A COMMUNITY leader supports plans for a fixed Traveller camp in Ellesmere Port but has branded the favoured site as 'totally inadequate'.
Maurice Brookes praised the borough council for trying to find a suitable site for Travellers in the borough, something he first suggested last year.
But on visiting their preferred site, in Myrtle Street next to the M53, he said of it 'good idea, but wrong location'.
Mr Brookes explained: 'At that end of Ellesmere Port, they are having millions of pounds spent on tidying it up.
'It's also the gateway into the town centre and they want to put it next to people's employment. The camp shouldn't go in the town centre.
'I'm all in favour of providing a proper Traveller site, but just not there. It's totally inadequate.'
Back in September Mr Brookes, chairman of the Stud Farm Residents & Tenants Association, had called for a fixed site to stop Travellers trespassing on council or private land and causing distress to residents.
He said: 'I'm pleased the council has taken on board their social responsibilities and hope they pursue the effort in finding an appropriate site for them.
'But they must also consult the Gypsy Council to determine their needs and talk to their co-ordinators.'
Jane Williamson, borough head of property and support services, said: 'There would not appear to be any significant technical reasons why Myrtle Street could not be developed for use as a temporary Gypsy/Traveller caravan park.'
She added: 'It is anticipated there may be objections from neighbouring property and businesses.
'It is therefore important the planning application provides sufficient detail to allay the fears of the community.
'We should visit existing Gypsy/Traveller caravan parks, research best practice design guides, and consult representatives of the travelling community.'
The Myrtle Street site is now being assessed fully, and estimates made of the likely costs.
The camp, which would have toilets, showers, lighting and security, will need approval by the council's planning committee.
Other sites the council looked at were:
* Rushton's Yard in Shropshire Road, near Cheshire Oaks - rejected partly due to levels of lead in the soil and highways concerns.
* Bridge's Road - rejected partly due to close proximity with waste incineration plants and industry.
* And nearby Cloister Way - rejected partly due to contaminated land and suitability concerns.
Travellers have previously camped all these sites, as well as others in the Port and Ince.
