Councillor 'bullied' over collapsed wall saga

A town councillor has said he feels "bullied" over letters from people calling for the authority to repair a wall in Ludlow that collapsed 12 years ago.

The stone wall, near St Laurence's Church, was first damaged in February 2013 when land from the neighbouring graveyard slipped.

However, a dispute over responsibility for the wall has meant that ever since it has been left without being repaired.

Councillor Glenn Ginger said an "organised minority group" were attempting to "derail democracy" and influence decisions made by the town council.

In addition, he said complaints about him and other councillors over the issue were false and "potentially libellous".

Last year, estimates put the cost of repairs at more than £3m.

The town council maintains that it does not own the wall and the church should take on the responsibility to repair it, something the Parochial Church Council (PCC) - the church's executive committee - disputes.

Despite the stand-off, the council has said it will "take a full and active part" in a partnership to maintain it "on a no liability basis" with the aim of pursuing external grant funding.

Mr Ginger said that the wording of the agreement was intended to protect Ludlow's taxpayers from footing any future bills.

"Councillors have not ignored this issue; they seek a solution without capitulating to historic and future liability," he said.

"Despite this sustained attack, Ludlow Town Council remains open to discussions and grant applications to resolve the matter while protecting the interests of all Ludlow residents."

The BBC has approached the PCC for comment.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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