Action needed to repair “eyesore” building

Ludlow Town Council is to “start the ball rolling” to try and get repairs sorted at an “eyesore” building.

Formerly occupied by Costa Coffee, the premises in King Street has been empty since May 2023.

Councillor Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North at Shropshire Council, met witha representative of owners, SEP Properties, last month to try to see what can be done to spruce up the building.

He said that a lot of work is needed, although feared it will be several months before it is brought back to use.

The issue was discussed by the town council’s representional committee on Tuesday evening (May 20).

Councillor Glenn Ginger said it was “a long standard problem,” and the only way “to start the ball rolling” is to contact the conservation officer at Shropshire Council.

“Costa Coffee went in there, then moved out,” he said.

“The developers went back in and worked in there for two to three months  and we thought they were carrying on, then they stopped.”

Councillor Robert Owen added that there is a public safety aspect.

“I have been told a window has already fallen out,” he said.

“The roof is a total state.”

 Carmel Wilson, of Ludlow Regeneration Group, told the committee that one of its aims is looking at the building.

“I’m rather shocked that you’re only just talking about it because it’s something that’s been going on for a long time,” she said, adding that South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson has written to the owner’s.

The committee voted that the council should formerly notify Shropshire Council’s conservation officer of its concerns regarding the building’s condition, and asks for it to be inspected.

It will also request that the local authority considers, if necessary, to use appropriate powers to secure the preservation of the building.