BUSINESS people were told of plans to tackle the sluggish state of trade in the town at a meeting chaired by Ludlow MP Philip Dunne.

The closure of the Burway Bridge crossing for rebuilding work was having a big impact, the meeting at the Bishop Mascall centre heard.

Ludlow retailers were also suffering from the downturn in the economy.

Phil Crossland, of Shropshire County Council, told them: "Work on the bridge is progressing well and it will be open for one-way traffic in time for the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival in September, with full two-way traffic expected by October."

The meeting agreed a four-point plan of initiatives to be explored to revitalise the town during this difficult period.

BLOB Highways department safety engineers were to look at one-way access along Lower Corve Street into Ludlow from the north. It would be intended to provide access for local residents, restricted to light vehicles only, so existing signage would remain on the A49 directing incoming traffic via Henley Road.

BLOB Shropshire County Council will consider increasing the parking period in Corve Street from the traffic lights to the Bull Ring to three-hour parking.

BLOB Traders agreed to consider joining a discount voucher loyalty scheme which Ludlow resident Pat Hansen undertook to explore. The idea of a Friendly Friday was put forward for a more permissive parking scheme, perhaps in the Castle Square car park with further steps to encourage greater use of Park and Ride.

BLOB Graeme Kidd, committee member of Ludlow Chamber of Trade, announced the launch of the new Ludlow Quality Shopping booklet, 50,000 copies of which were being distributed.

Mr Dunne said: "There is no doubt that traders are suffering from the closure of the bridge. The good news is this should reopen after the school holidays but,in the meantime, the meeting came up with several practical steps to try to encourage trade in the town."

He added: "I have undertaken to do what I can to help take this forward and I hope local residents and traders will all recognise the need to encourage shoppers into the town of Ludlow."

9:56am Thursday 26th June 2008

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