Calls for support of Bettws Gypsy site proposal

A ROMANY Gypsy living on a Newport estate where a proposed Travellers site could be built is calling on locals to support the plans. 17-year-old Margaret Hendry, who lives in a house instead of a traditional caravan, says Gypsies have as much right as everyone else to have a safe place to live. She is calling on people to join a her Facebook campaign group Say Yes to Bettws Gypsy Site. Her plea comes after the Argus revealed last week that Newport council proposes to create permanent and transit sites in the city - including one of on land known as Yew Tree Cottage, Bettws. Miss Hendry says she feels intimidated by locals who are opposing the plans and says she was warned not to attend a public meeting held this week for fear of a public backlash. Residents who attended the heated meeting fiercely opposed the plans with local councillor Noel Trigg declaring he would sooner lie in the road than allow a Travellers site created in his ward.