Local residents should have an opportunity to make their views known in regards to an expanded traveller site in Machynlleth according to local Assembly Member, Russell George.
Machynlleth Town Council believe Powys County Council should hold a full public consultation on the proposed traveller site. Machynlleth Town Councillors have unanimously backed a vote of no confidence in Powys County Council over the issue.
Mr George, who represents Montgomeryshire in the National Assembly for Wales, has raised the public engagement over the proposed traveller site in the National Assembly Chamber with the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Carl Sargeant AM.
Speaking after raising the issue in the National Assembly, Mr George said:
"Regardless of the merits of the proposed location of the expanded traveller site, I agree that local residents should be able to make suggestions and have their say.
"There should be a full, proper and transparent public consultation to ensure that residents have the opportunity to express their ideas. This is simply democracy in action and would complement the engagement session which the local authority conducted at the end of November.
"When I raised this issue in the National Assembly I was pleased that the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that all local authorities ought to be operating under the principles of the Well-being and Future Generations Act which enshrines the principles of consultation and public engagement."