AN explosive row over potential travellers’ sites in Burnley has reignited after the borough’s former planning head vowed there be none.

Liberal Democrats have seized upon a Facebook exchange between Coun Sue Graham, ex-council development control manager who now represents the Queensgate ward for Labour, and campaigner Steve Lupton.

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The social media conversation has come before any final plan has been drafted as part of the ongoing Local Plan consultation, which raised the prospect of land off Marlborough Street, Lawrence Avenue and Heald Road being used by travellers.

In her post, Coun Graham said: “And just to be clear, the Labour administration in Burnley say they will not accept any gypsy and traveller sites in Burnley.”

And when Mr Lupton seeks confirmation, she added: “The issue has been discussed at length in Labour Party meetings and we are of one mind, no traveller sites in Burnley.”

Gordon Birtwistle, the town’s MP and also a borough councillor, said: “Why are we keeping people hanging on who may be wishing to sell their homes in these areas then?

“People in Burnley are clearly concerned about what is going on and it appears the decision has already been made.”

But council leader Coun Mark Townsend has accused the Burnley MP of a ‘feeble’ effort in his attempts to clarify with Communities Secretary Eric Pickles whether the borough could sidestep the requirement for travellers camps.

He told a full council meeting that the MP had been asked by councillors in October to clarify the position with the government but had only been referred to a junior minister.

Coun Townsend said: “This letter fails on all levels to meet the requirement placed on him by the council. Little wonder that the minister failed to provide the council with the confirmation it needed to put a halt to the possibility of a gypsy and traveller site in Burnley.

“He has treated the council with contempt, including those in his own party who also felt he should be doing more to support the town in its fight against the imposition of a permanent site.

“His letter is simply a betrayal of the people of Burnley.

“He should now apologise to all of them for his feeble efforts on their behalf.”