SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ESSEX FORD BILLERICAY – 5.7.8

Two guests made a Phoenix FM pitstop:  Bernadette Reilly, who chairs the Brentwood Gypsy Support Group continued last week's traveller discussions, and Peter Bowditch, chair of Billericay Town Council.

Brentwood Gypsy Support Group

The group has been together 20 years and has around the same number of members.  Today it is involved in the consultation on possible new traveller sites in the borough.  Brentwood, along with other council areas in the East of England, is having to look at identifying around 15 additional pitches for 30 caravans by 2011.

A list of 18 sites, including the one where Bernadette and her family live in Mountnessing, has been circulated to all households.  The first five are existing traveller camps – either authorised or with lapsed permissions.  Bernadette is on the one at Roman Road, Mountnessing.

She was disappointed and upset by some early responses to the borough consultation, which has a July 25 deadline.  Some respondents said any further pitches should be away from houses or near a police station.

Bernadette (pictured with presenter Oliver) defended the gypsy life, saying anti feelings stemmed from ignorance and the negative reputation of some unsettled travellers who move on frequently and leave rubbish behind.  Transit sites are the answer, according to the Gypsy Support Group, with proper waste facilities and council supervision.

Billericay Town Council

Peter Bowditch took over chairing the council from previous Saturday Pitstop guest Bev Beale.  Since Coun Beale came into Phoenix FM, the council has opened its new public toilet in the car park behind Woolworths.  The Youth Town Council has progressed extending the skate board park in Lake Meadows and a new ceremonial town flag has been made.

Looking ahead Coun Bowditch (pictured) highlighted Billericay in Bloom results on July 18 and Radio 4's Any Questions being broadcast live from Emmanuel Church on August 22.  The programme goes out from 8pm and anyone wanting to be in the audience – and possibly ask the panel a question on air – should contact the council on 01277 625732.

Coun Bowditch brought in a music choice including Elvis Presley's Suspicious Minds;  Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton and Amy Winehouse:  Love is a Losing Game.

From Essex Ford Billericay

Pitstop sponsors Essex Ford Billericay will be at this year's Southend Cricket Festival between July 30 and August 3.

Essex are playing Glamorgan over the first four days of the festival at Southend's Garon Park.  Festival fun day is August 3 including Essex Ford's car display, beer festival and kwik cricket for the under 11s.  More at www.southendcricketfestival.org.uk