New Ludlow store pledges to turn lights off overnight

Pets at Home in Ludlow is due to open at the end of the month, but already nearby residents, including an old people's home, have said security floodlights are keeping them awake at night.

Now the national chain has agreed to turn the lights out after 9pm.

The Pets at Home branch on Ludlow's Foldgate Lane is to open on October 31, but floodlights have already been put in place.

Store bosses say the new shop will be a boost to the local economy and employ 10 people from the Ludlow area.

But concerns had been raised over the impact on those living nearby in Foldgate Lane.

Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow south, said she had had a rash of complaints about the floodlights and said the company's decision to listen to the complaints of its new neighbours was "wonderful".

"People coming in with businesses have to think about the residents in the area because some of them have been living here almost 40 years.

"I'm really pleased new people with a new business have had the sense to realise it affects their neighbours – and not just the old people's home but the residents in the nearby (Travelodge) hotel as well.

"It's not very nice to get light shining into the windows at night keeping you awake."

Sophie Dinsdale, speaking for Pets at Home, said: "Following feedback from local people and businesses, Pets at Home Ludlow has worked with its landlord to ensure that the new store on Foldgate Lane will automatically switch off the floodlights at 9pm every night to prevent any disruption."

Plans for the new 6,000 square foot premises were approved this time last year, after original proposals for an accompanying fast food restaurant and takeaway at the site were dropped and developers agreed to overhaul traffic access on the road.

The shop will sell dedicated pet products, catering for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, birds and fish as well as wildlife. However, there will not be a veterinarian in-store.