A CHAMBER of trade boss says he has faced “intimidation” and “abuse” for supporting controversial plans for a new car park and housing estate.

Alex Wilkinson, who is president of Wotton-under-Edge Chamber of Trade and also a member of the town council, is backing plans for a 10-home development and 96-space public car park.

The plans for fields on the outskirts of the town centre are set to be submitted by developer Colburn Homes in the coming weeks.

Cllr Wilkinson said that he had been the subject of a “tirade of intimidation, abuse and libellous comments” due to his support for the proposal.

He said: “I can fully understand that in local politics not everyone can be in full possession of every fact and so many comments are based on speculation, supposition and, to be blunt, pure guesswork. But when those comments start getting personal and question my honesty then, unfortunately, there are some individuals who need to know where the line that should not be crossed is and that the line has now been reached.”

The application for the development behind Wotton’s fire station is almost ready to be submitted, and has drawn criticism from a number of residents who formed an action group to fight the scheme.

Russell Alway, 79, of Ellerncroft Road, who was born in Wotton, was one of the first to stand in opposition to the proposals. 

“I was born and bred in Wotton and have lived here all my life,” he told the Gazette. 

“It breaks my heart to stand on that site and think it will all be torn up and tarmacked over. 

“The town used to be hidden away when travelling from Kingswood or Charfield, and now it’s starting to look like an eyesore. 

“I am disgusted with how this has been dealt with and think all the councillors who are backing the plans should be ashamed of themselves.” 

The plan was put together following discussions between the chamber of trade and Colburn Homes.

Cllr Wilkinson added: “All I have ever wanted to do is boost the town’s economy. That is my whole reason for being on the chamber and pursuing the car park.  

“We have had a shortage of parking for decades and this plan will provide a solution to that problem at no cost to the town. 

“As I speak I know of four businesses that are in the process of winding down. Ok, there is one new one about to open, but this flow cannot continue if we are to avoid becoming a ghost town during the day. 

“We will never get another chance like this and anyone opposed to it needs to ask themselves what they want – one preserved green field and a town with no shops?”