By Michael Baws

LUDLOW people can win a cash prize for the best way of dealing with traffic through Broadgate, the 13th century gateway threatened with closure.

Deadline for entries is two days before a public meeting at which Broadgate and the effect of its closure will be debated.

The gate, the last of Ludlow's seven medieval entrances, suffers from erosion and damage by large vehicles.

It has to close for six weeks of repairs next year but many fear it may shut permanently to everyone except cyclists and pedestrians.

One of the sponsors of the prize is the Town Centre Residents' Association, which this week revealed a survey showing a majority of two to one against closure.

Residents of 12 main traffic arteries and rat runs in Ludlow answered the survey. Of the 124 who replied, 37 were in favour of closing the gate and 72 were against.

The association has put up the £75 prize money in collaboration with market traders. John Snell, of Birmingham University, will judge entries, which should go to association treasurer David Leeson at 56B Broad Street, Ludlow, SY8 1NH, by December 7.

The association has also set out its own proposals. It wants width restrictions, clearly marked pedestrian priority, better signs on the northbound approach at Ludford Bridge and improved lighting.

"If Broadgate must be closed after remedial protective measures have failed, the impact on the rest of the town centre will be considerable," its committee warned.

"Closure must only be part of a total traffic and parking management system."

Over the past few weeks Shropshire County Council has monitored traffic through Broadgate.

Although no results have been released, gossip swirling around Ludlow is that 1,000 vehicles were found to use it daily in each direction. If correct, that means one vehicle passes through every 45 seconds round the clock.

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