SO Ludlow is to get a new Business Park. South Shropshire District Council has voted for the 'Eco' Business Park on a green field site, in spite of the opposition of Ludlow Town Council, Ludford Parish Council, The Chamber of Trade, CPRE, the Highways Agency, English Heritage, The Civic Society, most of the citizens of Ludlow, and its own development control committee.

And this vital matter was decided by the casting (extra) vote of the chairman. What sort of democracy is this?

In addition, it appears that there is to be another large business park on the bypass. Why the need for two? And what will happen to the town centre when B&Q, plus 'many other High Street retailers' arrive on the outskirts? Will it become a dead centre, containing nothing but gift shops and cafs?

Ludlow was lucky enough to escape the horrors that were inflicted on so many towns in the 60s and 70s. Who has not visited Worcester or Shrewsbury and exclaimed: "How could they let that happen"? When uncontrolled infrastructure, more business parks, and yet more houses has altered Ludlow forever, future generations may ask the same question, and the answer will come back loud and clear, it was the decision of the South Shropshire District Council on September 17, 2003.

P Bellak,

19 Broad Street,

Ludlow.