High tensions as hundreds oppose Darlaston travellers site plan

More than 350 people descended on Darlaston's All Action Centre for the packed-out forum organised by the community.

It was over a proposal to turn the closed-down Darlaston Multi-Purpose Centre into a site for 15 permanent traveller units.

A public consultation on the controversial plans for the Victoria Road site, which closed in 2007, will begin on Monday.

The venue on Wednesday night was completely full to capacity and people had to be turned away at the door.

Although those unable to enter could still sign the petition against the proposal which has amassed hundreds of signatures along with the e-petition.

Residents demanded to know who had put the proposal for the Darlaston Multi-Purpose Centre site forward and who currently owned the site.

Joyce Larkin, who lives next to the disused building, said: "It's just not the appropriate place.

"I would like to see the site become a nature reserve, I doubt that's going to happen though.

"Since its been disused we have seen the most beautiful birds and butterflies."

Pensioner Keith Edwards, 77, said: "I am here tonight to protest against the gypsy site which is in the middle of the town – which is diabolical.

"It is also by the swimming baths which would ruin them for a start."

"Steve Roberts and myself found out these plans and no one else knew anything. So we decided to do something about it."

The meeting organisers made note of all the questions to take them to a Walsall Council planning meeting later this month.

Organiser Ade Stevenson revealed the site, which had been earmarked for 30 caravan pitches, was proposed to be turned into the '15 permanent units to house travellers'.

The consultation will last two months.

Councillor Rose Burley, who represents the Bentley and Darlaston North ward, was in attendance along with Angela Underhill – Walsall council's mayor.

Councillor Burley said the plans had not been drawn up by councillors, but it was a government request to find suitable sites for travellers dealt with by council officers.

Council officers have provisionally designated areas of the borough for the requested number of sites.

She added: "At the moment the plans are up in the air.

"They are not written in tablets of stone, this is why this meeting is taking place tonight."

Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz was unable to attend the meeting, but she left a message with one of the organisers, Steve Roberts.

He said: "She is 100 per cent behind us. She is willing to take this to council, to local government and even to parliament to back us."

Hundreds of people have now signed both the e-petition and the paper petition protesting against the Multi-Purpose Centre becoming a home for travellers.

Mr Stevenson said: "We want people to see we're serious and this and not just banging tables.

"We need to dot every I and cross every T.

"With the toxic recycling centre the people of Darlaston got together and it didn't happen. I am sure we can do something similar here."

Resident Lewis Page added: "The people of Darlaston always stick together."

The next meeting to discuss the proposals will be at Walsall Town Hall on September 16. It is a Walsall Council planning meeting which will be chaired by Councillor Burley.