Spudman Wins! Tamworth Council Backs Down Over Jacket Potato Stand Row

Ben Newman is “Spudman” online. He sells jacket potatoes. His stand was almost replaced. Tamworth council planned a flower bed that would replace Ben’s trailer, where he has been for 22 years.

Ben’s four million fans helped him, signing a petition with nearly 100,000 people. Ben met the council’s chief executive and described the man as nice.

The council apologized to Ben for poor communication, saying they could not force him out. The council will find his old contracts. This news made Ben happy, as he wants to stay in Tamworth.

The council may still install the flower bed. They will talk to engineers and builders to see what options exist. Ben hopes the petition helps him, because he thinks people don’t want the flower bed.

He said his spot doesn’t flood, but the new flower bed is for drainage. Ben needs planning permission now and wants a permanent container, like the old council promised him before.

Ben has nine kids to support, and he said filling out forms scares him. The council offered to help him, and the chief executive was very apologetic. Ben hopes they make the right choice.

Council chief Stephen Gabriel spoke and called the talks positive. They are looking at old contracts, after admitting to poor communication earlier. They want better trader relations.

The council wants to improve the square and create a welcoming space. They will contact traders soon. They want to work together on this.