Frustrated councillors have criticised the progress on a new permanent gypsy and traveller site in Allerdale.

At a virtual meeting of Allerdale Council on Wednesday night, a number of members questioned why work on developing a home was not further on, despite land at Oldside in Workington having been identified as the preferred option.

Alan Smith, the former leader of the council, accused the authority of dragging its feet over the project.

He said: “It needs to happen sharpish because the people who it affects are getting really frustrated with the lack of action regarding a gypsy and traveller site when there was already one earmarked.”

Councillor Markus Campbell-Savours asked why the council was not “shovel-ready” to start work on the project as soon as it was able to, with issues surrounding unauthorised traveller encampments in the area continuing.

Last month Councillors Hilary Harrington and Herbert Briggs urged action over several encampments in Harrington.

Councillor Marion Fitzgerald, who has responsibility for policy, governance and people resources on the council’s executive, said it remained an “absolute priority” to find a permanent solution and put the delay down to the lockdown restrictions which were implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She said the land at Oldside was still only the preferred option and a full needs assessment would take place “very shortly” to determine if it should be the final location.

A suggestion from Coun Campbell-Savours that the council had not carried out all of its statutory duties regarding travellers sites during lockdown was also refuted.

Coun Fitzgerald said: “The Government is very clear that the communities should not be moved on but all of the health assessments were carried out and engagements were made.”

Councillor Joe Sandwith claimed residents of Northside and Seaton were “horrified” at the thought of a permanent site at Oldside and questioned whether it would provide enough space to cater for as many as 180 travellers.

Coun Fitzgerald said that information would be decided during the needs assessment and reiterated that the site was not set in stone.

Councillors eventually voted at the meeting to approve the second part of the Allerdale Local Plan, which identifies land for uses including houses, employment, retail, wind energy and gypsy and travellers.