Businesses call for land to be safeguarded for jobs - not Traveller sites

From the Winsford Guardian

BUSINESS leaders have accused the council of putting employment opportunities at risk with its plans to develop a travelling Showman site on Winsford Industrial Estate.

The proposal, from Cheshire West and Chester Council which owns the land, has outraged the business community who believe the site – at the entrance to the estate – should be used to create much-needed jobs.

The plans have been put forward despite at least three businesses expressing an interest in buying the land to expand their operations and create jobs.

Pete Price, chairman of the Winsford 1-5 Business Improvement District, said: “Businesses are disappointed that the council is proposing to use this land for a residential travelling showman’s site – it is a completely inappropriate place for it.

“The site is designated for employment and at least three companies want to expand there. The Winsford area needs jobs and so I would urge the council to listen to our concerns and work with us to create the best environment for business growth.

“It has taken years to create a flagship employment centre and if these proposals go ahead the very nature of the estate will change – and it will not be such an attractive place for businesses to stay and grow.”

Businesses and residents are now being urged to write to the council and appeal to them to safeguard the land for employment purposes only.

Pete Price added: “The time is now appropriate for individual companies to make their position clear to the local authority.”

The proposal is one of two sites that were earmarked for the town to fulfil CWAC’s obligation to find more Gypsy and Traveller sites across the borough.

Plans to build a permanent, 20-pitch Gypsy and Traveller site for land off Barlow Drive, was given the go-ahead in March – despite huge opposition from residents, business leaders and Winsford councillors.

•Anyone interested in expressing their views should write to Clr Mike Jones, Cheshire West and Chester Council, 58 Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2NP.