Meriden gypsies lodge planning appeal for green belt site

Aug 5 2010 by Sophie Cross, Birmingham Mail

CAMPAIGNERS protesting against proposals for a gypsy camp on green belt land in Meriden have vowed not to give in after it emerged the travellers have lodged a planning appeal – which could see them staying for another six months.

Residents have been maintaining a 24-hour vigil at Eaves Green Lane ever since the travellers arrived on nearby land on April 30.

And some of them say they are already preparing to eat their Christmas dinner at the site this year.

Last month Solihull Council rejected an application to establish a gypsy camp on the land.

But the travelling community has since appealed against the decision.

Members of campaign group RAID – Residents Against Inappropriate Development – remain defiant.

Chairman David McGrath said: “We never wanted this fight but we will not shrink from a battle with anyone who thinks it is right to send bulldozers into our green belt and then ask questions later.