New Local Plan - Permanent Gypsy site selection
GT12 / GTalt 12

As a local resident in Wasperton we wish to object to the possible choice of this site on the basis of safety, lack of local facilities and loss of valuable farming land.

1. The main road past the site is the major route to the Cotswolds. The site is on a long sweeping bend where most traffic travels above the legal speed limit of 60mph, even past the second Barford turning. This stretch of road is highly tempting to impetuous drivers who often overtake slower vehicles travelling at 50pmh. The only safe solution will be to build it as a dual carriageway.
2. The possible solution could be to put up traffic lights or a large pull-off stretch but then the Traveller will be faced with towing a long vehicle across the heavy stream of traffic with all the inherent dangers.
3. Travellers wishing to visit Barford, say to take children to school, will have to cross this major road with all the dangers of attempting to slow the traffic.
4. Vehicles and trailers exiting GT12 turning either right or left will face the danger of being rammed unless lights are installed.
5. Personally speaking we have been involved with three similar incidents when turning into Wasperton with drivers overtaking double lines to gain additional road space. Sight lines will be similarly restricted opposite the suggested GT12 site.
6. This site will require efficient drainage and a soak-away which will also require regular servicing. Can we trust the travelling community to commission this work or will seepage occur into the River Avon which is very close by?

7. The local plan suggests that there is a Doctors surgery in Barford. This is not correct, the nearest we believe is in Wellesbourne.
8. The local facilities are confined to a local shop in Barford and shops in Wellesbourne. The latter Town is currently been expanded with 1600 houses on the airfield and would be highly suitable for a traveller site as the Town sits in open countryside where traffic has to travel at slower speeds (4 Roundabouts currently on the main road).
9. The Local school in Barford is already at a maximum capacity and is located on a restricted site. Any further expansion will require the local authorities to relocate at considerable expence.
10. This GT12 site sits in the middle of highly productive farming land which has already been badly affected by the essential building of the Barford Bypass. This choice will have a detrimental effect on the local economy.

In conclusion, and certainly not on a NIBI basis, The choice of a site should surely be measured against just how well the Travelling community will fit into the local environment without endangering life and limb or that very environment itself. GT12 is in a dangerous position which will require considerable cost to make safe. It has not got local facilities to hand and will damage local industry. There must be a simpler and better solution to this issue and we look to you, our local government, to provide a sensible answer.