Coseley traveller site saga compared to Brexit

Plans have dragged on for three years to build a site in Budden Road, Coseley, due clashes between political parties.

In that time the plans have been scrapped by Labour only to be resurrected by the Conservatives.

It has come amid strong opposition from residents in Coseley over issues of contamination at the site.

The latest twist has seen building work halted after Dudley Council's scrutiny committee called for a thorough investigation into the plans.

Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said: "This whole thing has been going on since Brexit but, like Brexit, the Conservatives will deliver a transit site for Dudley.

"It is typical of Labour to delay and do nothing. Labour were in power for eight months but, despite this, they were unable to come up with a suitable location."

A second location in Dudley emerged as a site contender at the scrutiny meeting, located at Birmingham Road, Stourbridge, near the tip.

The committee recommended that the contamination issues at Budden Road be investigated further and a report be made to full council, on February 24.

Coseley residents have complained that the site is contaminated from past industries making it unsuitable for camping.

However Dudley Council says the land has been capped to address this issue.

Councillor Qadar Zada, leader of the Dudley Labour Group, has warned that the Budden Road site would be scrapped for a second time, if his party regains power in May.

The council, under the Labour group, scrapped the Tories' Budden Road plans in 2019.

Councillor Harley added: "The scrutiny's report will come to full council on February 24 and on February 25, contractors will be on site.

"The site at Budden Road will be ready to open by May when Labour won't get in the council."