TWO councillors who had clashing campaigns to save Warley traders from Tesco have joined forces – following the Gazette front page.
Last week this newspaper reported how both Tory councillor Will Russell and Lib Dem Karen Chilvers held separate campaign rallies at the same time on opposite sides of Warley Hill.
And, despite an angry e-mail exchange between the pair, forwarded to the Gazette, they have decided to clear the air over coffee.
On Wednesday, following publication of the Gazette, Ms Chilvers posted a message on Twitter along with a picture of her with Mr Russell.
She tweeted: "Another massive councillor squabble but, actually, it was @WillJRussell's turn to pay 4 coffee. More soon on #GreatWar!"
A common letter written by both councillors refuted a feud.
They wrote: "It is certainly not "shopping baskets at dawn" and we are not seeking political gain from our separate but complementary campaigns to help Warley traders.
"Of course, we don't always agree – and we did exchange frank views on this matter via e-mail – but that's just human nature when passions run high – not just in politics.
"We feel that a 'hypermarket has been made out of a corner shop' here, especially as we councillors, of different political views, are known for working together in our ward on this and other issues such as saving Cromwell Road play area and our current project – trying to repair the path at Warley Country Park."
Full letter pages 18&19
