Former Ludlow court to be council offices?

Ludlow's historic former magistrates court building could be turned into new council offices as part of a £2.5 million transformation of the town, it was revealed today.

Thecourt at the Guildhall was one of the oldest in the country before clo-sing earlier this month as part of Government cuts.

But plans have now been unveiled which could see the building in Mill Street brought back to life.

The town's visitor information centre could be moved to the Buttercross, and discussions are also taking place to find a new venue for the town museum.

Talks are being held with a number of organisations about making full use of other buildings in the town, including the Royal British Legion building and Harvest House on Corve Street.

Town mayor John Aitken has issued a rallying cry to town residents to air their views at the town's annual meeting on May 4. Meetings have also been held with Ludlow College, Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Ludlow Conference Centre to come up with a plan for the future of the town.

Colin Richards, historic environment manager for Shropshire Council, said: "The Buttercross is an iconic building and is the natural root centre of the town for visitors coming by train or car. Some sort of interpretation or visitor centre is a logical way to use the building and it is one of the options we are exploring.

"With the Guildhall one of the options is a new council chamber and offices, and we could be looking at a combination of uses."

It comes days after Shropshire councillor Martin Taylor-Smith said negotiations were being held with Italian restaurant chain Ask about a food outlet on the ground floor of Ludlow Assembly Rooms.