Don't be deceived though,
for Pauline (as she wants me to call her) has a tough interior
and she will need to get even tougher. Why? - Ask Leicester
City Council. First though, let's turn the clock back.
Pauline and her husband worked the farm and the land together
for over 20 years, which was rented with the bungalow, from
the council. Many years ago, the farm area was much larger
and stretched as far as the Glenfield / Kirby Muxloe roundabout,
until the link road was created. Then, the farm consisted
of part arable and a mixture of cattle and sheep. Sadly,
Pauline's husband died, and combined with the reduced working
area available, the sprightly 69-year-old still tends to
the sheep, rears foals, and at Christmas time is well known
for rearing cockerels. She found contentment in her Church
work and satisfaction with her farm life and intends to
stay at the property for the rest of her natural life. |
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So what is the problem?
By chance, Pauline found out that the Leicester City Council,
from now on referred to as LCC, had the intention of ceasing
her tenancy with very little warning. A chance meeting with
a supplier had asked her what she thought of the plans relating
to the farm - with utter dismay she learned that the LCC wanted
the land to create a temporary transit site for Travellers /
Gypsies. Can you imagine the horror of finding out in such a
manner, and the prospects of having to start life again alone,
and at her time of life?
Pauline's fighting instinct kicked in, and she immediately
contacted LCC who were very indignant and demanded to know how
she had found out. In effect, without going into further details,
she was treated with contempt. It was made plain in no uncertain
terms that they wanted her out. During this initial conversation
with them, there was an amazing admission that one of the reasons
they wanted her out was "because we cannot guarantee your
safety." You can only assume that they mean from the travellers
themselves, and not the ensuing traffic visiting the site.
OK then. What about the safety of the surrounding neighbours
and local industry workers? Indeed, the adjacent industrial
units have suffered break-ins and siphoning of fuel from storage
tanks, and some have stated that in the event of this application
succeeding, they would look to relocate. This included the large
haulage firm Widdowsons, and the overall impact would be to
lose a massive amount of revenue from these businesses. Who
would then want to fill the vacant premises?
To make matters worse, the Highways Department would need to
adjust the alignment of the road, as there is at present a slight
bend on the approach to the lane. This would entail taking part
of the premises of the Animal Aid Centre. These premises have
already been broken into on several occasions and specific breeds
of dogs were stolen. The transit site itself would back directly
onto the Golf Course, and many players have already stated that
they would not play there, which would then eventually endanger
the future of the club.
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Pauline has already encountered the Travellers'
culture. Some years ago, she approached some travellers
on her field, who were assessing the possibility of parking
their vehicles on the land. Five years ago, whilst out
attending to a lamb, she returned to discover a gypsy
in her bedroom. He stated that his father said that "it
was OK for him to use the phone!" She attracted the
attention of passing motorists after having locked the
thief in the house, but as she returned the thief had
kicked a door in and escaped. Shortly after this a brand
new caravan was stolen from the field at the rear of the
property after wooden panelling had be taken down and
despite being secure.
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Let us consider the council's argument, particularly that of
councillor Mugglestone. That the transit site is not a permanent
one, but with a maximum stay of 12 weeks, and is required to
alienate the current practice of encamping anywhere. So, the
site is to accommodate now, 6 pitches (originally is was going
to be 10). On this basis, the site would soon be filled, especially
after travellers got wind that a suitable area would be found
for them. What if 10, 20, 30, 40 families of travellers camped
up, where would the council magic the rest of the spaces?
Let's take the cost:
Councillor Mugglestone stated recently, on Radio Leicester,
that this would enable the council to save in the region of
£80,000 in clearing up campsites from departing illegal
camping. But what about the cost of building and ongoing repairs
(I can hardly envisage temporary travellers wanting to keep
the site in pristine condition. Who's paying for it? He says
the government. If so, show us their guarantee!
Also, in the interview, he admitted that the Golf Course Lane
site was completely full, yet this itself was initially intended
as a temporary site, yet now they have turned it into a permanent
site. Could the same happen in Ratby Lane? Interestingly, here
the application states that although the council will take possession
of the whole land site, only part would be used to develop the
scheme. Are we to assume that the rest could be kept in hand
for future expansion, as no doubt the need will increase with
demand - or am I being cynical?
During his interview, Mr. Mugglestone also stated that he had
found the most suitable site after considering lots of other
options. It must be extremely convenient for him to have any
such site located as far away as possible from his own ward
(and his home in Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston), which is almost
10 miles away by the shortest route. It is also very contentious
that the site would be immediately adjacent to Blaby District
Council area. I assume he will be fully aware of this, as Blaby
District Council have already allowed several sites to be approved
in addition to accommodating the Golf Course Lane site in its
doorstep. Perhaps he would like to revisit his plans and seek
out the possibility of finding suitable territory in his own
area, as from what I can gather, there appears to be many ideal
country locations there.
Councillor Mugglestone & Co, didn't even have the common
decency to inform either Pauline herself (as the resident most
affected) or the adjacent parish councils of Glenfield, Kirby
Muxloe, or Leicester Forest East, as common etiquette would
expect, let alone considering their legal duty to Mrs Hulett.
Overall, do you believe that LCC would wish to alienate Pauline
Hulett, the local industrial companies, and residents of Braunstone
Frith, Glenfield , Kirby Muxloe, and Leicester Forest East?
Well go ahead and ask them! Or at least object to the application,
because Leicester City Council is Working for You (NOT).
The Leicester Mercury printed today (Saturday 23rd), that "Mrs
Hulett today said she was resigned to losing the field, but
was undecided whether she would choose to stay in her bungalow
when the site is built." Pauline has no idea where this
statement came from, and categorically denies this. Conversely,
she is determined that she wants to stay, and is determined
to fight this to the end.
By the way, I forgot to mention that Pauline has two valuable
and loyal friends staying with her (I will not divulge their
names). Suffice to say the first one, who likes to play outdoors,
is large and hairy, and shouts (sorry - barks) loudly, and resembles
a cross between a Rottweiler and a Labrador. The second guest,
I have not and do not wish to meet, as he has been well trained
by the police and I believe is a very large German Shepherd
who does not take kindly to unwelcome visitors.
Please watch these pages if you may want advice about how
to raise your concerns.
UPDATE: Sept 27
People along the Braunstone Lane are furious after learning
about the proposed site, to such an extent that they are arrangeing
a protest and placing banners along the Lane. This follows numerous
incidents in the location of theft and damage to property caused
by travellers already in the vacinity.
One of the residents yesterday challenged Mr Joyce of the Leicester
City Council who admitted that he had already received lots
of flack over this (hold tight Mr Joyce-its early days yet)-questioned
why he wanted to put it there he stated-"BECAUSE THE TRAVELLERS
WANTED IT THERE" Very convenient I would say for a fast
escape down the motorway!
He went on to say "find me a suitable spot and I will put
them there" Well Mr Joyce I have previously pointed that
there appears to be room in the vacinity of Councillor Mugglestones
area!
Inerestingly Pauline was approached by a traveller Tuesday (doesnt
news travel fast in the the gypsy fraternity?) to say that he
would be prepared to buy the site from her to develop it into
a travellers site. Being a churchgoer she didnt tell him where
to go!
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