Road closure plan revised over festival concerns

The B4361 will now reopen from 12 September

Plans to extend the 24-hour closure of a busy road in Ludlow have been revised to minimise the impact on a food festival.

The B4361 was due to be closed until 18 September – rather than 2 September as originally planned - to allow for maintenance work on Corve Culvert to be completed.

But, in response to local concerns, Shropshire Council has confirmed that the road will either be fully reopened or, at a minimum, have two-way traffic signals operational by 12 September to support Ludlow Food Festival.

David Vasmer, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for highways, said the alteration would "minimise disruption".

The project involves concrete repairs to the soffit and deck of the culvert, and the construction of a new concrete slab with a waterproof layer to increase the durability of the structure, drainage, and surfacing works.

However, it was delayed due to the presence of a cast iron gas duct which was lower than originally expected, preventing the pouring of the remaining section of the concrete slab.

This duct was found to be disused and has been removed.

Andy Boddington, councillor for Ludlow North, said: "This new schedule of works is very welcome.

"The festival is our town's signature event.

"We want people to be able to arrive and leave with ease, so they can have a great day out in our historic town."