Anger as Ludlow's Ludford Bridge to shut again

Ludlow's historic Ludford Bridge will be closed once again for urgent maintenance work – little more than a year after it shut for more than four months for major repairs.

The bridge across the River Teme will be closed for six days from March 25 to allow workmen to realign the kerbs to stop large vehicles hitting the structure.

The move has been met with anger by traders who claim the closure will have a major impact on businesses already stretched after a quiet January and February.

The bridge was closed for four months from January last year after chunks of masonry fell away from the bridge into the river, causing major disruption to traffic and traders. Both the Charlton Arms and Ludford Bridge Service Station next to the bridge were among businesses severely affected.

Councillor Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said: "While this work is expected to cause some disruption, I hope people will understand that this is essential if the bridge is to remain in a good condition in the future."

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