Villagers oppose traveller camp (BBC 9/1/09)

by sharons Fri Jan 09, 2009 7:47 am

Villagers oppose traveller camp

A Leicestershire council has denied having made up its mind about where to put a travellers' transit camp.

More than 600 people attended a meeting of Groby parish council on Thursday to discuss rumours the camp was earmarked for land near a housing estate.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough council has insisted a number of sites are still being considered

Charnwood MP Stephen Dorrell, who also attended, warned the opposition to the plan was "very, very determined".

Discussions about traveller sites in this part of the county have been going on for some months but residents in Groby claim the village has already been selected.

Ongoing discussion

Resident Paddy Cox said: "The meeting could not find a venue that was big enough for everyone who wanted to attend and that echoes the state of facilities in the village.

"Our schools are overflowing and we don't have an NHS dentist within the village."

But Trevor Prowse, director of community and planning services at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, denied any attempt was being made to railroad a decision through.

"This is a site that has been suggested and will be looked at along with other site for permanent gypsy sites by members on 20 January."

After the full council meeting on 20 January the plans will go out for public consultation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/leicestershire/7819749.stm