Have your say on new Gypsy and Travellers transit site for Plymouth - Devon

From the Plymouth Herald

PLYMOTHIANS can have their say on new Gypsy and Traveller sites planned for the city.

Public consultation events start today at Woolwell Community Centre from 2pm to 6.30pm and again on October 2. An exhibition will also run for six weeks at the George Park and Ride between until October 12 as well as an opportunity to comment by completing an online survey.

Plymouth City Council said a public consultation had been launched on the previously agreed proposal to develop a Gypsy and Traveller transit site on the outskirts of Plymouth.

Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on the site designs and management arrangements for the transit site at Broadley Park near Roborough.

Cabinet member for Co-operatives and Community Development, Councillor Chris Penberthy, said: "I know that this is a sensitive issue but we do need a proactive approach to dealing with unauthorised encampments.

"These are affecting more and more neighbourhoods and we can't ignore the problems they cause.

"Providing a transit site would mean we expect to see a reduction in the number of unauthorised encampments and subsequently we hope to ease community tension.

"It is important we hear the views from all sections of the community about this site, local businesses, residents and the Gypsy and Travellers communities so I would urge everyone to let us know what they think and respond to the consultation."

Further events will be held for businesses operating from the Broadley Park industrial estate and with the Gypsy and Traveller communities, Plymouth City Council said.

Plymouth City Council said unauthorised encampments in the city cost them up to £300,000 a year in clean up costs.

Last year there were 40, some of which caused significant problems for local residents.

The site will help prevent unauthorised encampments and save thousands of pounds in clean up costs each year.

The land is owned by Plymouth City Council although it is within the South Hams.

see also: The Plymouth Herald - Plans for Plymouth Gypsies and Travellers' transit site go on show