Concern at plan for new Gypsy & Traveller site in Scunthorpe - Lincolnshire

From the Scunthorpe Telegraph

"CONCERN" and "disappointment" have been expressed at potential plans to house a Gypsy and Traveller site in Scunthorpe.

The three North Lincolnshire ward councillors wrote to residents after learning of plans to include land off Wesley Road in Ashby as a potential home for the Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Residents previously expressed concerns about an illegal site in the same area and councillors say the plans would go against the views of local residents.

The letter states the plan "appears to be being progressed on the quiet and will have limited consultation".

The ward councillors also believe the plans would include land on Mortal Ash Hill.

Councillor Mick Grant, who sits on the authority's planning committee, told the Telegraph: "To my understanding there has been absolutely no scoping at all.

"There is a document coming out in the next couple of months that looks at allocating land for Gypsy and Traveller sites.

"I have found from talking to officers that the council was looking at land near Wesley Road and land up by Mortal Ash Hill as potential Gypsy sites so we are just making people aware.

"There have been issues there before and we felt that if we did not let people know about it then they may miss the chance to have their say.

"I used to live on Wesley Road so I know people's thoughts on the issue."

Mr Grant said it is understood that feedback is likely to be sought later this month when the document is published.

The letter adds: "We would suggest that if you would like your views to be known regarding these proposals that you keep an eye open for any future announcements."

Councillor Liz Redfern, leader of the ruling Conservative group, said the letters received by residents were "misleading" and "irresponsible".

She said: "The last Labour Government placed a requirement on local authorities to consult on potential Gypsy and Traveller sites.

"To comply with the law, North Lincolnshire Council will need to do this at some stage based on what the requirements are locally.

"I am completely resolved that if there are any requirements, they will not be sites paid for by local taxpayers, unlike under Labour's proposals.

"As to why the Labour Party would choose to write to local residents on local taxpayer- funded paper, and try to stir up communities about sites that may not even be considered at anytime for any type of development, I am completely at a loss.

"It is a fact that it was the Labour Party who first started this process of consultation.

"Let me be clear, I don't believe there is any need for further Traveller sites in North Lincolnshire, this is more a case of Labour being completely irresponsible and misleading local people."