Hundreds at Traveller site meeting - Leicester

A public meeting in Leicester had to be rescheduled after hundreds of residents turned out to voice their opinions on plans for three new Travellers' sites.

Up to 400 people turned up to the meeting at the Tudor Centre in Bewcastle Grove, Mowmacre Hill, to discuss proposals for the sites at Greengate Lane, Beaumont Way and Red Hill Way.

Councillors were forced to postpone the meeting on Tuesday night due to health and safety reasons, as the hall could only legally hold 80 people.

Leicester City Council said leaflets had been distributed to homes asking residents to attend the meeting to discuss the proposals for the sites, which could house up to 30 families. The council is carrying out a consultation over the proposed sites, which is due to end on April 13.

The city's authorised site at Meynells Gorse is full. The council said without additional authorised sites, other Travellers visiting the city often camp illegally elsewhere, causing problems for residents.

The new sites, which would each contain between six and 10 family pitches, would provide space for long-term residents and those passing through the city for short periods, it said.

Leicester city mayor Peter Soulsby said: "Residents have raised with us their concerns over the numbers of unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller camps in the city, which cost a great deal of time and effort to the council to deal with. Moving travellers on from these unauthorised camps doesn't solve the problem - it just moves it to a different part of the city.

"By creating enough space in authorised, well-managed Travellers' sites, we can help ensure they are properly run and secure sites, where residents will pay rent, council tax and charges for gas, electric and water.

"We've spent a great deal of time looking at what sites across the city could accommodate these needs, and the three we've identified are the most suitable. I'd urge people to take part in this consultation and be part of the decision-making process on this important issue."

Residents will be told the date of the rescheduled meeting once a suitable venue is found, the council said.