'We fought a good fight' - Spudman condemns 'lying' Tamworth council but officials defend building bench

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.

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."

'We are working with Mr Newman'

The council responded to the scathing message, saying that they are 'actively working' with Spudman, and they 'value his contribution to the town centre'.

Stephen Gabriel, chief executive of Tamworth Borough Council, said: " St Editha’s Square is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment project as part of the council’s Future High Street’s Fund regeneration project.

“Original plans were amended so that Mr Newman could return to his original trading location with ample space for van and trailer, along with space to safely drive in and out."

The group said that the bench had been installed to 'enhance visitor experience' and that the bench in question helps to 'support aims' for an inclusive town centre.

Councillor Gabriel said: "A new bench has been installed to enhance the overall visitor experience and improve accessibility for everyone who uses the square. This includes providing much-needed seating for visitors with mobility issues, students from the new college, attendees of community events, as well as Mr Newman's customers.

"The bench helps support our aim for an inclusive town centre that serves diverse needs throughout the day. It has been positioned specifically to allow Mr Newman's full trading operation to continue as before.

"We're actively working with Mr Newman to understand his perspective and address any concerns he may have. We value his contribution to our town centre and are committed to finding solutions that work for everyone."

The council added that they are excited to welcome traders back to St Editha's Square when the works are completed at the end of May.

The group said: "In consultation with the Counter Terrorism Officer with Staffordshire Police, additional demountable bollards are being installed as these are now a legal requirement under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as 'Martyn's Law', and not an attempt to restrict any trader's access.

"The bench also provides an additional safety feature in line with Martyn’s Law. We have worked diligently to accommodate the needs of traders while meeting our safety obligations.

"Traders bring character and vitality to our town centre, and we very much look forward to traders once again back on the square when the works are complete at the end of May."

Fans of Spudman have now started a petition to urge Tamworth Council to restore his pitch, which can be found on Change.org.