TikTok's Spudman to be moved from town centre spot

Ben Newman, aka Spudman, described the move as "really bad news"

A potato seller turned TikTok sensation has revealed he will be temporarily “kicked off” his town centre spot while the area is redeveloped.

Ben Newman – aka Spudman – said his popular van would have to move from its current pitch at St Editha’s Square in Tamworth, Staffordshire, later this year.

Describing it as "really bad news", he said he was given the option to move to the high street nearby but that it was “not the greatest idea”.

Tamworth Borough Council said it was working with traders to find them a suitable spot while the square was being redeveloped.

In a video posted on his TikTok channel, Mr Newman said: “I love this spot by the church, on the square – absolutely beautiful – and we’re getting kicked off.”

He told his 3.5m followers that he knew it would happen but said he did not realise it would be so soon.

“Where are we going to go and what are we going to do? I don’t know just yet and it’s not just me, it’s the whole square,” he said.

Mr Newman said he and the other traders on the square would have to move

Mr Newman said the authority had given him an option of moving to Market Street nearby, but he was concerned that the length of the queues he gets would upset other traders.

He admitted the redevelopment of the square would make the area “better in the long run” and that his van would be back to its original spot once the work was completed.

Stephen Gabriel, chief executive of Tamworth Borough Council, said that all market traders on the square would be temporarily moved “later this year”.

He added that the work was part of the town centre’s regeneration programme and would make St Editha’s Square more accessible.

The work would also include improvements to the area’s lightning and seating.

“All moves are temporary and we are working with our local market provider to find everyone suitable space elsewhere in Tamworth town centre and market,” Mr Gabriel said.

“Throughout the work, Tamworth town centre and market remain ready to welcome visitors for shopping, leisure and socialising. We thank all visitors and businesses for their patience.”