TRADERS and residents took to the town centre to bitterly protest against Shropshire Council’s refusal of requests to reconsider new parking proposals.

The town is on its knees with despair according to the Chamber of Commerce after a last ditch attempt last week by Mayor Tim Gill and Shropshire Councillor Andy Boddington to change minds on parking charges appears to have fail.

They took the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Steve Davenport – Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways around Ludlow to see the problems facing traders.

But is seems that there’s no movement on the 8pm cap, the high increase in charges for on street parking, market traders have no concessions and Castle Street car park is not to remain short stay.

“Once again Shropshire Council seems to know what is best for Ludlow, or perhaps it just sees us as a cash cow,” said Tim Gill, Mayor of Ludlow.

“Coupled with the increased business rates, this could have a devastating effect on trade in our market town.”

The protest led by the Chamber of Commerce was on the eve a Shropshire Council Cabinet meeting to endorse the new charged that was taking place as ‘the Advertiser’ went to press.

Ludlow Town Council has also to the increases that it is feared will have a big negative impact with fewer people shopping as parking becomes more expensive.