Talks to resolve travellers row

Villagers say a big influx of travellers is causing problems

MP James Paice is holding meetings on Friday in a bid to resolve growing discontent over a travellers' site.

Up to 1,000 residents of Cottenham in Cambridgeshire are refusing to pay council tax in protest at an influx of travellers on the Smithy Fen site.

Mr Paice, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, said he hoped to find common ground between travellers and villagers as relations grow strained.

He is to meet with both sides to try to find a solution.

Villagers claim South Cambridgeshire District Council has not looked after their interests.

There is some extreme language coming from both sides which is inflaming the situation James Paice MP

They have complained about a rise in crime, litter and anti-social behaviour - with more than 800 complaints made to the police.

"I need to understand everyone's point of view so I am meeting with the travellers on Smithy Fen and the settled residents of Cottenham to try to find a way forward," said Mr Paice.

"I understand the frustrations of the villagers who do not see their human rights being respected in the same way as those of the travelling community.

"But there is some extreme language coming from both sides which is inflaming the situation."

The MP has already met the Chief Executive of South Cambridgeshire District Council, John Ballantyne, to discuss the expansion of Smithy Fen and the problems this has caused.

"There are many people in the village, and older travellers before them, who are unable to live in peace due to the anti-social activities of an element of the travelling community on Smithy Fen," said Mr Paice.

"If better relations are to be achieved gypsy leaders need to take responsibility for this behaviour and stamp it out, which is an issue I will be raising."