THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to support an appeal by a parish council against a decision to let a traveller family live on Green Belt land which is also a flood plain. Residents of Colney Heath have been signing a petition and sending their contri

THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised to support an appeal by a parish council against a decision to let a traveller family live on Green Belt land which is also a flood plain.

Residents of Colney Heath have been signing a petition and sending their contributions to parish councillor Chris Brazier to help the council fight the decision.

The parish are seeking a judicial review to overturn a decision made by a Government planning inspector to let traveller Peter Robb and his extended family put their caravans back on Nuckies Farm in Coursers Road for five years.

Battle

Papers have been served on Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, stating the grounds of the council's appeal and a response is expected soon.

The parish council are concerned that in light of Mr Robb's history - a seven-year battle with the district council has already cost taxpayers £60,000 and Mr Robb has served a term of imprisonment after defying a High Court order - allowing him back on the Green Belt site which is also in a high flood-risk area establishes a precedent.

Cllr Brazier said a few thousand pounds had been posted through his door which would really help pay for the appeal, the first stage of which would cost the council around £10,000. He added: "The residents feel so strongly about this that they want to help. I am really pleased and grateful that we have the support of local people.