I am writing to protest about the possible siting of a permanent gypsy encampment near the racecourse, Hampton Road and the Chase Meadow estate.

The proposal is seriously flawed for at least 2 significant reasons. First the proposed site will be located in an area where there is a major flood risk. The Environment Department's website clearly shows this. it would be sheer folly to locate the encampment in such an area. Other possible sites do not carry the same danger.

Secondly, the siting of such an encampment alongside and/or within clear sight of the racecourse would surely have a negative impact on the attractiveness of the racecourse to potential raceday visitors. The undoubtedly very negative reputation that gypsies have, whether merited or not, will be certain to discourage at least some racegoers from attending at a time when the racecourse is already facing difficult times financially. I also understand that there is a serious health risk to racehorses and (nearby residents' pets) from dogs owned by gypsies as, generally, these are not properly vaccinated or inoculated against common animal diseases. This again is likely to discourage racehorse owners and trainers from entering their horses on Warwick racedays. The popularity of the racecourse with racegoers generally will simply enter a downward spiral, from which the racecourse will find it difficult to recover.
In turn this will adversely affect businesses in the town as fewer visitors will come.