Basildon: Consultation Over Traveller Sites

People in Basildon will have the chance to influence where new traveller sites will be built in the area over the next 20 years.

A public consultion on where new sites should go is being held later in January Basildon Council's 'Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Local Needs Accommodation Assessment' will enable local people to become involved in discussions about the provision of new sites. 

Meetings with Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople living in the Borough are also being arranged and will take place in due course. 

Cllr Richard Moore, cabinet member for planning, said: "We need to study and assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the same way that we have to assess the needs of other people and communities. 

"This is an important opportunity for local residents to share their views on the matter and I would urge those interested to attend one of the consultation events in January and February." 

The local events are set to be held on three dates: 

The Wick Community Centre in Silva Island Way, Wickford on Friday 25 January from 2pm - 8pm. 

Frypa Hall, The Fryth, Basildon, on Tuesday 29 January from 2pm - 8pm. 

Billericay Day Centre in Chantry Lane, Billericay, on Friday 1 February from 2pm - 8pm. 

Independent consultants, Opinion Research Services & Peter Brett Associates, were appointed by the Council in December 2012 to undertake the study which is a Government requirement.