A MAJOR campaign is being prepared to try to block a scheme to build a supermarket and petrol station on the outskirts of Ludlow.

In anticipation of a full planning application for the Dun Cow out-of-town supermarket and petrol station, a group of people that represent many organisations in Ludlow and local residents have met.

The group which is independent and called ‘Keep Ludlow Local’ discussed actions which need to be undertaken to thwart the proposed development, that they believe threatens the town’s thriving high street and livelihood of many local people that work in the shops in town.

It is feared that a large out of town supermarket could be the ruin of a town’s heart and it is this that Ludlow people are so concerned about.

The group is co-ordinating a number of local groups and active members of the community to work together to combat the pending full application. Spokesperson for the group Tish Dockerty adds,

“We need to work together on this one as we have been advised that many voices make a difference,” said Tish Dockerty, spokesman for the group.

“Not only do we need this group which will undertake specific activities associated with the campaign, we need a ground swell of support from local people that live and work here as it is their livelihoods that will change as a result of this proposal.”

The group is promising a coordinated strategy that involves letters of objection, high street leaflet and poster campaign, support from high profile individuals and social media campaign to support the effort.

It comprises of members of Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, Ludlow Town Council, Ludlow Civic Society, Ludlow Town Centre Residents Association, South Shropshire Green Party and Ludlow Conservation Committee.

Invitations to join the group will be going to other local groups including the other political parties, Ludford Parish Council and Ludlow Food Festival.

The developer behind the project has held a public consultation about the proposed scheme at the junction of the A49 and A4117 at Rocks Green.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has said that he is concerned about the impact that the proposed development would have on the character of Ludlow.

He has met with traders in the town to discuss the scheme.

Ludlow Chamber of Trade was discussing the proposal as ‘the Advertiser’ went to press and has indicated that it is unhappy about the prospect of the out of town development.

No supermarket chain has been linked with the site although it is claimed two household names are interested. Blackfriars Development Limited that is behind the proposal say that it would create a large number of new jobs.

They also say that it would keep business in the area and remove the need for people to travel of other towns like Shrewsbury, Kidderminster and Hereford for a large supermarket shop.