THE decision that the Accident and Emergency Unit for Shropshire will be in Shrewsbury not Telford has been welcomed in Ludlow but with reservations.

But other changes have been greeted with concern.

“In Ludlow, we don't whether to feel relieved or concerned,” said Tracey Huffer, a nurse with a GP practice in the town and Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East.

“If there has to be just one Accident and Emergency site, then Shrewsbury is the best location as far as south Shropshire and Powys is concerned. So this is good news.”

But she is less happy at the decision to make Telford the hospital for planned surgery.

“Not so good for us in the south of the county is that patients booked in for day surgery will have to travel to Telford,” added Tracey Huffer.

“It will be difficult for many to get to the Princess Royal Hospital for early in the morning. I think we may need a fleet of community transport vehicles to ensure this works. That will need to be budgeted for.

“We need to get these decisions about major hospital services resolved quickly and must urgently turn our attention to how rural health services are going to be delivered in the market towns and villages.”