Peterborough City Council is proposing to establish a fixed site on the outskirts of Wansford to deter travellers from setting up illegal encampments as they pass through the city.

The decision to build the "transit camp" on land currently used as a truck stop and picnic area has sparked controversy, largely because it was taken by two senior councillors without public consultation or debate in the council chamber.

Last night, a hastily-arranged emergency meeting was held at Wansford Community Hall to draw up a battle plan against the scheme and mobilise opposition in the area.

Should the travellers' site plans go ahead?
Comment below, email us: news@ peterboroughtoday.co.uk or telephone the newsdesk 01733 588719.
-------------------------------------

Wansford Parish Council chairman Tim Pearson said: "None of us were told about this and it was only by pure chance and good fortune that we even knew the decision had been made. We are totally opposed to these plans and deplore the fact that there was a complete lack of consultation involved. We must now do what we can to gather as much support as possible."

The "executive decision" to establish the travellers' site was taken on Monday by Cllr Sheila Scott, who is cabinet member for business improvement, and Cllr David Sanders, cabinet member for city services.

Other sites have been considered within Peterborough itself, including land in Dogsthorpe, Newark, Paston and North Bretton.

But all were rejected in favour of the Wansford scheme because the Highways Agency is willing to hand the truck stop over to the city council free of charge.

At last night's meeting, which was attended by about 20 people representing Wansford, Sutton, Sibson-cum-Stibbington, Upton and Yarwell, concerns were raised about the loss of the truck stop and picnic area if the site was built.

Fears were also voiced about the negative impact a camp would have on neighbouring communities because of potential noise and anti-social behaviour.

David Johnson, of Wansford Parish Council, said: "How on earth can two councillors make this decision without telling anyone? They seem to be going ahead with this irrespective of our views, and effectively it has been done in secret."

There remains a glimmer of hope for protesters that the proposals could yet be thrown out, however.

Conservative city councillor John Holdich, who represents the Wansford area, and fellow Tory Yvonne Lowndes have "called in" the decision – meaning it will be re-examined by members of a council scrutiny committee, probably on October 20.

In the meantime, another public meeting is being planned at Christie Hall in Elton Road, Wansford, at 7.30pm next Friday.

It is hoped a delegation can then continue the protest at the council's scrutiny meeting.

For more information about the public meeting in Wansford, contact Tim Pearson on 01780 782039.