Ludlow's new mayor will be looking out for the 'ordinary people' (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Ludlow's new mayor will be looking out for the 'ordinary people'

8:00am Thursday 17th May 2012 in Ludlow

LUDLOW’s new mayor has pledged to offer a voice for the ordinary people of the town who ‘have been on the fringes for too long’.

Tony Pound, who was born in the town and has spent most of his 72 years living and working there, says many in Ludlow feel they are excluded from the decisions that matter.

“We have had some really good newcomers come in but the problem is that they have the money and get involved with the organisations with the influence,”

he said.

“The ordinary people of Ludlow feel sidelined.”

“A lot of nice and good people come to Ludlow but they want to change the town to where they have come from.”

He said that the heart had been ripped out of the town and that the priorities are for more jobs and housing.

“To get a house in Ludlow you need at least £150,000 – so how can local people hope to raise even the deposit on the kind of wages that are available in this area?”

The new mayor – one of 13 children – believes Ludlow’s many festivals are vital to the town, attracting visitors from all over the world.

And he is a strong supporter of the new hospital and health village which he says will provide much needed jobs as well as crucial health facilities.

Eighteen months ago he suffered a massive heart attack and says that only 25 per cent of his heart is working.

“I had one foot in the grave and thought I was on the scrap heap. Taking my terrier dog Tilley for walks got me exercising again and although I get tired I am better.”

He’s yet to choose a charity for his term as mayor but says it will be a local good cause.