THE actor whose best known character did not have too many scruples about business is backing the campaign against plans to build a new supermarket on the outskirts of Ludlow.

John Challis, who is best known for his role as the businessman ‘Boycie’ in the BBC comedy classic ‘Only Fools and Horses,’ has written to the ‘Love Ludlow’ campaign saying he believes the proposed development at Rocks Green could be bad for the town.

Mr Challis, who lives at Wigmore Abbey, is concerned about the impact it might have on existing shops.

“Not another supermarket for Ludlow,” he says.

“We already have a Co-op and Ludlow Food Centre on the A49 and three more in the town centre. Surely we don’t need another one.

"Spare a thought for the independent shops in the town which will lose out and look at what has happened to other towns of a similar size.

“They have lost most of their shops and many high streets are either boarded up or full of charity shops.

“Ludlow is a shopping destination for tourists because of its unique shopping experience.

"Tesco and Morrisons are closing many of their stores as a result of falling trade, so why on earth is it sensible to give this proposal a second thought?

“As usual, this is all about greed, without consideration for people's quality of life.”

The Love Ludlow Campaign currently has facebook page ‘Keep Ludlow Local’ and there is also information on the www.loveludlow.org.uk website. Objections need to be lodged by Tuesday February 3.