Express & Star

MP calls for investigation into how Walsall travellers site was chosen

A row has broken out between an MP and council leader over how a decision to create a controversial travellers site was reached.

Published
Last updated
An aerial photo showing the land in Pleck where there are plans to create a travellers site

Labour MP Valerie Vaz has labelled Walsall Council's decision to choose the land to house travellers as "flawed" and has demanded an investigation by ministers.

The MP for Walsall South also accused council deputy leader Adrian Andrew, who used to work for Conservative Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes, of having a conflict of interest, suggesting the council may have selected the south of the borough to spare the Tory constituency to the north.

Walsall Council's cabinet chose land between Narrow Lane and Wednesbury Road in Pleck for a gypsy, Roma and traveller (GRT) site in February and it is now subject to a planning application. The decision has proved controversial in the area, with around 2,000 people signing a petition against it.

Ms Vaz's claims have been vehemently denied by Conservative council leader Mike Bird, who accused the Labour MP of attempting to "derail the planning process" and "smear" the character of Councillor Andrew.

Walsall South Labour MP Valerie Vaz

Councillor Bird said his deputy had sent the necessary letter confirming his departure from Mr Hughes' office last year but that it may have "got lost in the post" due to the impact of Covid. He said he had a copy in his desk and would provide it to support any investigation.

He insisted the process had been "open and transparent".

Ms Vaz said three sites in Walsall North were identified as being suitable for a travellers site in 2019 and that it was "inexplicable" that the authority had instead opted for land in Walsall South, highlighting the association with Walsall North MP Mr Hughes.

Speaking in Parliament, she claimed Narrow Lane had been chosen without any consultation with residents and demanded an investigation into the decision-making process. Councillor Bird said Narrow Lane was considered to be more suitable as the land was owned by the council.

Conservative leader of Walsall Council Mike Bird

Ms Vaz said: "Walsall Council’s decision was flawed as it failed to take steps to properly inform itself; took into account irrelevant considerations and failed to take account of relevant ones; and was tainted by apparent bias of a key decision maker, a legal opinion has confirmed.

"Walsall Council’s cabinet agreed the Narrow Lane GRT transit site before carrying out any consultation with local residents or stakeholders despite the fact the council’s own rules on decision making highlight the importance of consultation. Local people have been shut out of the decision-making process.

"My constituents in Pleck have had their rights trampled on by Walsall Council. The selection of the Narrow Lane site was wrong and the planning application should be immediately withdrawn."

Councillor Bird hit back, saying: "Many of the allegations are going to the scrutiny committee.

"A consultation will be carried out in accordance with the planning regulations, that's what's happening.

"At the end of the day it is a matter for the planning committee and in my view she is doing her utmost to make the planning process flawed."

He added: "To be honest she should focus on other things and let us get on with the job."