More traveller sites planned

Plans have been launched to build 38 permanent Gypsy pitches in central Lancashire.
Travellers at Penwortham HolmeTravellers at Penwortham Holme
Travellers at Penwortham Holme

A Government assessment revealed in the next 15 years, 25 more pitches will be needed in Preston, 12 in Chorley and one in South Ribble.

A pitch is the space for one household and consists usually of space for a permanent caravan and a touring caravan.

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There is pressure from Traveller households living outside Central Lancashire who want to establish a yard, growing families, and Showpeople who want to establish a yard for commuting reasons.

Together, the three area’s local councils are preparing a Local Plan, and residents have until tomorrow to make suggestions on locations.

Coun Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “Councils have a duty to assess the accommodation needs of gypsies and travellers, identify the number of pitches likely to be needed and to identify sites where they could be.

“We’ve already earmarked Cowling Farm to meet Chorley’s permanent traveller need in our local plan. Now we’re working with the other two councils on a joint plan to meet the need for permanent and traveller pitches, and potentially travelling showpeople sites, over the next 10 years.

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“It’s important to us to get people’s views so I’d urge people to take part in the consultation.”

Thirty caravans pitched up on Penwortham Holme on Monday night. They were still there yesterday and have given no indication of when they will leave. Another 10 caravans were on Moor Park, Preston, from Thursday to Monday.

From 2010-14 there were 68 unauthorised encampments in Central Lancashire.