Tettenhall: We want to be free from 'deadbeat' Wolverhampton City Council
Tettenhall is bidding to have its own elected council for the first time in 50 years amid claims of a 'desperate' need to escape Wolverhampton's 'deadbeat' local authority.
The village's District Community Council (TDCC) has drawn up plans to set up a parish council, giving Tettenhall greater control over planning and conservation issues.
In the coming weeks the group will formally request that Wolverhampton council conducts a community governance review, the first stage of the process.
MORE: WATCH - Your views on Tettenhall's bid to leave Wolverhampton council
The move has been backed by the city's Tory leader Councillor Wendy Thompson and her Tettenhall councillor Jonathan Yardley, who represents Tettenhall Regis.
He said: "Anything that removes some of the influence of the dead hand of Wolverhampton council is welcomed. The city is run by a deadbeat council who use Tettenhall as a milk cow to raise money for other areas of the city.
"Residents have had enough of unwanted developments and horrific extensions to houses being waved through."
However, Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence said: "For Mr Yardley to make such comments about the council that he works for showsthat he's a morally bankrupt individual."
The TDCC was set up two years ago as part of Wolverhampton council's plan to offer greater decision-making powers to local areas.
Group chairman Cyril Randles said becoming a parish council would provide continuity to the TDCC, funding for which is set to run out in 2018.
He said: "Forming our own parish council is something that we detailed as part of the local neighbourhood plan and we feel it is time to formally make the request.
"The change would give the village better levels of influence over planning matters and conservation issues."
The review, which could take up to 12 months and include a referendum, would be followed by an election for parish councillors. It follows years of disputes between village residents and Wolverhampton council.
A series of unwanted developments in the village have been granted, the latest of which will see the historic 'Clock House' on Stockwell Road demolished and replaced with a retirement complex and car park.
The move could see council tax rise in the village. Sutton Coldfield's recent change to parish council status saw an additional precept of £50 a year for a Band D property.
