Ludlow Town Council's plan to move to Guildhall 'is rushed' claim (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Ludlow Town Council's plan to move to Guildhall 'is rushed' claim

8:20am Friday 7th September 2012 in News By Adrian Kibbler

LUDLOW Town Council has been put in the dock by one of its own members over its move to the former Court House.

Town councillor Graeme Perks says he is not against the decision of the Council to relocate to the Guildhall but believes that the move has been made with undue haste.

Council staff have already had to cope with problems with telephone and internet communications to the building.

Now it has been discovered that plans to hold future council meetings in the former court house are on hold until planning issues are resolved.

The creation of a council chamber requires the moving of the former court dock and because the Guildhall is a grade I listed building special planning consent is needed.

Until then, meetings of the council and its committees will continue to be held at the Ludlow Conference Centre.

Graeme Perks said that he was all in favour of the Guildhall being used but has reservations about the speed in which the move was made.

“I do not believe that the people of the town have had enough time and it was a hasty move,” he said.

Because of the historical importance of the Guildhall the town council will even have to wait for special consent to put up a public notice board and a sign saying that they now occupy the building.

There will also be restrictions on the colours that can be used to repaint the inside of the onetime court buildings.

Ludlow mayor Tony Pound also wants a private room where councillors can meet away from the public reception area.