HUNDREDS of concerned homeowners packed into the first public consultation meeting over a proposed Gypsy and Travellers site in Frodsham.

The hour-long meeting at Weaver Vale Primary School, Frodsham, on Wednesday, gave the community a chance to hear Vale Royal’s plans and air views on the site.

Mike Hall, MP for Weaver Vale, said: “Every contribution was against the proposal. It is too close to the school and there are concerns this will have an adverse effect on the education. The site is too close to housing which could have an adverse effect on house prices and access to the site is inadquate. It is a totally inappropriate site which should be rejected.”

The meeting opened with a presentation by the council before the public were invited to ask questions.

Chairman of the North Frodsham residents association and Frodsham Cllr Frank Pennington presented Vale Royal with a petition of more than 100 signatures from members of the community.

Lead councillor for community safeguards John Turnbull, who attended the meeting, said: “I found the people of Frodsham, while willing to listen to the government line on Travellers, were equally adamant the site was unsuitable.”

Vale Royal spokesperson Rachel Kerslake said: “The meeting was well attended and constructive, and residents explained their views and concerns clearly. This is exactly the purpose of the consultation and the outcomes will inform the process.”

Following a heavily criticised online consultation, a questionnaire was sent to every household in Frodsham to canvass views on Vale Royal’s plan to put a permanent site in Ship Street.

A total of 280 forms were returned and all but six declared strong objections to the proposals.

Despite the strong feeling against the site, the executive decided to continue with the plans.

The deadline for the public consultation is Friday, October 17. For more information, visit www.valeroyal.gov.uk, e-mail planning@valeroyal.gov.uk or phone 01606 867770.