VILLAGERS are stepping up a campaign to rid their area of a gipsy encampment after news that a council decision to remove them is to go before a public inquiry.

Richards Castle Parish Council (Shropshire) chairman Peter Corfield has called on residents to help fight what he describes as the greatest and most serious challenge the community has faced.

The council is concerned about activities at The Oakery in Wheatcommon Lane and attempts by landowner Tom Evans to legalise a gipsy encampment there.

Objection

There were 139 letters of objection from the community when Mr Evans submitted an application to South Shropshire District Council to change the use of the land. It was rejected and the 50 camp residents were given four months to leave.

Now Mr Corfield has told villagers that Mr Evans and some of the travellers have successfully applied for a public inquiry to hear an appeal. It will take place in Ludlow on November 18.

Mr Corfield described the site as lacking sanitation, electricity and treated water. It was noisy, un-managed, on agricultural land and had grown out of all proportion. Access was also inadequate.

Urging villagers to write their opinions, Mr Corfield said: "We hold the view that a fundamental right of the local community has already been breached; that is the right of a quiet, peaceful and secure enjoyment of the environment in which they live and towards which they contribute."