AN INTERNET consultation on a proposed travellers site in Ship Street, Frodsham, has come under criticism.

Vale Royal Borough Council are asking for views on four possible sites across the borough through a tick box survey on their website.

But Frodsham North Cllr Andrew Dawson has accused the council of alienating non-internet users.

He said: “I think it’s crazy. People are going to be left troubled, scared, frightened and suspicious. The council, which I am very proud to be on, has failed to properly appreciate that some need communication in different modes.

“It is repeating the same mistakes they made a month ago. It’s simply not on and not the way the council should be behaving. It does not give the appearance of an open and transparent contest.”

About 166 people from across the borough have completed the online questionnaire since it went live on July 18.

Frodsham Mayor Pammi Taylor said Frodsham Town Council would not be completing the form and, as an individual, she had no intention of submitting the questionnaire.

She said: “I found it purely by accident. They don't seem to have publicised this consultation and many people apparently don't know about it.

“But I don't see it's going to benefit anyone. It's very basic and doesn't take you anywhere.”

Vale Royal planning chief Richard Ellison said: “The online consultation is literally the first step.

“We will now do a letter drop to address people and bridge the gap between the electronic and the targeted consultations in September.”

Lead councillor for community safeguards Cllr John Turnbull added: “There are rumours that these locations have already been selected for the development of permanent sites; it is worth reiterating that this is not the case, it’s just that they meet the Government’s site selection criteria.

“We are also planning to write to residents in the vicinity of all of the shortlisted sites advising them of the proposed communication arrangements which will take place after the school holidays.

“It needs to be open and thorough and everyone will have their chance to express their views.”

You can complete the online survey by logging on to www.valeroyal.gov.uk and following the links.