New town councillor pledges change

A new town councillor in Ludlow has vowed to "hit the ground running fast".

A by-election for Ludlow Town Council saw Martin Taylor-Smith defeat Elizabeth Guilbert in the battle for the seat representing Gallows Bank Ward.

Mr Taylor-Smith, a conservative, is already deputy leader of South Shropshire District Council, lead member for finance and on the shadow unitary board and can now add town councillor to his bow.

He beat Mrs Guilbert, an independent who has lived in Ludlow for 45 years, by 267 votes to 140, with a turnout of about 20 per cent.

Councillor Taylor-Smith will fill the seat which was vacated by Graeme Perks, who left to pursue other commitments.

He said he was "delighted" to have won the election and has already been knocking on doors to find the out the issues residents want resolved.

Councillor Taylor Smith said: "People are totally dissatisfied with the antics of the town council and I will do my best to help resolve that issue.

"Residents have also mentioned speeding on the Sheet Road, Temeside and Steventon New Road.

"I intend to hit the ground running fast."