Call to keep politicians in the loop on Travellers' site plans - Wales

From South Wales Evening Post

AN Assembly Member has called on Swansea Council to keep elected officials informed of decisions on potential Travellers' sites.

Bethan Jenkins, Plaid AM for South Wales West, criticised the local authority after discovering the existence of a short-list of potential sites to house Travellers through the Evening Post.

Last week the Post revealed a total of five locations in the Swansea area had been short- listed as potential sites for Travellers.

Miss Jenkins said: "Why has the council failed to inform residents of any plans, and why has it failed to keep national politicians in the loop over an issues which people will show an interest in?

"Consultation is key now, and I urge the council to be clear about its plans and consult in an open and transparent way with everyone who may be affected."

Under the Housing Act 2004 all local authorities in Wales have to assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers.

Swansea Council carried out an assessment in 2008 which highlighted insufficient provision for Travellers in the Swansea area.

A spokesman for the local authority said: "As a result it was determined that a second site was required to meet the needs of these Travellers.

"A councillor-led task and finish group is currently in the process of looking at potential sites. No decisions have been made and the task and finish group will make a recommendation on suitable sites to cabinet.

"Cabinet will make the decision on the preferred site for inclusion into the Local Development Plan.

"This will need approval from full council."

The Welsh Government produced its own Travellers' action plan in September last year.

The report states: "As elected leaders, councillors have a role in educating the settled population about the genuine accommodation needs of Gypsies and travellers.

"The Welsh Local Government Association is ideally placed to help councillors undertake this role by providing training to elected members on Gypsy and Traveller issues."

The Evening Post yesterday contacted Swansea Council leader Chris Holley for response to Miss Jenkins's comments but the call was not returned at the time of going to press.