PROTESTERS against the proposed Gipsy site in Middlewich say they are ‘disgusted’ with the council’s ‘lack of courtesy’ after one of their group passed away.


Margaret Roden, who lived on Cledford Lane, opposite where the Gipsy site is planned to be built, was one of the main protesters along with her husband, Ken.


Mrs Roden died recently of a sudden heart attack and after the date for the planning board meeting was swapped several times, it has eventually landed on the same date as Mrs Roden’s funeral.


Friends, family and neighbours, who have also been involved in objecting against the plans are infuriated after the council refused to move the date of the meeting.


Bob Moody, Mrs Roden’s neighbour and also one of the main protesters, said they are now being made to choose between having their say at the planning meeting and paying their respects to a friend.


Bob said: “As Mr Roden is one of the main protesters, and is directly affected by the gypsy site because it is opposite his house, I thought the planning department may have been a little more considerate; but regrettably they have not even bothered to reply.


“I am disgusted at this lack of courtesy and the people concerned should be ashamed of their callous lack of consideration.


“None of the protesters want to sit in a planning meeting when we should be paying our respects to our friend and neighbour Mrs Roden, but perhaps the Council are taking advantage of this tragic event to diminish the strength of opposition.”


Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of economic growth and prosperity, described the clash as an ‘unfortunate coincidence’ and confirmed that the date would not be changed.


Mrs Simpson said: “We were sorry to hear the sad news that Mrs Roden has passed away. The clash of dates between her funeral and the planning meeting is an unfortunate coincidence.


“If the application for Cledford Hall does not go before the Strategic Planning Board (SPB) meeting on April 15, the next opportunity would be in June, thus causing a significant delay.


“The Chairman of the SPB has been made aware of the situation and the Cledford Hall application has been moved towards the end of the agenda to give people the opportunity to both pay their respects and attend the meeting.


“Before coming to a decision, the members of the SPB will take into account all the representations that have been received during the planning application process.”