Surfleet site 'totally unsuitable' for camp
Residents in Surfleet have joined forces to fight proposals for a travellers' site in their village, which they fear would become a "no go" area for police.
Around 100 people attended a public meeting where it was unanimously agreed that land north of the A152 off Bendyke Lane is an unsuitable location for a transient stopping place for travellers.
The session at the village hall was chaired by Surfleet Parish Council, which held its own meeting afterwards where members agreed to send a letter to South Holland District Council outlining villagers' objections.
Gosberton resident Derek Machin, who owns land next to the proposed site, listed reasons why it is "totally unsuitable", including the fact that there is a gas main and electricity line crossing it plus a drain at the back.
He added that a quarter of the land is unusable for any purpose, the drainage board needs to maintain its access at all times and that it is on a dangerous, fast road where there is no footpath to the nearest bus route.
Surfleet resident John Flowers added that the nearby sewerage works smell and he would not like to see anyone living next to it.
Roger Brown, of Seas End Road, told the meeting that South Holland District Council should stick by its own rules as the 2006 local plan says there is to be no development in Surfleet.
Other residents said they needed more information about how the site would be funded and what impact it would have on their school before they could comment and added that they were disappointed that no council officer was on hand to supply the answers.
Other concerns about crime, policing and safety were also raised.
Surfleet district councillor Doug Best urged residents to write their own letters to the district council or fill in its online comment form at www. sholland. gov.uk before Wednesday, when the consultation is due to end.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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