Make sure you have your say on second Swansea Gypsy Traveller site - Glamorgan

From the South Wales Evening Post

SWANSEA residents still have more than two months to have their say on a short-list of Gypsy Traveller sites.

A consultation on the local of the second permanent site closes at the end of March.

Swansea has only one legal site which is full so the council is looking at providing further accommodation.

A three-month consultation got under way at the end of last year seeking the views of residents on the work that has been carried out so far in the search for the most appropriate location for the site.

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).

Under current housing legislation in Wales, Gypsies and Travellers should be included in housing assessments completed by local councils.

David Phillips, leader of Swansea Council, said: "It's important that we give everyone the opportunity to have their say on the process we are using to find a new site.

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

"Residents have until the end of March to tell us their views on what has been looked at so far."

Residents previously complained that it was too difficult for certain members of the community to access the documents. Swansea Council has since sent out more hard copies for those who are not computer literate to read.

The council has developed a range of ways for everyone to get involved:

A dedicated website is available at www.swansea.gov.uk/sgts and residents can register their views on the website.

Hard copies of all the web information are also available at local libraries for viewing along with hard copy comment forms.

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 also mailing consultation forms out to residents who may have difficulties getting to a library or to the Civic Centre. Forms can be posted on request by calling 01792 635600.