RESIDENTS only have a few weeks left to give their views on proposals to create a Traveller site in Beaminster.
A plot of land in the town near Shady Side, Axnoller Lane has been earmarked for a permanent Traveller site in a Development Plan Document (DPD).
A series of public meetings across West Dorset ended in Beaminster yesterday (Tuesday).
The public consultation on proposed sites throughout Dorset ends on February 10th.
Councillor Gilbert Berry, Beaminster Town Council leader, said the town suffered with Travellers camping on unauthorised sites.
He said: “We are always having problems when Travellers come along and stick themselves somewhere we don’t like and then we have to spend three months trying to move them on.
“I believe society has to do something about it and it’s better to have prescribed sites as long as they are properly looked after.”
West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council are working with Dorset County Council (DCC) to produce the DPD.
It is hoped the partnership will drive costs down and resolve any cross-boundary issues as a 15-year plan to allocate permanent and transit sites is formulated.
West Dorset has to cater for up to 84 of the 585-609 residential and temporary sites in Dorset required to meet the county’s needs.
Local authorities are obliged by the government to look at providing land for traveller sites if it is proved they are needed.
Councillor Robert Gould, DCC’s Cabinet member for environment, said: “This issue presents challenges for us all but we cannot solve the ongoing problem of unauthorised camping and development unless we have a planning policy that gives greater certainty for both settled and travelling communities.
“By working in partnership with all Dorset councils I hope we will be better placed to identify the best possible locations for sites that will help to meet the needs of Gypsies and Travellers who move across local council boundaries.”
Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination by the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Human Rights Act 1998, together with all ethnic groups who have a particular culture, language or values.
In 2006, the Dorset Traveller Needs Assessment identified the need for additional traveller pitches across Dorset for the years 2011-26.
A WDDC spokesman said: “Having enough authorised sites assists the police in using special powers to move Travellers who camp illegally on private or public land.
“Properly managed sites can help to reduce problems with associated anti-social behaviour and limits the detrimental effects on travelling communities’ health, education and well-being.”
For more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/gypsyandtravellersites
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