Council aims to collaborate with Spudman following concerns about the St Editha’s Square redesign & pitch relocation.
Ben said the council wants to put a flower bed there. He posted about it on Valentine’s Day and has millions of followers on TikTok. He says he bought the pitch back in 2003.
The council wants him to move, and he would need to apply for a new spot. There are rules about blocking the church. Ben claims his pitch was worth 100,000 pounds.
He now reapplies yearly and feels they make it hard to give away free food. He feels destroyed by this whole situation. Ben thinks other towns would want him.
He started a petition asking the council to give him back his spot. It has over 70,000 signatures now. The council leader made a statement about it.
The leader says they want to work with him and acknowledges Spud Man’s work, saying, “She says he helps Tamworth a lot.” They recently awarded him Freeman of the Borough.
The square’s redo comes from a past project, which the council legally must finish. These plans existed before Labour took over, but improving engagement is important.
The council must consult with market traders. The leader will meet with Ben Newman soon to directly hear about his worries and wants to help him.
The council has no record of financial agreement with him. Most plans started before Labour took control in May 2024. Spud Man still has a pitch there, but the location changed a bit.
Traders must follow rules, including planning and licensing laws. The council wants a good solution for all.