AN EQUALITY group has slammed Bournemouth council’s decision to reject plans for a controversial traveller site.

Dorset Race Equality Council claims that the council is not legally “doing the right thing” in opposing the plans because the law states that local authorities have a duty to promote community relations and protect the rights of minority groups.

They claim the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 make these responsibilities of the council clear.

But council leaders unanimously opposed the plans for the site at Suffolk Road and Cambridge Road in Bournmouth on Wednesday following a residents’ protest the group describes as “hastily organised”.

The Race Equality Council said that it appreciated the concerns of the public but that there are many misconceptions surrounding gypsies and travellers that need to be cleared up.

Sam Edwards, community development officer from the Race Equality Council, said: “In Bournemouth there seems to be a hatred, prejudice and misunderstanding of gypsies and travellers.

“A common stereotype is that they do not work, pay taxes or contribute anything to society. But many are employed as teachers, academics and public servants.

“Others complete seasonal agricultural work, motor trading and tree felling and together they contribute millions of pounds to the British economy.”

According to the Race Equality Council, the travellers also add to the culture and diversity of Dorset.

Mr Edwards said: “They have lived here since the early 1500s and therefore as an ethnic group have lived in the area much longer than any other settled community.

“I think there needs to be more openness from both sides to come together to address these misconceptions,” said Mr Edwards.

“I’d urge the public to be less prejudiced and try to break away from the myths concerning gypsies and travellers,” he added.