COUNCILLORS in York and Selby have hit out at proposals to build new sites for travellers.

They spoke out after seeing a report commissioned by the North Yorkshire local authorities looking into the accommodation needs of gipsies, travellers and show people over the next six years.

The report, by consultants arc4, said there were currently 196 pitches in 15 sites spread across the county. It estimates an additional 55 pitches will be needed by 2015. The consultants said the majority of new pitches should be in York and Selby – with 20 proposed for each area – because these are where the majority of travellers questioned for the report lived.

But councillors on City of York Council and Selby District Council have said the new sites should be spread around the county more evenly.

Selby council leader Mark Crane said the issue had been raised at last week’s policy and resources committee.

He said the committee had written to the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, which sets the policy on how many pitches should be made available within each local authority, raising concerns.

Coun Crane said: “Councillors from across the chamber were concerned about potential plans for allowing more traveller and gipsy camps in Selby,” he said.

“There are two permanent sites in Selby at the moment.

“I think, given the rural nature of our district, you do not want to see a number of different sites set up for travellers and gipsies.

“People have concerns about having more travellers on their doorstep.”

Deputy council leader Brian Percival said: “While we recognise there’s a statutory obligation on the council, it’s grossly unfair Selby district should be home to 40 per cent of these pitches – spread them across North Yorkshire.

“It’s only fair and reasonable that opportunities should be given to travellers to experience the rest of the county.”

There are currently three sites in York – at Clifton, Osbaldwick and in James Street.

York council leader Andrew Waller declined to comment, claiming the report did not affect York.

Coun Ian Gillies, leader of the Conservative opposition group, said the requirement for new pitches should be shared with other parts of North Yorkshire.

“We appreciate everyone has to take a share of the provision of travellers camps, but York has more than its neighbours,” he said. “Perhaps it’s up to our neighbours to accept their responsibilities.”

He praised council officers’ management of the York sites, saying: “The officers do an exceptionally good job, but in all honestly, we already have three sites.”

The city’s sites came in for special praise in the arc4 report, which said: “Site satisfaction appears to have been better for local authority sites, especially in York.”

Christine Shepherd, co-ordinator for the Travellers Trust, said: There is certainly a lack of pitches, especially in York.”

She she there were 54 pitches in York, and some families were having to move into housing because of the lack of pitches.