We can always look on the bleak side of life.

We are facing massive public spending cuts. We are in danger of losing Ludlow hospital in all but name. Our recycling centre has closed. We have struggled to keep youth services in place. Anti-social behaviour and burglaries remain a significant problem.

But it is not all bad news.

We have an excellent town bus service. We have local markets that other towns envy. We have a year round season of festivals – and when one festival fails, others spring up to fill the gaps. Ludlow remains a green community committed to recycling and even building its own hydroelectric plant on the Teme. And we have a great volunteer community that is tackling new challenges all the time.

There is a refugee crisis sweeping across Europe. The response in Ludlow has been fantastic. People are organising collections to be sent to Calais, Italy, Greece and Turkey. Others are offering to befriend and support any refugees that come our way. The foodbank is ready to supply food tailored to dietary and religious requirements. Leaders of all faiths are ready to offer pastoral support.

Our main strength is our friendly and hardworking community.

True, we have our arguments. But we pull together to tackle threats to the town that we love so much and to help people in difficulty.