Wickwar residents oppose travellers' site plan
Residents have launched an action group to fight plans for a travellers' site on land which was at the centre of a bitter legal battle for six years.
South Gloucestershire Council has put in a planning application for five pitches at Homefield, Hall End Lane, Wickwar.
-
Each pitch would have room for a static caravan, touring caravan and a 'day room'.
Ironically, the council has just spent six years and thousands of pounds fighting a legal battle to get the land owner to remove his own caravan from the site.
Action group member Jan Averis, whose home is about 500 yards from the proposed travellers' site said: "The owners left the site on July 14 and four days later, this application by the council was submitted.
"It is one of the sites chosen as potential travellers' sites across South Gloucestershire.
"There have been 200 objections to it. The site is in the middle of the countryside with a single track road leading to it, no lighting, no bus link, no water or electricity."
Retired builder Terry Cornock, 68, and his wife Alison, 65, live in the house nearest the proposed site.
Mr Cornock said: "It has taken six years for South Gloucester Council to get the owner to remove his caravans from the site. I want to know at whose instigation the site was put forward as a travellers' site.
"If it is the council, it is total hypocrisy after spending council tax payers' money and planning enforcement officers' time over six years getting the Morgans' caravans removed and then to turn round and try to get their own travellers' site approved."
John Murray, 71, from Rangeworthy said: "The village will not prosper in any way from a travellers' site – it would be detrimental."
Diane Smith, 68, who lives within sight of the land, said: "Hall End Lane is so narrow. There would be a lot of extra traffic. This is an agricultural site. Two government inspectors have said it should remain that way."
In 1994, Richard Spence of the Avon Archeology Unit and his team uncovered a Roman settlement in the area and part of a Roman road goes through the proposed travellers' site.
Christopher Jones, also of Rangeworthy, said: "I object because farmers are losing their livelihoods all the time and this should stay as agricultural land."
The second of a series of exhibitions on 17 possible sites across the district was being held today at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall between 10am and 2.30pm.
South Gloucestershire Council has been told it has to increase the number of pitches for travellers by 2011 to prevent the Government deciding itself where they should go.
The proposals have led to complaints from people who are opposed to accommodating some of the pitches in their communities.
8 Comments
by spike, bristol
Friday, November 21 2008, 8:14PM
“Once again councils choose to ignore the people who they are supposed to be representing in favour of persuing a course of political correctness .”
by Steven, North Bristol
Friday, November 21 2008, 10:45AM
“This is a common misunderstanding. The reference to "permanent" refers to the site itself rather than the occupiers of plots within the site. that is the site is "permanent" but the occupants can come and go.
People should not be objecting to this. They'll never be short of pegs or luck heather again.”
by unknown, bristol
Friday, November 21 2008, 8:06AM
“all i want to know, how can they still be called travelers if they have a permanent residence?”
by Mum, Hope
Thursday, November 20 2008, 11:56PM
“Tony I agree with you. Unfortunately I have very similar first hand experiences. In our local park where I used to live, they regularly moved into it, the knock on effect for the community, the play park and the environment was huge as on the whole unfortunately the groups in my experience had no respect for others or the environment. The mess and destruction that was left each time was unbelievable, this went on for 10 years. However I am sure that this is not true for all groups of travellers/gypsy's I hope most are respectful.
Unfortunately now I feel I will be called 'ignorant, bigot, prejudiced and hysterical'. Or be told that the area I live in already has all these problems I just need to get to know it. It appears that on this site only the privileged few have a right to express their opinions, so watch out Tony !”
by tony, Bristol
Thursday, November 20 2008, 11:44PM
“Sorry about the spelling, I should proof read!”
by tony, bristol
Thursday, November 20 2008, 11:42PM
“I have recently seen travellers fly tipping on trench lane, they are always at it! Their new tactic is to drive along whilst another person is stood in the back of the tipper, throwing rubbish in to the hedges as they drive past. Now I do wonder why people do not like them when they think this is acceptable? As a resident paying councilt tak, and not having my bin collected because it is an inch overfull, it really annoys me! If they got caught, slapped writ, if it was me, a mega fine! I wonder why we have no respect?”
by Mum, Hope
Thursday, November 20 2008, 7:41PM
“What on earth are you talking about Cazz? The comments on this sight amaze me they are full of hypocrisy and ignorance. One week people are name calling those in Portishead who are opposed to the opening of a private children's home with the words they they are bigots and prejudice. Then a BBC commentator judges someone by the colour of their skin the same commentators say she is exercising her freedoms of opinion and to leave her alone. Now we are faced with the list of political affiliation fuelled by hatred, which again so many people are defending. This article again highlights the plight of local people trying to control their own safety, which this time is ok with commentators.
Why Cazz are you comparing the hatred, ignorant racist and violent political beliefs of the BNP with Labour voters? Think you may be a little confused .”
by Cazz, Briz
Thursday, November 20 2008, 2:50PM
“I thought councilors were elected to represent the people of the area, as opposed to those passing through (who will naturally be detrimental to the area) .
Ah... they must give the travellers priority over the local people because otherwise Gordon Brown and his cronies will chose their own spot.
How about outside No 10?
I waiting for the list that will name and shame all the foolhardy Labour voters.”