Have your say on gypsy site provision

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 20th May 2007

Abbots Langley residents now have the chance to respond to a public consultation on the number of caravan sites provided for gypsies and travellers in the area.

Government guidelines insist that councils must provide sites for travellers in future. An independent study (the Scott Wilson report) into possible locations of sites, said that Three Rivers needs space for 15 pitches (not sites).

Once the number of sites in each council area has been decided by central government, Three Rivers will consult with residents on possible locations for sites. This consultation is expected to take place around the end of this year. The government, not local people, will make the final decision.

Responses to the current EERA consultation on the number and distribution of sites need to be received by the end of July. Details are available by ringing 01284 729407 or emailing planning@eera.gov.uk

Cllr Sara Bedford said, "We do not accept the findings of the Scott Wilson report - some of the proposed site locations do not even meet the report's own criteria.

"We will take into account the rights of all residents, not just those of travellers. and will continue to keeping people informed on the process as it continues".