‘Hoodwink’ claim over travellers site plan

COUNCIL officers have been accused of ‘trying to hoodwink’ the public over plans for a travellers’ site in central Anglesey.

Last week’s planning committee saw members discuss a recommendation for a site visit before a full report is presented to members. This was turned down amid concerns that proper procedure was not being followed.

In January, the authority submitted the bid for 10 pitches between Gaerwen and Llanfairpwll, on land between the A5 and A55.

But the proposals have come under criticism locally, with fears voiced of a rise in mess and lowered house prices, despite officers’ insistence it would reduce the risk of unauthorised encampments elsewhere.

Planning committee member and local councillor Robin Williams, told the meeting: “It’s clear to me that this (carrying out a site a visit) is speculation (at this stage.)

“We shouldn’t even be discussing any site visit until the report is in front of us in full.

“I feel this is the next step in attempts to hoodwink local people, and ask that the committee defer any decision until the full report is ready.”

According to the authority, those at the site will be expected to pay rates and rent: Welsh Government funding is being sought for the work.

It’s expected that the application will be presented in full to Anglesey’s planning committee over the coming months.