PLANS to relocate two families made up of travelling showpeople to pave the way for Warrington’s new youth zone are edging closer.

The families have been living in the town centre, on Foundry Street, but the development of the £6 million site for youngsters in the Stadium Quarter requires them to be moved.

Proposals to relocate the two families were passed in July last year.

Councillors granted permission to develop facilities for residential use and storage at a former abattoir site in Woolston, on New Cut Lane, and at Winwick Road industrial estate, on Athlone Road.

But following a high number of objections, the Woolston scheme was dropped and the council put forward a different site on Athlone Road.

The council has confirmed the plans are progressing.

A spokesman said: “Preparation work is due to commence on site this month and it is anticipated that both families will relocate towards the end of the year.”

In August 2016, the authority withdrew proposals to move the families to Hoyle Street in Bewsey following scores of objections from residents.