Residents battle to keep out travellers

Public talks are being held on Wakefield Council's proposals for Ossett household waste recycling centre.

Angela Taylor, who has organised a petition, which has been signed by 2,500 people and who organised a public meeting last week, said many people were unaware of the proposals and says residents of Ossett and Gawthorpe are angry.

Coun Ian Bunney (Con, Ossett) said many residents do not want the tip to close as they will have to make a 12-mile round trip to get to a tip at Denby Dale.

Simon Reevell, Dewsbury MP, said he has received letters and emails from his constituents opposed to the development.

He said: "The strength of public feeling against this traveller site is overwhelming.

"If they do decide to go ahead then it should be built in a place which doesn't impact on the residents of Kirklees, who have said time and time again that they do not want such a development."

Coun Denise Jeffery, deputy leader of Wakefield Council, who attended last week's meeting said: "We have a full consultation programme on the sites specific document of Local Development Framework, which is out for public consultation until the end of September.

"We want to make sure as many people as possible get a chance to put their views forward on this document which relates mainly to allocations of land for housing, employment and gipsy and traveller sites and safeguards green belt and conservation areas. Retail, town centre, leisure and open space uses will be dealt with in future documents.

"No decisions have been made yet and I am taking the views expressed at the public meeting back to the town hall."