A HUNDRED years after the retirement of the last town crier in Middlewich, the role could be set to return to the town - but not everybody is happy about it.


Devlin Hobson, from Nantwich, is a professional town crier and currently represents Kidsgrove, but has expressed his desire to represent Middlewich.


However, when The Guardian launched an online ballot this week asking readers ‘Would you like a town crier in Middlewich?’ the result showed that the idea splits opinion among residents.


Devlin claims he is currently in talks with Middlewich Town Council about the possibility of becoming the town crier for Middlewich, but says like the residents, the council seem to be wary of the idea and thinks it may be because the modern day role is misunderstood.


Devlin said: “At the moment the town council have offered me a year as the town crier but that’s not really enough, you have to get to know the town and build relationships with people and that is not enough time to know the community.


“I think the main reason for their trepidation is that people are oblivious as to what a town crier today does and that is understandable.


“I don’t want any money for it, I do it because I really enjoy it and I will do as much or as little as the council want me to.”


Devlin visited Middlewich for the Folk and Boat Festival and led the parade before performing as a town crier around the town.


The Nantwich man claims he fell in love with Middlewich during his visit and is now keen to become the Middlewich town crier if the council offer him a long term role.


He added: “I must say that the Folk and Boat Festival was the best event I’ve ever been to and I thought it was really fantastic that such a small town can produce numerous events like that.”


Devlin regularly competes in town crier competitions throughout the country representing his town and promoting it wherever he goes.


Devlin said: “It’s a fantastic way to promote the town you represent to people from all over and I’m competing in the World Championships at Chester in August.


“The World Championships would have been a perfect opportunity to shout for Middlewich because you really can’t get any higher than that, but hopefully I’ll be able to when it comes around next year.”