Statement from Ludford Parish Council Chair - Cllr Imogen Liddle

Over the past 2 months the Governance Review has once again been debated. This is the position of Ludford Parish Council.

The Parish Council do not support an alteration to the boundary.

Governance Review. Ludford Parish Council (LPC)Response March 17 2024.

Following detailed consultations LPC presents these further points of information to the Shropshire Council Working Group.

Warding.

LPC has never had a warded system within the parish boundary. Since SAMdev the residential developments have expanded targeted settlement areas and as a consequence the Councillors work together in an holistic way to plan and respond as necessary to local demands. LPC is a single democratic entity. Our understanding is therefore that without the existence of separate wards there is no basis for the Unitary Authority intervening to adversely affect the current boundaries.

Gallows Bank.

Gallows Bank Ward that lies to the east of the A49. This relates to a small area of highways verge from the kerb to the western line of the hedge which forms the boundary of the Eco Park and approximately 20% of the A49 Sheet Road traffic island.

Shropshire Council Unitary Councillors. Planning permission was granted for some 200 homes built in 3 phases on the Henley Grange site situated south of Rock Green Road, the A4177. at Rock Green. At this time only 68 homes have been constructed and occupied, no additional activity has been undertaken at the site over the last 2 years.

Figures used for the proposed balancing of Unitary voting numbers, by transferring the well established residential site at Dun Cow to the north of the A4177 onto the other side of the A49 do not reflect the need for developing social cohesion by forcing yet another change for residents. Essentially this splitting of a cohesive area removes it from the Civil Parish of Ludford in relation to its representation at Unitary Council level and introduces the need for 2 Unitary Councillors. It initiates the idea that the A49 is no longer the obvious and secure boundary for LPC which has existed for the last 40 years.

Ludford Parish Council does not accept the proposed alteration for the boundary relating to Unitary Council representation. Councillor Parry has been the Unitary Councillor for this area for a considerable number of years. Consequently, her working knowledge and connection with this area is invaluable and beneficial to both residents and Ludford Parish Council.

The number of actual residents who reside within this area are substantially less in number to the presumed numbers submitted. At this time there are at least 130 fewer dwellings, and associated voter numbers, with no information as to when this will change substantially, if at all.

LPC cannot accept the imposition of the changes to Unitary voting areas as proposed. The Parish has been a single democratic area, has accepted new development at the behest of the SAMdev and Local Plan reviews but remains adamant that there is no need for any alteration. The A49 by- pass was completed in c.1976 and it provides a clear, easily understood, recognisable and unchangeable boundary.

Rock Green was transferred to LPC from Ludlow Town Council in c. 1984. The imposition of changing this one part of Rock Green and incorporating it into an area across the A49, yet again, within 40 years denies the democratic process with no discernible benefit to residents who require a settled time to adjust to the many changes in their locality.

Residents from Ludford give support to Ludlow in the manner most acceptable to them, pay local and national taxes in order to support the services within any given area. The much vaunted “Ludford Question” is therefore irrelevant and has no foundation.

Historical background.

LPC holds a unique place in local history as it is a Domesday Parish. It also protects and represents the rural area that surrounds Ludlow. LPC have been consistent in all submissions for Local Draft Plans, submissions to Shropshire Council and any associated documents that its position and independence are vital for the recognition of the important role that it has within South Shropshire.

Imogen Liddle. Chair Ludford Parish Council.