Leaflet drop aims to stop plans for new Traveller site - Swansea

From the South Wales Evening Post

THOUSANDS of homes are being leafleted in a bid to stop a second site for Travellers being established in Llansamlet.

Leaflets are being delivered to properties across the ward, including those in Clase, Swansea Vale and Trallwn, calling on residents opposed to a second site to support the campaign and voice their opposition to Swansea Council against any potential site proposal.

They have been put together by a group of residents opposed to a second site, and are being delivered by volunteers.

The leaflet gives details of another public meeting next week to discuss the issue — and promises to update those who attend with developments.

Peniel Green Road resident Hillary Jenkins said: "We are trying to get an organised campaign going against a potential second Travellers' site in Llansamlet.

"I think the main reason people are so upset is because we have a history of illegal sites in the area.

"We still believe there was an agreement in 1986, the West Glamorgan Agreement, which meant while we expected to have one site, we would never have another.

"One is enough, and we think other areas should be considered.

"We are not racist, or against GGypsies, but we just feel we have one and that is enough. Perhaps the best thing to do would be to have a number of small sites across Swansea."

The campaign comes after Swansea Council agreed to a public consultation so people can give views on suggested sites for Gypsies and Travellers in the city.

The council is in the process of looking for a suitable second site because the existing site at Pantyblwyd Road is full.

Local councils in Wales are obliged to provide adequate accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers, and a councillor-led task and finish group has reviewed 1,006 council-owned sites.

A consultation exercise on the proposed sites is due to start later this month.

But a meeting of the authority's cabinet was told earlier this month that an "agreement" not to create a second Gypsy Traveller site in Llansamlet could not be found.

Cabinet member for place, June Burtonshaw, said: "In 1986 West Glamorgan considered the location of a gypsy traveller site and based on documents I've seen there was not an agreement at that time preventing another Gypsy Traveller site in Llansamlet.

"I haven't been able to see anything in any of the documents."

The campaign group is inviting people opposed to a second site in Llansamlet to attend a meeting at the Manor Park Hotel in Clydach on Monday at 7pm.