address their concerns."

Sebastian Parker, of Ludlow Cookshop in Pepper Lane, said traders were concerned at the lack of consultation with council officials pushing ahead with the pilot, and added it could lead to many small businesses closing.

He said he had seen a lot of posters around town and said he believed they had been designed by frustrated traders.

The pilot scheme allows businesses in Ludlow and Bridgnorth to have an A board outside their premises, subject to certain criteria, with consideration also given to requests for an additional A board.

Shropshire Council says it was developed because of concerns raised by members of the public.

Mr Parker said: "It is essential that Shropshire Council policy makers understand the needs of today's businesses before they implement strategies likely to cause a downturn in trade. Failure is not an option for any of us - we put our hearts and souls into running these small firms, we provide the community with a wide range of shops and contribute greatly to the visitors' experience."

By Peter Kitchen