HELP for the less able-bodied and the 'confused' is taking top place on Ludlow Town Council's latest agenda.

Good news for many is the likelihood soon of new arrangements for council meetings somewhere other than at the top of the difficult-to-climb stairs of the old Buttercross.

And those who cannot get to grips with who-does-what in council responsibilities can look forward to the creation of a special Help Point.

The ideas, outlined in a report by town council clerk Paul Russell, were well received by councillors on Monday.

And they are coming together in moves already underway to find a pavement level High Street premises that encourage contact with the public and a better understanding of council functions.

Mr Russell said the council was investigating the possibility of renting an empty former shop in Tower Street and other street-level premises in the town centre.

He said the idea was to create a drop-in information and advice point like a shop for the town council and many other bodies such as the chamber of trade, South Shropshire District Council, the Inland Revenue, the careers service and trading standards.

On the timescale he said: "We are going to have to get going as rapidly as possible. Councillors are keen to set up this as a community service and we are being driven by the Disability Discrimination Act that comes into force next year."

Mayor Graeme Kidd said: "We are actively exploring the idea of a council drop-in point for various community services. Our present offices are too anonymous and difficult to get into."