Mike writes to the Wilts Gazette about need for public consultation on gypsy sites

9.18.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

Mike wrote on 5th May "The situation surrounding the gypsies living in Minety is clearly a very delicate one. The excellent letter from Paul Venton in last week's Gazette and Herald acknowledged that the gypsies must be involved in finding an alternative site and that Conservative-run North Wiltshire District Council was wrong in the way it sought to rush through a decision. Unfortunately, also in last week's edition was a column from James Gray MP in which he compared gypsies to red-headed Scotsmen and suggested that the planning process should not accommodate their desire to live together as a group. Surely what is needed from the area's MP are considered and thoughtful comments rather than the rash and divisive ones written by Mr Gray.

I am pleased that the Council has now listened to the public and will consult local people about the suitability of alternative sites proposed for travellers in the district. I hope this consultation will focus on planning considerations rather than prejudice. "