Use or lose Ludlow venue, says RBL's chief

Ludlow's RBL branch is putting together a business plan to convince the charity's national bosses not to sell the building off.

The branch's Victory Club folded last autumn but secretary Patrick Merrick said the Royal British Legion in Ludlow was not finished.

Now a calendar of events is planned at the venue, and Mr Merrick is calling for the public to come forward and make use of the building – as well as calling for new members.

He said: "The Ludlow Poppy Appeal is the second largest in Shropshire, second only to Shrewsbury. There is a passion for it in the town.

"But after the Victory Club went into receivership, most of the town think we're shut. Even the club members did, because unfortunately it was around the time for renewing branch membership subscriptions - we went from 350 members to 80. We want to tell them that we can still provide a full service to members."

He said there was now a drive to show RBL bosses the building was used and viable.

"We're currently putting together a business plan to retain use of the building. We've had official plans drawn up to convert the top two floors to rent out as office spaces. We can hold functions for up to 220 people, or provide rooms for more intimate meetings – it's there for the people of Ludlow. We just want to get the message across that we are still open."