Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, expressed concerns about a proposed new Traveller’s site in his constituency when he gave evidence to a public Inquiry in the Council Chamber in Rayleigh, on 10th September.
Mark told the Inquiry that he had received around 100 emails directly from constituents who had voiced their concerns about such a site and Mark explained to the Inspector that this was partly because Dale Farm was located only a few miles away, in a neighbouring constituency.
Mark said he could understand what Rochford District Council were try to achieve in proposing one municipally run site at Michelins Farm, by the Fairglen Interchange – as this would make it legally easier to move Travellers on from anywhere in the District. However, Mark also told the Inspector that his constituents were anxious about this and would be even more concerned if the site were located closer to Rayleigh itself, for instance near to Swallow Aquatics – which Mark said he was strongly opposed to.
During his evidence Mark told the Inspector, “I was one of those MPs who campaigned to have Dale Farm cleared and so I have no intention of seeing another Dale Farm recreated in my constituency”.
Mark further explained to the Inspector that if the site at Michelins Farm were to be allocated for such a purpose, it should only go ahead if the site was municipally run and highly regulated.
Commenting after the enquiry Mark Francois said:
“I know my constituents have been concerned about this so I thought it was important to appear at the Inquiry and give evidence in person. I have also submitted written evidence expressing my concerns about the infrastructure issues associated with the proposed housing development as well. This Traveller site should only go ahead if it is very tightly controlled, otherwise not at all”.