Huge opposition to gypsy site proposal

10:03am Thursday 2nd October 2008

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OPPOSITION to two suggested sites for a permanent gipsy camp in Winsford has gathered momentum.

Borough councillors were presented with a 350-signature petition by residents and local businesses at their meeting on Thursday.

A consultation by Vale Royal Borough Council is currently under way, examining the suitability of possible sites across the borough, including one in New Road, Winsford, and another in Bradford Road.

But petition organiser and Winsford resident Brian Wood, said both sites are unsuitable for health, safety and traffic reasons.

Speaking on behalf of all signatories, he said: “We believe there is already generous provision within Winsford for caravan and other mobile domiciliary residences.

“We believe that Bradford Road should not have been included because of its proximity to the hazardous areas on all sides, namely the water treatment works, which carries the danger of deep water and moving machinery; the salt stockpiles where dozens of 40 tonne trucks pass within metres of the site; the landfill site with the danger of noxious and flammable substances still being generated and the electricity low level transformer fed from overhead supplies that cross the site.

“We also believe that the environmental impact, the felling of mature trees plus diversion and disruption to Whitegate Way (part of The Mersey Forest), is unacceptable.”

Turning his attention to the New Road site, he added: “This is one of the town’s most important sites, immediately at the gateway to the town and has been identified as part of the Winsford regeneration strategy for a possible riverside development.

“We are also aware that the entertainment venues local to this area are where all, but mainly the young people of Winsford can consume alcohol into the early hours. We, like local landlords, are keen to prevent this becoming a flashpoint for trouble at closing time.”

Winsford Town Council has voiced its opposition. Council clerk Alan Warburton said: “The Bradford Road site goes against health and safety regulations because of its proximity to the works.

“The New Road site is arguably the most inappropriate location in the entire town. It has been identified in the regeneration plans as part of the Winsford Vision; it is right in the middle of a busy gyratory system and we are concerned about anti-social behaviour because of its proximity to the town’s night life.

“The new Learning Zone is also to be built in that area and the traffic would be too much. We just think its the location that is wrong, not the travellers.”

Opponents to the proposals are invited to a public meeting tomorrow, Thursday.

The exhibition opens at 6pm with the meeting scheduled to start at 7.30pm and is being held at Willow Wood Community Junior School in Bradbury Road.

People can also take part in an online consultation by visiting valeroyal.gov.uk.