A PERMANENT Travellers site will prevent illegal camping on Halkyn Mountain Common, according to Delyn MP David Hanson.
Mr Hanson was addressing a meeting of Halkyn Mountain Common Joint Consultative Board (JCB) last Friday.
He said: 'The Housing Act 2004 puts an obligation on the council to find a permanent site.
'Halkyn should help Flintshire because this would go a long way to solving their problem. If Flintshire cannot provide a site in the next six months the Government will pick one.'
Delyn AM Sandy Mewies said: 'The Welsh Assembly has provided £1m to help councils but this isn't an easy task.'
Mrs Mewies and Mr Hanson support JCB's action plan 'to assist in the resolution of potential conflicts of interest and preserve Halkyn Mountain Common.'
To prevent a repeat of last year's incident, the Grosvenor Estate will employ eviction contractors to serve notices on any Travellers to vacate within 48 hours.
JCB chairman Cllr Colin Legg, said he wasn't against Travellers.
He said: 'There's a minority giving them a bad name.
'Residents have rights to live in peace and tranquility without being harassed.'
JCB secretary John Richards said: 'Last year's incident caused great concern. Travellers left litter, disturbed
sheep and damaged the landscape.
'Their presence unsettles locals and they break laws.'
Inspector Neil Maxwell dismissed calls for police to confiscate Travellers' property.
'It would infringe their human rights,' said Insp Maxwell.
'Without Grosvenor Estate on board we'll be struggling in Halkyn again.'
Colin Legg said: 'I've had great trouble getting the council executive to do things. It's so frustrating and that's why this action plan has come about.' ronnie.parry@cheshirenews.co.uk
