Datchet site for Travellers favoured by cabinet - Berkshire

From the Royal Borough Observer

RESIDENTS are still none the wiser where in the Royal Borough space for more than 10 Traveller pitches will be found after the cabinet 'noted' another report.

It was the third paper on the issue brought to cabinet by councillor Christine Bateson, lead member for planning, in five months.

The latest recommendations are to drop the controversial proposal to allow pitches at Pool Lane, Waltham St Lawrence, and Pickins Piece, Horton, and focus on Mill Place, Datchet, and land at Datchet Road and Welley Road, Horton.

Cllr Jesse Gray, representing Datchet, was not at the cabinet meeting at Maidenhead Town Hall, in St Ives Road, on Thursday night, but Cllr Phill Bicknell read a statement on his behalf.

It read: "I have no problems with Travellers in Datchet or around Horton and Wraysbury. They are very much part of the community and take a genuine interest in events and functions in the village. Many helped with the Jubilee events.

"They are representatives on the parish council and the schools' headteachers have nothing but praise for their contribution."

It is recommended Mill Place, part-owned by the Royal Borough and part privately-owned, could accommodate 10 new pitches to help meet their short-term government targets.

The paper, which ruled out the Horton and Waltham St Lawrence sites on flood risk grounds and because of objecting petitions, was discussed at an overview and scrutiny meeting at Maidenhead Town Hall, on September 17.

Cllr Malcolm Beer, who sits on the committee, attacked the cabinet on Thursday for not noting the panel's recommendations. He said: "There has not been the courtesy afforded to our recommendations. That, Mr Chairman, is not open and transparent government."

Cllr David Burbage, leader of the Royal Borough, pointed out to Cllr Beer the cabinet agenda had been put together prior to the overview and scrutiny meeting so the panel's comments could not be included.

Horton and Wraysbury ward councillors John Lenton and Colin Rayner had previously attacked the overview and scrutiny panel saying they were not told it was on the agenda.

A fourth report will be brought to cabinet in December.

see also: The Ascot Windsor and Eton Express - Datchet Travellers' site faces expansion