S.Cambs: Cllr 'Sorry' For 'Joke' Travellers Email

8 November 2012, 12:23 | Updated: 8 November 2012, 12:41

The councillor in charge of plans to re-open a travellers site near Meldreth has apologised for sending a 'joke' email about travellers.

Cllr Mark Howell, cabinet member for housing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, admitted sending the email to six councillors six years ago.

The message contained a picture of a fake road sign in front of a caravan with the words "F*** off g**o's". Underneath the image he wrote the question "Do you think the county will order some?"

Mr Howell told Heart:

"The email from more than six years ago was nothing more than a private joke between friends in the independent group I was a member of at the time, which is now being used for nothing more than political gain."

"Anyone who knows me will know I do not support the views contained within it, and have worked tirelessly for all residents since becoming a councillor."

"In hindsight it was a stupid thing to have sent and I can only apologise if anyone takes offence."

South Cambridgeshire District Council announced plans to buy and re-open an old traveller's site near Meldreth last week.
 
There are also plans to buy and improve two existing traveller sites at Whaddon and Blackwell.
 
Legally the council has to provide space for about 80 caravans over the next 20 years.