Labour-run Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council have put Hadley Cemetery Lodge on the market, hoping to raise over £300k from the sale to fill a big hole in their finances.

Despite being shamed into abandoning attempts to increase council tax over the last few years by Conservative councillor, Stuart Parr, the Labour administration refused to reduce unnecessary spending to improve the council's financial position. Indeed, when he suggested scrapping councillors' allowances the Telford & Wrekin councillors who run the council mounted a spirited defence of their right to claim more taxpayers' money despite receiving thousands from Telford & Wrekin Council.

Following last year's local elections in which Labour were given a super-majority on the parish council, the council's financial regulations were amended to remove the requirement to consult with residents before disposing of "real" assets such as property. Clearly this was done in preparation for the sale of the cemetery lodge, along with replacing their own cemetery worker who lived in the lodge with Telford & Wrekin Council's environmental team at twice the price. The lodge has now been put on the market for £350k which will give the Labour administration a big fighting fund for the next election.

Apley councillor, Andrew Benion, has spoken out against the sale of the property and is working with Conservative colleagues and residents to postpone the sale until residents can be consulted. Over 900 people have signed a petition started by a local resident to save the lodge.