Stop wasting our time and money

The reason they are here has been orchestrated by the National Gypsy Council to put pressure on Warwick District Council to provide 31 pitches for them. I know this because I have been to speak directly to them on Saturday morning.

Warwickshire County Council has started proceedings to have them moved on but the courts are deliberately delaying the action so as to place as much pressure on the district council to come up with sites in the area. Warwick District Council is still insisting they can compulsory purchase suitable sites that are identified by the consultation despite advice given to them that Government has withdrawn the compulsory purchase option from their ruling. The police are unwilling to move them although they have the power under the Highways Act to do so. If I parked my caravan and van on the footpath I would soon be moved on or threatened with causing obstruction. Why is there one rule for one and not others?

Tomorrow, (Saturday, April 5) is the last public consultation session which is being held at Whitnash Community Centre and I urge residents to attend this to make their feelings known.

It is time we stopped pandering to the needs of these people and wasting our tax payers’ money clearing up after them and repairing the damage caused to property and the disruption to local businesses.

Cllr Tony Heath, Warwick District Council & Whitnash Town Council