PLANS to locate two mobile homes for travellers at the end of a residential street in Whitley met with strong opposition at a meeting last Friday.

More than 50 people gathered outside the plot in Brybur Close, off Whitley Wood Road, after Church Ward Councillor Paul Woodward called a meeting to discuss a planning application submitted to Reading Borough Council by Leslie Wells, of Reading Road, East Hendred, Wantage.

Reading East MP Rob Wilson and prospective Labour parliamentary candidate Matt Rodda also attended, and Mr Rodda called the site “completely unsuitable”.

He added: “The local councillors are working with residents and they will be speaking against it at the council’s planning committee.

“As a councillor in a neighbouring area of South Reading, I have also campaigned to get traveller encampments moved off Long Barn Lane Recreation Ground and have worked with the council parks department to fit new tougher locks and to secure gates at the rec to help prevent another incursion.”

Adlan Hussain, who has lived in the area for 25 years, said: “I have seen the area transformed into a caring community.

“I believe this would undo a lot of the hard work put into creating a great atmosphere.”

After the meeting, Mr Wilson said Reading Borough Council should support residents’ objections.

He said: “I would like to thank all those who attended the meeting.

“I know that there is strong opposition to these proposals on this site and I will do my best to help.

“This is a local authority matter that will be decided by planning. I am surprised that local councillors have not let local people know earlier about these proposals.

“I hope they will all now join this campaign. I urge all residents in the area to write to the planning officer with their individual views.”

Cllr Woodward urged residents to attend the council’s planning meeting on Wednesday, October 15 to voice their concerns in person.