Council is trying for a compromise over site for travellers

WHERE Rossendale council does seem to be trying to come up with a sensible compromise is the vexing issue of where to possibly locate a camp for travellers.

They are obliged to find one by law, even if there is no guarantee the site will ever be used.

A site near Futures Park, the home of Rossendale council, is now being suggested.

Deputy council leader Sean Serridge argues that if it has to go anywhere, it might as well be next door to the council, rather than next to local residents.

But that hasn’t stopped 1,700 people in Bacup signing a petition against the plans.

And that’s a problem for a council which is often at pains to say it listens to people, but so often is accused of doing anything but.

Ultimately, a planning inspector will decide whether the site is suitable, and then it may well be a planning application never comes forward.

Indeed, Jake Berry suggests an oversupply over traveller accommodation in neighbouring boroughs like Hyndburn means Rossendale may not have to supply a site at all.

If that is the case, then Mr Berry is perhaps best placed to make that happen.

He’s our man in Westminster, with the access to the government department which demands all councils find space for travellers.

I’m not entirely convinced he’ll find much success though – which brings Rossendale council back to square one... because rightly or wrongly, very few people will ever stand for a traveller site near to their back garden.