PUBCO and brewer Marston’s is applying to replace the signage on an historic Ludlow town-centre pub.

The Wheatsheaf will have modern signage if the planning application is approved.

But Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North is not impressed.

“They do not suit historic Ludlow and will damage the historic character of Lower Broad Street,” said Andy Boddington.

“With the Broadgate, The Wheatsheaf frames one of Ludlow’s most famous vistas. It has been photographed by countless thousands of tourists and painted by hundreds of artists.

“Today, The Wheatsheaf looks pretty much as it did in 1962, though the pub name has been illuminated. Indeed, it is not much changed from 1824.

“The current signage on The Wheatsheaf may look old fashioned to Marston’s PLC. But the pub is in an old-fashioned streetscape. Its signage should remain old-fashioned.

“We have a very attractive town and that supports our visitor economy. But all towns like ours risk losing their character through hundreds of small changes.

"This is a big change that will damage the historic environment of Lower Broad Street.”