Spudman vs. The Bench – A Battle in the Heart of Tamworth
So, here’s what’s been stirring things up in Tamworth lately—and yes, it’s more than just spuds. If you’re from around here, you know the name Spudman carries weight. Ben Newman, aka Spudman, isn’t just selling jacket potatoes; he’s become a bit of a local icon. People queue up, rain or shine, just to get a taste from his van in St Editha’s Square. But now, there’s a bit of drama heating up—not in the oven, but between him and the Tamworth Borough Council.
Originally, it looked like things were going Spudman’s way. The council had some ambitious regeneration plans for the square, and at one point it looked like Spudman would be forced to relocate to a new pitch. That didn’t sit well with the locals—or with Spudman himself. There was pushback. Community voices were raised. And then, a win: the council backed down and altered their plans. They assured Ben he could stay in his original spot, with enough space for customers to queue safely and comfortably. Victory, right?
Well… not so fast.
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In a video that’s now doing the rounds on his Instagram and TikTok, Spudman sounded off. And he didn’t hold back. A new concrete bench has been installed—right next to his van. According to him, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s downright dangerous. He claims it creates a trip hazard because it’s placed so close that when he opens his hatch, it actually overhangs part of the bench area. He even measured it himself, pointing out that this contradicts what he says were previous agreements with the council.
In his own words: “We fought a good fight and they screwed us. They’ve literally bare-faced lied to us.” You can feel the frustration in that statement, can’t you? This isn’t just about potatoes anymore—it’s about trust, space, and the relationship between small local businesses and the officials who claim to support them.
To their credit, Tamworth Borough Council has responded. They’re standing by their decision, saying the bench is part of the overall improvement plan for the square. From their perspective, it’s about making the area more inviting for everyone, not targeting any single trader. But for Spudman, it feels like a betrayal.
This whole situation kind of hits deeper than it seems. On the surface, it’s about a bench and a van. But zoom out a little, and it’s about how we protect the character of our towns. Spudman is part of Tamworth’s character. He’s more than a trader—he’s part of the local identity. So when something like this happens, it’s not just logistics. It feels personal.
And now, with this tension still sizzling, people are watching closely. Will the council reconsider the bench placement? Will Spudman find a way to work around it without risking customer safety—or his own business? Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: this story is going to stick in Tamworth’s memory for a long while.
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