Graham Wynn

A leading Shropshire businessman today questioned the direction of the future of Telford following the sudden departure of Telford & Wrekin Council chief executive Steve Wellings.

Graham Wynn said he was “disappointed” council leaders were absent from Telford Business Review, the most important annual meeting held to discuss the economic development of the town.

Mr Wynn spoke in front of 160 people who attended to hear a presentation from the economic development company Transforming Telford.

He queried the absence of council leader Andrew Eade and Councillor Eric Carter, the authority’s cabinet member for economic development.

Councillor Eade today apologised for his absence, saying he was ill.

It is understood Councillor Carter had a previous engagement and sent apologies in advance.

Andrew Eade

Mr Wellings announced his resignation from his £160,000 a year post last week, saying he wished to pursue other interests.

Telford MP David Wright immediately called for an inquiry into the “management culture” at the council, blaming a “chaotic atmosphere” at the heart of the authority.

Mr Wynn, chief executive of the driver training TTC group in Hadley Park, said of the councillors’ absence: “We are disappointed they are not, particularly with the sad news Steve could no longer continue in post and there is a concern among the business community of the future direction.”

Borough mayor Councillor Bob Groom said Councillor Eade did a tremendous job and added: “As far as any future political direction goes, as mayor I cannot comment on that at the moment.

“My mayoral term ends on May 21 and then I’m off the leash and I will be able to have my say.”

Councillor Eade said today he had planned to attend but had a cold and could not comment on Mr Wellings’s departure.

By Business Editor Amy Bould