A PUBLIC meeting in Ludlow has been called in a bid to form a group to protect services in the town and co-ordinate campaigns concerned about health and inequality.

It is hoped that as many people as possible will be at Ludlow Brewery on Tuesday (July 12) at 7pm.

The meeting has been called following a number of meetings of organisations and individuals discussing the longer term future of Ludlow there has been a growing call to respond to forthcoming cuts and proposals from Shropshire Council to transfer various responsibilities and costs to local councils.

Its objective is to obtain a mandate to create the People’s Alliance for Ludlow on the basis that it will act as a facilitator and leading player to ensure a cross-community solidarity in deciding the future of the town.

It has pledged to work in partnership with the town, county and surrounding parish-elected representatives, commercial and social service delivery sectors.

“Any long term plans for sustainability or investments are put in jeopardy due to proposed cuts and the withdrawal of infrastructures that have served the community well,” said David Burton, aged 65 who has chaired the group that has called the meeting.

“While the community needs to resist ill-conceived proposals we also need to develop positive strategies and we hope that the People’s Alliance for Ludlow will facilitate that process.”

He said that the idea is to co-ordinate the other various groups and campaigns in Ludlow not to replace them.

The organisers of the meeting have informed Ludlow Town Council, surrounding parish councils and Philip Dunne MP of their proposals on the basis that co-operation between all interested parties will be essential in creating a viable future for the Ludlow.