Concerned villagers from Stickford, East Keal and the surrounding area turned out in force to a meeting last night (Tuesday) in which they made their opposition to a travellers site in the area clear.
More than 130 people attended a heated debate in which they questioned representatives of county and district councils on issues such as a lack of consultation, where sites might go, the fact no planning application had gone in, need for amenities (and lack of in Stickford and East Keal), cost and how to oppose decision.
It was revealed that the council had commissioned a report by Ark Housing Consultancy into gypsy and travellers needs.
This included recommendations for 20 stopping places, three transit sites (in Mablethorpe, Skegness and ‘somewhere along the A16 from Boston to Spilsby’) and a permanent site – however, Coun Craig Leyland, the Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration for East Lindsey District Council refused to guarantee that no site would be placed in Stickford or say where any other sites would be considered.
Residents were assured that no planning application had gone in and that when the process did take place in the new year, probably April, they would have a chance to have their say.