THERE is a clear winner in an unofficial poll to find out the store people in Ludlow would like to replace Budgens, which is set to close.

Andy Boddington, who represents Ludlow North on Shropshire Council, organised the on-line poll that attracted near 1,000 votes.

Of the 947 that participated, 40 per cent said that they would like a Waitrose, more than double that for M&S Simply Food which came second.

“Would Waitrose be good for our town?” said Andy Boddington.

“On balance, I think yes. It’s a destination shop. People will say: ‘Let’s go to Ludlow. It’s got a Waitrose and lots of interesting shops.”

“But that is a personal opinion and a lot of people don’t agree with this assessment. Several people who commented on my poll think a Waitrose store will kill the independent traders in the town centre.”

He added that one thing that had become very clear from talking to people in Ludlow and looking at the comments is that there is a strong view of the need for a shop that sells reasonably priced clothes.

“The clear message from my poll is that people would like more choice,” added Andy Boddington.

“Especially for buying clothes. Just 22 per cent of us usually buy clothing and shoes in Ludlow town centre.

“Most of us shop elsewhere, including 23 per cent of us in Hereford, 17 per cent in Shrewsbury and six per cent in Kidderminster.”