Proposed gyspy site stopped by a rare flower

ACTIVISTS reckon they’ve found a secret weapon to keep gypsies away from their homes…the BOG PIMPERNEL!

Campaigners say the presence of the rare marshland plant means council plans to build a traveller site in Maulden, Beds, are now a non-starter.

The location is one of 35 possible areas that Central Bedfordshire Council has earmarked to host gypsy and travellers.

Now protesters in Ampthill and Maulden are hopeful they may win their battle to stop the development thanks to the creeping plant.

Central Bedfordshire Councillor and Ampthill Town Mayor Paul Duckett said “There is a lot of wildlife growing on this land and the Bog Pimpernell only flourishes in wet lands such as this.

“I believe this to be the only place in Bedfordshire where it grows.

“There are 35 sites that have been proposed, some of which are privately owned and others which are owned by the council. Aside from the plant, this site is a sensitive piece of land.

“There has been Roman artefacts found on it and there are two Anglian Water pipes that pump fresh water to Bedfordshire and Luton.”

Bog Pimpernel, also known as Anagallis tenella, grows in damp habitats in Eurasia. It had been more common in eastern counties of England prior to the drainage of land.

Central Bedfordshire Councillor Nigel Young, who is the executive member for sustainable communities, strategic planning and economic development, said “We have received representation about this issue with others from individuals and organisations.

“We are logging all of these and each piece of feedback will be considered as part of the wider planning process.”