CONTROVERSIAL plans for a designated travellers' site have been revealed in Bournemouth, sparking fury from nearby residents.

The council intends to install sanitation, toilets and showers for travelling families on a site near Millhams tip.

But householders in Longham, just metres from the proposed site, have accused Bournemouth council of treating them unfairly and fear for the future value of their homes and their quality of life.

The council has identified a site near the banks of the River Stour, on the extreme north-west of the borough, as its preferred option.

The site is closer to homes in the Longham area, covered by East Dorset District Council, than it is to properties in Bournemouth.

The chairman of the Longham and District Residents' Association, John Hosker, told the Daily Echo: "This is typical of Bournemouth council.

"They have told us absolutely nothing about this and although travellers have to go somewhere, they do carry an unfortunate reputation with them."

A neighbour, who does not wish to be named, added: "It is ridiculous that the first I have heard of these plans is from the local paper and Bournemouth are shoving it right to the edge of the borough so it becomes someone else's problem.

"This is going to reduce property prices and make a very busy road even busier."

Councils have been told by the government to identify sites for travellers. Set-up costs will come from central government funds.

Cllr Peter Charon, cabinet member for housing, said "doing nothing is not an option" and said a site had to be identified in order to access the money.

He believed a fixed site would reduce trespass elsewhere in Bournemouth and added: "By providing an authorised transit site, we are demonstrating our commitment to equality and diversity."

The exact piece of land has yet to be identified, but a council spokesman said the site under consideration is "adjacent to Ringwood Road near the bridge over the Stour at Longham".

Land contamination studies will be carried out due to its proximity to the tip, but Mr Hosker added: "I don't believe that site is fit for residence - God knows what is under there."

His views were echoed by Basil Burton, chairman of the National Romani Rights Association, who said: "Bournemouth council knows this site is unfit. It is full of methane."

Mike Edwards, head of public protection at Bournemouth council, said the authority was establishing whether the site was suitable for a travellers' site before deciding whether the land itself was usable. If the plan went ahead, the council would do any "corrective work" necessary.

"It is categorical that we would not provide pitches for the travelling community on land that was not deemed to be safe," he added.

Keith Mallet, head of legal services at East Dorset District Council, said his authority would expect to be consulted via the planning process. "The council also encourages East Dorset residents to let their views on this site be known to Bournemouth council as part of the consultation process," he said.

Public consultation is due to take place by the end of July and the council is also giving further information to Swan, the South West Alliance of Nomads.

There are likely to be between 10 and 20 pitches on the site, each catering for one travelling family and their vehicles.

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