CONSULTATION is to be begin on new gipsy sites in the Royston area, a council has confirmed. South Cambridgeshire District Council rubber-stamped their list of potential travellers sites, which includes land in Bassingbourn and Whaddon, at the new commun

CONSULTATION is to be begin on new gipsy sites in the Royston area, a council has confirmed.

South Cambridgeshire District Council rubber-stamped their list of potential travellers' sites, which includes land in Bassingbourn and Whaddon, at the new communities portfolio holder meeting on Friday.

The move came days after an impromptu public meeting in Bassingbourn attracted about 100 villagers, concerned at the prospect of pitches being installed in Spring Lane, Bassingbourn.

New Farm in Whaddon has also been earmarked as a potential site for some of the 88 new pitches required in South Cambridgeshire by 2021.

Portfolio holder for new communities at the district council, Cllr David Bard, said: "Gipsies and Travellers are a part of South Cambridgeshire life and always have been. Their needs are recognised by national and regional policy and are being addressed through this process.

"We recognise that Gipsy and Traveller sites are an important issue to the residents of South Cambridgeshire and we are committed to involving the community throughout the process of identifying these new permanent sites.

"I am confident we have the arrangements in place to consult effectively with the public and would encourage people to put their comments and any alternative site suggestions forward for consideration," he said.

The 13-week consultation period will begin on 10 July and run until noon on 9 October 2009. Wherever possible, SCDC asks that comments be made online at www.scambs.co.uk/ldf via the interactive form. Alternatively, a paper form can be requested from the council on 03450 450 500.

Exhibitions have been planned across South Cambridgeshire, including one on 22 July at The Limes, Old School Hall, Bassingbourn. This will run from 1pm - 8pm.