A designated stop over site for gypsy and travellers is no longer needed in North East Lincolnshire, it was revealed.
The number of illegal camps has dropped dramatically due to the coronavirus lockdown and council chiefs say they will monitor any future camps when they arise to see if they can be “tolerated.”
Members of North East Lincolnshire Council economy scrutiny panel were told the five sites which had been earmarked as potential stopover sites have now been ruled out as they are “unsuitable.”
Previously councillors were told the authority had a legal duty to select a site which would cater for travellers, with electricity and water supplies and security.
Officers have even considered a plot of land on Augusta Street, Grimsby in a shortlist.
The five sites were:
- The former youth club on Wootton Road, Nunsthorpe
- Torksey Drive and Toynton Road site, off Winchester Avenue
- land under the Cleethorpe Road flyover
- Garibaldi Street car park
- The car park off Wellington Street
But now council officials say that requirement is not needed and there will be no public consultation carried out. The council paid for a consultant to assess the five sites. A report stated there had been so few encampments in the past year due to the lockdown, the authority no longer needed to select a site.
Wendy Fisher, service manager for NELC, told councillors the five sites had been ruled out due to a number of factors including, flood risk and poor vehicle access.
Article originally appeared on Grimsby Live.
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