Road closure planned for return of Boxing Day hunt in Ludlow

Thousands of people are again set to see the annual tradition, with the hounds, hunt staff and mounted followers meeting in the town square and castle.

However, acccording to Susan Wedlock, the hunt had not applied for a road closure, meaning they ‘may compromise’ public safety due to missing deadlines for closures. She added that the only place spectators can stand is in the road at The Square due to the narrow pavements.

“Not everyone in the vicinity will be aware of the event or potential risks,” said Ms Wedlock.

“There will be no traffic management plan, no access for emergency vehicles and no scrutiny of health and safety measures.”

In a public question at the full council meeting, Ms Wedlock asked if the local authority will apply the same standards to the Boxing Day event as they do to every other organisation who stage public events on the highway.

“Additionally, there is a Dog Control Order for Shropshire, with no exemption for hounds,” said Ms Wedlock.

“Please also confirm that hounds will not be allowed to roam without a lead, and that any faeces left by a dog owned by the hunt, and not cleared up, will be subject to a fine, like everybody else.

“Can you confirm you will not permit them to meet in the town without a road closure and adequate control measures.”

Councillor Dan Morris, potfolio holder for highways at Shropshire Council, said: “We recognise that in order to manage this event appropriately from a highway perspective, a road closure will be required.

“We have been liaising with the event organisers and the temporary restrictions for the Ludlow Hunt gathering on Boxing Day have been included on the “Town Police Clauses Act 1847” temporary regulation order for this year’s December events.”

Shropshire Council’s website states that Castle Street, Castle Square, and High Street will be closed between 10.30am and 11.45am.

Bull Ring will also be closed between 11am and midday due to a tug-of-war event taking place between the Feathers Inn and Bull Inn.

In response to Ms Wedlock’s question about dog controls, Councillor Morris said: “A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSOP) was introduced to provide Shropshire Council with the powers under section 59 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

“The Activities to which this order relate are, dog fouling and subsequent removal of dog faeces, and the walking of dogs in specified areas of Shropshire.  This is an organised event with the use of working dogs and the organisers have advised that they will clean up after themselves, as has been the case in previous years.”