Wednesday 7 November 2012

Villagers turn out in force to oppose Travellers' site plan - Cambridgeshire

From Cambridge News

Angry villagers spilled out of the doors at a public meeting last night to discuss plans to reopen a Travellers’ site.

More than 500 people packed the small hall in Meldreth after South Cambridgeshire District Council revealed it wanted to buy and refurbish the pitches at nearby Mettle Hill – which were blighted by crime and vandalism until shut down in 1996.

Residents supported a suggestion from Meldreth Parish Council that it bids to buy the site – and the residents’ petition against the plans has attracted 1,300 signatures in four days.

Occupants of a travelling Showpeople’s site opposite have said they would have to move out if the plans went ahead.

One of them, Thomas Birch, said: “The support here tonight shows it all – we all disagree with how this has been dealt with. The support we have here tonight is unbelievable.

“The council’s plans to reopen the site are crazy. We would have to relocate if the travellers move here.

“We are like oil and water. There would only be seven metres between our sites.”

Deborah Roberts, district councillor for Fowlmere and Foxton, said she was “appalled” by the secrecy surrounding the plans.

She said: “South Cambs are playing a game with residents. They plan to push the plan through whatever.”

The district council’s cabinet is set to back the project tomorrow.

see also: The BBC - Mettle Hill Traveller meeting in Cambridgeshire attracts 500

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