Dear Cllr Goodall,
Proposed travelling people site in Cardenden
As local residents, elected representatives and members of the community council in Cardenden we would like to express our dismay at the decision taken by the Housing and Communities Committee to pursue the proposed travelling people site in Cardenden. We believe that this site is not appropriate for the purpose and is unsuitable for both the travelling community and our own community.
Before outlining why we believe that this site is inappropriate we acknowledge the responsibility the local authority have to provide facilities in Fife for the travelling community. Our objection to the proposed site is not based on prejudice but on a genuine believe that this site is not suitable for the temporary accommodation of the travelling community as they pass through Fife.
We would also like to express our frustration at that lack of any meaningful consultation on the issue of the proposed site. A number of representations have been made by local residents, community council and elected representatives but unfortunately there seems to be a lack of willingness to engage in a dialogue with our community. This has led to a sense of frustration and anger in the community around this issue.
The four main concerns that we have as a community are as follows;
• Road safety – entrance to the site is from a bend on the road. There have been a number of near misses on this road over recent years and the view of the community is that the increase risk from traffic entering the site is unacceptable.
• Site Drainage – The site is often flooded after a period of prolonged rain fall. With vehicles using the site it will soon become very muddy and not someplace we believe appropriate for families to live.
• Site Use – the site was previously used for landfill and families on the site will be at an increase risk from escaping gases from the site.
• Overlooking – there is a view in the community that reports provided to the committees have understated the degree the site is overlooked by local residents. The site will impact the privacy of local residents and the travelling community.
These are just some of the main concerns that as a community we have with the proposed travelling people site. I would like to you to put on hold any the decision any plans that the council have to pursue this proposal and enter into a period of debate with members of the community on the proposal.
Yours
Local resident
