New Ludlow supermarket 'not the answer to problems'
A "serious discussion" about how poorer people can do their shopping in Ludlow is needed – but a planned out-of-town supermarket would not be the answer.
Those were views expressed at a public meeting to discuss overhauled plans for a controversial store on the edge of the town.
Plans have been redesigned by developers Blackfriars after coming to the brink of being refused permission in October.
But during a public meeting called by Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South, the plans were still unpopular among residents.
There was also a split between those desperate for more affordable shops in the town and those who feared such shops would have a bad effect on town centre trade.
Most agreed, however, the "scaled down" store was still too big for the site.
Vivienne Emmerson, a Gravel Hill resident, said: "Why can't it be taken down to a smaller area so people would be happy?
"It sounds crazy to me we're even considering such a large store. It seems insane we don't know what's going to be there."
Deputy Mayor of Ludlow, Councillor Colin Sheward, said: "There is a real need in this town for some serious discussion about how people who are working class or on a pension or unemployed can meet their shopping needs.
"Why has this town developed into a place where you cannot buy a pair of shoes for under £80?
"If the right sort of store came along, people would use it."
Town councillor Timothy Gill said: "We need something but this is in the wrong place, it's the wrong size and it doesn't work."
Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said: "People who live in Rocks Green are a long way from a pint of milk.
"There is going to be a need for some kind of local store there."
But he said the proposal was beset with problems and errors, adding the fact it was speculative and could all change was a real worry.
Delicatessen owner Henry Mackley said it was a threat to the viability of the town centre and made plea for preserving its community of independent shops.
He said: "I've got a cut glass accent, I can't do anything about that, but I don't want this to be a posh thing, a class thing.
"I completely agree the east side of town is under-serviced, however, we don't know what we've got around here until it's gone.
"We've got a very, very fragile little town.
"It's really important we protect this – because once it's gone, it's gone forever."
