The Gypsy Dilemma - South Wales Argus

‘Difficult decisions’ in site debate NEWPORT is gripped by a Gypsy dilemma. Newport council must allocate an area of the city for a Gypsy site, but opposition is fierce, with hundreds of people voicing their concerns about site proposals in Pye Corner, Nash Mead, Queensway Meadows, Marshfield and Bettws. NATALIE CROCKETT looks at why a site is needed and the reasons behind it; the concerns of residents and the turmoil of city councillors as they debate the issue COUNCILLORS were embroiled in a heated debate on the Gypsy site issue at Tuesday’s full council meeting. 

 

Illegal camps pose problems ILLEGAL Travellers’ sites have been a problem in Newport for a number of years with Gypsies setting up home in undesignated areas all over the city. In September a family was moved on from the city’s much-loved Tredegar House after a two-month stay, while there are currently around ten caravans on Welsh Government owned land at Phoenix Park, off Corporation Road. Cllr John Richards raised concerns about the illegal site at Tuesday’s meeting fearing the caravans could deter a potential developer from buying the former Pirelli site next door. He said: “The sale of that site was imminent and 200 homes were going to be built. “I wonder if that will take place because what developer will want to buy a site with caravans on it and be left with a call to clear it?”  

 

Location guidance given to councils GUIDANCE from the Welsh Government states that where there is a need for Gypsy accommodation in an area, councils should allocate sufficient sites in their local development plans. It says they will need to demonstrate sites are suitable, and there is a realistic likelihood that those allocated in the plans will be made available for that purpose. They should also encourage Gypsies to put forward candidate sites.

 

Call to let public decide site SOME Labour members called for a referendum on the issue to better gauge public opinion. Lliswerry councillor Ken Critchley said it would give people an opportunity to debate the subject, while Pill councillor Ron Jones questioned whether Newport should have a designated site at all. He said: “It’s a very difficult subject because no matter where we want to put one, we are going to have public outcry. “Maybe we should have a referendum whether we should provide one in Newport. We may be going against the law but I don’t think there is a councillor that will put their hand up and say yes to one, putting their seat at risk next year.” Councillor Townsend said going to referendum on the issue would result in the council “ducking out” of its responsibilities.