Poole MP demands clarification of Gypsy site rules in Parliament - Dorset

From the Bournmouth Echo

POOLE MP Robert Syms has demanded clarification on Gypsy and Travellers’ site regulations in a bid to ease growing concerns across the conurbation.

Mr Syms, speaking at Parliament the day after leaving Poole Hospital – following a week-long stay for appendicitis – was joined by Bournemouth MPs Conor Burns and Tobias Ellwood.

Mr Syms called for greater co-operation between Dorset County, Poole and Bournemouth councils, which could lead to an agreement where the majority of new Traveller sites are built outside Bournemouth and Poole.

“We are in a state of flux,” he told the House of Commons. “The borough council wants to do the right thing but because there is no overall control it has consulted on too many sites and there are many worried people.”

Mr Syms, who highlighted difficulties faced by police when moving Travellers across local authority borders, called for government to “set out clearly” the requirements for local authorities to co-operate with one another on this matter.

Currently, the Borough of Poole has to provide eight pitches for Travellers as part of the countywide project.

However, consultation on a number of potential sites has caused anxiety for many residents.

Mr Syms said: “Logic demands a collaborative approach among Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth in discharging our duties towards Travellers.

“We want to combine financially and make provision for Travellers in the appropriate way.

“The most appropriate way might be for the three authorities to make that provision on a collective basis.

“That might mean not necessarily having the sufficient number of sites within the boundaries of Bournemouth and Poole.”

Responding, Communities and Local Government parliamentary under-secretary Andrew Stunnell, said: “The Localism Act 2011 places a duty to co-operate in planning matters on local authorities.

“I am sure that he (Mr Syms) will want to draw that to the attention of the local authorities and ensure it is delivered.”