Tag: Ludlow

St. Laurence’s School applies for classroom expansion

St. Laurence’s School applies for classroom expansion

Shropshire Council has applied for planning permission for a modest expansion of St. Laurence’s Church of England Primary School (22/00158/FUL). The school was built in 1991 to the standards of the day. The alterations will create learning spaces that are more in line with current DfE recommendations. Two cramped classrooms will be increased in size, providing safer and more suitable spaces for learning, along with a larger support space. The project will also provide an improved and safer circulation in this part of the school building. This is a welcome project. The aim is not to provide additional school places but to improve the learning environment for current school numbers. Any need to increase the capacity in Ludlow’s primary schools to take on extra pupils from the new housing being built within and on the outskirts of Ludlow in the coming years will be reviewed in the autumn.

Move to clamp down on excessive vehicle noise in Shropshire town centres

Excessive noise from vehicles is a problem in most of the market towns in Shropshire, and in many villages too. The noise comes from several sources including cars with modified engines and exhausts and motorbikes revving up to maximise noise. In Ludlow, as in other towns, we have long had issues with young racers rushing around the town and the Eco Park and with a minority of motorcyclists making excessive noise. Last Thursday, Shropshire Councillors agreed to seeking funding for an acoustic camera trial in Shropshire, with a view that is the scheme is successful, it would be rolled out across Shropshire. It is unlikely that Ludlow will host the trial, though I will bid for that, but we could seek funds from bodies such as the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office or draw on community infrastructure levy monies for our own scheme.

New proposals for EV charging points on Mill Street (updated)

A new location for two electric vehicle (EV) charging points each serving two vehicles on Mill Street will be discussed by Ludlow Town Council tonight (Wednesday). The charging provision is designed for residents but will also be used by visitors, especially those that come for overnight stays. Update. The town council has agreed to the proposals. The proposed new location for the EV charging bays will be outside the Blue Boar. To make space, the motorcycle parking will move downhill a short distance. Two of the charging bays will be for disabled drivers, and two for allcomers for whom the usual parking charges will apply. The EV installation will be funded by a government grant. It is essential that the EV charging points are installed before April, otherwise the grant will be lost and Ludlow will be left behind. That will disadvantage town centre residents and businesses that draw on the visitor economy.

Former PizzaExpress in Ludlow to revert to The George Inn in £2.2 million project

Former PizzaExpress in Ludlow to revert to The George Inn in £2.2 million project

PizzaExpress, which had never been over busy in Ludlow, closed in late 2020 as the company struggled with the consequences of the pandemic. Now, Oakman Inns and Restaurants is applying to spend £2.2 million to reinstate 12 Castle Street to historic use as The George Inn public house with expanded food provision of nearly 200 covers. This is a well thought out scheme. It brings an empty building into use with a focus on drinking and food, two of Ludlow’s favourite pastimes. Current publicans may think it as a challenge, especially as it is expected to serve food in a pub environment between 2pm and 6pm and late into the evening. Our town centre has always been a place to experience as well as shop. Ludlow’s thriving market surrounded by good eating and drinking is a pleasing contrast to other towns where the town centre has been neglected as everything moved out of town.

Expanding Ludlow business could move operation to Wales after lack of council help

Expanding Ludlow business could move operation to Wales after lack of council help

One of Ludlow’s most significant employers, Flowfit, is on the verge of signing a deal for expanding its business in Wales. This move comes after Shropshire Council has failed to help the company find a site in Ludlow. Simon Parsonage is Chief Executive of Flowfit, a market leader in everything hydraulic, from distribution to systems and manufacturing has been based on Ludlow Business Park and celebrates 25 years in business in June. At the beginning of the year, Simon contacted Shropshire Council’s Business Growth team. Flowfit has been expanding and wanted to expand further on an adjacent vacant site owned by Shropshire Council or a site close by. Although there were promises to help from council officers, after more than three months Flowfit has not received a valid response. It is now at the point of signing up to expanding on a site in Wales.

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