Traveller site is a ‘toxic time bomb - councillor - Somerset

From the Weston Mercury

A GYPSY and Traveller site in Weston has been given the go-ahead despite fears it is a ‘toxic time bomb’ and residents living there would be treated like ‘second-class citizens’.

North Somerset Council’s south area committee met on Thursday to discuss the application for a site at Old Junction Yard in Winterstoke Road.

It was told that people are currently living in over-crowded sites and the new one would give 24 families the chance at a better life.

Three other areas are now being investigated as potential sites.

The Mercury reported how a 30cm-thick cover underground is to be provided because of soil contaminated by arsenic, lead and cadmium.

South Ward councillor Ian Parker believes the site poses a significant risk to human health.

He said: “I have been absolutely amazed, not to say alarmed, at the determination of officers to get this approved.

“There have been more than 100 objections, and a 486-name petition, and it is not supported by the community.

“This has made a mockery of the consultation process.

“This site is unsuitable for residential development.

“I don’t think anyone in this room would like to occupy this land so why would Gypsies and Travellers?

“It’s treating them like second-class citizens.”

Deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said current sites in North Somerset had become over-crowded and the majority of people who would move to Winterstoke Road lived in Weston and North Somerset.

The site will be run by Elim Housing, which already manages four sites in North Somerset.

Elim chief executive Alistair Allender said: “Any decision about Gypsy and Traveller sites creates emotional responses.

“As a group they are not adequately integrated into mainstream society, and are a very disadvantaged group. Education levels are low and health inequalities exist.

“This is a chance to grant 24 families a place to live and a chance for a better life and more equal place in society.”

Council planning officers said they are looking at Moorland Park and the new Locking Parklands development as potential sites as it needs to provide 60 pitches by the end of 2016.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Parker said: “There was obviously a solid display of nimbyism by those who voted.

“I am appalled by the blatant disregard to local people who signed a petition.

“It was quite right to say a lot of people signed from outside of the area, but I’m surprised they didn’t filter those out.

“Members just weren’t really interested.

“My concern is about the potential health risk for future occupants who, in my opinion, will be living on a toxic time bomb.”