Controversial street party for Tettenhall is scrapped

Street Banquet was set to be an afternoon of live music, booze and street food vendors including Meat Shack and Gangsta Wraps.

But the event, due to take place on the grounds of Chris Jewkes Fitness in Danescourt Road, has been axed due to fears over parking, litter, noise and its close proximity to Danescourt Cemetery.

Mr Jewkes made the decision to scrap the party, saying 'I'm not in a position to go against residents' wishes'.

Organisers had originally planned to hold the banquet on Upper Green but the privately-owned site was leased instead.

Mr Jewkes said: "When I was approached by the street food festival I was under the impression it was going to be a family fun day with gourmet food and it has transpired it is going to be more than that.

"As the opinion has grown I have made the decision it is going to be something we are not going to be a part of.

"I'm not in a position to go against residents' wishes.

"There are issues and concerns regarding parking and it is a tight area and if they get the numbers they are expecting there's nowhere to park and that reflects badly on us and people are concerned."

Organiser Will Power today said he was 'majorly disappointed' with the decision.

"It is something that I have been working on now for 18 months," he said. "I have lived here all my life and the feedback, speaking to people and members of clubs, was that they all wanted something a bit different.

"I think it was portrayed one-sided. It certainly wasn't going to be a party and there was a lot of work on the parking and making sure any disturbance was kept to a minimum.

"It just seems it's a step backwards for the area."

He added he would be looking for an alternative site to hold the event.

Councillor Jonathan Yardley, who represents Tettenhall Regis ward and had raised concerns about the suitability of the event, welcomed the decision.

He said: "It is something that I welcome because it was licensed for music and the sale of alcohol by the council without any consultation at all with local residents, the local neighbourhood partnership and local councillors.

"The public were getting worried and I have been inundated with complaints - one complaint that I got was the fact it was next door to a cemetery."

It is the latest event to be cancelled in the village. Last month, Wolverhampton City Council backed down over plans to stage a funfair on Upper Green following a string of complaints from residents. A petition set up against the fair garnered more than 2,000 of signatures in less than 48 hours.