'Whinge and watch them move and take the jobs with them!' - Reaction to Fisherman's Friend factory delay

Apparent delays to construction work for a new Fisherman’s Friend building in Fleetwood because of wildlife concerns has prompted a mixed reaction.

The multi-million-pound scheme to construct a new purpose-built factory appears to have been held up by the appearance of protected wildlife.

And despite being given the green light, a number of planning conditions have needed to be before building work can begin.

One of the last planning conditions cannot now be discharged for several months - because of “reptiles” on the site.

Reader Martyn King said: “Loads of wildlife used to inhabit that land.

“I saw my first rosell's bush cricket there a few years ago. It was a great wild space which the dog walkers left alone and I spent many a happy hour there.”

Katie Lauren said: “Natterjack toads used to be a regular sight in that area and have been discovered hibernating in gardens near by. The total disregard of wildlife and nature in our town is upsetting - and what about the jobs that will be lost to the new technology in the upgraded factory?”

Garry Harney added: “And yet it’s ok for United Utilities, just a short distance away, to rip out numerous trees and start digging with large JCB’s with no concern for the wildlife including nesting birds.”

Frank Pook said: “Whinge whinge whinge. Go on keep it up and watch them move out of Fleetwood and take the many jobs with them.”

The most recent application lodged with Wyre planners seeks permission for a variation of planning condition 10, effectively calling a halt on the work required.

This condition called for the applicants to submit a remediation strategy including any sampling of the groundwaters on the site and groundwater profiling.

However, this cannot be done until three months down the line, the new application stated.