Should Bilston pull away from Wolverhampton and have its own council?

Bilston East councillor Stephen Simkins says there is a growing body of support within the town to have greater decision making powers, with many residents 'sick to the eye teeth' of getting a raw deal from the city council.

He said there was a 'big possibility' that Bilston could follow the example of Tettenhall, which is currently bidding for parish council status.

And the Bilston East councillor says he is '110 per cent' behind the move, which he says has reached tipping point over council plans to build a housing estate on playing fields in Prouds Lane.

Mr Simkins said: "In Bilston there is a lot of support for us pulling away from Wolverhampton council

"People have been keeping a close eye on what is going on in Tettenhall and it is likely that if they form a parish council, we will push to do the same.

"It will not be easy and I fully understand that the powers we would get would be limited, but the basic fact is that this town has been in the doldrums for far too long."

Bilston had its own council up until 1966. Becoming a parish council would give Bilston decision making powers on issues including car parking, conservation, planning and environmental measures.

Four years ago a campaign group drew up plans for a town council in Bilston, although the scheme came to nothing.

Tom Larkin, a former Bilston councillor and a resident in the town, says it was far better off under Bilston town council.

"When it all changed we were promised that once the new local authority was established it would not be remote," he said.

"Unfortunately Wolverhampton has become detached from Bilston to the point where a lot of people here feel they have been let down."