BURNLEY Council said the consultation events for its Local Plan, which includes proposals for three permanent traveller sites, were ‘well attended’.

The council had been criticised for failing to make residents aware of proposals for the possible sites, in Marlborough Street, Lawrence Avenue and Heald Road, but said that so many people attended one session at Burnley Town Hall last week, that it became an impromptu public meeting.

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The council said government guidelines had effectively forced it to put forward the suggested sites, despite the council being opposed to the idea, and has pledged to axe the plans if the town’s MP, Gordon Birtwistle, can obtain confirmation from government ministers that the sites are not required.

The council said in a statement that planning officer would be looking carefully at all the comments received and early in 2015 comments and the proposed council response would be published alongside the council’s preferred option plan. “At that time, there will be further consultation and opportunities for residents to have their say.”