WARRINGTON Borough Council has confirmed the latest position regarding the creation of a traveller transit site.

There has long been a desire for land to be allocated in the town to reduce the number and impact of unauthorised caravan encampments.

Neighbouring areas have proven how successful they can be, with Runcorn being a shining example.

As early as 2015, Warrington Borough Council set £2 million aside to create a traveller transit site – but almost a decade has passed with no site being delivered.

The issue was raised again recently by Cllr Valerie Allen, who has since lost her seat, and Cllr Judith Wheeler, with both questions now responded to by Cllr Hans Mundry, council leader and cabinet member for highways, transportation and public realm.

Cllr Allen said: “We have been reassured in the past that the provision of a travellers transit site has been of the highest priority for WBC.

“While neighbouring councils have got on with this task, WBC seems to be making no progress, leaving all our residents with the serious problem of unauthorised encampments which last days, or sometimes many weeks.

“Will Cllr Mundry also commit to the provision of a traveller transit site as his own highest priority, and if he does, will this make any difference?

Cllr Wheeler meanwhile wrote: “The Travellers’ Task Group last met in November 2023. It was beginning to develop into a cohesive, cross‐party group.

“After May, can we have some assurance the group is reconvened or reformed, and discussions continue to make some progress on locating a suitable transit site?”

The same response was issued to both councillors by Cllr Mundry, who said: “The council is committed to the delivery of an appropriate transit site within the borough, in support of both the travelling and settled community.

“The council recognises the impact of illegal encampments on all sections of the community.

“The council has allocated funds within the capital programme for the delivery of such a facility, and it continues working to establish a suitable site to bring forward for planning permission and delivery via the Cross‐Party Cabinet Traveller Task Group.”