The Sutton Guardian revealed in March that the Lib Dems were planning a permanent camp for travellers on Roundshaw Playing Fields, at the end of Hannibal Way.
This madcap idea ran into strong opposition from residents and Conservative councillors. We can all remember how last year’s illegal traveller camp turned the playing fields into a no-go area, and the mess afterwards.
Conservative Councillor Neil Garratt said, “Lib Dem councillors floated this mad idea, hoping to sneak it through. But in the end 187 formal objections from residents, plus hours I spent behind the scenes trying to kill the plan, just couldn’t be ignored.
“I’m delighted that the Lib Dems have backed down so the playing fields will stay open, just as they are. Who ever thought that a permanent traveller site should go in a park?”