MOVES to start a car club in Ludlow are gathering pace - and Craven Arms, Clun and Bishop's Castle may join in too.

Following a public meeting to discuss the idea in Ludlow, a consultant is in the final stages of putting together a feasibility study for Transport for Everyone in South Shropshire (TESS).

Secure parking

Linda Cox, manager of TESS, is preparing to take to the road to raise funds. She estimated that £50,000 funding over two years will pay for two cars and a part time co-ordinator. A car club will allow members to go to a secure parking spot in Ludlow and use a new vehicle for a shopping trip or a similar short round trip.

The study will analyse the results of a questionnaire that asked people why they would use a club car, how often and when.

"We had a very good response," said Cox. "About 10 people in Ludlow said they were extremely interested and about another 18 or 19 said they wanted to stay in touch."

Small firms and other organisations may be invited to become corporate members, gaining use of club cars in exchange for funding. Any companies that come in to the planned redevelopment of the auction yard in Craven Arms next year may also be suitable members. Clun is another possible area for a satellite operation while there is interest in Bishop's Castle.

Cox said "Things are moving and I would be very disappointed if we haven't got something before the middle of next year."