Gypsy and Traveller site campaigners take protest to Bath's Guildhall - Somerset

From the Bath Chronicle

Campaigners opposed to proposals to consider a site in Stanton Wick as a possible Gypsy and Traveller camp protested outside the Guildhall last night.

The group of around 50 people wrapped a green ribbon around the outside of the building, representing the Green Belt, which they say would be threatened by any development in their community.

A number of the protesters spoke at the cabinet meeting about the way they felt the consultation was being handled by the Liberal Democrat-run Bath and North East Somerset Council and urged them to rethink the fact that their village had been included in the list of possible sites.

Yesterday also provided a chance for people in Bath toattend an exhibition and presentation about the whole process, giving them a chance to talk to officers about the sites currently being considered.

It was one of a series organised and B&NES and there is another event in Keynsham's Fear Hall in High Street on June 26 from 3pm to 7pm.

The potential sites are: a plot in Station Road, Newbridge; the current traveller site in Lower Bristol Road, Twerton; the land near Ellsbridge House, in Keynsham; the Old Colliery Buildings, in Stanton Wick; land at Wollard Lane, in Whitchurch; and the former Radstock Infant School canteen, in Radstock.

A special meeting will be held at the Guildhall on Monday at 1pm, where members of the public will be given a chance to have their say in front of the whole council.

People have until 5pm on July 18 to respond to the consultation.

For more information go to www.bathnes.gov.uk and click on Gypsy and Traveller Site Consultation.

see also: The BBC - Stanton Wick residents protest over Travellers' site plans