THE people of Ludlow will have the final say on whether the 13th century Broadgate should be closed to traffic.

The undertaking came from officials at Shropshire County Council ahead of tonight's public meeting to debate the future of the last surviving medieval gateway into the town.

The meeting, to be chaired by Ludlow mayor Graeme Kidd, is due to start at the Harley Centre at 7.30pm.

Hugh Dannatt, the county council's group manager for traffic strategy, told the Advertiser: "The issue is really one for the people of Ludlow and how they feel they want to protect a historic building."

His team found 2,000 vehicles used Broadgate every day.

Some 85% of the traffic travelled at 20mph or less, in line with the town centre speed limit.

However, one joy rider whizzed through at 38mph towards Ludford Bridge.

Erosion and damage from large vans have fuelled the current debate over Broadgate. Some in the town want the gate to be closed to everyone except cyclists and pedestrians. Others fear the knock-on effect from an extra 2,000 vehicles a day going up and down Old Street or along narrow rat runs like Brand Lane.

Both town councillor Terry Mold, who chairs a special sub-committee on traffic and parking, and town clerk Paul Russell see a growing consensus that wants to keep the gate open, subject to curbs on speeding and heavy traffic.