THE fight against a travellers’ site in Rangeworthy is still in full swing, despite planning permission being granted.

The Hall End Action Group is calling for a judicial review of the decision by South Gloucestershire Council to allow a five-pitch gypsy site at Homefield on Hall End Lane.

The group, which was set up when a planning application was submitted late last year, received a huge wave of public backing but failed to win support from council planners.

Chairman Chris Jones said: "This is a legal challenge to the planning permission.

"We've started the review stage, which is a precursor to the official process. When this is lodged, the council will be presented with a pre-action protocol to which they have to respond."

He said the group had held a meeting with Northavon MP Steve Webb and other local officials to investigate what could done to fight the planning permission and proposals for a ‘super’ site of 10 pitches on Tanhouse Lane, just one mile from Homefield.

"The site at Tanhouse Lane was only put forward by the council on Monday June 15. The period for comments lasted until Monday, July 13 so officially this is closed.

"Don't let that put you off, if you haven't objected yet, please do so."

A petition against the Tanhouse Lane site, signed by 528 people, has been handed in to the council.

Cllr Bob Shepherd, chairman of Iron Acton Parish Council, is behind the campaign against both travellers’ site.

He told a meeting of Yate Town Council last week: "We would ask you to support us in our plight against those particular sites in that they do not tick any of the boxes in the Government’s criteria for gypsy and travellers’ transit sites."

He called for members of both councils to get together to discuss the issue further.

Yate councillor Chris Willmore said: "The Hall End site is just too isolated to work.

"The town council had submitted a bid to buy the Tanhouse Lane for community use but we were outbid."

The Hall End Action Group is now appealing for funding to pay for the judicial review and is organising a number of fundraising events in Rangeworthy.

"The action group continually need funds, particularly to help with the legal challenge," said Mr Jones. "If you or a friend can afford to contribute a little more this will be more than welcome."

Visit www.hall-end.co.uk for further information.