WEYMOUTH: Strong feelings at consultation over Gypsy sites

HUNDREDS of people voiced their views when a consultation event was held into suggested Weymouth and Portland sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

Two main sites dominated debate at Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room, one at Mount Pleasant park and ride and the other on top of the old rubbish tip at Lodmoor.

Environment spokesman Councillor Ian Roebuck said the event was one of several being held across the county.

He added: “Weymouth and Portland is being encouraged to find transit sites for 25 Gypsy and Traveller families as part of Dorset’s requirement to find 111 permanent residential sites and 144 transit sites.

“As part of that encouragement Weymouth and Portland will be entitled to a share of £57 million nationally to provide that support.

“All views expressed here tonight will be collated to help form a countywide evidence base from which a development plan will be drawn up.

“This plan will identify sites across the county including Weymouth and Portland which could be suitable and also those, which for planning reasons, are not felt suitable.”

Some of those at the consultation said they would have liked it to have included a “do nothing” option while Lodmoor Traveller Site Campaign chairman Herminia Wigmore said: “We not only don’t want Gypsies or Travellers we don’t want any development there at all.

“It is contaminated land and a Site of Special Scientific Interest and it should be left as such and withdrawn from the list.”

Mr Roebuck said it was all going to be “a very long process” and Weymouth and Portland had decided to give residents the first chance to comment whereas other authorities such as West Dorset had ruled out sites without consulting the public.

He added: “We hope that all this will end with Gypsy and Traveller transit sites being chosen in Weymouth and Portland which are suitable for purpose but which will not increase tensions with residents.”

Mr Roebuck said he had talked with scores of people about the issue.

He said: “The main opinion emerging is that Lodmoor is totally unsuitable - an opinion I share - while using Mount Plesant would clash with its existing use.

“We are hoping that the resident consultation may bring forward alternative sites, but I quote to residents what Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has said which is: “This must be in accordance with the planning system. There is no way that proposed sites will get an easy ride through the planning process.”

Anyone who would like to add their comments to the consultation can do so by writing to Gypsy, Traveller and Traveller Showpeople Consultation, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ or browse the dorsetforyou website.