WORK that could be done by Ludlow people using local materials is needlessly going out of the area, according to a Ludlow businessman.

Graeme Perks has condemned a decision by Ludlow Town Council to buy standardised public benches made in another part of the country.

He says the benches could be made locally by craftsmen and women using local wood and recycled materials.

"Why take this work outside the area when it could be done locally and give people from Ludlow and the surrounding area work and training opportunities?"

said Graeme Perks, who runs the Skill Builders Project.

"Making these benches is not difficult but would give people, especially the young, the chance to learn new skills. In many cases, instead of just being thrown away benches can be repaired to a high standard using recyclable materials."

Mr Perks, a skilled woodwork craftsman trained at the London School of Furniture, is hoping to set up a workshop where craftspeople from south Shropshire can learn a trade.

He also considers this would reduce vandalism.

"If people recognise that benches have been made and repaired locally then they are going to be more protective," said Mr Perks.

He also believes the decision of the council's policy and finance committee for a one-style-fits-all approach is a mistake.

"There needs to be planning to make sure that a bench fits in with its setting and I am not suggesting that everyone should be different.

"But there needs to be some variety in styles or everywhere will just look the same and do we really want our towns and public spaces to be clones of each other?"