I KNOW I speak for many local residents when welcoming the announcement by the leader of Bournemouth Borough Council that none of the four sites identified in an independent study as potential gypsy and traveller sites will be considered further.

I live close to the proposed sites in Muscliff and Throop and work adjacent to the one at the Lansdowne.

I know at first hand how devastated people were by the suggestion that the sites would be appropriate for gypsy and traveller use.

It was clear to us all that the proposals were wrong and that there were compelling reasons to reject them.

I would like to pay tribute to all those who got behind our campaigns and who took the trouble to register their views. The response was magnificent.

I have always believed that the voice of the people must be heard on projects that would affect their lives.

That is the only fair way forward. I am delighted that Cllr Beesley made the council’s decision clear as soon as he was able to do so.

I completely agree with him that it is unlikely that any suitable alternative site in the town can be found. After a year of worry, local residents can now get on with their lives.

This is the right decision for Bournemouth. For me, it is proof that together we made a difference.

CLLR SUSAN PHILLIPS, Wallisdown and Winton West