Express & Star

MP criticises council over plans

A Wolverhampton MP has criticised Dudley Council for ignoring concerns after plans were agreed to build a temporary transit site in Coseley.

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Travellers in Dudley last year

Dudley Council has approved the plans for disused council-owned land on Budden Road.

However Wolverhampton South East Pat McFadden said the council has not listened to concerns raised by residents, businesses and ward councillors.

Commercial Body Fittings Ltd, in Coseley, said it could be forced to move due to increased insurance rates and security concerns - putting 30 jobs at risk.

A public meeting was held last month where residents meet with council bosses to voice their concerns.

Mr McFadden said: “Dudley Council has ignored the objections of residents, the local Labour councillors for Coseley East and local businesses who have said they may relocate with the loss of up to 30 jobs if this goes ahead.

"They Council had made its mind up about this before the consultation began. This is the wrong area for this proposal. We should not be sacrificing local jobs because the leadership of the council is so determined to put this camp here.

"The council should have taken more seriously the warnings from local businesses and local people."

The transit site will give Dudley Council and police tougher powers to evict travellers from unauthorised sites and move them onto the temporary site.