Reference the subject Gypsy and Traveller Sites.

Please accept this e-mail as my formal method of opposing the two proposed gypsy sites GT02 and GT04.

My comments are as follows:
Both sites are not required. The so called need is based on an out of date report produced by Salford university some years ago.
I believe several councils are questioning the data presented in this report.
I propose Warwick District Council, like other councils, investigate the validity of this document before progressing with this extremely costly and unnecessary activity.

If there is such a desperate need for G&T sites in this area why is it, "just up the road"at Ryton, the site is three quarters empty.

With regard to the actual local proposals.

GT02 (Warwickshire Exhibition Centre site):
* Would close this prosperous business after taking many years to build up. It would destroy the owner.
* Would make staff redundant (jobs in the countryside being extremely hard to find).

GT04 (Leamington Football Club site):
* It says this site isn't in a flood area yet the ground becomes very wet, that's why the pitch itself had to undergo extensive drainage work when being constructed.
* On certain days the smell of the chicken farm is intolerable. Ask any local, particularly in summer. I wouldn't want to take up permanent residence in this area.
* The cost of moving the football club wouldn't make this site viable.
ie:
Cost of securing a new site within Leamington.
Cost of building an equivalent, or better, facilities than the current site.
Transferring the flood light system.
This would be the minimum requirements, before you then need to consider the costs incurred in constructing the G&T requirements.
* I assume the residents will becoming to Harbury school and the doctor's surgery. Both of these are currently over subscribed. Warwick District Council would state they've achieved the G&T requirements, but Stratford district would have to fund all educational & health needs. This isn't acceptable and certainly not to the locals who will suffer even worse services and will have to fund it.
* This site would place travellers at risk. They would have to cross one of Warwickshire's most dangerous crossroads on their daily trek to school, or visit to the doctors (check statistics).
* This site would harm the views from the historic Chesterton windmill. This attracts many visitors to the area and is used in tourism advertising. To place a large G&T site at the foot of this landmark is an ill thought-out move.