'More sites needed for Gypsies and travellers'

Creating more sites for Gypsies and travellers is "better for all involved", council officials have said.

Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation to find 128 new pitches and seven new sites in the county by 2038.

Cabinet Member strategic planning Nick Botterill said: "I'm not saying it's easy in all situations - but this is a better way of managing the situation than having random sites which may not be suitable."

A charity for the travelling community said the move comes as a "welcome positive step".

Members of the public are encouraged to have their say on the Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan at one of six consultations events.

Planned sites with properly maintained facilities and utilities are "better for all involved", by having less impact on local communities and offering better outcomes for those living there, the council said.

Travellers on official sites also contribute to local taxes.

Mr Botterill continued: "There are potential tensions between residents and travellers and that's why this has to be handled in a sensitive and professional way," he said.

"Badly managed" sites in the past have caused problems, including litter and broken fencing, Mr Botterill added.

"It's incumbent on landowners, including Wiltshire Council, to ensure that doesn't happen," he said.

Friends, Families and Travellers, a national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsy, Roma and traveller people, said: "Everyone deserves somewhere to call home, and we're hopeful that Wiltshire Council will work hard to address the need as identified in its development plan, by creating much-needed pitches and sites.

"If needed, Friends, Families and Travellers is always available for a conversation to help move things along."

The consultation period ends on 4 October.

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