BASE HEADER

I would like to object to the potential location of a gypsy and traveller site in Warwick by Hampton Road and the Racecourse.

Having read your report and assessment of the sites, I note that the Hampton Road location is deemed to be Amber and not therefore ruled out.

We have first-hand experience of the issues caused by the current illegal site set up on Tapping Way which just reaffirms the feeling that choosing the Hampton Road site would be the worst possible result for the largest proportion of affected local residents.

This weekend will see one of the most important weekends for tourist visitors and the first impressions gained will be based upon an illegal traveller campsite. If the decision is taken to move ahead with Hampton Road, the same problem will exist for years to come along this route into the town inevitably leading to reduced visitor numbers, in particular to the racecourse. This will be compounded by racehorse trainers and owners not wanting to send horses to a course with an increased risk of equine disease and unleashed dogs.

As I originally stated in my objection, my firmest objection remains that the purpose of selecting sites is to ensure tensions are reduced between settled and traveller communities and that of the 20 sites earmarked, the site on Hampton Road is far and away the closest to a built up residential area so must be the most unsuitable on this criteria alone.