Swansea Council makes commenting on Gypsy Traveller site short-list easier - Glamorgan

From the South Wales Evening Post

SWANSEA Council says it is making it easier for residents to give their views on the five short- listed Gypsy Traveller sites.

It follows complaints to the Evening Post that it was too difficult for certain members of the public to contribute to the consultation.

Tom Jenkins said the elderly, disabled and computer illiterate would "lose out on having their say" because the large portion of the feedback was done online, with online a week in January where hard copies would be available.

Louise Bolam, a spokeswoman for Leo's Community Action Group, which is campaigning against a site on the old greyhound track in Penplas, said there was concern some people in the area would not have access to the documents.

"You've only got to look at the demographic for the Penderry ward to see that's not a fair way to consult with them," she said.

"Local people here are socially excluded and there are low educational groups with none or low educational qualifications and if you read the documents they are extremely complex.

"We spent hours studying them. It is not advertised very well. Lots of people are relying on the Evening Post to know what's going on."

However, she added she was pleased the council was inviting the public to get involved.

On the short list are: the former greyhound stadium (Cockett); the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach (Gorseinon); proposed cemetery (Gorseinon); Swansea Vale (Llansamlet); and Milford Way (Penderry).

All the council's documents relating to how the short-list was drawn up will be online until March 2013.

A hard copy of all the information on the website is also now available at the Civic Centre and can be viewed on request, along with hard copies of the consultation document.

Libraries across the city are also available for residents who may not have access to a computer at home.

Visitors to the civic centre can also view an exhibition which will be on display from January 21 to 25, February 25 to March 1 and from March 18 to 28.

The council is mailing consultation forms to residents who may have difficulties getting to a library or the Civic Centre.

David Phillips, council leader, said: "The council wants the public to play a full part in this process and people will have until the end of March to give us their views.

"No decisions have been made about any site and none will be until after the public consultation has been completed."