WARRINGTON Borough Council has withdrawn plans to relocate two families made up of travelling showpeople to vacant land in Bewsey following scores of complaints.

The planning application, which was registered last December, proposed to create new 'family quarters', including areas for living, private amenity and vehicle storage at the site, on Hoyle Street.

If blueprints were approved the showpeople would have moved from their current town centre home, on Foundry Street, to Bewsey.

The council's decision to withdraw its proposals was confirmed on August 15.

It comes after widespread concerns from those in the area, with some demanding compensation if the site was developed on for the families.

The application was met with more than 30 objections.

Council chiefs will now turn their attention to another potential location in the town.

A spokesman said: "Having consulted with residents and the showpeople families as part of the planning application process, the council has decided to look for suitable alternative sites within the borough.

"The planning application in relation to Hoyle Street has therefore been withdrawn.

"In the interim, alternative provision for the storage of fairground vehicles has been found to enable highway and underpass improvement works to shortly take place on Foundry Street.

"The council is now working with the showpeople families to find a suitable alternative site."

Fears over noise and an increase in traffic as a result 'fairground machinery' were also raised.

One resident, who objected to the plans, said: "Hoyle Street is a residential street and although bordering onto an industrial area, the traffic using this road is generally very light.

"I believe the movement of large transporter vehicles carrying the heavy equipment required for travelling showpeople would considerably affect the condition of road.

"It could also restrict people from parking on the road, outside their home, for fear of damage to their vehicles during the transportation of equipment.

"I have no objections to travelling showpeople but I have objections and concerns regarding the proposed relocation site in a residential area.

"I believe a relocation site, not in a residential area, would be more appropriate for a thoroughfare of heavy equipment and for vehicle maintenance.

"The proposed site would be better suited for affordable homes for local people."

The land is currently accessed directly from Hoyle Street.

It was considered to be 'well located' for the showpeople due to links to major transport routes.