Councillors visit some of Leicester's proposed Gypsy sites

From the Leicester Mercury

City councillors have visited some of the eight proposed Gypsy sites ahead of a final decision later this year.

The short-list of sites, which was revealed last month, includes three previously identified sites in Beaumont Leys. It also includes another four pieces of land in Beaumont Leys and one in Aylestone.

Yesterday, councillors from the authority's scrutiny panel visited the three sites proposed initially, plus the existing Travellers site at Meynells Gorse.

They will visit the remaining sites on Wednesday, and eventually make their recommendations to city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.

Panel chairman Sue Waddington said: "We've gone back to the drawing board and we're looking closely at council land around the city, to examine the best options for new travellers sites.

"Yesterday, we visited the three sites which had been originally announced as the preferred sites. We'll be looking at the remaining sites on the list next week.

"We'll thoroughly deliberate all of the options before presenting our findings to the mayor, but at the end of the day he's got the final decision on all of this."

Coun Waddington added that she had been encouraged by the public's response to the consultation.

In Aylestone, residents organised a 1,000-name petition opposing the Montrose Road site.

Tony Doyle, 62, who lives nearby, said: "People round here won't stand for it. It's a quiet street with limited access, and no one can see how a Travellers site could possibly work here.

"It's hard to believe that we've been short-listed as somewhere for a Travellers site."

Another resident said: "Someone's house sale fell through the other day because the prospective buyer was worried about a potential Gypsy site. Residents are up in arms."

Last month, Redhill Way, Greengate Lane and Beaumont Way, in Beaumont Leys, were announced as the council's preferred sites for travellers.

However, following a public outcry in the areas concerned, Sir Peter said the authority was reconsidering its proposals.

A list of 350 council-owned plots of land was handed to councillors, along with the short-list of eight areas deemed suitable for development.

The other sites are Heacham Drive, Tilling Road, Thurcaston Road and Strasbourg Drive, in Beaumont Leys. The eventual sites chosen will cater for about 26 families in total.

The Travellers would mostly be temporary tenants, paying rent, council tax and charges for gas, electricity and water. The camps would be set up using more than £1.5 million of Government cash.

The public consultation process will continue until July 13, and Sir Peter will make the final decision at a later date. Have your say at: www.leicester.gov.uk/gypsyandtravellersites