Express & Star

Tettenhall wants to break Wolverhampton hold

Tettenhall wants to break away from Wolverhampton City Council and create its own governing body amid furious claims the area is being 'destroyed'.

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Fuming councillors and residents said the decision to bring a funfair to Upper Green was the final straw.

They are now applying to the Government to become their own town council.

The funfair – described as a 'wonderful idea' by the city council – will run on the green from July until September and feature rides. However, last night the city council responded to the backlash by declaring 'if this proposal is not welcome in Tettenhall, then it won't happen'.

And the council stressed it would be a 'small fun fair' of no more than three children's rides. Within hours of the funfair plan being revealed, a petition was set up and signed by more than 1,700 people.

Councillors representing Tettenhall said there was 'an overwhelming body of support' from residents who were keen to sever all ties with the city council.

Wolverhampton's opposition Tory leader, Councillor Wendy Thompson, who represents Tettenhall Wightwick, said: "This is now a definite possibility and something I am 100 per cent behind.

"I don't think the Labour group like Tettenhall. They seem intent on destroying everything that is good about the village.

"People here can think for themselves and they feel insulted by the low standards being imposed on them by the council.

"A lot of people think it would be better off out of Wolverhampton."

Becoming a town council would give Tettenhall control over roads, community buildings, green areas and planning.

Tettenhall was an urban district until 1966.

Councillor Jonathan Yardley, who represents Tettenhall Regis, called the funfair 'the epitome of tackiness'. He said: "The funfair has proved to be the final straw."

Labour council leader Roger Lawrence said any change would only have a minor effect on the way Tettenhall is run.

"This is hardly a UDI (unilateral declaration of independence) as they seem to be making out," he said. "If they want to pay a bit more money in council tax for a few extra park benches then that's up to them."

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