From Cambridge News
A “joke” email about travellers sent by the councillor in charge of plans to reopen a Travellers’ site in Meldreth has triggered an apology.
Cllr Mark Howell, cabinet member for housing at South Cambs District Council, admitted he “stupidly” circulated a picture of a fake road sign showing a caravan and the words “F*** off gypos”. Underneath, he asked: “Do you think the county will order some?”
The email was sent to fellow councillors six years ago, when he was a member of the independent group, but was seized upon by opponents of the council’s controversial plans to reopen the Mettle Hill Travellers’ site in Meldreth.
Cllr Robin Page, one of the recipients of the email, said Cllr Howell was happy for travellers to be in Meldreth but not the Papworth and Elsworth ward he represents, and called on Cllr Howell to resign.
Cllr Howell said: “The email from more than six years ago was nothing more than a private joke between friends in the independent group I was a member of at the time, which is now being used for nothing more than political gain.
“Anyone who knows me will know I do not support the views contained within it, and have worked tirelessly for all residents since becoming a councillor.
“In hindsight it was a stupid thing to have sent and I can only apologise if anyone takes offence.”
The council’s cabinet was tonight set to back plans to buy and refurbish Mettle Hill, a hotbed of crime and vandalism until it was shut down in 1996.
More than 500 villagers packed a public meeting on Tuesday, including travelling showpeople who live opposite the site who say they will have to move out.
Cllr Page, who represents Haslingfield and The Eversdens, said Cllr Howell’s behaviour was “intolerable”.
“I think it’s just disgraceful,” said Cllr Page. “I think that not only should he resign from the cabinet, he should resign as a councillor.”
Several members of the council got themselves in hot water over comments about Travellers in recent years – Tory Cllr Mervyn Loynes said he would “put a minefield round” Smithy Fen in Cottenham.
Cllr Loynes agreed to attend equalities training after an investigation.
Cllr Deborah Roberts said Smithy Fen Travellers should be left to “stew” in raw sewage and that she would launch a suicide bomb attack on the settlement if she had cancer.
‘No consultation’ over Mettle Hill
VILLAGERS living closer to a former travellers’ site which is to be reopened have a “strong case” to make about the decision says a councillor.
At a packed meeting in Meldreth Cllr Susan van de Ven, who represents Melbourn, Meldreth and Shepreth, said there had been a complete lack of consultation on the plans.
More than 500 people packed a small hall after South Cams District Council revealed it wanted to buy and refurbish the pitches at nearby Mettle Hill – which were blighted by crime and vandalism until shut down in 1996.
Cllr van de Ven said: “I am angry that none of us knew anything about this until 10am on Wednesday, October 31, yet the county council have been talking to the district council about this since last summer.
“Meldreth has a very strong case to make, I am proud to live in this community which has integrated well with the travelling Showpeople, and our campaign must reflect that spirit.
“It is a very emotive subject and it is important that our views are heard.”
The council has announced plans to spend £500,000 of government funding on reopening Mettle Hill with new facilities and eight to 10 pitches.
A spokesman for the authority said reopening the site would help it meet its obligations to provide sufficient accommodation for Travellers and pledged it would be carefully managed.
If the plans are supported at a cabinet meeting held at 6pm tonight, they will then be voted on at a full council meeting on 22 November.
see also: the BBC - Cambridgeshire councillor's apology for 'stupid Gypsy joke'
Heart FM - S.Cambs: Cllr 'Sorry' For 'Joke' Travellers Email
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