Villagers demand their voice is heard

Councillors and people living in The Heath, Gamlingay agreed Central Beds Council had not properly informed them of the proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites at a Gamlingay Parish Council meeting on Tuesday (March 12).

Earlier this month Central Beds Councillors shortlisted a Gypsy and Traveller site next to The Heath. Other sites close to Gamlingay had also been on the long list for the new Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.

South Cambs District Councillor Bridget Smith said: “Central Beds Council (CBC) has been in complete breach of its duty to consult about this.

“The first I knew was when Councillor Adam Zerny of Potton said ‘were we aware?’ Gamlingay and South Cambs District Council have not been consulted. I’ve had a meeting with our chief executive.

“This is a full blown plan that will impact heavily on Gamlingay and The Heath.

“We’ve been lobbying very strongly on Gamlingay’s behalf. We may launch an official complaint about this.”

She said it is “outrageous” that a South Cambs District Council officer was denied access to the latest CBC meeting at which sites were discussed.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Sebastian Kindersley said: “The process has been done extremely badly by Central Beds Council.”

He told parishioners that there is still time to object to The Heath site and highlight the strain it will place on Potton’s infrastructure, which will have a knock on effect on Gamlingay.

He added: “The parish council and county council will cause as much trouble as possible. It’s no accident it’s on the border of Cambridgeshire.

“It’s because it’s probably much easier to get through. We must ensure it isn’t easy.”

Councillor Sarah Groom, parish council chair, said: “Keep writing and keep making a fuss. We will make as much noise as possible. We wish to be seen as a consultee on this as a neighbour.”

Potton Town Council has invited Gamlingay Parish Council to join forces for an independent survey and the latter is investigating this.

CBC will launch a formal consultation in May.