Gypsy decision rubber stamped (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Gypsy decision rubber stamped

9:08pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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Security guards were on standby tonight as the final gypsy site meeting took place in Chippenham.

But the six security guards, two Police Community Support Officers and extra council staff were not needed to control the crowds who breathed a sigh of relief as North Wiltshire District Council executive committee voted to reject all six sites.

More than 100 people packed out The Olympiad Leisure Centre to hear the news that potential sites in Chippenham, Calne and Wootton Bassett were being scrapped.

North Wiltshire District Council's lead member for housing Howard Greenman told crowds: "It has been torturous for many people and there has been a dark cloud hanging over many communities.

"But tonight all of you should get closure. With this six-week consultation we have tried to be as clear and transparent with you as possible.

"Some information we believed to be set in stone on April 24 we have since dismissed. I would like the communities of each site all to be able to draw a line under what they have been through in the last six weeks."

But some members of the public were worried the government would step in and demand a site in North Wiltshire.

Leader of North Wilts Dick Tonge told crowds: "There is a feeling if the sites are not produced in the long term the government could come in heavy handed with us and we have no choice. However, that is just my view."

But Coun Greenman, who denied the government would do this, said: "They wouldn't have a leg to stand on."

Mr Greenman refused to reveal any details of any private sites that were had been submitted during the consultation citing it would be unfair to the landowners who may not know their land was under the microscope.

Councillors said they planned to challenge central government on the number of sites demanded in North Wilts, the criteria they were based under and ask for gypsy sites to be considered in other parts of the county.

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