A PETITION containing the signatures of 94 people opposed to a new site for travellers at the 'gateway to Leominster' was handed to the town council this week.

Herefordshire Council is running an ongoing public consultation on potential new sites and site extensions as part of the preparation of its Herefordshire Local Plan Traveller Site policy.

The need for additional pitches was identified during research carried out to assess current and future accommodation requirements of the travelling communities, the council says.

One of the sites identified is land next to the A49 roundabout near Leominster which would be a temporary stopping place for up to 14 days.

In its consultation document, Herefordshire Council says the site would provide capacity for up to 10 caravans and towing vehicles and is a good location on the strategic highway network.

However, Leominster Town Council heard this week that a number of businesses and residents were concerned about the impact the proposals could have.

The site, the town council was told by residents, was possibly a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and was also an area that flooded.

Councillor Jenny Bartlett said she wanted Herefordshire Council to consider one of the lay-bys further up the A49 and for residents to consider other alternative sites.

Cllr Wayne Rosser urged all those with objections to register them with Herefordshire Council as a petition represents only one, regardless of the number of signatures it contains.

Herefordshire Council says the action is being taken to address the shortfall of available sites for those needing a base in Herefordshire as well as those travelling across the county.

The site, it says, is partially visually contained by existing semi mature native woodland and there is good access to a range of services and facilities.

However, it acknowledges that part of the site is in flood zones one and two and that further assessment of the flood risk would be required.

Cllr Clive Thomas said access to the site was not suitable for trailers and caravans. He added that vehicles could get stuck when there is flooding.

The consultation runs until Monday, September 19 and can be found at herefordshire.gov.uk/traveller-sites-consultation

Hard copies can also be viewed at information points such as libraries and customer service centres across Herefordshire.

A drop-in session is also taking place at Leominster Community Centre on Monday (September 12) between 4pm and 7pm.