Action plan to boost town tourism

Ludlow tourism chiefs are working on a range of measures to promote the town after traders made complaints over falling visitor numbers.

Works on the Burway Bridge, which are being carried out after the old bridge collapsed following last summer's floods, have seen roads in the town closed with traffic being re-routed.

Some residents and traders have complained that this has put people off visiting the town and has made driving more difficult.

Tim King, tourism development officer at South Shropshire District Council, said: "Indications are that Ludlow traders are having a tough time and it would be useful to have more evidence of this.

"Visitor Information Centre visitors are down and the Lower Corve Street area appears to be particularly badly-hit more from locals keeping away from the bridge area."

But now an action plan has been formed to improve the situation including looking into putting up signposts for the Castle Square car park to help visitors find it.

He said: "I have asked the county council to consider this and they are looking into it. Last Wednesday there were 47 empty spaces at 3pm.

"Visitors need more information about parking. This will be partly met by the new Ludlow shopping guide which was launched this week at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC."

Mr King said he was also addressing the issue of getting permanent Park and Ride signs on the A49.

"On a more positive side, this year's Ludlow Festival is booking well and has had the benefit of extra publicity from the Flood Fund," he said.