Ludlow named a top retirement town

Ludlow has been named as one of the top 20 places to retire to in Britain, according to a new survey. The town was hailed as one of the top hot spots for a happy retirement in the Daily Telegraph.

It was praised for its 500 listed buildings and hosting one of Europe's largest annual food and drink festivals, while house prices are said to be very competitive compared to elsewhere in Britain with a large period detached house costing about £500,000.

Major landmarks such as Ludlow Castle and St Laurence's Church were also mentioned in the report, which also made note of local transport links and local community spirit.

Ludlow was placed 19th on the list, which was topped by Chichester in West Sussex and also included the Isle of Skye, Bath and Scarborough.

The report in the Daily Telegraph said: "This is pure heaven for the culture-vulture retiree."

The news has been welcomed by businesses in the town.

Michael Evans, managing director of estate agents Nock Deighton, which has a base in Ludlow, said: "This report will come as no surprise to anyone who has lived in, or ever visited, Ludlow."

He added: "Many of our buyers are attracted to the town from much further afield than Shropshire."

He said they "are all taken aback by the quality of life and beautiful scenery on offer", and added: "It's no wonder the renowned author John Betjeman was said to have once described Ludlow as 'the most perfect historic town in England'."

John Dodson, chairman of Shropshire Association of Senior Citizens' Forums, was pleased the county was being touted as a good place to come and live.

He said: "As Ludlow is an area with a large and growing population of senior citizens, some of whom are on relatively low incomes, we have decided to regenerate our forum in Ludlow to help cater for these people."