Council chiefs have welcomed news of expansion plans creating 40 new jobs by a firm in Coseley based near the proposed new temporary traveller transit site.

Commercial Body Fittings already employs 30 people at its base in Budden Road. But the firm has submitted a planning application to Dudley Council, which would see a significant increase in jobs created. It is hoped building work will start in the spring.

Bosses at the distribution firm said they had been reassured following a meeting with Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley that the new transit site would not have a negative impact on their business.

The site, which will also be in Budden Road, is being created to crack down on the number of illegal encampments by travellers at parks and beauty spots across the borough. It currently costs the council £150,000 a year in clean-up operations and legal fees to move them on.

Evidence from other councils suggests adopting a transit site will give the local authority increased powers to move travellers on more quickly. Stats also suggest the new site, which travellers have to pay a deposit and rent on, will be little used. Mark Negri, managing director of CBF, said:

“We never wanted to leave Coseley, but we had initial concerns about the possible impact on our business of putting a temporary travellers’ site on our doorstep.

“It was pleasing that the leader of the council contacted us directly. Following a meeting with him we have been reassured sufficiently to commit to staying here and to press ahead with our exciting expansion plans.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, added:

“CBF had expressed concerns regarding the impact of the transit site on their business. I was very keen to speak personally to the company and explain the reasoning behind the council’s approach. I am very pleased that as a result, the company has decided to stay at Coseley and expand their business.

"We are committed to being a business-friendly council and will not allow the transit site to have a negative impact on local businesses. The transit site is being provided to prevent and not create problems for our local communities.”