The Ludlow Market Square enhancement has been branded “a shambles” by one town councillor after it was revealed the deadline for applying for potential funding of £40,000 for the scheme had passed.
Councillor Jeffrey Wilcox was commenting at a council meeting this week after town clerk Linda Thomas confirmed the deadline for applying for EU funding expired at the end of May. Town councillors were initially unable to reach agreement on whether to move forward with other funding applications for the scheme.
Councillor Michael Bradley said: “The first time I had ever seen these plans was on July 14 when a market trader produced them at a services committee meeting.
“I understand that if we are applying for this funding, we are applying on the basis of this layout and if we are given the funding on the basis of this layout, it cannot be changed in any way shape or form.”
Councillor Bradley said he was concerned the plans did not leave space for mobile units with extended awning flaps alongside the proposed new covers for other stalls.
But town clerk Mrs Thomas said the plans had been put before councillors at the last council meeting and the most recent plans included provision for moving the units.
Councillor John Aitken said: “The sooner we come to a decision to go ahead, the better. The major part of this funding application is for an improvement to the stalls’ structure and fabric and services. That is the significant part of this application, this is the part we should be moving on.
“We are going round in circles. The loss of further funding applications can only increase.”
It was finally resolved to push forward with the funding application, which is being handled by the town clerk and Tom Brettell of South Shropshire District Council.
