A ROADSHOW will begin next week, which allows residents across Dorset the opportunity to view the proposed gypsy and traveller sites and comment on their suitability.

Public exhibitions will be held across the county, explaining how Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset councils are proposing to meet local needs for gypsy and traveller pitches over the next 15 years.

Since June 2010, consultants Baker Associates have been talking to landowners, gypsies and travellers and interest groups to draw up a shortlist of possible locations for Dorset.

These sites – along with others that had been ruled out – are being outlined in the consultation roadshows. Consultants and officers will be on hand to answer questions and visitors can take away consultation booklets and forms to give their views. Information and response forms will also be available online at www.dorsetforyou.com/ travellerpitches.

The consultation closes on February 10, 2012 and feedback will be considered by the consultants before a revised shortlist is published later in the year.

Robert Gould, pictured, DCC’s cabinet member for environment, said: “No decision has been made to date on the locations for the sites and the roadshows are an opportunity for everyone to have their say and provide information on potential sites not already listed.”

Roadshows take place at:

21 Nov 10am – 2pm The Exchange, Sturminster Newton 21 Nov 3.30 – 7.30pm The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage 24 Nov 12 – 3.30pm Allendale Community Centre, Wimborne 24 Nov 5 – 8pm Council Chamber, Civic Offices, Christchurch 28 Nov 10 – 2pm Christchurch Market (or council chamber if market cancelled) 28 Nov 3.30 – 7.30pm The Hub, Verwood 1 Dec 2 – 5.30pm D’Urberville Centre, Colliers Lane, Wool 2 Dec 10am – 12.30pm Council Chamber, North Dorset District Council, Blandford 5 Dec 10am – 2pm Poole Central Library 5 Dec 3.30 – 7.30m Bournemouth Training Centre, Jewell Road, Townsend 6 Dec 2.30 – 7pm Church of the Good Shepherd, Herbert Avenue, Poole 8 Dec 10am – 12pm Gillingham Town Hall, Gillingham 8 Dec 2 – 7pm The Guildhall, The Town Hall, Shaftesbury 13 Dec 3 – 7pm Bournemouth Library, the Triangle 9 Jan 12 – 3pm The Corn Exchange, Dorchester 9 Jan 5 – 8pm The Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion 10 Jan 12 – 3pm The Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion 10 Jan 5 – 8pm Beaminster Town Hall