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| Bury Free Press, 6 August 2004 |
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| RESIDENTS have been voicing their concerns after a group of travellers chose to set up home near Woolpit. |
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| The newly-established encampment is on land in Norton Road, between Elmswell and Woolpit. |
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| At present, there are 10 caravans on the site, but it is believed more are expected. |
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| A tarmacadam access road was completed on Monday and fencing has been raised to divide the land into individual plots. |
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| Building work is also under way to create concrete blocks for the caravans to sit on and sewage pipes are being laid. |
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| But villagers are concerned about whether planning laws are being enforced and about the legality of the encampment. |
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| One Woolpit resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We just don't know what is happening yet. If they were just to live there and get on with things that would be okay. But we're all a bit concerned about more security being required – it's a big worry to us." |
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| Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, said it was unacceptable and hoped to see the travellers moved on as soon as possible. |
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| MP David Ruffley said he had written to Roger Saunders, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, to raise the concerns of villagers in Woolpit, Elmswell and Tostock. |
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| "This is a huge issue and I have received dozens of letters from villagers who are extremely concerned. The villagers I have spoken to believe it is illegal and they do not want it there," he said. |
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| On Wednesday, Mr Ruffley met Mid Suffolk district councillor Sara Michell to discuss the possible breach of planning laws. |
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"I cannot find it acceptable that people can breach planning laws. We can't have one law for travellers and one law for residents," Mr Ruffley said.
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| A spokeswoman from Mid Suffolk District Council said it was trying to identify who owned the land – but it was believed the travellers could own it. |
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| A statement from Mid Suffolk District Council said: "Initial investigations show that works have been carried out on the land. These works may breach planning law as they have not been granted the necessary planning permission. The council is working to establish the ownership of the land and identify who is responsible for the development to date. Once this is clear, it can be determined if the apparently unlawful development becomes actionable." |
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| Environmental health officers confirmed no public health issues were apparent at present, with no direct impact on neighbours or other landowners. |
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| No-one at the site was available for comment yesterday. |
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