Add your comments
News RSS feedNews
16 Jul 08Work Starts On Mannings Heath Site
Work is starting on the redevelopment of the Mannings Heath travellers' site.
The new family-oriented site will provide a total of 15 pitches, each with full utilities, an amenity block, children's play area and a community resource centre.
The project, which has been entirely funded by a Government grant, aims to provide a safe and sustainable site for gypsies and travellers living in Poole and promote positive relations with the local community.
Poole-based building firm ROK has been appointed to undertake the work and the new site is scheduled for completion by February 2009. The on-site resource centre will be available to travellers at Mannings Heath and those living in the local community and will support access to health and education services. The site will have CCTV facilities and security lighting and be managed by Borough of Poole with an on-site warden.
Sarah Sherran, Senior Resettlement Officer for Borough of Poole, said: "An established traveller site has operated on land owned or managed by the council in some capacity for more than 20 years and there are records of gypsy communities living on heathland in the area dating back more than 100 years. "The new site will allow travellers to follow their traditional way of life in peace and access local services and public transport, but with a minimal impact on the local community. We are delighted to have found a local company like ROK with such a positive attitude towards the project and residents."
Borough of Poole received 100% funding for the project, following a successful bid to the Department for Communities and Local Government 
. The £1.83 million grant was the largest award in the South West region and the second largest nationally. The award comes from a regional grant fund for provision for gypsies and travellers and the project will have no impact on the council's budget or other services.
Residents were invited to view the proposals for the new travellers' site at a drop-in session in Rossmore held in December 2007. The proposal was supported by local agencies, faith and community groups. Planning consent for the new site was granted in February 2008.
Simon Hendey, Head of Housing and Community Services, Borough of Poole, said: "Our aim is to provide a safe, sustainable site for gypsies and travellers who have a local connection to the borough. We hope the redevelopment of the Mannings Heath site will promote positive relationships between travellers and the wider community, while raising awareness to tackle discrimination and prejudice."
Directgov