14/11/2023
Repost from
Behind this pretty pic there is a sad story that needs to be toldš
When we (Claire & Lucy) started a Ludlow blog many moons ago, we made a vow to only share the things we loved about living in Ludlow, all the positives. And we hope you feel we havenāt done too shabby a job.
But this is one unhappy story that has to be told not least because just over a year ago, we decided to use our platform to promote the areaās amazing, local businesses.
The shop in this photo is a much loved fruit and vege shop run by a father and son team: for 33 years Rob and Ross have worked crazy hours to provide their very loyal customers with fresh produce, much of it locally grown or sourced. During the pandemic, they were amazing, delivering regular boxes of food to vulnerable customers, it must have been pretty overwhelming and exhausting for them but they carried on nonetheless.
But a few weeks ago, The Fruit Basket closed its doors for the very last time.
A simple note appeared on the door from Ross and Rob āto our loyal customer baseā¦with a sad and heavy heartā. It went on to explain that they could no longer compete with local supermarkets not least due to the current economic climate and increasing running costs. The notice goes on to say that it was the āhardest decision of my lifeā and concludes by thanking everyone for their loyal support.
It is heartbreaking.
We need to support our local shops. We must prevent this from happening to our High St. We are asking you, our loyal followers to make the pledge to shop locally this Christmas.
We read a (well sourced) stat from recently reporting that 80% of items bought by UK adults on Black Friday in 2022 ended up in landfill. Thatās shocking.
So on Friday 24th, please please just pop into town and buy something from a small, local business. Letās prevent more shops closing and support the people who make our town so picturesque and vibrant, the place we are so proud to call home.
