Neighbours set to protest against plan for Traveller's site - Wales

From the South Wales Evening Post

NEIGHBOURS of one of the locations short- listed as a potential Travellers' site will get together to protest next month.

The move comes after the Evening Post last week revealed five locations in the Swansea area which have been identified as possible sites for Travellers.

Residents living near one of the sites, Milford Way in the Penderry ward, will hold a rally on Saturday, May 5, protesting against the site possibly being used as a potential home for Travellers.

One of the organisers, Janet Jones, said: "Everyone is shocked, people have been panicked by it."

"We are envisaging a good turnout. We think there will be more than 100 people there which shows the level of concern.

"We also plan to organise a petition which will be going out in the next few days."

As well as the Penderry site, two are located in Heol y Mynydd in Gorseinon, along with the former greyhound stadium in Fforestfach and land at the eastern gateway to Swansea Vale in Llansamlet.

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

Meanwhile, the Post has seen a note sent to local Assembly Members from Swansea Council outlining their position, stating it was "unfortunate" the shortlist had been leaked to the press.

It reads: "The council has recognised its need to provide a site for these families and set up a cross-party member task and finish group to review all land within the council's ownership within the county and to apply selection criteria to them as per the Welsh Government guidance on the location of Traveller sites.

"They have gradually worked through a large number of sites to arrive at the current shortlist of five.

"These have been the subject of the recent reports but no decisions have been made and the expectation has always been that the task group would consider and report through to cabinet and council ultimately for decision.

"The work, because of its sensitivities, has been kept private and confidential and it is unfortunate that despite requests to keep it that way and prevent 'putting hares running', the information had got out to the press."