Telford First had been due to take over responsibility for economic development services for Telford & Wrekin Council and spearhead multi-million pound developments.

But it is facing the possibility of a costly rebrand after two Telford residents, John Franklyn and John Miller, set up a private company called Telfordfirst Limited. They said they hoped their company would force the council to work more openly.

Council bosses hit back by saying they would “not allow such petty distractions to derail what is an extremely important process.”

They said the council had not finalised agreement on the name of Telford First and arrangements could be made to create a new name.

Council spokeswoman Kate Bond, in a statement issued on behalf of the council and Telford First, said: “The council is deeply disappointed with the spoiling tactics used by John Franklyn to derail a proactive and exciting initiative designed to transform Telford & Wrekin into a modern, vibrant city.”

She added: “The board of Telford First will be a partnership of key stakeholders within the town, chaired independently and including representatives from the council, private sector, the Chamber of Commerce, Advantage West Midlands, English Partnerships, Government Office of the West Midlands and the Telford & Wrekin Partnership.”

Mr Franklyn, 41, of Donnington, said: “You can’t call yourself Telford First if you’re not putting the residents first and that’s what we’ve done.”

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