Litter concerns on Ludlow market days

Traders are to be reminded that they need to keep a Ludlow market area tidy following concerns that waste and litter are being left around.

The site on Castle Square is owned by Ludlow Town Council (LTC), with regular markets taking place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Antique and Local to Ludlow produce markets also operate on Thursdays and Sundays twice a month.

Provisions are in place for the collection of both litter and waste in the market area. There are two post-mounted litter bins, which are owned and emptied by Shropshire Council. A further four floor-mounted and two post-mounted bins are also in nearby locations such as Event Square and Peace Memorial.

LTC cleaning staff litter pick the area daily between 6pm and 7pm, while waste disposal provision is provided for all market traders in the form of large 1,100 litre trade bins which are located in Castle Street car park.

However, following concerns around waste and litter, LTC staff have been monitoring the area to ascertain the level of the problem.

A report provided by deputy town clerk, Kate Adams said that, on some days there has been market waste present, and the market officer has spoken to the relevant trader.

Meanwhile, on other days, the waste was identified as coming from local shops, or blown litter from other locations.

“From speaking to market traders, a large amount of the waste is left by people gathering in the market area to eat snacks or takeaways late in the evening,” said Ms Adams.

“Another issue is they feel that the litter bins aren’t emptied often enough and aren’t big enough.

“They feel more bins are needed, that have a greater capacity and have a hood/lid to contain the waste. They also mentioned that during the summer concerts, when the castle provided wheeled bins on the market, the litter was much less of an issue.”

LTC’s services committee recently considered the report.

Members decided to send a letter to the traders to remind them to use the commercial waste bins supplied by the council and to leave the market tidy at the end of each day. The siutation will be monitored, with a report going back to the next committee meeting.