Workmen return to rip up Beverley MP’s free driveway

Workmen were tarring an area near the home of Conservative MP Graham Stuart in Beverley, near Hull, last month when his wife Anne spotted leftover material and persuaded the men to relay it.

Some neighbours were fuming amid claims she had abused her position to have the work done for free - but now the surface is to be torn up by the same contractors.

One said: “We are very pleased the wishes of the local residents immediately affected by what’s happened have been taken into account.

“The contractors claim the majority of residents were in favour of the new road but I disagree. Most people directly affected were against it, the material used is not in keeping with the surroundings.”

But others leapt to Mr and Mrs Stuart’s defence.

Near neighbour Lawrence Wride, 58, said: “What Anne did was public spirited and showed a moment of ingenuity. That material was going to go to waste anyway so it made perfect sense for her to suggest it to be used to re-cover this old road which was full of potholes. It is now a massive improvement on how it was previously.

“The huge majority of the residents support what has happened and it’s ridiculous for anyone to say any different. There’s only one person who has a problem with what she did and I think he has his own agenda.”

Another resident who did not want to be named added: “It’s crazy that this has become a major issue. Anne did what anybody would have done and the road has now greatly improved which we are all grateful for. She should be praised for what she did.”

The contractor GallifordTry has agreed to take up the new surface on Seven Corners Lane at its own expense.

Mr Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, won a landslide victory at last year’s election, attracting double the number of votes of his nearest rival.

The MP defended his wife’s actions when the road was re-laid, saying: “I’m pleased my wife had the inspiration to ask and am glad it suited the company to dispose of its excess material in this environmentally friendly way.

“At no cost to anyone, it will now help residents, walkers and members of the tennis club who all use Seven Corners Lane.”

The council says no planning permission was required for the road because the work done was “maintenance”.