BARNSLEY Council is considering reopening a controversial site for gypsies and travellers on Grange Lane.
The site at Stairfoot closed nearly two years ago just weeks after opening, amid concerns travellers were staying too long.
It is expected to reopen because it forms part of the council’s approach to tackling the issue of unauthorised encampments across the borough.
Residents who live nearby have received a letter informing them of the plans and asking for their opinions on the site.
The letter states measures implemented on the site will include a charge of £20 per week per caravan, and that travellers will be allowed a maximum 14 days on the site.
The 11-pitch site was shut down in April 2015. It was set up as an emergency stopping place for gypsies and travellers who were allowed to remain for up to 14 days, with no return allowed within three months.
But one of the first encampments remained for eight weeks and only left after the council began legal proceedings.
As a result the council closed the site, removed the temporary toilets and water facilities, and created a bund as a soil barrier to prevent further access.
A decision on the site is expected in early March.
