CAMPING SUPPLIES WELCOMED ON ILLEGAL CAMPSITE

Cllr Phil Merryman, Liberal Democrat Goldington Ward, has this week welcomed caravans and other equipment onto a previous illegal Gypsy and Traveller site. The old MFI site in Norse Road has been plagued by illegal encampments. Cllr Merryman said, "I am really pleased to see these caravans on this site as it means the new occupier, Go Outdoors, is now preparing to move in. Whilst the site may look like it is been occupied by Travellers again this is not the case and we wanted to assure local residents this is a welcome development for this site."

Cllr Sylvia Gillard, Liberal Democrat Goldington Ward, added, "It is really great to see this empty site brought back into use. Go Outdoors are a really exciting retailer coming to Bedford who will be selling all sorts of camping equipment. Residents can sleep easy though as when the developer's caravans have gone there will be no more on site. Go Outdoors do sell caravan equipment but there will be no caravans sold from the site."

Cllrs Merryman and Gillard are raising the issue after local concerns about the appearance of caravans on the site again. After making enquiries they are pleased to tell local residents there is nothing to worry about.

Cllr Merryman concluded, "As part of the works the developer will have the site occupied 24 hrs to ensure there are no problems with vandalism or illegal occupation. The Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer and the Police have already met with the Site Manager and are working with the developer to ensure things run smoothly."