LUDLOW Town Council has released some details on its budget for 2024 and 2025.

The town council's vision for Ludlow is of a successful and vibrant town, where people want to live, work, and visit. It aims to improve the quality of life for the residents by engaging in open dialogue, representing the diverse community, preserving the town's traditions and identity, promoting Ludlow as a clean, safe and welcoming town, providing high-standard services, becoming a better employer and partnering with others to achieve more.

The council's annual budget for 2024 and 2025 enables the employment of 19 staff to work at locations operated by the council including Ludlow Market, Ludlow Museum at the Buttercross, the Guildhall Office, the cemetery, the skate park, the boxing club, play areas, gardens, public toilets, benches, bus shelters, public meetings and events, and more.

The council says that it will not increase fees for services like market trading, street trading, burials, public toilets, parking, and entry to the museum. These fees provide an income that reduces the amount the council raises through council tax.

Reserves have been earmarked to support local buildings including the grade I listed Guildhall and Buttercross, as well as public toilets and the vehicles and machinery required for upkeep of outdoor areas.

Ludlow Town Council has estimated a rise in council tax by £13 per year, which would be an increase of 25p per week.

The final budget and precept figures will be agreed by the full council in January 2024.

This year, the council has delivered local services, undertaken projects and worked in partnership with the community of Ludlow.

There have been highlights and challenges to the year, including work on climate action, open spaces, Christmas lights, community support and play areas.

Plans were also made this year to install a new bus shelter at the stop on Sheet Road by Sidney Road Town Green.

A particular highlight for the council was presenting a certificate of appreciation to  the organisers of the Ludlow Mayfair, one of whom died in July.