Following the successful campaign to remove the proposed gypsy and traveller site in Spring Lane from the list of site options, attention has now turned to the situation regarding the “old market” site on the A1198.
The owner of that piece of land has indicated to South Cambridgeshire District Council that it might be made available for a gypsy and traveller site. The district council has decided to undertake an assessment of the site after which it will be decided whether to take the opportunity further, including a public consultation. It is by no means certain that the site will proceed but it is nevertheless essential to take action now.
The current leaders of the Action Group called a meeting last week in the United Reform Church in South End Bassingbourn with the purpose of updating residents and identifying what actions were needed. Residents living in the vicinity of the site were informed about the meeting and invited to attend. Mike Hallett, Chairman of the Parish Council, chaired the meeting which was attended by around 80 residents and supported by our elected district councillors.
As was expected, it was a lively meeting. There was a clear demonstration from those attending that if the proposal to establish pitches on the “old market “ site were to go ahead it would have a detrimental effect on the residents not only of Kneesworth but the wider village of Bassingbourn. It was clear that an action group was needed to head up a campaign and that the best people to do this are those living near the site. Nine people came forward to form the nucleus of a group and they are getting together to determine the way forward.
Mike, Jill and John who led the Action Group in the Spring Lane campaign are standing down to allow the new group complete freedom to tackle this latest development. They will continue to give support and advice where called for.
This website will remain in existence and updates will be posted by the new group.
As we sign off we wish to express our thanks to everyone in Bassingbourn-cum Kneesworth for the amazing support and commitment given throughout the campaign. We are, of course delighted, that it resulted in a successful outcome.
WATCH OUT FOR UPDATES POSTED BY THE ACTION GROUP AS THE NEW PROPOSAL IS TACKLED.
I am most disappointed that the owner of the ‘old market site’ has offered the land to the council as an alternative to Spring Lane for use as a traveller’s site.
This offer must have been instrumental in shifting council focus from one end of the village to another.
Please can I be furnished with the name and residential address of the person who made this offer so that I can engage with them with the aim of changing their view on this matter.