£2m needed to build site for traveller community

Selby District Council is bidding for the cash to build a new 20 pitch site in the area.

The decision follows a recent influx of travellers into Selby, who have set up camps at Brotherton, South Milford, Hillam and Carlton.

Last year, a government inspector gave a family permission to live on field adjacent to the historic War of the Roses battlefield of Towton until 2014, because of a lack of traveller sites.

Council leader Mark Crane said: "That decision was deplorable and we thought we had to do something to protect ourselves before we lose another site.

"Over the last nine months we have had seven illegal encampments spring up across the district. The travellers seem to be coming into the western side of the district and I think it is because it has good access to the motorway.

"There are also websites for the travelling community which are encouraging people to move towards Selby.

"We are currently looking where we can put the new site. We are not sure of the exact figure, but we think it will cost up to 2m."

Mr Crane added that residents will be required to pay rent at the new site.

It was decided to submit the bid, to the North Yorkshire Strategic Housing Board, at a Selby District Council meeting on Tuesday night.

A council spokesperson said: "The council has agreed to investigate the possibility of delivering new facilities for gypsies and travellers.

"A thorough review will be carried out, in partnership with the gypsy and traveller community, to investigate where there is a need for new accommodation.

"No costs have been agreed and no formal application for funding has yet been made.

"Both will depend on the outcome of the initial consultation on potential sites. As this work progresses, the matter will return to Full Council for further discussion and decision-making."