Ludlow measuring up to ice cream seller rivalry

A rule could be brought in to stop ice cream vans selling within 100 metres of shop rivals in Ludlow, it was revealed today.

It comes as councillors took to the streets armed with tape measures to investigate claims street traders were an eyesore in the town and taking profits away from long-serving firms.

Mayor John Aitken was among the team which studied the town's five street trading sites.

It is part of Ludlow Town Council's bid to draw up a policy to combat complaints from shop owners and traders.

Shop owners have written letters and e-mails to the council complaining that their profits are being hit by street traders, particularly ice cream vans.

But traders have defended the right to work in Ludlow, claiming people have been selling on their spots for hundreds of years.

Town clerk Veronica Calderbank said: "The site visit went quite well, a number of councillors turned up and lots of interesting concepts emerged.

"There are a number of anomalies in town generally caused by a lack of communication between town and county councils.

"Members found there were new places they could use instead, in King Street for example, but the paramount importance has to be improving the town. We are also looking at bringing in a rule to stop traders selling like-for-like products within a 100 metre radius of existing shops."

During the tour councillors also spoke with traders, shop owners and residents.

A new sub-committee was launched at a behind-closed-doors council meeting on the subject on Monday evening.

Members of the committee plan to write a draft street trading policy to be considered at a full meeting on September 5.

There are five official street trading sites in Ludlow – at the Buttercross, near Ludlow College, in the Bull Ring, in the square and in Tower Street.