A meeting held at Seamer Youth Centre yesterday evening was attended more than 200 residents – the majority of whom opposed the plans which have been submitted by Scarborough Council.

Ward councillors had called the meeting after being inundated with questions about why a planning application remains in place for a gipsy site in Stoney Haggs Road, despite councillors opting for a different site at High Eastfield.

Andy Skelton, head of the council's environmental services said the council had agreed to locate the site at High Eastfield, but said negotiations had not reached a conclusion.

He said the plans for Stoney Haggs was a "precautionary measure".
Cllr Lucy Haycock, Cllr Helen Mallory, parish councillor Hayley Pickles and county councillor David Jeffels attended the meeting. They said they were just as confused as residents as to why both applications had been submitted.

Cllr Haycock said: "We have to be prepared to protest, and protest in these numbers that are here tonight. This application is not just for a one off event, it will be an annual event. We simply need to say we don't want it this year, or any other year.

"I want you all to write letter saying each of the effects it will have on you as residents."

Martin Simpson, the local farmer who has offered land to the council in High Eastfield, said: "I have offered the land to the council for the purpose of a gipsy site, and I offered it to them on an annual basis. High Eastfield is way away from any houses and will not affect anybody there. It is not particularly what I want but it is a much better site than the one at Stoney Haggs."

It was also suggested that an organised demonstration against the plans could be the way forward.

Parish councillor, Hayley Pickles said: "We need to show the council that this is not a quiet road. A lot of people use it as a rat run, and we need to show the people from Scarborough the impact it will have on them if the road is closed for the travellers. As much noise as possible needs to be made about this issue, though in a dignified way."

Yesterday was the last day for residents of Stoney Haggs Road to make official objections to the proposals. However councillors insisted they should pursue the issue should they feel strongly about it.