Labour group ‘calls in’ withdrawal of Gypsy and Traveller sites in Neston and Saughall

LABOUR councillors have accused Tory council bosses of causing ‘upset and distress’ by choosing ‘unsuitable’ sites for proposed Gypsy and Travellers pitches.

Controversial proposals for sites in Neston and Saughall were abandoned earlier this month, after residents questioned the sites’ suitability.
Now Cheshire West and Chester Council Labour Group has ‘called in’ the decision to ditch the plans – despite supporting the withdrawal.
Labour group leader Cllr Justin Madders said: “The requirement for the council to provide Gypsy and Traveller sites is an extremely sensitive issue which needs to be handled carefully and diligently.

“While the executive has made the right decision to withdraw the Neston and Saughall sites, it’s clear they have failed in their duty.
“Had they done their homework properly, these sites would never have come forward in the first place.”
The council’s corporate scrutiny committee will consider the issue on December 12 – delaying any decision on a proposed 15-pitch site in Rossfield Road, Overpool.
Cllr Madders said: “That site appeared from nowhere and, as far as we know, it’s still a fully functioning council depot.
“Until they actually say what’s going to happen to all the people who work there it strikes me as premature. It just says to me they haven’t thought this through properly.”
A council spokesman said no definite decision had been reached on the future of the depot and its workers. He said residents also face ‘months of uncertainty’ while the council finds alternative sites.