By Hayley Robinson

The vice-chairman of the UK Gipsy Council is to meet outraged villagers, who are concerned about plans for two gipsy sites in Bobbing.

Joseph Jones claims the travelling community was just as shocked as residents to see KCC’s Gipsy and Traveller Unit had earmarked land close to the Travel Inn and next to the primary school for 12 to 14 pitches as they weren’t consulted on the plans either.

The 15-acre plot is one of 30 potential sites all of which have been screened and assessed for their suitability.

In a bid to ease tension between the two communities Mr Jones has offered to meet residents and parish council members to talk about their concerns.

Mr Jones, 57, who was born in Sittingbourne, said: "We don’t want to be in conflict with anyone but we are entitled to accommodation as much as anyone. Gipsy and travellers have the same needs and wants as any other member of society.

"It seems that society has got this image of gipsies and travellers yet some of these people are doctors, university lecturers or even policemen.

"I have a grandson who’s got 10 GCSEs, who stayed on at school and is training to become a teacher. We are part of society and if we’re going to be part of a local community we need to accept each other and get on.

“We have one family who have a temporary place in Sittingbourne but they need somewhere permanent so they can access doctors, education, health care and all the services everyone else is entitled to.

“We’re often misrepresented and persecuted for who we are but we want to integrate with the community and to contribute to the local economy. We have our own culture and our own way of life and our main ethos is family but we do want to be part of a community and be accepted.”

Mr Jones says he understands why some people have reservations.

He said: “Every single law should be abided by and those who don’t should be punished.

“The majority of us live within the laws but there are a small minority who don’t and they end up spoiling it for everyone else.

“But people must remember there’s good and bad in all parts of society.”

Sue Crawford, Bobbing Parish Council clerk, said: “The parish council welcomes any healthy debate and views from any member of the community who have views on the siting of this particular site.

“Mr Jones is welcome to attend our next meeting which will be held at Bobbing Village Hall on Monday, February 22, from 7.30pm.”