Work starts on new £1.96million scheme

Date of issue: Monday, 14 September 2009.

Work is now underway to develop a new Gypsy and Traveller site in Carlisle.

The site is to be located at Ghyll Bank, in the north east of the city and is funded by a £1.96million Government grant.

Carlisle City Council was the only council in Cumbria to submit a bid for a Communities and Local Government’s Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant. In the North West, there is £4million available, over the next two years, for local authorities to bid for.

Local company, Story Construction have been contracted by the City Council and have started on preliminary site works.

Managed by Carlisle City Council, the development will include 15 pitches, varying in size and is planned to be completed by spring next year.

Local Gypsy and Traveller families who would like to apply for one of the pitches are being asked to contact the City Council as soon as possible. None of the pitches have been allocated as yet.

The deadline for application is the end of September. The information provided will be strictly confidential and support is also available during the application process, including completing application forms. Telephone 01228 817323 or visit www.carlisle.gov.uk.

Cllr Olwyn Luckley, Portfolio Holder for Health and Community Development, said:

"We believe that all our communities, including the Gypsy and Traveller community, should have access to good quality housing and accommodation, health care and education. We want local Gypsy and Traveller families to contact us if they would like to be based at the new site. Support and advice will all be available."

The 15 pitches are designed to current guidelines and each pitch will have an amenity block, adequate space for parking and space for caravan accommodation.

Within the new site layout, there will also be a children’s play area, street lighting and a communal room for residents. As well as these new facilities, a manager and site office will be located on the site.