Two sites for gypsies in port abandoned after public backlash
COUNCIL NOW FORCED TO LOOK FOR NEW LOCATIONS
CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a temporary stop for gypsies and travellers in Holyhead will have to start from scratch, after both proposed sites were ruled out.
Anglesey Council officers consulted with residents on two sites in Holyhead to answer the needs of gypsies and travellers on their way to and from Ireland.
The authority is legally obliged to assess and meet the accommodation needs.
Proposals are already in place for a permanent site near Penhesgyn, Menai Bridge, for families currently living on an unauthorised “but tolerated” site on a lay-by on the A5025 near Pentraeth.
Separate plans for a temporary stop between Llanfairpwll and Star, on a strip of land between the A55 and A5, are also expected to proceed after officials expressed satisfaction over its suitability, favouring it over another site at Gaerwen.
But the setting up of a short-term stop in Holyhead has met with criticism from businesses and residents.
As a result, officers will be forced to go back to the drawing board and look at alternatives around the port town.
According to a report to members of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, land at Cyttir Road, near Ysgol Kingsland, and Tyddyn Lantern Farm, proved unpopular with locals when the proposals went out to consultation, with fears over the potential for an increase in crime.
The Welsh Government, as part landowner of the Cyttir Road site, also outlined the area should be safeguarded for future job creation.
Many locals also objected due to its location near a school and nursery.
Gerry Maguire, of M&M Removals and Storage on the nearby industrial estate, said he was delighted the council listened to concerns.
He said: “There were a lotlo of concerns about the suitabilitysu of the site, and it would have caused problemsp for not only ourselves, but other businesses and potentially the school.
“I’m glad the officers haveh seen sense.”
Meanwhile, the TyddynT Lantern Farm sitesi faced criticism from theh nearby Gwelfor Commmunity Centre and the Meithinfa Morfo Nursery, with officers concluding it would have the potential to adversely affect local businesses and residents “to an unacceptable degree.”
As a result, officers must now find alternative sites within the town before a new consultation is held.