A KEY meeting takes place tomorrow as concerns grow about the condition of Ludlow’s historic town walls.

Sections of the wall especially in the vicinity of St.Laurence's Churchyard are causing growing concern about the condition of the structure and the need for a plan of action for repairs.

Just over two years ago people living in Upper Linney were evacuated from their homes following a collapse of a section of the wall.

They were allowed to return following a safety inspection and some remedial work was undertaken to shore up the structure.

Andy Boddington, whose ward on Shropshire Council includes the wall, wants a plan of action to be prepared.

“I have no reason to believe that there is imminent danger but this is not a problem that will go away and a way needs to be found to find a solution,” he said.

The councillor believes that much of the problems rest with poor repairs in the past.

“Using the right materials is vital and the wall needs to be repaired using lime mortar that is flexible and not cement that cracks," said Cllr Boddington.

“However, lime mortar will only dry during the summer and cannot be applied at any other time of the year. Therefore, it is vital that a way forward is found or we will miss the window in 2016.

“In the past couple of years we have been fortunate with the weather as there has not been too much heavy rain or very cold winters that cause water trapped in the stonework to expand and crack. However, this good luck with the weather will not go on forever.”

A major issue to be resolved at the meeting, that will be attended by representatives of Ludlow Town Council, Shropshire Council, and St.Laurence's Church, is who is responsible for meeting the cost of repairing the walls.

This is a matter of contention as the bill is expected to be in six figures and The Advertiser understands that the advice is that the cost of repairs would not be recovered from insurance as the damage is classed as ‘fair wear and tear.’

Ludlow Town Council stated last year that it was not responsible for the walls but when asked by the Advertiser this week the town clerk Gina Wilding said she was unable to comment.

The Ludlow Town Walls are a listed ancient monument and any work on them would have to meet strict specifications set by English Heritage.

They were built between 1233 and 1304 and were part of a larger structure of defences that were completed in 1499 during a period when Ludlow had an important strategic position on the border with Wales.

Originally the walls had a ditch that was still in place in 1691 when there was a drawbridge at Broadgate.

There has been evidence of repair in the past including in the 13th, 15th and 17th centuries.

But little has been done since and the first major signs of problems were discovered in 2010 when major work was done around the car park near the market.