COUNCILLORS have slammed the ‘flawed’ ongoing public consultation regarding proposed gypsy and traveller sites near Wyke Regis.

Labour Councillors in Weymouth and Portland have criticised West Dorset District Council, which has identified a disused army camp in Wyke Regis as a potential location of an ‘authorised-transit’ site, for its ‘flawed public consultation’ on the site.

Councils across Dorset, including Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, have had to identify and prepare potential traveller sites in response to government legislation, which intends to ease the difficulties created by illegal traveller sites.

However, before a site can be approved councils have to undertake a thorough consultation with local residents.

Although the army camp at Wyke Regis proposed by WDDC falls within their boundaries, local councillors believe Weymouth residents will shoulder the burden placed on local facilities if the site is approved.

Councillors from both Weymouth and Portland and Dorset County Councils said that WDDC has refused requests to facilitate a consultation with residents in Weymouth.

But Cllr Jean Dunseith, who represents Chickerell on WDDC and is vice chairman of the council, said the consultation at the Victory Hall would be an opportunity for people to find out more no matter where they live.

Cllr Kate Wheller, who represents Wyke Regis, said it was ‘totally unacceptable’ not to consult Weymouth residents.

She said: “The proposed site may well fall within West Dorset but it is only accessible via Wyke Regis. More importantly it will result in additional pressure being put on facilities located in, and used by, residents of Wyke Regis and the wider Weymouth area.”

Consultation for the Camp Road site began last week, but the closest consultation venue to the proposed site is almost three miles away, on Putton Lane in Chickerell, and Weymouth councillors claim it is inaccessible by public transport.

A second Wyke Regis Councillor, Craig Martin, said: “One major concern is the pressure on school places. There are several schools that this proposal will impact and due to changes in school funding, the need to identify additional places could have significant financial implications.”

Councillor Lucy Hamilton, whose Westham West ward includes nearby Lanehouse, urged WDDC to reconsider: “It’s a waste of time and money holding a consultation in Chickerell. We have residents at Lanehouse, at Littlesea and in Wyke who will want to give their views and to discuss with council officers. There are properties just inches away from the proposed site, while the consultation is miles away.”

Cllr Dunseith said: “The proposed site is in Chickerell and therefore the consultation is in Chickerell. Everyone who is concerned or wants to ask questions is welcome.”

The consultation takes place at Victory Hall in Putton Lane on Wednesday, October 1, from 4.30pm to 7pm.