PEOPLE are being given the chance to have their say on proposed gypsy and traveller sites in Dorset.

Consultation on the possible locations in Dorset begins today.

The sites include the redundant army training camp in Wyke Regis, the former Guard House at Piddlehinton Industrial Estate and Old Chapel Yard at Marshwood.

West Dorset District Council is working with North Dorset and East Dorset District Councils to produce a document which will allocate permanent and transit sites for gypsies and travellers to meet Dorset’s needs until 2028.

The Dorset-wide Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocation Joint Development Document will deal with the provision of sites for gypsies and travellers across Dorset.

Having enough permanent and transit sites helps the police use special powers to move travellers who camp illegally on private or public land.

It can reduce problems with associated anti-social behaviour by having properly managed sites and limits the detrimental effects on travelling communities’ health, education and well-being.

All of the Dorset councils are working together to consult on the additional potential sites in their area.

Although the authorities have worked closely with consultants, they have made no decision on the site options included in the original consultation or those included in this current one.

The consultation on all the additional sites put forward for further consideration will run for six weeks from today until Friday, October 24.

People are encouraged to respond to the consultation online. The document with details of exhibitions and sites across Dorset can be found at dorsetforyou.com/travellerpitches Alternatively, questionnaires can be completed and handed in at one of the exhibitions or posted to: Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Consultation, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ.

CONSULTATION TIMETABLE

Thursday, September 18

  • 11.30am-3pm Borough Room, Community Learning and Resource Centre, 41-44 King Street, Wimborne BH21 1EB n 5.30pm-8pm South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1EE

Wednesday, October 1

  • 11am-2pm South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester DT1 1EE 4.30pm-7pm Victory Hall, Putton Lane, Chickerell DT3 4AA

Tuesday, October 7

  • 10am-6pm Village Hall, Greenhayes, Okeford Fitzpaine, DT11 0RE