Shrews ban council four

Four senior Shrewsbury councillors have been banned from the town's new £15 million football stadium because of a bitter feud over community facilities.Borough council leader Peter Nutting, deputy leader David Roberts, portfolio holder for sport Charles Armstrong and Councillor Tudor Bebb have been told by Shrewsbury Town officials that they are not welcome to attend matches or functions at the stadium in Oteley Road.

Councillors Nutting and Bebb are both long-term supporters of the club.

The ban also prevents the councillors from attending the Mayor's Charity Ball on October 20. Councillor Roberts will also be prevented from attending a presentation by Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, of which he is a governor.

Nobody from Shrewsbury Town Football Club was available to comment on the ban today.

Councillor Armstrong, who was involved in a war of words with Town chairman Roland Wycherley last month, described the ban as "childish" and said it was a form of intimidation.

Borough council chief executive Robin Hooper confirmed he was told the news by the club during a telephone call but was trying to get it to lift the ban.

It follows letters sent to all 40 councillors by club chairman Mr Wycherley in August, in which he accused the council of forcing the club to build community pitches at the new stadium rather than accept £350,000 for facilities elsewhere in the town.

Councillor Armstrong said: "It is childish and it's a form of bribery against the council to actually say to council members if you do not do what we want you to do we are going to bar you from the club. The important thing is that we all got we wanted out of this and we should have the grace and maturity not to take our ball home and sulk."

But Mr Hooper said he was hopeful of a resolution being reached with the club.

He said: "I am still in communication and consultation with the club about the detail and I would really like to give the club the opportunity to see whether it has reflected on it and changed its mind.

"While respecting the communications the club has made on one part there are wider implications that need to be taken into account. If such a ban is made the whole council and some public events and meetings cannot take place if some people can't go."

By Russell Roberts