'IT'S the wrong place' - that was the verdict as hundreds of people attended a public consultation for a proposed gypsy and traveller site.

Victory Hall in Chickerell was packed this afternoon as people turned out to have their say on proposals for a six-pitch residential site at the former army camp at Wyke Regis.

Councils across Dorset 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.

West Dorset District Council has identified the old army camp as a potential location.

More than 700 residents have already signed a petition urging councillors not to place a site in the area.

Concerns over traffic, wildlife and school places were among the reasons people believed the site should not be placed here.

Councillor Kate Wheller, who represents Wyke Regis, said: “I'm not at all surprised there is such a strong turnout. Camp Road and the junction there are overloaded as it is. There are so many children in this area and if there are more vehicles using that junction it will become a real concern.

“The Wyke Regis schools simply do not have the capacity or speciality to deal with complex needs that traveller children may have. They deserve the best in facilities but we can't offer them that.”

Louise Mason started the petition around a month ago.

Mrs Mason runs a livery stables and said she is concerned at the impact on her business if the proposed site goes ahead.

She added: “People are worried about security issues.

“This area is also home to badgers, barn owls and bats, which are all protected species.

“I just don't know why they are even considering it.”

Resident Marianne Piesley said: “It is a ridiculous suggestion. It is a heritage site and they will never get large vehicles up Camp Road, which is very narrow.”

Councillor Jean Dunseith, who represents Chickerell on West Dorset District Council, said feedback she had received from residents was overwhelmingly negative.

She said: “I am delighted so many people turned out to find out what it is about and have their say. I think generally speaking people do understand that there is a need for a gypsy and traveller site in Dorset but they think that this is the wrong place.

“The roads are not good enough and there are concerns about schools. It is not easily accessible.”

Comments from residents will now be included in a consultation report to be put before councillors. The site at the old army camp is one of eight shortlisted sites being considered as part of the county-wide consultation.

 

Consultation was 'a waste of time'


A ROW broke out between councillors and consultants after a number of residents blasted the consultation as badly organised.

One man, who did not want to be named, said it was 'an absolute disgrace' that it had not been a chaired public meeting.

And Christine Sweeting said: “It's been a waste of time. I wanted to find out more but I don't know who to speak to.”

Cllr Dunseith said: “I think people did think it would be an organised public meeting but it turned out to be everyone milling around. I was quite disappointed because it was very hard to see who the consultants were as they were not wearing name badges.”

But Jo Lee, of Peter Brett Associates, said: “We were told by the council to run these type of events. Drop in events are a good thing because they enable all sections of the community to be heard, rather than just a few.”