THE campaign group ‘People’s Alliance for Ludlow’ says that it has achieved its objectives ahead of the elections for the Town Council.

This is despite the fact that there will still need to be co-options to get the Town Council up to its full quota of 15 members.

A drive had been instigated by the ‘Alliance’ to get people more involved in local politics and to stand for the Town Council.

David Burton, one of the leaders’ of the group said that it was wrong to suggest that it had failed.

“In fact our aim was to ensure that the Town Council did not have to co-opt more than five new councillors and with a number of new candidates coming forward as a direct result of our activities, we will have 13 of the 15 seats contested,” he claimed.

“This maximum one third 'co-option' figure is critical for this reason; the town will face significant challenges in the future and for the Town Council to embark upon any strategies involving taking on assets, liabilities, partnerships, investments or risk it will be required, by law, to have the 'Powers of Competence' and one of the criteria for holding such powers is that two thirds of councillors must be elected (the technical definition includes candidates standing uncontested).

“Thankfully this particular contingency will now be in place and can only assist the Town Council in preparing

any future strategies.”