Historic Ludford Bridge is closed again

Ludlow's historic Ludford Bridge was closed to traffic today – just a year after major works saw it closed for more than four months disrupting trade.

Workmen moved on to the bridge this morning to realign kerbs to prevent cars and lorries from striking and damaging the ancient structure.

Diversions have been put in place via the A49 to enable traffic from the south to reach the town centre without using the B4361 via Richards Castle.

But there was hope for long-suffering traders today that the bridge may only be closed for three days rather than the six days initially advertised by Shropshire Council.

Signs set up by the bridge say the work would be finished by Wednesday. No-one from Shropshire Council was able to say when the work would be completed.

Last year the bridge was shut for four months after masonry fell away into the River Teme below, causing huge disruption for businesses which suffered huge losses. Paul Heathman, managing director of Ludford Bridge Service Station, said: "Last year we lost 30 per cent of our business while the bridge was closed.

"There will be no passing trade so we will have to rely on the splendid support we get from the people of Ludlow to keep things going."

Carole Clayton, chairman of Ludlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said it was a busy time of year for traders and they wanted to entice as many people into the town centre as possible.

"There is never a good time to carry out such work but it is a busy time of year for traders in Ludlow, " she said. She added if the work was completed in three days it would be "great news".