LUDLOW could have a cutting edge recycling machine. 

The pyrolysis plant will be located at the former biodigester in Coder Road, with town councillors backing the plans. 

Richard Huffer, a farmer and Shropshire councillor for Clee, said: “This could be an important opportunity. There are still a large number of people employed in the biodigestion in the area.

"We have the skills base in Ludlow to make this technology a success. Pyrolysis creates biochar, a form of carbon that can be used a soil improver. It improves the performance of fertilisers and reduces run off from fields. That helps reduce flooding.

“There is no shortage of feedstock for a pyrolysis plant in southwest Shropshire. There is a lot of wood waste from the many woodlands in the area and from the Mortimer Forest.”

Tracey Huffer, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow East added: “This is an opportunity to create skilled jobs in Ludlow. I hope there will also be apprenticeships and links to Ludlow College.

“There is a lot of work to do in understanding the market for biochar. The price needs to be set right so that local farmers can afford it. It doesn’t make sense to generate biochar from local waste and then transport it long distances to big farms that can afford the highest prices.

“We want this to come to Ludlow. The town has a reputation for creating new jobs, not just in technology but also food.”

Meanwhile, Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said: “The UK anaerobic digestion (AD) industry was kickstarted here in Ludlow. There were once around 120 people employed in the AD industry within a ten mile radius of Ludlow.

"People visited the experimental plant in Ludlow from all over the country. Shropshire has the opportunity to once again lead the drive to recycle green waste into useable products and capture the methane generated to generate power for the plant and beyond.

“The former biodigester site on Coder Road sits alongside a long closed household recycling centre. This is an established waste processing site. It already has a connection to the Squirrel Lane substation to export power the grid.

Ludlow has a strong commitment to the green economy and tackling the climate emergency. It is an ideal location.”