A PROJECT that as been described as nothing less than the rebuilding of Ludlow is appealing for people from the town to do their bit.

This includes giving their time and also money if they have any to spare.

The plea is being led by Tish Dockerty, secretary of the Ludlow Chamber of Trade and manager of the twice monthly local produce market.

“Ludlow is being rebuilt for the better, but we need to look at future-proofing our town,” said Ms Dockerty.

“The work has already started in the town, what with Ludlow Castle launching its new roof on the Round Chapel and the historic Feathers Hotel recently reopening its café doors, with the rest of the building being renovated to be receiving paying guests later in the year.

“The Assembly Rooms is also undergoing significant renovation and refurbishment, promising top food, a new cinema and theatre to deliver entertainment, activities and visitor information all under one roof.

“Not to be outdone, the stunning St Laurence’s church has recently been sharing its plans for a major Heritage Lottery bid, with a walk-through organ display and new shop.”

A Ludlow Destination Partnership has been formed to help mesh all of the developments together and to ensure cohesion.

“These great buildings are the major assets of our town, forming the backbone of our visitor offer and even the interest on our skyline,” said Ms Dockerty.

“The shops and the market and festivals are equally important and function as the beating heart in a living market town that has lots to offer residents and visitors alike.

“Ludlow is such a popular place to live because of its past, but in order to survive it needs to keep moving forward. But it’s not just hard hats and steel toecap boots.

“To be able to work collaboratively and in tune with each other has never been more important, though Ludlow has no tourism officer. Indeed the whole 1,350sq county of Shropshire doesn’t even have one!

“What we do have is a group of those working in the town’s tourism industries trying to keep the profile of the town high and build relationships that promote growth.

“The Destination Ludlow Partnership is made up of key people who have an action plan, having recently married it with the tourism aspirations of the Ludlow Community Plan. Collectively members are taking on key responsibilities to try to improve the tourism offer for the town, but we really need more.

“This is, as you can imagine possibly the hardest thing to achieve i.e. looking for funding that may pay for someone’s time to take on specific tasks. So, we are launching a Destination Ludlow Fund for seeking financial as well as in-kind support to help us get to where we would like to be.

To get involved contact Tish Dockerty at: tish.dockerty@tdky.co.uk