Pensioner fears arrival of Gypsy site in village - Derbyshire

From the Burton Mail

AN elderly lady claims the potential arrival of a Gypsy camp on her doorstep has left her ‘scared’ in her own home.

The Willington resident, who asked not to be named, also complained about the lack of consultation she had received regarding a bid lodged with South Derbyshire District Council for the travellers to move onto the site off The Castle Way.

The application was submitted last month for four Gypsy families to move onto the site, who would bring eight caravans with them. A decision is due to be delivered by May 8.

The woman said she felt intimidated by the potential arrivals and argued people living in the area should be given more of a say on whether Gypsies are allowed to stay.

South Derbyshire District Council insisted it had consulted with residents in The Castle Way about the plan, refuting the suggestion that people in the area were not made aware of the situation.

Speaking to the Mail, the resident said she was scared about what impact her potential new neighbours would bring.

She said: “There isn’t many of them, but it grows. What is to stop more of them coming?

“Nobody has spoken to us about it, there has been nothing through the door. I know people have got to live somewhere, but what do they contribute?

“I’m not in agreement with it at all.”

South Derbyshire District Council urged anyone with any concerns to contact the authority before April 9.

A spokesman said: “National regulations require planning applications to be publicised through a site notice or by informing adjoining neighbours, and the council has done both.

“As with any application, we will closely consider a range of factors, including any responses from members of the public.

“We have already received 25 representations, demonstrating people are aware of what is happening.”