Building due to start at Ludlow £27m hospital site
The go-ahead has finally been given for work to start on Ludlow's new £27 million hospital after months of wrangling.
The builders had been due to move in last September before a change in wording to a clause of a new government bill put the funding on hold and left the project hanging in the balance.
But Ludlow MP Philip Dunne today said it had all been resolved and contracts would be signed in the next few weeks, with work starting soon after that.
The new site on Ludlow's Eco Business Park, off the A49, is due to include a 36-bed hospital as well as two GP surgeries.
Martin Taylor-Smith, the town's former Shropshire councillor, said it was 'excellent news'.
Mr Taylor-Smith, who is standing for re-election in Ludlow South next month, added: "I understand the technical issues which have been holding up funding contracts for the new hospital have now been resolved.
"The contracts are expected to be signed in weeks and work should finally get under way soon afterwards.
"I wish to give my thanks to our local MP Philip Dunne, who has been actively pressing all parties to resolve the technical issues which have been holding up progress.
"I understand work between the Department of Health and Aviva, the main debt funding provider, with Amber the equity provider, has ensured all parties have now approved the funding structure.
"This is excellent news for Ludlow," he continued.
"I look forward to celebrating properly once the first digger arrives on site."
Ludlow MP Mr Dunne added: "I have had confirmation from both sides that the technical stumbling block has now been overcome and all parties are working hard to get contracts signed in May.
"I know some concerns have been raised that this latest hurdle would knock the project off course.
"But I am delighted that this largest investment project in Ludlow can soon get under way.
"Once building starts Ludlow residents will be able to look forward with real confidence that greatly improved healthcare facilities will be on their way."
Health chiefs had initially hoped the new hospital would be open by the end of next year.
More than 1,000 people signed a petition in support of the new facility, while a further 1,200 put pen to paper to oppose the move of the two GP surgeries out of the town centre.
