INDEPENDENT shops in Ludlow will soon have their day and fight back against national chains.

The town’s large number of independent traders are taking part in a national campaign to promote smaller independent businesses.

Preparations for ‘Independent’s Day’ on Saturday, July 4 are well underway with the design of a poster for shop windows.

On the day there will be more artists working in the town centre to capture the spirit on Ludlow on a busy Saturday.

The artists will be led by Neil Hadfield, head of illustration and animation at Hereford College of Arts, and they will be working ‘reportage style’ with drawing boards and pens.

Behind the project is the ambition to capture how Ludlow is now, still with its thriving little shops, unlike many other market towns across the country.

The event poster, that has been produced by Adam Withington of Black Bough, brings together the ‘Love Ludlow’ logo, which is the campaign against the proposed out-of -town supermarket, as well as the ‘Only in Ludlow’ logo which is the local branding that signifies independently owned businesses.

There will also be bands playing in the square on the day.

The day contributes to the Ludlow Fringe Festival which is stepping up to the mark of replacing the old Ludlow Arts Festival.

Muff Murfin, chair of Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, believes that the day can send an important message about the vibrancy of the town that is characterised by its independent shops.

“This is an important day for Ludlow’s high street, the Chamber does everything they can to support the small scale businesses that truly offer something a little different to visitors but also the everyday quality butchers and bakers that thankfully are still busy,” he said.

“These rely on local people, their loyalty is paramount as well.”

Tish Dockerty, secretary of the Ludlow Chamber of Trade who has championed the scheme, says the intention is for people to be aware of what Ludlow has to offer and to retain the town's independent shops.

“We like anything that’s special and offers something different,” she said.

“It’s important to raise awareness of it by developing a brand which consumers will quickly become familiar with when they walk round town.

"I’m just amazed at how many independently owned shops we have. It is only when you do an exercise like this you realise just how many there are.”