by Alice Scarsi
Caravan park next to the Mere in Cheshire would “litter” the beautiful landscape according to residents against plans
Hundreds of local residents have joined forces to fight plans for the introduction of a caravan park built next to the Mere in Cheshire.
Following an application submitted by company Euro Source and Find Ltd to transform a local car park into a touring and static caravan park, Ellesmere resident Cathy Andrew has decided to set up an action group – unoriginally named “No to Castlefields caravan park, Ellesmere” – in order to oppose to plans proposed, and has since attracted nearly 500 members in just one week.
Andrews explained her decision by saying: “People feel so strongly about this because of its proximity to the Mere. The land connects the Mere to the canal and people come from all over the world to enjoy the rolling landscape.”
The proposed development would house 30 touring caravans, 24 static caravans and a reception area with staff accommodation. Whereas it looks pretty clear to us that these proposals will boost the tourism and the economy in the area, that provides popular views of the Mere, Andrews believes that hosting more visitors in the area will have the opposite effect.
“The plans limit the views to just a few select people and it would spoil the general landscape for everyone else,” she said. “People come to enjoy a walk around the Mere and look back at the beautiful rolling landscape, not littered with big mobile homes. The Mere has got to be protected.”
On the same page is tree hunter, Rob McBride, another Ellesmere resident, who told the Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer: “The Mere goes further back than the Oswestry Hillfort and everyone knows it defines Ellesmere.
“Tourism is virtually all we have left and the Mere is too special to ruin. People who were thinking of coming to Ellesmere will choose to go somewhere unspoilt, it’s very annoying.”
Apparently, according to residents existing caravan parks in the area are more than enough to satisfy the needs of tourists wishing to visit the area. However, not all citizens of Ellesmere are on Andrews’ and McBride’s side. with some residents in favour of a new caravan park believing that the plans will bring more business into the area.
So far, the application has received 44 official objections, with just one comment of support, so things aren’t exactly looking good.
Let us know what you think. Are we as much of a littering pain than those in Ellesmere make out, or have they been listening to Ray Mears too much?
