Thousands object to traveller camp plans (Leicester Mercury 4/4/09)

Thousands of letters objecting to plans for a traveller site have been handed to a local authority.

Bosworth MP David Tredinnick joined campaigners for the delivery of more than 5,500 letters from people concerned about plans for a 10-caravan transit site close to Thornton Reservoir.

The sack of letters was delivered to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council by a protester dressed as a trout, who arrived in a boat on a trailer – highlighting the fishing at the reservoir and the need to preserve the area.

The trout protester, Mick Mortimer, said Thornton Reservoir was one of Leicestershire's top beauty spots, attracting 200,000 visitors a year.

He said: "This isn't about travellers. We would be doing the same if it was going to be housing or a factory unit.
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"We already share our parish with the biggest number of travellers in the county – they are in a ratio of one to seven of the settled community – and we have good relationships with them.

"We just feel what we have needs to preserved. We need to keep our environment."

Ward county councillor David Sprason, who organised the protest, said: "This is a ridiculous place to put any development, because it is an area of outstanding natural beauty and part of the National Forest regional park.

"We have delivered 5,526 letters. Only a fool would ignore the voice of the people."

A further 1,000 letters were submitted by people in and around Earl Shilton, protesting about the possibility of a 10-pitch residential traveller site in Thurlaston Lane.

The letters were written for a public consultation the council is carrying out as part of its long-term planning framework.

Sites are to be allocated for a range of developments between now and 2026, including traveller sites, housing and industry.

The council's original preferred options for traveller sites – including the Earl Shilton option and a transit site in Groby – were changed at a council meeting in January, when the Thornton site was added.

Mr Tredinnick said: "I am concerned by the way the selection of traveller sites has been handled."

He said he felt Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had failed to listen sufficiently to concerns.

Council chief executive Steve Atkinson received the letters.

He said: "We encourage people to come forward and have their say on the proposals.

"The consultation period ends next Monday, so people still have time to make sure their voice is heard.

"We will give all responses full consideration before the preparation of the site allocations document."

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