LUDLOW MP Matthew Green has called on all involved in the Eco-business Park debate to recognise that each side had Ludlow's interests at heart and has praised South Shropshire District Council for its "open" approach to the issue.

Mr Green was in high spirits last week on news of the Lib Dem victory in the Brent East by-election, formerly a Labour north London stronghold. In an exclusive interview with the Advertiser he described it as a "fabulous" result that could not have been predicted six months previously.

On South Shropshire District Council's Lib Dem-led decision to give the go-ahead to the Eco-business Park scheme at Sheet Road North he said: "I think this was not at all an easy decision. There was a great deal of soul search by both sides so I hope that people will not be belittling each other on either side.

"There were a large number of jobs at stake but there was never going to be an ideal site for this scheme. My view is this was the least worst location for it.

Mr Green, the Lib Dem spokesman on planning matters said: "Councillors were between the rock and the hard ground on this. The decision was taken under a number of pressures including from two local companies wanting to expand and pressure from concern over losing the European funding grant for a new business park.

"I think the council looked at all aspects very thoroughly. A number of sites were considered in detail and there was wide consultation in the form of an inquiry in public.

"In my experience this was one of the most open debates I have seen and I think the council conducted themselves very well.

"Councillors belonging to all parties were involved in the final decision including the backing of two Conservative councillors. This was not something that was party policy.

"On the issue of local opposition in the Ludlow Sheet with Ludford ward, it should be remembered that Councillor Susan McCormack topped the poll among electors only last May when the debate over the Eco-Park was already in progress."