Gypsy site corrections - Somerset

From the Somerset Guardian

Bath and North East Somerset Council has issued corrections to the list of possible Traveller and Gypsy sites announced last week.

The council has said that to clear up any confusion they will be describing the suggested site in Clandown as Clandown FC Playing Field and not Clandown Rec after members of Radstock Town Council told B&NES that it was a more accurate description of the site.

B&NES has also apologised to two members of the public wrongly credited as suggesting possible sites.

Carol Richards from Timsbury was wrongly described by B&NES as the person who suggested that land near Radford Mill be used as a possible location for homes for members of the travelling community.

Mrs Richards, who is an active member of Timsbury's In Bloom group, told the Somerset Guardian she was "absolutely furious" that the wrong information had been given to the media.

She has since received apologies from Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council Paul Crossley (Lib Dem Southdown), Councillor Tim Ball (Lib Dem, Twerton) cabinet member for homes and planning and the planning department at B&NES.

B&NES has admitted that the problems stem from an administrative error and say the site in Radford was actually suggested by Mr MacDonald.

B&NES has also corrected the name of the person who suggested that land on Radstock Road, Midsomer Norton, from Mrs M Wilson to Ms J King.

A spokesman for B&NES said: "The council recently published a list of possible Gypsy and Traveller site locations submitted by the public. Regrettably, due to an administrative error, two of the references mis-attributed who submitted these sites to the council."

Discussion about Gypsy and Traveller site provision across the district will be made at the B&NES Cabinet meeting at 6.30pm at Broadlands School, St Francis Road, Keynsham.