Ludlow mural project steams ahead

The former Budgens store in Ludlow has six boards covering the length of the building, as it will eventually be redeveloped.

But a community project has been launched to transform the boards into a piece of art during the Ludlow Food Festival next month, when thousands will descend on the town.

Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North said: “This is project is moving on at pace.

"We have agreed the fencing and access platforms. Bins and benches are to be moved into store. Materials are being ordered.

"We hope to be on site within a week to begin the preparation for the mural. Then it’s down to the artists to make it happen.”

Local artist Charlotte Ambrazas said an "amazing" group of artists will come together to paint the mural.

She said: “We have an amazing group of artists coming together to paint this mural. The overall theme came out of the blue. Someone we had not met walked into a meeting and showed us his concept. We all said wow! Wow!

“There is a lot of work for artists to do. We are still open for ideas and for new artists to join in.”

Ludlow based photographer Ashleigh Cadet said: “This project has got the town on fire. We are aiming for the main work on the mural to take place over the Ludlow Food Festival from September 7 to 9.

“We want to make it a performance work in its own right. Artists can be watched painting. If crooners want to come along to serenade us, if brass bands want to march past while we are painting and if buskers want to busk, join in!”

The aim is to move onto the site by the end of the month. Preparation for the detailed mural painting will take place over the following days.

The detailed work will take place during the Ludlow Food Festival. After that, the mural will be lacquered with an anti-graffiti finish.

It is expected that the mural will be in place for up to two years.