Darlington set to vote on £50,000 Travellers study - County Durham

From thebrag.tv

Darlington council are expected to vote on a ‘feasibility’ study for the extension of the travelling community.

The council has been given £1.5m from the Homes and Community Agency to create 20 new Gypsy and Traveller pitches in Darlington between 2013 and 2015.

The study- which will cost £50,000- will assess whether a number of sites in the Honeypot Lane and Neasham Road areas of Darlington need expanding, to accommodate the 35 plots deemed necessary from previous studies.

The study will assess the requirements necessary for site expansion, including any communal facilities needed, gas supplies and a play area at the two sites.

However, the controversial plans have been met with resistance before this proposal.

More than 500 people responded to the official consultation, while hundreds signed petitions against proposed individual sites for Travellers and Gypsies.

As expected, the plans have sparked fury amongst local residents, with the huge costs making the most common appearance in counter arguments.

Jaga* said of the proposed study:

“A quick look on Google Earth shows that there are possibilities for expansion at both sites.

“There is even a large area, currently with a redundant football stadium, available at Neasham Road. Can I have my £50k please?” [sic]

Another enraged Darlington dweller seethed:

“I will volunteer to find the sites at a cost of zero…why £50,000?

“Anyone can do this within a month so why the waste of cash? Darlington council fat cats wasting money again.”

If granted, the findings of the eventual feasibility study would be presented to the council’s cabinet

Any expansion to the sites will be subject to the regular planning approval process, which will undoubtedly also be met with hostility from local residents.