No decision has been made on proposals for a new permanent site for travelling showpeople near Stanbridge, after a landowner came forward with an 11th hour offer to Central Bedfordshire Council.
A committee had been due to decide yesterday (Thursday) on whether to include the site, which is off Billington Road.
Councillor Nigel Young, responsible for Sustainable Committees, said a new offer of land had come in, and also referred to a reserve site near Thorn Turn on the A5 as a possibility for housing travelling showpeople.
Travelling showman Craig Smith, who currently lives on an unauthorised site near Leighton Buzzard, told the meeting his family needed a permanent base so that his children could receive a stable education.
“We are very proud people, we have never claimed any state benefits, members of my family have served in the armed forces. We have supplied rides and attractions at many charity events, we provide full time work for 11 employees. We pay our VAT, income tax and council tax on time.
“An authorised site would give children the opportunity to attend schools regularly, and provide a family base for elderly family members who are no longer able to travel.”
Mr Smith’s plea was met with applause but Stanbridge resident Paul Wilmott said he was worried about noise and large vehicles turning off Billington Road, which he said had a problem with speeding drivers.
For more on this story see the March 5 issue of the LBO.
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