Campaigners against Gypsy site get boost - Lincolnshire

From the Lincolnshire Free Press

Cowbit residents against plans for a Travellers’ site on land off the A16 have received a double boost from the village and their MP.

Almost 500 people have signed a petition opposing plans for a six-acre Travellers’ site off Drain Bank North between Spalding and Cowbit.

South Holland District Council wants the site for up to 30 caravans to replace an unauthorised one in Broad Drove, Gosberton Clough, and plans to fund it from a £1.75million Government cash pot.

But residents, parish and district councillors claim the site is unsuitable because of flooding risks, the use of septic tanks for sewage disposal, transport issues, shortage of primary school places and the effect on wildlife.

Retired electrical retailer Gary Hudson (65), of Cowbit, said: “There seems to be a consensus that Drain Bank North just doesn’t seem to be the right place for a Travellers’ site and the feeling is so strong that nearly a third of the people who live in Cowbit have signed the petition.

“Drain Bank North is a very narrow road, with no footpath and the A16 on one side of it where people have been killed trying to get to Spalding.

“The schools round here are all pretty well full, although the district council has said there’s going to be a new school at Wygate Park, Spalding.

“It’s also very debatable whether septic tanks would work under these circumstances because if they do overflow. the sewage will flow into the drain nearby which runs into the River Welland.”

Gary and other residents put their concerns to South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes who has promised to put their concerns to the district council on their behalf.

Mr Hayes said: “The residents raised some serious issues with me, not least around drainage, extra volumes of traffic and the pressure on local schools.

“I’m very happy to write to South Holland District Council and pass on their concerns, although the council has to make adequate provision for Travellers’ sites.”