LUDLOW Traders will be hoping for a government concession on business rates.

It is claimed that 200 businesses in the town face increases that in some cases could be crippling.

The hope of some sort of change of heart follows a promise of a Government statement due on Wednesday (March 8).

Andy Boddington, the Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow North, says that the government is on the back foot.

The new business rates are set to come into force on April 1 but Sajid Javid, the communities and local government minister has promised a statement from the treasury.

“It is clear that the government is on the back foot,” Andy Boddington.

“Just days ago, Sajid Javid, said businesses were ‘scaremongering’. Now he says that an announcement will be made in the budget on March 8. But he gives no details.

“He should take care how he targets any additional relief. Retailers are facing a squeeze in the middle. The big supermarkets have already got a good deal out of the government on business rates. The smallest shops will pay no rates at all.

“It’s the pubs and mid-sized independent shops that are being hit hardest. Here in Ludlow, many are facing business rate rises of up to 150 per cent over five years.

“Sajid Javid should target his additional relief measures at independent shops and pubs. Too many town centres across the nation are dominated by empty or charity shops.

“I fear that might happen in Ludlow.

“The business rates rise could lead to the closure of several of the independent shops that define our high street. That means we will become just like many other town centres, dominated by the same national chains and by discount, charity and betting shops.

“If that happens, many visitors will decide not to come to Ludlow, harming our pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as our outdoor market and smaller shops.”