Traveller site plans to be reviewed in new year

Data shows a national shortage of Traveller and Gypsy pitches

Responses to a consultation into plans for new Gypsy and Traveller pitches will be reviewed in early 2025, according to Wiltshire Council.

It comes after the Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) charity found only 9% of local authorities that responded to a Freedom of Information request have transit provision in their area.

"This data should act as an urgent wake up call," said Abbie Kirkby, head of policy and public affairs at FFT.

The council was looking into developing sites in Bushton, Edigonton, Cleverton, Rowde, Upper Seagry and Potterne.

"These shockingly low levels of transit site provision make it abundantly clear families are being failed nationally," continued Ms Kirkby.

Transit sites are locations authorised for short-term stays by Gypsies and Travellers, and FFT says the demand for safe stopping places outstrips supply.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Wiltshire Council did not own or manage any transit sites or transit pitches on permanent sites across the county.

Wiltshire councillor Nick Botterill has said the emerging Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document will provide a "network of sites to meet the identified need up until 2038".

Abbie Kirkby from Friends, Families and Travellers says 'families are being failed nationally'

Mr Botterill said: "We recognise there is a need for transit sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling show people in Wiltshire, and that's why our emerging Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document has identified the need for three emergency stopping sites in the north, south and west of Wiltshire."

Wiltshire Council's Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document lays out how the council will provide 128 permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers and nine plots for travelling showpeople by 2038.

Some of the pitches will be acquired by intensifying pre-existing Traveller sites, while others will be on new sites altogether.