Stuart Anderson MP has revealed the results of the second part of his Shop Local Campaign, which heard directly from more than a thousand residents and business owners about their hopes and fears for the future of the high street in Ludlow. The results from the survey inform Stuart’s long term plan to unleash rural prosperity across South Shropshire. As part of this campaign, Stuart has vowed to continue listening to what local businesses need to thrive. Stuart is also supporting local fantastic opportunities and fighting for more local funding and business support.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"I was thrilled to receive over a thousand responses to my Shop Local Survey in Ludlow. While most people continue to often visit our high streets, this has sadly decreased for hundreds of local residents who are now discouraged by prohibitive parking arrangements. There is also a strong desire for the range of goods and services available to be further enhanced. At the same time, more than half of the businesses that responded reported that their confidence has decreased over the past year - driven by expensive energy bills and supply chain costs as well as the government’s recent hikes in a range of business taxes. Despite these huge pressures, I will continue to campaign for the funding and support that will enable these businesses to thrive. This remains a vital part of my plan to unleash rural prosperity in South Shropshire, including by supporting our high streets."
Headline Results:
1,252 responses were received to my 'Shop Local: Ludlow' survey between 19th July 2025 and 9th October 2025. This included 1,179 residents and 15 businesses - plus 55 who are both and three who didn't specify.
Most people (815) reported that they often visited the high street. 285 people said that they sometimes visit the high street. 119 people reported that they rarely visited the high street. 12 people reported that they never visited the high street.
For most people (797), this frequency has stayed the same over the last year. This frequency has increased for only 69 people. However, the frequency has decreased for 357 people.
Most people (984) primarily visit Ludlow for food and drink. 182 people primarily visit Ludlow for health and personal care. 138 people primarily visit Ludlow for groceries.
Meanwhile, 28 people primarily visit Ludlow for clothing. 7 people primarily visit Ludlow for services. Other reasons people visit Ludlow is for work, visit the market, and to see family and friends.
Of the 1,065 people who responded to this question, most people were discouraged from visiting Ludlow due to parking (570), range of services (123); prices (106), opening hours (93), and accessibility/distance from home (23).
Notably, Shropshire Council has recently decided to increase their parking charges. This comes at a difficult time, with rising taxes and many of telling Stuart how tough things are after last year’s budget.
As part of his formal submission to the Autumn Budget, Stuart has urged the Chancellor to keep the decade’s long freeze on fuel duty that has saved drivers an average of £1,900. In Shropshire, over two thirds of residents rely on a car or van to get to work, according to the 2011 Census. At the same time, average weekly household expenditure on transport costs in rural areas is £94, compared with £70 in urban areas. At the same time, Stuart has called for improvements to the local transport network in South Shropshire and wider region.
Of the 1,218 people who responded, most are encouraged to visit Ludlow due to accessibility/distance from home (694). This is followed by parking (233), opening hours (86), range of services (76); atmosphere (49), and prices (9).
Business Responses:
Of the 70 businesses that responded, most (48) felt moderately optimistic about their business in the current economic climate - giving it a score of 3 or more out of 5. Of 68 businesses that responded, more than half (36) reported that their confidence had decreased over the past year.
Meanwhile, 30 businesses reported that their confidence had stayed the same over the past year. Only two businesses reported that their confidence had increased.
Of the 70 businesses that responded, most (48) reported that energy prices had a bad or very bad affect. This was followed by supply chains costs, (44), parking restrictions (36) and business taxes (25).
