Council stays silent on plans for traveller site
Police appeal as woman, 53, goes missing
OFFICERS are appealing for information about a missing woman who has not been seen since last week.
Judith Winson, 53, (below) was last seen in Derby Road, Doveridge, at around 2pm on Wednesday, May 13.
She is 5ft 6in tall, with shoulder-length light brown hair. According to Derbyshire police, she was understood to have been wearing leggings and a blue Parka coat, and carrying a large brown leather bag. She is believed to have links to the Hilton and Uttoxeter areas.
An appeal from police reads: “We’re concerned for the welfare of Judith Winson who has been reported missing from an address in Doveridge.”
Anyone who has seen Judith or may have any information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Derbyshire police.
Call 101 or use the police’s social media channels. The reference number is 749 of May 13. nor deny whether it is in discussions regarding any specific site. When any solid proposals are available these will be brought before committee and the development of any site will be subject to planning permission with the opportunity for full public engagement at that time.”
The district has a legal obligation to provide a permanent home for a traveller family with local ties to Ashbourne. This obligation falls under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
However it has failed this duty for several decades, the authority’s chief executive has often confessed.
A final agreement on a permanent site would take a substantial amount of time.
Even with successful talks between the council and landowner, the authority would need to file a planning application and approve it. This would take months and council officers have reiterated that any debate and decision on the traveller plans will be made with full public access in order to ensure their views are heard.
Public participation in council meetings is not yet possible due to social distancing measures and a lack of a secure facility to enable residents to contribute to a virtual meeting - especially those without access to the internet.
The council has declined to provide information so as not to prejudice affairs