Councils at loggerheads over secret plans
Two councils are at loggerheads over the right to discuss secret plans for travellers' sites.
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has written to Groby Parish Council saying a meeting arranged for tonight may "create concern where none is necessary".
It comes after the Leicester Mercury was handed a document showing potential sites, including one in Groby, when it was left behind after a briefing for borough councillors.
The confidential paperwork showed two travellers' sites were being considered for land near Groby and Earl Shilton.
It also showed four smaller sites in Stanton under Bardon, Stoke Golding, Newbold Verdon and west of Hinckley.
Papers also say four extensions to existing sites in Cadeby, Markfield, Desford and Barlestone will be considered.
The borough council said the parish "may therefore wish to consider whether the meeting should proceed if the confidential information forms part of the discussion".
Borough council bosses have said the plans are not finalised, and it may create confusion for residents who attend the meeting.
Peter Batty, Groby Parish Council chairman and also a borough councillor, said the meeting will still go ahead.
He said: "How can anyone claim a report that has been leaked in full to the media, who have in turn published the controversial details and to county councillors who have distributed detailed reports in my ward, to still be confidential."
4 Comments
by Bob McQuillin, Groby
Wednesday, December 24 2008, 2:28PM
“Confusion my foot. It is very clear that if this goes before the council on 20th January and the proposal is adopted - end of story. It will take a miracle to get it rescinded by the Government inspector.”
by A Johns, Glenfield
Friday, December 05 2008, 12:34PM
“Nothing new here.
Central Government has set a demand, in its Local Development Framework, for new traveller and gypsy sites in the East Midlands equivalent to an 11 mile dual carriageway. Each borough or district has been set the task of finding land to accomodate their share of the sites. No choice, just find the land.
Is it at all surprising that this is going to cause a lot of anger and, to avoid mass protest locally, councils are considering in secret.
Even the "found" report does not make it clear that a single pitch provides space for not one caravan but for two caravans and associated vehicles and a share of facilities rooms, for example bathrooms and kitchens. Thus 10 pitches is 20 caravans plus vehicles, etc.
The report also does not make it clear who is going to pick up the cost of creating the sites, the maintenance and cleaning up the general area when other travellers or gypsies are attracted to the area to visit those resident on the sites. One probable answer is the local ratepayers.
Definition of democracy: Good news - go public, bad news - keep it a secret.”
by Daniel, Leicester
Friday, December 05 2008, 11:30AM
“"Borough council bosses have said the plans are not finalised, and it may create confusion for residents who attend the meeting"
Do these councillors think that everyone is that stupid? We have all read the plans that were leaked and now they dont want to face an angry crowd in this meeting who rightfully will be accusing them of scheming behind the publics back. Make them attend this meeting and make them listen to the people that these sites will effect.”
by Paul, Hamilton
Friday, December 05 2008, 11:29AM
“Perhaps the person who leaked the report should be arrested as should the reporter who used it!! Watch out the anti- terror police could be round!”