A busy morning. Essex based independent retailer, SGN Retail has taken over Ludlow Co-op. I was nervous about this at first, but it looks great, lighter, more space. It is now the national Co-op not Midshires but it still has the same friendly feel and many of the same staff.
Also this morning, there is a new bus on the 702 Minsterley Motors Ludlow South route. Again, it looks great. I look forward to travelling on it later today.
The first thing than struck me about the new Co-op on Foldgate Lane today was the approach for pedestrians had been improved. The bushes on Foldgate Lane and Sheet Road has had a hard trim and the litter and fly-tipping had been removed. That’s the first time in a decade.
Outside, the pedestrian walkway was blocked in places as contractors were sorting out signage. I am sure this will be sorted within a few hours so I decided not to take an outside photo until later. Update: Some of the signage has been moved but there is still a sign on the outside pavement that need to be shifted.
Inside, the store in brighter and lighter. There is more space. I had an impromptu meeting with managers from SGN and the Co-op. They are a friendly bunch and I am sure that they will deal with any snagging issues, like the coffee machine out of order, quickly.
Among the new features is a laundry outside where the vacuum pump was. Inside, there is Warren’s Bakery and spaces to sit and drink coffee. On drink, I spotted some good booze offers. There were lots of offers elsewhere. What I didn’t spot was fresh veg. There is a need for fresh vegetables at this end of town. How do you cook without them? Update: This is wrong. Somehow I missed the veg section and there is as much as before.
In the other news, there is a new bus on the 702 run. It is tad shorter than the previous bus. That will help with some of awkward bits, the U-turns and the twisting through Sandpits onto Sidney Road, as well as one the Steventon loop. It will also be warmer than the previous bus!
The new 702 bus
Minsterley Motors said:
“ADL Enviro 200 MMC Joins Our Fleet for Ludlow Town Service
“A 19-plate ADL Enviro 200 MMC is set to enter service in Ludlow, enhancing the town’s public transport network with an environmentally friendly travel option.
“Manufactured by Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), this modern single-decker bus offers a comfortable interior with high-backed seating, ample legroom, and a low-floor design for easy access. LED lighting ensures a bright and welcoming atmosphere for passengers. The bus meets the latest environmental standards, producing fewer harmful emissions and helping to improve air quality.
“The introduction of this vehicle supports our commitment to modernising public transport in Ludlow, promoting sustainable travel and reducing the town’s carbon footprint.”
Very bad news for us. We don’t live in Ludlow, but use the town a great deal. We often eat and drink there. This week it was two lunchtimes on the trot. We love it and can’t think of anywhere that can take it’s place. Another blow to Ludlow I fear, which is now looking very sad.
The Co-op, previously Tuffins, has been there since before I moved to Ludlow 15 years ago. That it is continuing is great for the local community and absolutely no impact on the town centre.