MP visits Ludlow Touring Park

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has praised the contribution that tourism makes to the South Shropshire economy after paying a visit to touring and holiday home park on the edge of the historic market town.

Mr Dunne, MP for Ludlow and Minister of State for Health, was invited to visit Ludlow Touring Park to see the first phase of a £200,000 holiday home park development during National Tourism Week from March 25 to April 2

Morris Leisure is developing the new park for 36 caravan holiday home alongside its successful Ludlow Touring Park, which has 135 pitches on a 20-acre site alongside the River Teme and A49 near Richards Castle, just a short bus ride from the town. The first holiday home has been sold and the company is reporting strong interest from prospective buyers.

The touring park, a prestigious affiliated site of The Caravan and Motorhome Club, opened in May, 2012 and is estimated to generate around £2 million a year for the local economy. It’s is one of six parks in Shropshire and North Wales owned by Morris Leisure based in Shrewsbury.

Mr Dunne said: “Since this park opened five years ago, I have been very impressed by how it has matured into a fold of the valley. The park looks beautiful, is very discreetly landscaped and is clearly a lovely place to come and spend some time.

“I have spoken to some of the caravan owners who were thrilled with the park’s accessibility to all that Ludlow has to offer and the friendly staff make them feel so welcome.

“The development of a holiday home park adds another dimension. With 135 pitches and regular visitors throughout the year, the park is a steady source of business for the town’s pubs, restaurants and shops which makes it an important contributor to the local economy.”

Referring to National Tourism Week, Mr Dunne added: “Tourism is one of the big drivers of the South Shropshire economy and this week provides a focus for tourism businesses to highlight what they have to offer.

“There is nowhere better in Great Britain to take advantage of the spectacular scenery and food and drink experience than the hills of South Shropshire and its glorious market towns which I promote at every opportunity.”

Morris Leisure’s managing director Edward Goddard reported that Ludlow Touring Park had attracted a record number of customers in the first three months of this year and he said the signs looked promising for a very busy holiday season ahead.

“We are delighted to report that our bookings at Ludlow Touring Park are increasing every year, mostly through personal recommendations and repeat business,” he said. “It’s great to be able to develop a caravan holiday home park alongside the touring park and bring even more sustainable tourism to Ludlow, which is a very popular destination.

“We believe the new park will further enhance the local tourism offer and generate extra income for Ludlow and the surrounding area, which has got to be good news for the local economy. People who love visiting the area now have an opportunity to own a holiday home in Ludlow and we hope many of the touring caravan and motorhome owners who regularly stay on our park will be encouraged to invest.”