Website will blast village’s ‘chav image’

2:20pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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A new website will help dispel the view Romsley is a village “full of chavs and council houses” – a parish councillor has claimed.

Parish councillor Terry Richards says evidence from social networking internet sites shows some visitors also believe the village should be avoided because “there are too many scarecrows.”

Speaking at a meeting of Romsley parish council on Monday July 14, cllr Richards said he had come across these views of the village while researching the new parish council website.

Cllr Richards, who has proposed and designed the new website, said: “If you look at some of the comments on websites people are saying ‘Romsley is a village full of chavs and council houses’ or ‘Romsley is a place to avoid during September because there are so many scarecrows.’ “We do not have a good image at all.”

Cllr Richards revealed he was currently arranging for the new site to be government accredited – which means it has to comply with strict guidelines on content.

He revealed a second, more flexible website would also be set up.

Cllr Richards said: “If it’s a government website it has a stamp of authority.

“Romsley is not full of chavs and council houses – it’s not that bad a place.”

The council also decided to put back a decision on a further proposal by cllr Richards to set up their own PO Box address until after the website is launched.

What do you think of the councillor’s comments on Romsley’s image? Do you agree with the views found on the internet? Make your voice heard by posting a comment.