'We fought a good fight' - Spudman condemns 'lying' Tamworth council but officials defend building bench | Express & Star
Dispute Between Spudman and Tamworth Council
A disagreement has arisen between Ben Newman, known as 'Spudman,' a beloved jacket potato vendor in Tamworth, and the Tamworth Borough Council. The issue centers around a newly constructed bench placed near Spudman's van, creating a potential trip hazard and hindering his business operations.
Council's U-Turn and Subsequent Issue
Following significant public pressure, the council previously reversed its decision to relocate Spudman's van during town regeneration plans. However, the placement of the new bench near his van has reignited the conflict. Spudman claims the council's actions constitute a breach of trust, as they assured him the improvements would not negatively impact his business.
Spudman's Accusations
In a video posted on social media, Spudman accuses the council of "lying" and states the bench's proximity to his van poses a safety risk. He highlights the potential for customers to trip and questions the council's decision-making process.
The future of Tamworth's favourite jacket potato seller, Spudman, was seemingly secure when Tamworth Borough Council re-evaluated plans for St Editha's Square to better accommodate the market traders.
The original regeneration plans for the square would have meant that the social media icon Ben Newman, aka Spudman, would have had to move his van to a different 'pitch' in the town.
The queue in Tamworth for Spudman However, in a shocking U-turn, the council amended their plans for the regeneration to ensure that Mr Newman could remain in his original location, along with developing ample space for customers and shoppers.
Now, in a heated video posted to the Spudman's official Instagram and TikTok pages, the potato seller announced that a new concrete bench sits so close to his van that it would cause a trip hazard.
Mr Newman said: "What am I meant to do at this point? We fought a good fight and they screwed us, they have literally bare-faced lied to us.
"The bench and the barriers are bang on my pitch. I went in there the other day and I measured it, if I stand in front of that bench, my hatch is overhanging the brick circle, so that's a trip hazard."
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