A LUDLOW butcher and independent trader says that his first priority is looking after his customers and staff after his shop was badly damaged by fire.

Police are investigating the fire at Andrew Francis Butchery shop in Market Street.

The fire started on Friday evening and has extensively damaged the premises.

Mr Francis says that he will reopen as soon as possible but that it is likely to be some time given the damage.

But in the meantime he has set up a delivery service so that people can place orders at his factory unit in Woofferton where there will also be arrangements for people to collect meat.

Three fire engines from Ludlow and Craven Arms attended the fire and firefighters used breathing apparatus, water jets and thermal imaging equipment.

It has been reported on social media that people living in the flat above the shop were alerted by a smoke alarm and nobody was hurt.

Mr Francis has been in Ludlow since 1991 and will mark the 30th anniversary in August.

He moved into the shop in Market Street in 2005 and has played a big part in Ludlow’s international reputation for great food.

Mr Francis, who also has a shop in Bewdley, has been involved in past Food Festivals.

“We had prepared the meat for Saturday morning,” he said.

“The meat in the freezer at the back has all been ruined and the building is in a state.”

He said that he did not know when it might be possible to reopen as a lot of work will need doing, the police are investigating and insurance companies will be involved. Mr Francis is a tenant and does not own the building.

“I am used to being in control but I do not have control over these things,” he added.

There has been widespread speculation about the cause of the fire but Mr Francis said that he would not get involved in this although he did confirm that police were investigating.

“It is in the hands of the police who are good at their job and I am not going to point fingers,” added Mr Francis.

But he added that his concerns is for his customers and his staff with five of them directly involved in the Ludlow shop.

The shop that is one of Ludlow’s trademark independent traders provides a wide range of meat based products including famous home cured traditional bacon, rare breed pork and beef meat, homemade sausages and burgers, home cooked meats, fresh pies and pasties, sandwiches and free range eggs.

Mr Francis has supplied the very best chefs and restaurants in town and is recognised for famous home cured traditional bacon.

Because it sells essential products the shop has been allowed to open during the lockdown.

People who want to place an order can call the usual number 01584 711785.