From the Coventry Telegraph
THE revelation of plans for a new Travellers’ site in Nuneaton has caused anger among residents.
Warwickshire County Council is considering creating an overflow area for transient families, 100 yards from a permanent encampment in Griff Hollows, which was recently upgraded and modernised at a cost of £2million.
The proposal is to offer space on a disused stretch of road, where 15 caravans, plus towing vehicles, will be able to stay for a maximum of 28 days at a time.
But people living nearby are up in arms and are now in the process of submitting official objections.
The permanent Griff travellers' camp, which was recently given a £2 million refurbishment
Geoff Manns, who lives near the site in Coventry Road, said: “There are serious issues, not only about the plan itself but also about the total lack of consultation.
"he first I heard about it was when someone pushed a notice through my letter box.
"Apparently, this notice had been pinned to a lamp-post adjacent to the site and although this is the legal requirement, surely the county council also has an obligation to keep people informed in a more direct manner?
“If it wasn’t for one of my neighbours finding this notice, we would never have known and hence permission could have been granted without objection; a back-door way of the county council getting their way.
"No doubt they are quite within their rights to announce such plans but it seems underhanded and unprofessional.”
The area outlined to accommodate additional Travellers is part of the old main road between Nuneaton and Bedworth which has not been accessible since the by-pass island was constructed many years ago.
"It has remained blocked off at both ends but under the council proposal would be opened up, resurfaced and refurbished, with toilet facilities and a stand-pipe provision.
Mr Manns, who has two children and runs his own business, said: “There needs to be a proper look at whether there is a case for this site.
"This is not just about Nimbyism, because this land is also in the green belt and is designated as an area of scientific interest, due, I think, to the adjacent quarry in Gipsy Lane. Other issues created by such a development include pressure on local roads, schools, medical facilities and road safety.
“The application should have been heard by the county’s planning committee on February 12, which would have left little time for objections to be submitted. But I understand it has now been put back for a month.”
Mr Manns has already expressed his concerns to local county councillor June Tandy and is also seeking support from neighbours, borough councillors and Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones.
*Gypsies living on a camp in Meriden have launched a fresh planning application for a smaller camp on green belt land."
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