Traders fume over changes

Ludlow Town Council has put forward a new scheme for the market, which includes new cast aluminium stalls split by a building to be used for entertainment or al fresco dining. The market is well known throughout the county and hosts traders from across the Marches.

However, traders today said the scheme, thought up by construction engineeer Ed Havard, was flawed.

Rob Buckley, a leather goods trader at Ludlow market for more than 10 years, said: "This scheme is totally impractical and has been thought up by people who don't even work on the market. This is a market, not a theatre. Traders don't want to see it segregated and don't want to trade outwards. We are happy with it as it is.

"All we want is some new, sturdy stalls, covers and proper advertising for the market."

Mr Buckley said the council had failed to look at why the market was losing money - the lack of car parking in the town.

He said: "This scheme is all about over-inflated egos and not for the benefit of the town and certainly not us traders."

Les Hubbard, of Mellington Nurseries near Bishop's Castle, has been trading at the market for more than 20 years.

He said today: "This scheme is not workable. The market needs tidying up, yes, but it does not need a complete new layout."

And Peter Molland, who sells and repairs watches, added: "The way the market is laid out now is tried and tested, and it works. This new scheme is impractical and a waste of money. It will destroy the market rather than enhance it."

Traders said the scheme left them with nowhere to unload their vehicles or to park.

Ludlow Mayor Councillor Graeme Kidd said the town council would take on board all comments made as part of a public consultation exercise.

By Sally Jones and Andy Richardson