Ruth was a Weatherfield Councillor who granted Peter Barlow planning permission for a bar in Viaduct Street in January 2010 after hearing the opposing arguments of Peter and his father Ken, who was against the bar on the grounds that it would be a nuisance for the residents of the nearby Coronation Street. Ruth was not impressed when Ken went to speak to her to persist with the matter after she revealed the board's decision and accused her of not caring about the community.