Pontypool Race Gypsy site extension proposed by Torfaen

From the BBC

A £3.6m plan to expand a Gypsy and Traveller site in Pontypool has been recommended for approval by Torfaen councillors.

Part of an unused football pitch at the Race would be used to expand the existing Shepherd's Hill site.

Replacement pitches would be offered to the football club.

Council leaders said they had a duty to address overcrowding at Shepherd's Hill, and claimed the plans provided best value for money.
Historical records

Pontypool is home to three Gypsy and Traveller sites, with census records showing they have lived in the area at least as far back as 1871.

Shepherd's Hill, run by the council, has more than 100 residents living on 26 permanent residential pitches for caravans and mobile homes and one transit pitch.

Local authority records for the site date back to 1974, with Torfaen taking control of it from the Gypsy Council in 2006.

A meeting of the full council on Tuesday will be asked to approve plans to provide caravan pitches on part of the neighbouring Race football field, out of use since the mid 1990s due to subsidence.

The extension would provide around 20 caravan pitches, enough for around 80 more residents.

The football club would be offered replacement facilities at nearby Coleg Gwent.
Shepherd's Hill, Pontypool Shepherd's Hill has been officially recognised as a Gypsy and Traveller site since 1974

The scheme would be financed from a mix of Welsh government grants, existing spending and future income from the new site.

Councillor Gwyneira Clark, Torfaen's executive member for housing, planning and public protection, said: "We have a duty to address overcrowding and want to improve conditions on the site.

"This proposal also offers the best value for money to do this, and meets our legal requirements to plan for future housing."
'Good relationship'

Mark Duggan, Gypsy and Traveller liaison officer for Torfaen council, said the plan was to provide more room for the Shepherd's Hill community, and relatives who may want to join them.
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I would like to think that both communities would come to realise that it's a positive thing for the area”

Mark Duggan Gypsy and Traveller liaison officer, Torfaen council

"This is about accommodating existing families in the area," he said.

"That's where the residents would like to remain."

Mr Duggan added that the lack of understanding between residents of Shepherd's Hill and the wider community was disappearing over time.

"The vast majority of people in the area have a good relationship with the Gypsy and Traveller community," he said.

"A lot of people in their 30s and 40s have been to school with them.

"I would like to think that both communities would come to realise that it's a positive thing for the area.

"It's giving the Gypsies and Travellers that have lived there for generations accessibility to a better site and a better standard of living."

If the proposals are backed, the council plans to re-open discussions with local Gypsies and Travellers, and the settled community in Cwmynyscoy, before taking a final decision at a later date.