Joseph Whiteman

Ludlow councillor Andy Boddington said increased town-centre parking may be necessary to prevent falling footfall and further shop closures following the closure of the town’s direct park and ride service. He proposed using the site of the demolished Upper Galdeford supermarket for additional parking, while also calling for a frequent service using smaller buses and reduced peak traffic on King Street. Ludlow 21 chairman Philip Adams agreed that bus demand was being overlooked but opposed more parking, arguing that continuous unnecessary car traffic makes the town centre unpleasant.

Clun Fire Station thanked members of the public for donating food, drinks and other supplies to firefighters battling a major wildfire on Black Hill near Clun in Shropshire. Crews from across the county and neighbouring brigades have been working to contain the woodland blaze, while the public has been urged to stay away for safety. The report also notes a severe UK wildfire-risk alert and Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s warning about widespread fires.

Caffè Nero has submitted plans to convert the former Joules store at 35 Bull Ring in Ludlow into a café. The Grade II-listed, late-18th-century building would receive a new service counter and dining areas on the ground and first floors, with no wider external or upper-floor changes proposed. The company says the reversible alterations and signage would preserve the building’s historic character. Councillor Andy Boddington has raised concerns that the national chain could take trade from independent cafés, following the closure of a nearby Costa Coffee.

Hendra House Residential Home in Ludlow has retained its outstanding Care Quality Commission rating and received top marks in four of five inspection categories. Inspectors praised its leadership, compassionate culture, personalised and responsive care, staff expertise, and positive outcomes for residents. Owner Vince Burmingham credited residents, families and staff for the achievement. The home has held an outstanding rating since the CQC scheme began in 2009 and has also received national care home and employer awards.

Hope Bagot Farm Shop has opened at the Bennetts End Inn in Knowbury, near Ludlow. The shop sells meat, vegetables, milk, honey, bread and other produce sourced within 25 miles, with modern refrigeration and customer parking. Landlord Keith Swindler said the venture supports the farming community and encourages local residents to meet. The shop attracted about 30 visitors on each of its first two days and operates daily with extended evening hours Monday to Saturday.

An exhibition at Shropshire Museums’ Collections Centre explores the 1934 Ludlow: The Pageant, staged at Ludlow Castle to commemorate 300 years since John Milton’s masque Comus was first performed there. The exhibition features more than 2,000 costumes, memorabilia, original film footage and material documenting the community effort behind the six-day event, which attracted about 4,000 visitors daily. Ludlow: The Pageant runs until December 18, 2026, with free admission and donations encouraged.

Three climbers from The Climbing Hut in Shrewsbury rescued a sheep stranded for up to three days on a steep, crumbly section of Clee Hill near Ludlow. Lewis Sunderland, Dan Carter and Molly Howells used ropes, a bag and improvised equipment to secure the frightened, dehydrated animal and lower it safely to the ground, despite the risk that it could fall or injure the rescuers. The farmers expressed their appreciation after the successful operation.

Eleven-year-old Elsie Lloyd caught 111 fish, including two carp and her personal-best carp, during a session at Froggatts Pools in Ludlow on August 1. After three lessons with Andy’s Angling Academy, she quickly learned to use a rod and reel, while coach Andy Daykin praised her skills and confidence. The academy offers fishing instruction, equipment and bait for children, adults and people with special needs.

Ludlow 21 chairman Philip Adams rejects Councillor Andy Boddington’s call for more car parking in Ludlow town centre, arguing that additional traffic would undermine pedestrian access, shopping and the quality of the town-centre environment. Ludlow 21 supports greater use of the park-and-ride scheme and improved public transport. Boddington has also proposed a publicly controlled “Sheep Network” for Shropshire, integrating bus routes, fares and travel information to make rural services more attractive and coherent.