NORTH Herts will have to increase travellers and gypsy caravan pitches by the year 2011, says the East of England Regional Assembly. It decided today (Friday) that North Herts would have to add 15 pitches to the six authorised pitches that already exist.
NORTH Herts will have to increase travellers and gypsy caravan pitches by the year 2011, says the East of England Regional Assembly.
It decided today (Friday) that North Herts would have to add 15 pitches to the six authorised pitches that already exist.
The proposals will be submitted to the Government's Department for Communities and Local Government - and be the subject of a three-month public consultation period.
Although North Herts District Council has been given a number of suggested sites in a consultant's report - which includes land in Sandon, Barkway and Ashwell - it is yet to decide on the most suitable place for the pitches.
Assembly chairman Cllr John Reynolds said: "Throughout the east of England we need more legal places for gypsies and travellers.
"With every local authority providing some additional accommodation, it will help solve the problem of unauthorised encampments which can cause problems for both residents and gypsies and travellers," he said.
The decision comes after two years of research, public consultation and development of its policy by the regional assembly.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here