JUST as the tourism season kicks in, traders say Ludlow has been presented with a red card that will make it a ghost town over two of the most important weekends of the year.

There will be a full closure of the A49 to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists between for nine whole days starting on Saturday (July 1) for eight days.

The rail line will be closed all day this coming weekend and then again between on Saturday and Sunday (July 8 and 9).

An hourly bus service will be provided.

The eerie silence of the A49 corridor will be massive blow for local traders that rely on the summer months for a much-needed boost in income from visitors, according to Ludlow Chamber of Commerce.

Network Rail says the closure of the Onibury crossing is essential so that works can take place to replace the crossing after a recent accident involving a motorcyclist.

Large vehicles, including HGVs and day-tripping coaches, will be re-routed via Bridgnorth and Kidderminster from Shrewsbury, a route that takes much longer than straight down the A49.

“Coaches arrive and their passengers often have less than an hour to get around our visitor attractions,” said Tish Dockerty of Ludlow Chamber of Commerce.

“They’ll have even less time or may not even make it if they get stuck in traffic.”

She said the fear is that coach parties that would stop in Ludlow will simply bypass the town.

“We rely so much on the increased footfall during the summer months,” Tish Dockerty added.

“The difference this closure will make to the atmosphere of the town could be very noticeable.

“Ludlow Fringe Festival runs until July 2 and the annual Ludlow Green Festival takes place on Sunday, July 9.

“We have several choral, theatre and film events booked during the closure period, as well as our regular market and tourist attractions.

“Event organisers and shop owners fear that Ludlow will become a ghost town during these weekends.

“The Chamber of Commerce would like to be consulted on road and rail closures. We would like to have the option of moving significant road closures to a less busy time of year.

“We want to get the message out that Ludlow is open for business and for visitors. There are local diversions around the A49 closure suitable for cars. Coming to Ludlow won’t mean you can’t get north to Church Stretton and Shrewsbury, or south to Hereford."

Ludlow Chamber of Commerce represents the views of many small independent businesses in the town. It has around 70 members.