Possible travellers' site found

A possible transit travellers' site has been earmarked in Bournemouth after two other options were scrapped.

Councillors will vote on 24 June on whether to approve plans for at least eight pitches at Cambridge Road.

Two other potential sites, one at Riverside Avenue and one next to Cherry Tree Garden Nursery at Northbourne, have already been scrapped.

If the new idea is approved planning permission will be sought. The council must find one transit site by 2011.

'Police powers'

Councillor Stephen MacLoughlin, leader of the council, said: "Bournemouth has seen a number of unauthorised encampments, particularly last summer, in some cases causing disruption and costs to local taxpayers.

"A permanent site would provide a safe area where gypsy and travellers could stay and pay their way and the site would be properly managed and maintained.

"By having a site in Bournemouth the police would also have more robust powers to either direct travellers to the site or out of the borough if necessary."

Councillors across the county have struggled to find suitable sites after the government ordered that 650 pitches be created in Dorset, both as permanent and transit camps.

One planned at Ashington Farm in Poole had to be scrapped following protests by residents.

Bournemouth must find one transit site and 12 transit pitches by 2011.

A pitch will cater for two or three caravans.