Ludlow's Buttercross glass doors plan axed

Controversial plans to bring in glass doors to protect Ludlow's historic Buttercross from vandals are set to be scrapped, it was revealed today.

There are fears the scheme – which has drawn criticism from heritage groups – could jeopardise a £1.9 million funding bid to transform the building into an education centre. English Heritage added its voice to the chorus of disapproval for the plans.

They were suggested by town council officials to stop youths gathering under the building and urinating.

Now town clerk Veronica Calderbank, wants to remove any reference to the glass doors in a planning application to make sure the authority does not miss out on education centre funding.

She will tell councillors to drop plans for the glass doors at an extraordinary meeting of Ludlow Town Council tonight.

Councillors are preparing a bid for £1.9 million to the Heritage Lottery Fund to turn the Buttercross into an interpretation centre to show some of the skills of local craftsmen.

It is hoped apprentices and students will be able to carry out restoration work .

Ludlow Civic Society, has already claimed the glass doors would have a 'detrimental' effect .

Ms Calderbank said: "This is too great an opportunity to train our future builders and to restore the walls and walks for doors to prevent this going through."

Tonight's meeting at the Stable Block at Stone House will start at 7pm.

See also:

• CCTV move to curb Ludlow Buttercross vandalism

• £1.9m plan to restore Ludlow buildings left in doubt