Businesses have joined the fight to stop a travellers' site being set up in Old Heath, Colchester.

Owners are concerned that the proposed site in Grange Way is too near their premises in the Whitehall Industrial Estate.

The council has said the location is a possible permanent site for travellers, but residents oppose the plans because it is in a built-up area.

Now businesses have added their voices to those looking to persuade the council to choose another spot.

The Whitehall and Hythe Action Group (WHAG), which represents firms on the industrial estate, will be asking councillors for an alternative.

Jes Jephcot from the group said: "This plan is very unpopular with businesses."

He said that the group would be contacting Colchester MP Bob Russell and the council to register its opposition.

He welcomed Mr Russell's call this week to place the travellers' site on land near a sliproad heading towards Ipswich on the A12.

Published Friday November 8, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette