Jobs boost as WH Smith to open new Ludlow store

WHSmith is opening a store in Ludlow bringing new jobs to the town, it has been revealed.

The store will open in King Street in April, replacing the Trade Secret clothes store, which is due to close on January 28.

The WHSmith outlet will sell a range of books, stationery, toys, games and magazines. Bosses at the retailer have claimed it is one of a number of shops opening in smaller market towns across the UK, although the Ludlow store will be the only new branch in Shropshire.

The news has been given a cautious welcome by town mayor John Aitken, who said while he welcomed new jobs it was also important to retain the 'unique character' of Ludlow town centre.

Ludlow town centre already has two independent book shops, while a new newsagents opened in Parkway last month.

Sarah Heath, spokeswoman for WHSmith, said: "We have been opening a number of new stores recently in smaller market towns which is where we have found they have been well received by local communities."

Councillor Aitken said: We have to make sure Ludlow does not become like any other high street in the UK. Ludlow has a unique character with its butchers and independent shops."

Councillor Rosanna Taylor-Smith, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said: "Anything that brings new jobs to the town has got to be welcomed. Clearly it could be a double-edged sword in terms of the impact on independent traders but I think it is good news for the town."

Staff at the Ludlow Trade Secret store said they had been told the store was due to close on January 28. No-one from Trade Secret's head office in Leeds was available to comment.