Second closure for Ludlow bridge sparks row

The latest closure of Ludlow's historic Ludford Bridge will hit businesses hard and should have been carried out last year, it has been claimed.

Traders in the town say the closure will leave them out of pocket and have questioned the timing of work to realign pavements and kerbs to stop lorries and vans from accidentally hitting the bridge's walls.

The bridge will be closed for six days from March 25 for the work to be carried out.

But officials at Ludlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce have queried why the work wasn't undertaken when the bridge was closed for four months from January last year after chunks of masonry fell away.

Shropshire Councillor Simon Jones said: "Subsequent to major work carried out on Ludford Bridge 18 months ago, further damage has been done by long wheel base vehicles hitting and dislodging the parapets while attempting to turn into Temeside.

"This has occurred on a regular basis and following consultation with the town council and Ludford Parish Council it was agreed with the local members that a permanent solution to the problem was needed."

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow South, added it was important to finish the work before the local festival season got under way.

Graham Willson-Lloyd, owner of the Charlton Arms, said the new closure would hit his pub hard.

He said: "The Sunday they have decided to close the bridge we have a christening with over 100 guests.

"Yes this will affect us. I've spoken to a few more people in the town who are concerned about the effect the closure will have. For us Sunday is also the busiest day of the week."

Carole Clayton, chairman of Ludlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said she was 'dumbfounded' that Shropshire Council had chosen to carry out the work now.