THE controversial closure of King Street in Ludlow town centre on the two busiest days of the week has sparked a row with accusations that it is killing the town.

King Street is closed to traffic on Friday and Saturdays between 10am and 3pm to allow social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ludlow Town Council decided that the closure should remain but only after a heated debate that left councillors split down the middle.

Vivienne Parry, who also represents Ludlow South on Shropshire Council, warned that the closure is putting shops in the town under even more pressure.

“The town is dying and dying rapidly,” said Cllr Parry, who told the council that anything with the potential to reduce the number of traders should be avoided.

Councillor Michael Clark said that he had seen no evidence that the closure is doing anything to reduce the number of coronavirus infections.

“There is no evidence that it works and it is a pain to get into town,” he said.

“If people drive up Corve Street and see that the road is closed it is just another reason for people to carry on a go elsewhere.”

He said that the idea that it kept people apart does not stand up.

“People gather in the middle of the street for a chat,” he added.

The mayor Tim Gill was also worried that the closure is keeping people out of the town centre.

“People and those who lack mobility cannot get into town,” said Mr Gill.

Councillor Erica Garner said that accessibility for the shops is important.

“If people think they are going to have to walk any distance they just will not come in,” she added.

But councillor Glen Ginger took a different view saying that he would like to see the closure continue at least until the end of February.

He said that the pavements are too narrow for people to keep apart, especially when heavy lorries or vans are using King Street, adding that the council had a responsibility for the welfare of the town.

“For the good of the welfare of the town this council should support closing that street for two days a week,” he added.

Former deputy mayor Colin Sheward does not agree that the closure is necessarily a bad thing for older people.

“Some old people who live in the area like the road closed as it makes it easier to walk around,” Cllr Sheward said.

He was supported by councillor Philip Adams, who also wants the two day a week closure of King Street to remain in force for the safety of the people of the town.

The town council voted seven to five for the closure with one abstention.

Ludlow Town Council is a consultee but does not make the final decision which is in the hands of Shropshire Council.

As things stand the closure of King Street throughout December will happen.