New move in Burgy homes bid (From Warrington Guardian)

New move in Burgy homes bid

DEVELOPERS who want to build houses on the Islands Brow Burgy Bank have recruited a team of public relations specialists as they attempt to win over opponents of the plans.

The Woodford Group submitted a planning application last summer to build 431 homes on the land that is made-up of chemical waste from the Pilkingtons' glassmaking process.

But a tide of opposition swelled up from the nearby community and a campaigning action group has raised fears of possible health risks if the development is given the go-ahead by St Helens Council.

They cited a land study of the bank that showed toxic chemicals like arsenic are locked within the earth. Campaigners fear drilling and cutting away of the bank in preparation for building could lead to toxic dust being breathed in by surrounding communities.

At two public meetings held at Chain Lain Community Centre last year more than 100 people attended on both occasions to raise their concerns.

Consultants

This week Manchester-based public relations company Pendragon Consultants Ltd confirmed they are acting as consultants for Woodfords.

A spokesman for the company said: "We are working with Woodfords on community consultation and liaison. There will be some form of public consultation exercise. I can't be too specific at the moment but it may be some kind of exhibition."

The Woodford Group announced it was planning an exhibition last month, but recruiting the specialists is a new move.

It is the first time the developers have worked with Pendragon on a project. However, the public relations company has worked on controversial developments in the past such as the building of a gas turbine power station in Runcorn.

On their company website Pendragon state: "Our particular expertise is in community relations and issues management, where we have extensive experience of dealing with difficult or contentious situations."

Mike Pape, chairman of the Burgy Action Group, said: "I wonder why they are needed in the first place? Have they identified there is a problem there?

Convince

"The planning is supposed to be built on factual evidence but this looks like they are being brought in to convince people."

A date has yet to be set down for when the application will go before St Helens Council's Planning Committee.