Gypsies say council is not doing its job

GYPSIES have taken their battle for a site in Huddersfield to Westminster.

They have complained to the Government that Kirklees Council have failed to act on planning applications for two sites.

Now they want a planning appeal over the two applications for caravan sites in Springwood and Old Fieldhouse Lane, Huddersfield.

The Gypsy Council claims Kirklees has taken no action on the two proposals, which were submitted in August.

President Hughie Smith said: "Kirklees gave us a target date of early October to put the application before a planning committee but nothing happened."

So Mr Smith wrote to Kirklees in November telling them he was taking the issue to Westminster.

He said: "On Friday I got a letter from the council saying they needed more information regarding change of use and design as well as a structural report on the bridge at Old Fieldhouse Lane. Why are they only asking for this now?"

And Mr Smith is convinced that Gypsies are being victimised.

He said: "These are deliberate delaying tactics. There's no doubt in my mind that we're being discriminated against."

But environment cabinet member Martyn Bolt denied that the council was dragging its feet.

He said: "As I understand it there is a planning committee meeting due for December 14 on these sites so it is unfortunate that the Gypsy Council have gone to the Secretary of State."

A Kirklees planning spokesman added: "Both applications have been undergoing the consultation and publicity process.

"As a result of this, various issues have been identified which require further investigation and submission of additional information.

"We are in the process of requesting the information upon receipt of which, we can make further progress."

Meanwhile Clr Bolt attacked last week's council motion calling for gypsies to have an official site in Kirklees.

The Mirfield Conservative said: "Where are we going to put it?

"The people who have put forward the proposals for a government-backed site should get out and about in their wards and find a site.

"Otherwise it is going to become a political football.

"The cabinet has the power to impose a site but if we tried to do that it would make all other controversial debates look tame."

Labour, Lib-Dem and Green councillors voted for the motion at last Wednesday's council meeting.