A MAJOR consultation that has involved thousands of people in Ludlow is coming to an end.

It began a year ago with an open meeting to start looking at the future of church buildings in the town.

A survey has been delivered to 4,500 homes in the area and now church officials are preparing a report and presentations of the findings.

They have been buoyed by a good response rate of 14%.

The original meeting was held at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms when 130 people listened to the views of Rev Andrew Mottram, director of ecclesiastical property.

A final public meeting will take place in St Laurence Church in Ludlow on Saturday, October 17, at 7.30pm, chaired by Dr Ewart Carson, churchwarden, and Rev James Stewart, acting team rector.

It will be followed by a roadshow of talks around the town to explain what is proposed and how it will be taken forward in the coming years.

There are also plans for an exhibition in the church.

St Laurence Church dates back to 1199 and is one of 24 “greater parish churches” in the UK. The Ludlow team ministry covers 12 churches in south Shropshire.

The church is known as “the Cathedral of the Marches”

and was given a five star rating by Simon Jenkins in his book England’s Thousand Best Churches.

Its treasures include a 15th century tower, complete set of 15th century misericords and a fine 18th century organ, as well as internationally important stained glass.