Group fights back after chav slur

Proud Telford people are spearheading an internet fightback after the town was branded a "world leader in the production of chavs" in a website slur.

See also: Town's fury at 'Chav' slur

Using the social networking website Facebook, campaigners have started a group called From Dawley and Proud of it. And already the group has more than 40 members - just days after it sprang to life.

Now the defiant Dawley group has issued a rallying call to townspeople by inviting them to join, the online group in a show of solidarity against website creators who heaped scorn upon the town.

The group's motto is: "We are proud of living or being brought up in the area despite what you hear about it"

It comes just days after it was reported how Uncyclopedia - a parody of the online encyclopedia Wikipedia - branded Telford & Wrekin home to "drug addicts and criminals".

On Saturday civic leaders spoke of their pride in coming from Telford and were quick to bat away criticisms levelled at the area on Uncyclopedia.

The group is being championed by Great Dawley parish councillor Shaun Williams, who has already put his name down.

Councillor Williams said: "Some members of our community, inside and outside Dawley, will have you believe that Dawley has no or little positive attributes, but I think this group goes to show that those of us who have been brought up in the area are proud of where we come from, and regardless of where we go or settle will still sing the praises of a town which has a strong community base."

The 22-year-old councillor's Facebook entry reads: "Dawley certainly is the capital of Telford. I am proud to be a part of it."

The group can be seen at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=13809936652&ref=mf

By Tom Johannsen