RECENT positive economic news shows unemployment in south Shropshire has fallen, and average wages have increased by £50 a week since 2010. But we also know that pressure on business and jobs continues in Ludlow.

Last week HSBC announced the closure of its local branch, which is very disappointing for customers, especially for those elderly and vulnerable, who may not have embraced mobile and online banking. The fact HSBC customers will be able to access some banking services at the Post Office will be little comfort given the current threat to the branch in One Stop, until a new venue is secured.

So I am meeting HSBC to discuss this closure. Similarly the closure of One Stop and Budgens shows the pressure on local convenience and food retailers.

I strongly believe the introduction of a new edge of town supermarket would severely add to these difficulties for town centre businesses. Some support a new supermarket to provide children's clothing, but the size of store proposed would not have space for clothing ranges.

Many of us recall the damage done to the town centre of Leominster when trade was sucked out of town to the edge of town supermarket. Replicating that along the A49 in Ludlow makes no sense to me.

Ludlow is a draw for many tourists, who come to see a thriving market town with a wide array of independent shops. All of these visits create jobs and growth in Ludlow’s economy. Any short-term boost in local jobs from a new supermarket would all too quickly undermine the jobs of others in town.

Some of Ludlow’s businesses also face pressure from rising business rates due to the revaluation of rates due to take effect from April. For the majority of small Ludlow businesses, this first revaluation since 2010 will keep them below £12,000 rateable value, where they will benefit from 100% business rate relief brought in by the Conservatives to help small businesses.

But some other larger businesses, especially retailers in the town centre face proportionately large increases. I met Ludlow Chamber of Commerce earlier this month to discuss this issue, and am raising it with both the relevant Minister and the Valuation Office directly. I cannot overrule the Valuation Office, but I made clear I would argue the case vigorously, as Ludlow seems to be faced with disproportionate increases compared with other towns in Shropshire and the West Midlands.

Keeping Ludlow’s town centre special is vitally important to both local households and businesses.