'Need to provide more sites' for Travellers in Brigg - Lincolnshire

From the Scunthorpe Telegraph

More sites are needed for Travellers in the town, according to councillors.

The town council has written to North Lincolnshire Council outlining the current provision of Traveller accommodation.

And it believes there are not currently enough places for Travellers based in the town.

The town council has looked at the national Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs (GTAA) report.

And as a result, councillors say they feel proper provision for suitable accommodation should be provided for the Traveller families.

The move comes at a time when issues about sites for Travellers have been in the public eye.

In May, Brigg Town Council formally opposed an application for 12 dwellings to be built on the Mill Lane site, although a final decision is due by the end of August from North Lincolnshire Council.

Yet the town council believes that even if the latest Mill Lane application is passed by North Lincolnshire Council, a need for a further site in Brigg would remain.

Now town councillors have decided to help five of those on the list find suitable accommodation.

Ben Nobbs, a Brigg town councillor, said: "Surely North Lincolnshire Council's priority should be to identify and secure suitable sites to meet the existing and well documented need.

"Eighteen months ago, after numerous joint meetings between North Lincolnshire Council, Brigg Town Council and West Lindsey District Council, it was confirmed to the town council that potential suitable sites had been identified.

"No further progress has been made since, despite the town council hosting a meeting with ward councillors and the local MP in order to try and seek a proper resolution to this matter."

The town council has also asked North Lincolnshire Council to consider the possibility of establishing a social landlord body from within the Traveller community to manage their accommodation.

But others fear the plans are not backed by people in the town.

Rob Waltham, ward councillor and cabinet member at North Lincolnshire Council, said he was against the idea.

"Brigg Town Council rejected the initial application, so I am surprised that they have put in for more provision for the Gypsy Traveller families," he said.

"This is not an application I support and not one I think the people of Brigg would support.

"I think there is already enough provision for the travelling community in Brigg."

There are three Traveller sites currently occupied in Brigg on Mill Lane, namely the east, west and south sites.