Ludlow Memorial Bench Fund Repairs

For over a decade now, volunteers in Ludlow have been repairing and adding to the number of public benches in the town. Ludlow’s public benches reflect the historic and varied architectural backdrop of the town. As in many tourist towns such as Whitby and Tenby, residents and visitors alike can sit down and soak up the atmosphere of such beautiful vibrant places.

Volunteers can spend time properly preparing the benches before staining them with material purchased locally. In the 2018 bench survey, within the town centre alone there were 97 benches with 36 needing urgent attention. By the 2021 bench survey, we had over 100 benches with only half a dozen or so needing urgent attention. It is intended to repeat the survey every three years, as we now look to provide preventative maintenance of Ludlow’s public benches by volunteers, working with the weather and around people who want to use the seats.

Most of the seats are owned by Ludlow Town Council and Shropshire Council, and volunteers make it affordable to maintain them in these budget stressed times, to look after the historic legacy of the past Ludlow Borough seating and to add to the provision.

Replacement benches are recycled from scrap benches from around the county, as we in Ludlow and at the WoodWorks project know how to bring them back to life.We champion the environmental benefits of recycling public benches, to add to the proven socioeconomic benefits of providing public seating for all to enjoy.

Article written by Graeme Perks. Photo of Graeme working on a bench © Ludlow Chamber of Trade.