South Wales Evening Post - Saturday 4th April 2012
Swansea Council leader Chris Holley was clearly speaking prematurely this week when he told protesters at a Gorseinon site: "There are no gypsy families going here, full stop."
Because it turns out now that the site - next to the former Valeo factory - is indeed one of have locations that is going to be looked at as a possible bas e for the city's second travellers' site.
Mr Holley insists that he did not attempt to mislead the protestors. He says he knew a task force group was searching for a site (of course he knew; he is the council leader, after all); but he did not know what particular sites were on the group's shortlist.
That is entirely possible. But in that case he should not have been so categorical in denying that the land off Heol y Mynydd was a possible site.
While Mr Holley faces some short-term embarrassment, the challenge facing the council is greater and will last far longer.
Finding sites that satisfy travellers' legal requirements and avoid residents' protests, is a huge challenge.
Mr Holley's careless comment has not helped his own council's cause.
