RESIDENTS opposed to the possible creation of a travellers site near their homes voiced their concerns at a public meeting.

About 90 members of the public attended Tuesday’s meeting at The Venue, which was organised by Rudheath Parish Council.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has compiled a report listing 26 preliminary sites being considered for a gipsy and traveller transit site to meet Government requirements.

A number of the sites are in the Rudheath area, including land off Cookes Lane, which is the focus of concern from residents.

People who attended the meeting were worried about an increase in traffic on Cookes Lane and Griffiths Road if the site went ahead, the need for more local services, the effect on house prices and the impact on wildlife and the environment.

The parish council will take the comments from the public into account when considering its position on the Cookes Lane site, and will be discussing the merits of organising a petition to force a debate at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Residents are urged to have their say on the transit site issue by taking part in a Cheshire West consultation, which runs until September 23.

A link to the consultation can be found on the Rudheath Parish Council website under ‘proposed gypsy and traveller sites’.

“We organised the meeting to gauge the views of the public,” said parish council chairman Alison Gerrard, who chaired the meeting, which was attended by parish council and Cheshire West councillors.

“I have never been at a public meeting in Rudheath attended by so many people.

“Quite a few people asked questions, and no-one stood up to support using the land in Cookes Lane for a travellers site.

“The vast majority of people who attended the meeting live in the area surrounding the Cookes Lane land, and there was a great deal of concern from residents about it being used for a transit site.

“We will take their views into account in deciding what we are going to do as a council, and are asking people to take part in the Cheshire West consultation.”