Opinions stack up over proposed Ludlow multi-storey car park

Opinion continues to be divided over the prospect of such a car park being built in Ludlow after the town’s chamber of commerce raised the idea in response to a Shropshire Council consultation on changes to parking charges.

Tish Dockerty, secretary of Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, said the real problem in Ludlow was that there was not enough parking space.

Andy Boddington, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, has previously said it was an idea worth considering seriously as there were “constant complaints” over a lack of parking in the town centre. He launched an online poll last week asking for residents’ views.

He suggested the only viable place for one would be at the Upper Galdeford site being Ludlow Library but warned it would increase traffic on the surrounding roads. The idea proved controversial with people responding to the poll.

Peter van Duijvenvoorde said: “I am not in favour. This would be another step towards making Ludlow just like any other town.”

Robert Skelton added: “No. Gravel Hill is not easy to drive along now. There’s congestion created by parked cars. Better park and ride facilities would help, as would finding a way to make it unnecessary for coaches to squeeze their way along High Street.”

A Jones agreed, saying: “The town is famous for attracting visitors because of its heritage – it needs to stay that way! Multi-storey car parks are for larger towns that need to utilise space.”

Raj Siani said the location was wrong as it could destroy views across the pretty town, but the idea was feasible.

He said: “It might be an idea to put any multi-storey on the Lower Galdeford car park and ship people up in buses. That way, because it is lower down, you could go much higher than two floors.”

But Felicity Edwards said: “I think it would be eminently sensible to add a further level to the lower part of the Galdeford car park. It would not be an eyesore at just one level and could be covered on the outside with greenery.”

“I write this as one who arrives early in the morning in Ludlow and therefore has no difficulty in obtaining a parking place but I do feel for locals and tourists alike who wish to park fairly near to the town centre.”

A respondent called Andrew said: “We need more parking! Ludlow is a nightmare place to park on weekends – can we not utilise the land on the old Castle Garage petrol station?”

Others suggested an underground car park, though pointed out the idea had previously been suggested – and scuppered due to cost.

The poll continues.