Coseley firm will stay after traveller camp fears eased

Commercial Body Fittings, in Coseley, has now lodged expansion plans with Dudley Council which could see 40 new jobs created.

The firm's managing director Mark Negri has previously suggested CBF, which already employs 30 people at its base in Budden Road, might be forced to move as a result of the transit site being created nearby.

But after a meeting with Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley bosses have been convinced it would not have a negative impact on their business.

The transit site, which will also be in Budden Road, is being created to crackdown on the number of illegal encampments by travellers at parks and beauty spots across the borough.

It currently costs the council £150,000 a year in clean-up operations and legal fees to move them on.

Evidence from other councils suggests adopting a transit site will give the authority increased powers to move travellers on more quickly.

Mark Negri, managing director of CBF, said: "We never wanted to leave Coseley, but we had initial concerns about the possible impact on our business of putting a temporary travellers’ site on our doorstep.

“It was pleasing that the leader of the council contacted us directly. Following a meeting with him we have been reassured sufficiently to commit to staying here and to press ahead with our exciting expansion plans.”

Council leader Patrick Harley said: “CBF had expressed concerns regarding the impact of the transit site on their business.

“I was very keen to speak personally to the company and explain the reasoning behind the council’s approach.

“I am very pleased that as a result, the company has decided to stay at Coseley and expand their business.

“We are committed to being a business-friendly council and will not allow the transit site to have a negative impact on local businesses.

“The transit site is being provided to prevent and not create problems for our local communities.”