Squatters removed from old Ludlow chapel
Squatters have been kicked out of a former chapel currently standing vacant in Ludlow town centre.
Police were called to the Old Chapel Works building on Old Street, which has been vacant since 2014, after people were seen around the building which is currently boarded up and behind locked gates.
The building was previously the Primitives Methodist Chapel until its closure in 1958, then used as a factory up until the late 1990s. It was most recently used as the base of interior designers Draycott and Charles.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "At 9.20pm on Monday police were called to a vacant building on Old Street, Ludlow.
"Two males were squatting in the property and had been for some time. They were both arrested on suspicion of criminal damage."
He said police were aware of concerns over homelessness in the town.
"Police do offer support and help to those who need it or signpost to agencies better equipped to offer the help needed," he said.
However, he also urged owners of vacant buildings to take measures to secure their property.
"If you or someone you know owns a vacant building then please make sure your property is secure and not easily accessible as we have reason to believe other empty properties will be targeted by other people wishing to squat.
"If you wish to discuss securing a property then please contact us at ludlow.snt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk," he said.
The former 19th century chapel has planning permission to turn it into luxury flats, which was was granted in 2014 and is currently being renovated.
Draycott and Charles moved to The Georgian House in Castle Square in 2014.
