South Wales Evening Post - 18 September 2006
A New site for travellers could be on the way to Swansea, the Post can reveal. Council bosses are looking at a variety of options to accommodate families in the city.
Residents claim a site opposite Asda in Llansamlet has been earmarked.
But Swansea Council insists no decisions have been taken.
But the proposals are likely to anger local residents and businesses. They fear such a move would devalue their homes.
There are also concerns a second campsite in the area could lead to a clash between warring travelling families.
Swansea Enterprise Park has had a string of problems with travellers already this year.
Carl Lewis, of Tregof Village in Swansea Vale, is concerned about the possibility of a new gypsy site so close to the existing one next to Morganite.
He said: "Can you imagine something like that being proposed at Asda, no wonder house prices in Swansea west are higher than those in east if we are left with that kind of thing.
"The council will be devaluing the house prices.
"If we put another site opposite Asda it is going to be smack in the middle of where everyone works, what is that going to say to their clients?
"Apparently the council is paying out £100,000 a year to move these families on.
"Businesses and residents would prefer that money to be spent moving these people rather than having a permanent feature."
Mr Lewis said he had been told by council leader Chris Holley that travellers do not want to live in the east of the city because it is too far away from their chosen school.
Councillor Holley said discussions had begun on controlling unauthorised encampments.
He said the Assembly had made the council responsible for the welfare and education of travellers.
Mr Holley said: "Although we have met with the police and local ward members in Swansea Vale, I want to stress that no decisions have been taken by the council.
"No decisions will be taken until a process of full consultation and discussion has taken place.
"The important thing is to ensure that people's views are taken into account and that dialogue on this issue is dealt with sensitively."
Councillor Lawrence Bailey said he and ward colleague Councillor June Evans had met with city leaders.
He said that he had been told that the proposed site opposite Asda was unlikely to be pursued.
Councillor Bailey said: "Our main concerns were about sites being suggested. We made it very clear we were opposed to these sites."
Mr Lewis said: "There is going to be uproar. Why should Swansea east carry the can for the whole of Swansea. I am sure that there will be problems.
"I am just gobsmacked that they have come up with the site there."
