Liberal Democrat-run Somerset Council has confirmed that there is still no target date for the delivery of designated Traveller sites in the county, despite repeated calls for action from councillors and communities affected by unauthorised encampments.
At a recent Executive meeting of Somerset Council, Opposition Lead Member for Communities Councillor Tom Power questioned the administration on the progress made since a task force was established earlier in the year to identify suitable transit sites.
Cllr Tom Power asked for an update on what developments had taken place since August, what improvements had been delivered, and when Somerset residents could expect a permanent solution.
In response, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, the Liberal Democrat Lead Member, confirmed that although discussions with stakeholders are underway, no timescale has yet been agreed for implementing designated Traveller sites.
She outlined measures such as new security at Taunton’s Silk Mills Park and Ride, an assessment of the B&M car park in Bridgwater, and concrete barriers at Burnham-on-Sea’s Bay Centre, but provided no timeframe for when new authorised sites will be established.
Cllr Tom Power said, “Communities across Somerset, from Burnham-on-Sea to Glastonbury, are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress. The Council promised action months ago, yet there’s still no target date and no clear plan.”
The Conservative Opposition has also called for at least two of its members to be allocated seats on the Council’s Traveller Site 'Task Force', to ensure cross-party involvement and stronger accountability.
