Sites search in rural West Midlands

1 November 2010

TT’s own Shanterlena Knowles went before Midlands Today’s news cameras after a call for more sites in the rural West Midlands.

Herefordshire Council, like councils in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, say they are actively looking for potential Gypsy and Traveller pitches.

Herefordshire have seven council-owned sites (64 pitches), but research has shown a need for many more sites.

Shanterlena told Midlands Today: “Travelling people desperately need more sites.

"If there were more Council sites it would without doubt cause less friction between the Traveller and non-Traveller communities. Given a chance there isn't a lot of difference between the two, just culture and way of living.

"Travellers want the chance to keep their heads down and earn a living like everyone else."

Landowners with a possible site can contact Gemma Dyke (senior planning officer) 01432 260139 or Philip Deeley (planning policy officer), 01432 261948.