Ludlow parking row: Clampdown to stay in force
Council officials have refused to back down in a row over a parking clampdown in one of the region's popular tourist towns.
Councillor Andy Boddington, who represents the Ludlow North ward on Shropshire Council, said discussions over parking enforcement in the town have failed to secure a relaxation of the approach, which has seen more than 100 cars ticketed in the Market Square after 6pm in recent weeks.
However, the Liberal Democrat councillor said that he had been heartened by council's agreement that it would discuss any future clampdowns with elected representatives before they begin.
He said: "After a meeting in Craven Arms yesterday, we now have an agreement that Shropshire Council's enforcement team will work with local councillors before any future crackdown.
"That will allow local councils and councillors to raise issues.
"That is the right way to approach the complex issue of parking enforcement in a historic town like ours.
"Meanwhile, the current evening enforcement in Ludlow is set to continue.
"I don't agree with that. The crackdown in Ludlow should be halted until it is absolutely clear that people know where and when they can park."
The ticketing initially came as a shock to residents.
At the time, Councillor Vivienne Parry said: "We were expecting a crackdown on vehicles that are parked badly. That includes people that park in the approach to Quality Square.
"These drivers could stop emergency vehicles getting access to properties in the square and in College Court.
"But no-one knew that the council was planning to crackdown on every minor infringement and issue so many fines."
Councillor Tracey Huffer added: "This has been a tough year for Ludlow.
"We have had Ludford Bridge closed for months. Now we have to contend with this heavy handed operation to fine people for parking in places where they have been parking for years."
