Call for action over travellers' site

Many travellers are still on unauthorised sites

Residents of a village near Carlisle have told the city council it wants to see stronger management of a nearby travellers' site.

Villagers in Rockcliffe allege travellers lit fires, damaged water supplies and vandalised the gates and fenceposts at the Hespin Wood site in April.

A total of 60 people from Rockcliffe have signed a petition urging the council to improve the way the site is run.

Peter Jackson organised the petition, and he said he hopes the council will take note of local feeling.

'Proper supervision'

He said: "The purpose of the petition was to let the council know what has been going on land right under their noses.

"I don't know what sort of management systems they have at the council, but if it didn't include proper supervision I would be very surprised.

"We are not against the site as it is there lawfully, but it should be properly supervised."

In April burning furniture at the site caused thick black smoke to drift across the A74 dual carriageway.

The spot is classed as an emergency site for travellers where they can stay for a maximum of seven days.

The site is owned by Cumbria County Council, with Carlisle City Council responsible for the day-to-day operations.