Having spoken and written to local councillors and also local MPs, James Gray and Michael Ancram, it is apparent that the only ones who are in favour of siting gypsies / travellers here are our wonderful Labour government led by that splendid, gentleman (?) Gordon Brown, otherwise known as "The Spot". The information I have is that whichever site is chosen it will consist of 24 pitches catering for around 140 gypsies.
The local people certainly do not want a site in Calne, The Town Council do not want a site in Calne, The North Wilts District Council do not want a site in Calne and even the gypsies do not want to come to Calne. The responses I have received from he councillors who bothered to reply to my email were all supportive of moves to prevent this. The letter I received from James Gray was also very supportive and although stressing that he had some sympathy for North Wilts District Council with regard to the pressure being placed upon them by this government to identify sites he was certainly on the side of the local people.
No, it's just the government who have decided, in their wisdom, that as the gypsies / travellers are a disadvantaged group, each county must look at potential sites on which these people can stay and therefore have the benefit of all of the amenities non-gypsies and travellers have. I think the government are missing the point that these people choose this way of life so as not to join in with conventional society.
The situation is that the matter is now out for a six week consultation period which ends on Friday 20th June. Full consultation documents can be accessed by visiting the District Council web-site:
Additionally local people may want to visit:
where you will find discussion and updates on what is happening. A co-ordinated approach to oppose this is being organised by those running the site.
If you are local please support this campaign. If after the period of public consultation there is no site that is felt suitable I am sure that one will still have to be chosen and with Calne's history I think that the site that is currently favourite will be the one chosen, so very strong action is necessary now and also later to fight this.
On a final note for now, if anyone has any doubts about the potential impact of this then the recent falling through of my neighbour Tracey's house sale has been specifically attributed to this, as her buyer's did not want to live in an area close to a proposed gypsy site, despite the decision not even having been made. Apparently the estate agent has said that house prices will suffer and houses will be difficult to sell, as if things weren't bad enough already!
2 comments:
Do not pick on gypsies it is racist too and evil.
Don't you worry - all will be well, I have bought some lucky heather.......
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