Travellers' decision 'won't be political'
WHERE travellers live is an emotional subject, but Swansea's council leader has promised to "take politics" out of the decision.
The local authority has a duty to provide a permanent second site for them — they already have a full one in Llansamlet, and another family is currently pitched on a temporary site at Swansea Vale Park and Ride. However, Swansea's leader David Phillips has moved to assure concerned residents politics will not play a part in the decision- making.
Mr Phillips said the current search for a second permanent site for traveller families would be based on expert advice.
He said council officers would rank a shortlist of sites based on professional assessments of the options. The ranked sites will also be assessed independently.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
The process will conclude with the ranked sites being considered by the full council.
Mr Phillips said: "The process of identifying a list of sites will be based entirely on professional advice and guidance from the Welsh Government. It will not be open to political interference."
Nick Bradley, who chairs the working group that reviewed the selection process, said: "People have concerns about potential sites, but I can reassure them that no decisions have been made.
"The people of Swansea and the traveller families deserve to have the most appropriate site based on government guidance and professional assessments of the options."
Meanwhile Llansamlet residents will be holding a meeting about a potential new site tomorrow. A Llansamlet home owner, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, said she would, along with her neighbours, be attending the meeting to air their worries based on their experiences of living close to the current site.
helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk
01792 514417
Comments
by CitizenSpike
Sunday, September 23 2012, 8:25PM
“I thought Swansea Council were already meeting their obligation by providing a long-standing official site at Llansamlet (rear of Morganite). Why should they provide an additional site?”
by immigrant1
Sunday, September 23 2012, 3:20PM
“They have to live somewhere. But luckily, it won't be me because I live in west Swansea.”
by immigrant1
Sunday, September 23 2012, 3:18PM
“There are two bits of spare land that can be used. The Vetch and St Davids. Both perfect sites.”
by Neathboy234
Sunday, September 23 2012, 9:02AM
“moogman Do U live in Swansea, if so i'm sure U could point out lots of suitable sites. NPT do of course have an excellent site at B/F, and another one at Pyle.”
by moogman
Sunday, September 23 2012, 8:45AM
“Please don't let your current residency put you off, Neathboy234. Get a caravan and move to Llansamlet.”
by Neathboy234
Saturday, September 22 2012, 5:13PM
“moogman I'm sure Swansea council would be very amused if i volunteered to have a camp set up nearby my home. The reason of course being that i do not live in Swansea, with the name NEATHboy i thought it would be obvious to all that i live in Neath/PT. That aside Swansea have an obligation to provide places for these people to live”
by moogman
Saturday, September 22 2012, 4:43PM
“It almost sounds like Neathboy234 is volunteering to have a camp set up nearby his home. What an upright guy. He can contact Swansea Council on 01792 636000”
by Neathboy234
Saturday, September 22 2012, 3:17PM
“These people have to be given somewhere to live. although this will not be very popular with those who love to moan when illegal sites are set up, what will they have to complain about then”
by hafodsam
Saturday, September 22 2012, 11:41AM
“All too easy to read between the lines here. The council is going to try to dump the problem in Llansamlet and Morriston and claim that it was someone else's decision. Holley tried that one and look what happened to him.”
by hobbles
Saturday, September 22 2012, 10:44AM
“Simple solution refuse to pay any form of tax until they do?”