ONE of the worst kept secrets in Ludlow has been made official.

Rosanna Taylor-Smith has formally resigned as the representative for Ludlow North on Shropshire Council.

In the by-election that will probably take place in March the Conservatives will be fielding Anthony Bevington, a former employee of Shropshire Council.

He is expected to be up against Liberal Democrat Andy Boddington, who has been an active campaigner on a number of issues.

Graeme Perks, a member of Ludlow Town Council, has also said that he will seek election as an independent.

Rosanna Taylor-Smith has moved to Kent with her husband Martin who is himself a former mayor of Ludlow, Conservative parliamentary candidate and member of the town council, former district council and most recently Shropshire Council.

The couple want to be closer to family including grand children.

“I want to pay tribute to the sterling work that Rosanna Taylor-Smith has done for the people of Ludlow over the past 10 years,” said Philip Dunne MP.

“Rosanna has represented the town at each level of local government during this period. Initially on South Shropshire District Council, then on Ludlow Town Council and at Shropshire Council since this was formed in 2009.

“We have worked closely together in seeking to improve quality of life for local residents, from resurfacing the streets of Ludlow town centre to her tireless work in seeking to improve health facilities through the campaign to redevelop of Ludlow hospital.

“She was well known in Ludlow as someone who would always listen and went out of her way to help local residents whenever she could.

"I wish her and her husband Martin, who have given many years public service in Ludlow and Shropshire, a very happy and fulfilling retirement.”

The MP has endorsed Anthony Bevington

“Ludlow needs someone representing the town at Shirehall who will stand up for the town and get things done. Anthony Bevington is just the man for the job,” said Mr Dunne.

"Anthony has years of experience in dealing with Shropshire Council through his work in local government and his knowledge and expertise will help him to get things done for local people.”