'We agree with the public': Walsall Council axes six traveller sites

Proposals for pitches at the old Darlaston Multi-Purpose Centre had caused uproar among campaigners, with more than 2,600 signing a petition in opposition to it.

Likewise, around 250 people lobbied against the idea of having pitches at the former Royal British Legion Club at Broad Lane Gardens in Bloxwich.

To their relief, both sites have been deemed unsuitable by council officers, as have sites at Poplar Avenue, Churchill Road and two plots at Mill Street.

Instead, the council is proposing to develop 15 extra pitches up until 2026, including 10 at Dolphin Close in Goscote, three at the back of homes on Foster Street in Blakenall and another two at an existing site in Willenhall Lane.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, economy, infrastructure and development chief, said: "We have a duty to find sites that are legal pitches for gypsies and travellers.

"They are people and they need somewhere to live.

"Getting proper pitches is better than what has been happening in Walsall for the past year with all of the illegal and temporary encampments.

"Some of the sites identified by the Site Allocation Document, which was collated by officers and not by politicians, have clearly been deemed not to be suitable.

"Following a public consultation we have listened and agreed with the public.

"Other sites have come forward which seem to be acceptable."

Councillor Doug James, who backed campaigners opposing to turning the centre into a traveller site, said: "People were on anti-depressants, had weeks of sleepless nights and considered selling their houses.

"Jobs and health were impacted on by the stress caused throughout the consultation.

"No community should have this pressed on them by ineffective information from Walsall Council."

Travellers blighted the borough in 2015 causing outrage among local residents with illegal encampments, particularly at Barr Beacon nature reserve and the retail park next Banks's Stadium.

More than £70,000 of taxpayers' money was spent on clearing up after them in the last 12 months. Councillor Andrew hoped that providing extra legal pitches would help curb the problem in the future.

He added: "This is a step forward.

"It is better if we can provide the proper facilities instead of them turning up at places like Barr Beacon and creating damage and mess.

"It is a difficult circle to square. Unfortunately there is a reputation out there and a view that people don't want them on their doorstep. But we have to try and provide a balance."

A report on the suitability of sites in the borough is set to go before cabinet bosses on Wednesday.