BOROUGH council chiefs have finally named the site for Ellesmere Port’s first ever Gypsy & Travellers’ camp.
But the Travellers – who have previously antagonised residents by trespassing on both private and public land and leaving a mess behind when they leave – have received a strong warning to “keep it clean”.
Members of the council’s resources committee last week voted to endorse a bid to the Government for a 100% grant for the site.
Tony Mousdale, head of the service (non-landlord) unit, said the camp was to be provided at Rushton’s Yard, New Bridge Road, across the M53 from the Stanney and Wolverham estates.
He adds in a report: “It is yet to be determined whether this will be a residential or transit site. It should accommodate 15 pitches.
“The provision of a site will address the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the borough.”
The council has decided to spend £110,000 in preparation for the bid to the Department for Communications & Local Government.
Confirming the chosen site as Rushton’s Yard, committee chairman Cllr Joe O’Rourke (Lab, Sutton) told Thursday’s meeting that it would be subject to the usual planning application.
He added: “This is a 100% grant. We have got to get our bid in quickly because of the time limit on it. We’ve had this scheme with us for quite a long time.”
Committee member Peter Shephard (Lab, Rivacre), said he was one of many councillors who had been trying to resolve the issue of Travellers for a long time.
He explained: “We should find a place for Travellers but I won’t let it go without saying that it’s a pity some of the Travellers do not do more to help themselves.
“When we set this up we have got to impress on Travellers it is their site and they have got to keep it clean.”
