Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Strongly disagree

Proposed Gypsy/Travellers Site We are severely opposed to the above going ahead at Water Lane. We moved to beautiful Bearsted around 4 years ago and this would destroy the peace, tranquility and beauty of this historic village. The public houses would be ruined and the area would go downhill. There is already flooding at Water Lane and any previous repairs and upgrades to drainage carried out do not appear to have made any difference. The Lane itself is very narrow and not suitable for large vehicles, caravans or rides as part of a travellers fun fair. Horsmenden Village suffers every year when the travelling community descend on its green for their annual festival. The pubs close down and have to barricade the windows due to the fights in the past, drinks etc. not being paid for. The travellers take over the entire village. They leave all their rubbish and waste behind all over the green with absolutely no respect for the residents, the area or the local businesses. The Council needs to find an alternative site. We are currently paying nearly £4000 a year in Council Tax for this to happen. We will fight this all the way.