A COUNCILLOR has made a scathing attack on planning official s for allowing travellers to settle in a village creating problems including noise and burning waste.

The controversial site is at Southsea, Wrexham, which is owned by a travelling family.

Cllr Derek Griffiths, a member of the neighbouring Brymbo Community Council, told colleagues: “This site is outside the official settlement area. It is disgusting what has happened.

“Wrexham officials seem to have turned a blind eye and we will never get them off the site and we should send the strongest possible protest to the authority.”

Other councillors said residents had complained about noise from the site and that waste was being burned there, and it is  feared it will cost thousands of pounds to have the site cleared as it had done in other parts of Wrexham.

Cllr Ken Monti said the previous owner of the site had had a caravan there but Wrexham Council made him move it and then blocked off the access.” Why couldn’t Wrexham Council have done that in this case?” he asked

County councillor Paul Rogers said the difference in this case was that the present owner had submitted an official planning application (for four caravans and a chalet).

“Planning officials are following the situation very closely. I and county councillor Neil Rogers (whose area the site is in) are being kept informed about what is happening.

“We are fully aware of the concern of local residents and it is important we also keep them fully aware of the situation.”

The community council unanimously backed Cllr Griffiths’ proposal that a protest letter from the council should be sent to the Wrexham authority.