NO plans are in place for any traveller transit sites in the BCP region this year – a decision dubbed “absolutely disgusting” by campaigners.

BCP Council said finding a site in the region to be used by travellers would be a “complex process” involving lengthy periods of engagement, following early instances this year of groups setting up encampments at Poole Stadium and Hengistbury Head.

For the second year in a row, however, the chair of Dorset traveller advocacy group Kushti-Bok has criticised the local authority for its lack of preparation and apparent willingness to search for designated sites.

Betty Smith-Billington told the Echo: “I think it’s absolutely disgusting that BCP Council doesn’t realise they have a duty to all the people who visit the area.

Bournemouth Echo: Chair of Kushti Bok, Betty Smith-BillingtonChair of Kushti Bok, Betty Smith-Billington

“We are working on a plan with BCP Council and Dorset Police regarding this situation because they can’t just keep moving people on and on. Either way, they cannot stop travellers from travelling.

“BCP Council is a disgrace. We will keep pushing for transit sites because we have travellers come to the area that have ties. They have family and they come for weddings, funerals, celebrations and have done for hundreds of years.”

By contrast, Dorset Council has several traveller transit sites – with one in Piddlehinton set to reopen on April 1.

Ms Smith-Billington added: “Let’s face it, we are the least liked people in the world today, but if we had spaces to go it would help enormously.

“There are areas in the BCP area that could be used as traveller sites, but they don’t and we will keep pushing.”

Bournemouth Echo: Creekmoor Park and Ride site off Upton Road in Poole.Creekmoor Park and Ride site off Upton Road in Poole. (Image: Newsquest)

As reported, anti-trespass measures were recently introduced at the vacant former Creekmoor park and ride site which has previously been used by travellers.

New fencing was erected and measures such as boulders and even a mound of dirt have been put in place at the entrances.

In July last year, plans for a traveller transit site on land off Magna Road in Bearwood were rejected following hundreds of objections.

BCP councillor Bobbie Dove, member for community safety and regulatory services said: “At present there are no plans for a site of this nature.

“The introduction of a temporary stopping place or a transit site is a complex process which would require finding suitable site, followed by planning permission, including a period of public consultation and engagement with both residents and representatives of the Gypsy and Traveller community.”