THE proposal submitted by myself and architect Matthew Laverack for three gypsy caravan pitches at York Council’s West Office has been branded “ridiculous” by Traveller’s Trust Officer Christine Shepherd.

I would contend that nothing could be as ridiculous as Ms Shepherd’s previous support for the proposed huge gypsy caravan site on a green field at the entrance to Dunnington village, a proposal withdrawn in the face of public opposition.

Can anything be as ridiculous as the council, with the support of the Travellers’ Trust, spending £673,500 of public money expanding the Osbaldwick gypsy caravan site?

However, of more concern to me are the comments of the Labour group spokesperson describing me as waging “a war on travellers”.

If by that the Labour group means a war on animal cruelty, horses on the public highway, fly-tipping and violent crime then so be it. My war is to highlight the council management of the existing sites which is not to the benefit of neighbouring communities or the people living on the sites.

The York gypsy caravan sites should have management handed over to the Gypsy Council, an organisation that has in other parts of the country maintained order and standards on sites in excess of the council or the Travellers’ Trust.

Mark Warters, Independent Councillor for Osbaldwick Ward, Osbaldwick, York.