Pockets of land in town handed over to council

About 14 areas, ranging in size from Castle Gardens and The Linney, with all its pitches, golf area and toilets, to tiny pocket-handkerchief-size plots, are to be passed to Ludlow Town Council in the coming months.

They include such spaces as the play areas at Sydney Road and Housman Crescent and three tiny plots at Henley Orchards.

Richard Thomas, at South Shropshire District Council property services, said: "The Linney is probably the largest area. Those at Henley Orchards are only about double the size of an average lawn.

"The parcels of land are all over town, many of them inside or alongside developments, and they are all different types of amenity or play space.

"The transfer, for a nominal consideration, is the result of an agreement between the two councils reached about three years ago.

"It will make maintenance easier, and the district council will provide an annual maintenance grant to the town council for the upkeep of the land, so it will not be a burden."

Town councillor Brian Griffiths has raised concerns that Ludlow Town Council might sell ground at Henley Orchards when it was handed over.

"It's an amenity area enjoyed by small children. It's one of the small areas of former meadow left after the building of Henley Orchards, and has its own unique flora and fauna.

"Also, it is aligned with a hedgerow that has become a roosting place for a substantial colony of bats. It is also a significant part of their feeding ground and flight path.

"Very careful consideration should be given to any proposal to sell the land without first consulting a respected wildlife organisation."

Ludlow Town Clerk Paul Russell said: "The council doesn't yet own the land, so I can't really comment. It will be a month or so before the transfers are complete.

"But we are fully aware of such concerns, and will make sure nothing untoward happens. Any proposals will be put on the agenda, and there will be plenty of warning and time for consultation."