Decision made on traveller sites

Sites to be used by gypsies and travellers have been earmarked

A list of proposed sites for Gypsy and traveller camps in North Lincolnshire has been narrowed down to two.

Seven sites in Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barton had been suggested by the council for public consultation.

More than 900 people responded. Sites in Caistor Road, Barton, and Normanby Road, Scunthorpe, have now been chosen.

The council said the sites were picked because of their location. It promised that sites would not be opened without a 'proper management scheme in place'.

In May a study carried out by Salford University identified a need for 46 permanent sites and five temporary pitches by 2016 in North Lincolnshire to accommodate Gypsies and travellers.

Councillor Mick Grant, cabinet member for housing, said: "By law, all councils have a duty to assess accommodation needs of Gypsies and travellers. And this is part of that process.

"A major part of the consultation brought up the need for managed sites and if we are to progress with these camps we must have robust management schemes, with wardens, in place. The council can assure people that it will not open any Gypsy site as part of this scheme without a proper management scheme in place."

Mr Grant said the council would consult further on the suitability of the sites.