Traveller site benefits from £500k revamp

Work to improve a site used by the travelling community has been finished.

Swindon Borough Council, which owns and operates the Chiseldon Firs site to the south of the town, said it hoped the move would make the site more appealing and encourage people to use it rather than set up illegal encampments.

New water systems, renovated toilet and washing facilities and a new children's play area have all been done as part of the £500,000 investment.

Councillor Janine Howarth, the council's member for housing, said that investment was needed because "Chiseldon Firs had been neglected for so long that groups coming into Swindon would refuse to use it".

"While some groups may still decide to use our green spaces as temporary bases, having Chiseldon Firs on offer will mean that, if it's refused, we'll be able to take quicker and stronger action to get any disruptive groups to move on," she added.

"We do have traveller encampments from time to time and, to be honest, it hasn't helped that we haven't been able to refer them to a suitable place to pitch up," said Councillor Neil Hopkins, who represents Chiseldon and Lawn.

"The new facilities have been designed for the community and its a far better environment for them to want to stay in," he added.

Hopkins said that the site refurbishment, which includes new bin areas and a grassed area for animals, was been designed with input from the traveller community.

Chiseldon Firs is intended as a short-stay site for people passing through the area and can be booked in advance.

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