Fears new travellers' site in Telford would lead to rise in fly-tipping

Objections have been lodged against Telford & Wrekin Council's proposals to transform the Ketley Community Recycling Centre site, off Whitchurch Drive, into pitches for gipsies and travellers.

The proposals state there would be a total of 17 pitches, each allowing space for one caravan and one car.

But objections to the application have now been submitted, with residents voicing their concerns on the council's website.

Sharon Roberts, of Western Rise, Ketley, said: "This is going to be directly on my doorstep and frankly I am not happy.

"Also north Telford will be losing a valuable civic amenity site. How can you justify cutting resources when the town is growing at a rapid rate."

Another objector, Kirsty Offland, of Sandbrook, Ketley, said: "There will be an increase in crime rate around the area and excess rubbish which will need be collected by the council, yet the council are already facing major cuts so why spend the little money they have on a travellers site.

"Not to mention the decrease in property prices around the area which would affect people who have brought houses for their future for example first time buyers."

Other objections state that the land would not be fit for for human accommodation due to its use as a waste tip, and protestors have raised further concerns that it would cause traffic and parking issues.

One businessman voiced worries that it could affect the future of his firm.

David Hannington, from Taurus Metals in Ketley Brook, said: "There is no restriction upon the time of entry or exit from the site and thus the main road (Whitchurch Drive) will come to a stand still.

"My business interruption can only be guessed at, but I am concerned that f this application is granted that my business will close down, as there will be no control of the numbers of people using the site and random parking will take place."

The council's planning application highlighted a need for additional gipsy and traveller accommodation in the borough and stated that the site was "relatively isolated" and would not dominate the surrounding area.

The council is planning to close recycling centres at Ketley and Granville later this year and open a new one at Hortonwood in October.

It will mean that the borough will then have two recycling centres – the new one at Hortonwood and the existing one at Halesfield, which would both be available seven days a week.

The authority has said the move will save £140,000.