Further option for steam fair travellers site (From Thisisdorset)
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Further option for steam fair travellers site
7:55pm Monday 28th May 2007 in News By Louise Dunderdale
ATTRACTION: The steam fair is a great draw but finding a site for travellers to stay is a major problem
AN APPLICATION for a temporary travellers site for use during the Great Dorset Steam Fair has been submitted to Dorset County Council's planning committee.
But because of strong local opposition to all four of the original suggested sites, the organiser and the landowner have submitted an application for another option.
The application site is 200 metres from the steam fair site, across Valleys Road, between the villages of Tarrant Hinton and Tarrant Launceston.
If granted planning permission by Dorset County Council's planning committee on July 20, Dorset Police could use their powers to divert travellers from unauthorised camps around the area onto the site. Considerable opposition was voiced during the consultation in April for Ash Down near Tarrant Gunville, Burley Road Farm in Sixpenny Handley, Long Crichel Road at the A354 junction, and Thorneydown Farm, next to the A354.
Hilary Cox, Dorset County Council's cabinet member for environment, said: "Although 84 per cent of people supported the principle of providing a site during the steam fair, the overwhelming feedback from local people and parish councils was that they wanted the fair itself to come up with a solution on or adjacent to its own site.
"The steam fair organisers and the landowner from whom they lease their site have now offered a field that meets this demand.
"We will not be pursuing any of the other sites.We do not want a repeat of last year's event with large, unauthorised encampments blighting the area.
"We want to have a well-managed site to which the police can quickly move travellers from any unauthorised camps."
Cllr Peter Webb, leader of North Dorset District Council, said: "This site is the most favoured - or perhaps the least unfavoured - of the five that were possibles'.
"I sincerely hope that the consensus to use this site this year becomes a reality and that the approach and involvement of all parties gains the positive recognition that is deserved."
The steam fair will take place from August 29 to September 2.
