By Stratford Correspondent

12 September 1611

William Shakespeare has emerged as a contender to help fund urgent roadworks in Stratford.

The author of The Tempest appears on a list of 71 townsmen rich enough to help.

It is unlikely that he will volunteer eagerly.

Celebrity makes for a busy life - The Winter's Tale continues to stun London audiences. Planners appear to recognise this, and they have only added his name as an afterthought.