STILL here and fighting – that's the message from one of Ludlow’s oldest businesses that’s battling for survival.

As reported at the beginning of the year Poyners, one of the town’s most iconic businesses, is struggling.

The company, that dates back to 1917, has been caught in a double whammy of the difficult economic climate and crippling rates bills.

Poyners has survived January and February –traditionally the most difficult months of the year but as things should be getting better the hot spell is not helping.

Margaret Edwards and Jean Parker, pictured, who have run the shop in Broad Street for a combined total of half a century say the weather has been too good.

“Just as people stay away when it is cold and wet they don’t want to shop when it’s very hot,” said Jean.

Part of the fight for survival is a bid to claim back alleged overpayment of business rates going back nearly 10 years.

The Broad Street-based shop, was faced with a bill of almost £1,000 a month and has been granted a small reduction of its business rates, plus a rebate from 2010.

But the family business that has sold women’s and baby clothing since 1917 believes it has been overcharged for the past eight years and is awaiting a decision on a rebate.

It had been hoped that the issue would have been sorted by now but Margaret and Jean say the debate rumbles on.

The premises doesn’t even have a telephone, never mind the internet, and prides itself on being different, attracting shoppers from all over the world.

It’s estimated more than half of its trade comes from people outside Ludlow.

Part of the attraction is a quirky interior that would not be out of place at The Black Country Museum.

At a time of austerity many small independent shops find it difficult to compete with larger chains but Poyners is determined to make its centenary in three years time.