New location for temporary traveller site proposed

A new location for a temporary travellers' site has been proposed.

North Northamptonshire Council officers have suggested a plot south of junction 11 of the A14 at Cranford, which is currently used by the authority as a chippings store.

There is no temporary stopping site in place for transient travellers passing through the district - the council says - and a plan to place it near Rothwell was ditched after a backlash.

Reform UK councillor Kirk Harrison said the Cranford site could be used by travellers for up to 28 days at a time.

"[It] would enable us and the police to better manage unauthorised encampments within the local area and limit the impact on residents of north Northamptonshire," said Harrison, who is the council's executive member for regulatory services.

Seven councillors quit the Conservative Party after the proposal to create the 10 traveller stopping pitches near Rothwell.

Harrison said council officers had been considering alternative options.

The local authority's highways team was moving its operations away from the Cranford location, leaving it vacant - Harrison explained.

"We know this subject can be controversial and residents should be assured that any plans would go through the full planning process," he said.

A public consultation would also be held, he said.

North Northamptonshire Council's executive will decide whether to proceed with the plan at a meeting on Tuesday.

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