by Michael Baws

PLANS are being hatched to shift the main public entrance to Ludlow Assembly Rooms from Mill Street and around the corner into Castle Square.

Under the scheme, the caf will move from the first floor and be reached from the new entrance.

The box office will go alongside.

The aim is to make the public areas more accessible to disabled users and to free up space within the Assembly Rooms for hire and other income-producing activities.

Robin Bennett, chairman of the Ludlow and District Community Association, which runs the arts venue, is about to start discussions with Shropshire County Council.

Two other local authorities, South Shropshire District and Ludlow Town Councils, will also be involved.

Now that the association has been able to use extra council and trust grants to wipe out its deficit, Mr Bennett is determined to avoid any future financial headaches.

He has nearly completed a business plan that will set out the way ahead without running into the red.

"This will be a plan that takes everything into account and doesn't risk unexpected items," he explained.

The entrance hall scheme will involve discussions with Ludlow Museum and the town's tourist information centre, which now occupy the space.

The Assembly Rooms will almost certainly apply to the Big Lottery for the cash but, as yet, there is no budget.

"There is no architect's plan either," said Mr Bennett.

"At the moment it is a dream rather than a reality but there is a lot of interest and excitement about it."

The Assembly Rooms has begun its search for a new director to succeed Sara Robinson, who left in August.

One of the front runners will be Paula Redway, who has been carrying out the job on a short term contract which expires in March.

The post will be for three years and worth £23,000 to £25,000 a year.