Resignation after film set refusal furore (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Resignation after film set refusal furore

A TOWN councillor and business leader has resigned amid criticism after telling movie makers they were not welcome in the town.

Robert Warner, chairman of the Stow Business Association, was approached by bosses from Working Title Films who were considering Stow-on-the-Wold as a future location.

He canvassed local opinion and told the filmmakers they would not be welcome as 90 percent of traders said the shoot would have a negative effect on their business.

But his comments have been met with criticism from fellow town councillors and businesses who said they would have welcomed filming and the benefits it would bring to the town.

Following reports Cllr Warner resigned from his position at the town council. It is understood this is because his full time job at Heathrow Airport made the role difficult.

Mr Warner this week refused to comment to the Standard.

Stow could have provided the backdrop for Hot Fuzz, a new comedy written and directed by Shaun of the Dead writer Edgar Wright and starring Gloucestershire born actor Simon Pegg.

Former mayor Vera Norwood, who runs a business in Stow, said the Business Association's decision to say no was ridiculous.

She said: "We've had films in Stow before and it's brought a lot of money in. It is wonderful publicity. It's not just money made while they are here, it is people who would visit afterwards.

"Lots of people have been saying they would like the film to be here, maybe its not too late to turn it around."

Mrs Norwood said Mr Warner's decision to write to the bosses at Working Title was done without debate.

She said: "There was no discussion, there was no choice, it was a fait accompli. But it is not just a case of asking miserly, miserable shopkeepers - it is a community. The people of Stow would have enjoyed it."

Town councillor Tom Morris, who also runs a business in Stow, said: "The council was not really involved. The people from the film company didn't approach us with anything formal but we would have been happy to meet and approve it.

"To be fair to Robert he got the views of the business community like he was asked. But Stow Town Council would probably have looked upon it very favourably."

George Sutton who runs the Toy Museum also welcomed the idea of Stow being used as a film location.

He said: "I think it would have brought a great deal of money into the town. My wife used to be a freelance hairdresser and used to work on film sets. I have been out on location and seen the money they spend.

"I would have thought it would have been beneficial to the town."

Following the reaction of Stow traders a spokesperson for Universal Films, the company which owns Working Title, said Stow was not even confirmed as a location. She said: "No decision has been taken yet. Stow was in the shortlist but there are several towns in the running."