The most notable item on the agenda of this weeks Economy, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Committee at the Town Hall was an item highlighting future pressure for the Council to provide more permanent sites for gypsies and travellers.

The Government say that Gypsies and Travellers want permanent sites in order that illegal encampments can be minimised. As a result the North West (unelected) Regional Assembly has worked out the amount it feels all Greater Manchester Authorities should provide over the next few years.

Currently Bury provides 17 pitches on one site, however North West Region believes that Bury should provide and additional 70 pitches by 2016 and an additional 117 by 2026.

The demand justifying these figures is currently disputed by Bury officers and the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities that have carried out their own study of the demand for sites.

In addition to the difficulty and likely local opposition to finding this many sites, the other barrier at present is the cost. It is estimated that it would cost of £5m to provide these sites. While Bury would receive a grant incentive from Government, it would not nearly cover the cost.

At present this whole issue is going through preliminary stages and as mentioned even the amount of required provision is disputed. It set for further consultation of firmer proposals in 2010 so watch this space.