Tensions ran high at a public meeting over plans to earmark a site in Whitehaven for a Gypsy and Traveller site – and a business said it would quit Copeland if it went ahead.
Around 30 people attended the meeting, called by town councillor Edwin Dinsdale, to share their fears about the plans for 12 pitches.
This includes allocating a site in the region for potential use as permanent Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. It identified land, between Cumbria Sports Academy and the Sneakyeat Industrial Estate. It would only become a Gypsy and Traveller site if a developer took it on. Copeland Council would not create the site.
But business owners from the industrial estate told the meeting that they feared they would have to move if the site was developed.
One local business owner, Taylor Harker said: “We have two separate buildings right next to the perimeter fence, we might be moving to Workington because of it, we don’t want to but we have very high value assets. If it goes ahead 100 per cent we will move to Allerdale.”
After speaking with neighbouring businesses, Taylor told the meeting he was confident at least five firms would leave the site if the plans go ahead.
“Businesses will leave. I know at least three that will move to Allerdale, so if they want to have this site come, the estate may as well close. I’ve not met anyone who is keen on the idea.”
“Whittle Jones who own the estate, they know what’s coming so they’ve put cameras up, the gates are locked and they’re going to be be locked overnight. They know what’s coming and the businesses will move, so Copeland Council will lose business tax rates.”
Residents and community groups also attended the meeting and said they were concerned about the cost to the taxpayer and the safety of the former landfill site.
People added they were frustrated that several public meetings and debates have taken place discussing the future of the site with no Copeland Borough Council representatives appearing for questions.
Councillor Dinsdale was disappointed in the lack of representation and said he had emailed Copeland mayor Mike Starkie five times for a representative to attend the meeting.
A vote was held and an overwhelming majority were in favour of writing to the Government to address resident concerns around a lack of representation and a request for an extension on the consultation was also decided upon.
Several residents and a representative from the allotment association expressed further concerns around the history and safety of the site.
Councillor Dinsdale added: “Years ago we’ve had residents come forward who have been eyewitnesses to waste being dumped on that site, we’ve spoken about metal samples, soil samples and methane gas samples. All of this stuff can be cleaned up, but it isn’t cheap.
“The clean-up and excavation could go into the millions. Previous reports have detected methane gas – one cigarette could result in disaster for a Travelling family.
“One of Copeland Borough’s slogans is Copeland is open for business, and I think it’s safe to say on this occasion that businesses will be voting with their feet and they’re going to be off if the wrong decision is made.”
Mr and Mrs Fleming, the couple looking to buy the site, observed the meeting.
