A MEMBER of the travelling community is calling for plans to create a new gypsy and traveller site to be granted to improve her "standard of living".

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council recently appointed Asbri Planning Ltd to help it deliver its plans for a new gypsy and traveller site in Nantyglo.

The company intends to complete the pre-application consultation on a new gypsy and traveller site in Gwent.

A public consultation was held yesterday in Nantyglo Rygby Club for members of the public to learn more about the proposal.

Christine Edwards, who was at the public meeting, lives on the existing site.

She expressed her hope that the plan would be given the green light.

"I am really excited about the planned new site," she said.

"The site we are on at the moment is far too small.

"I live on one of the smallest bits."

She added that a new site would give her family and friends a "better standard of living".

"On the site that we are on there is no parking," said Mrs Edwards.

"I have been on the site for nearly six years," said Mrs Edwards.

"On the site that we are on there is no parking and the living facilities are not big,

"We need a better standard of living."

The proposed plan would see the demolition of the existing site and the accommodation of new 28 pitches, development of associated amenity blocks, a warden’s office and associated works’ at the existing Cwmcrachen gypsy and traveller Site and land off Blaen-Nant Road, Nantyglo.

Members of the public reacted with mixed views to the plans at the meeting.

Nantyglo resident Matthew Jones said he had "no problem" with the proposal.

"The old site has been for more than 200 years.

"I do not understand people having a problem with a new one.

"What I say is that it has been there for as long as I can remember."

Mr Jones' niece, Charlotte, reiterated her support for the plan.

"Like my uncle said, it has been there since I was born," said the 37-year-old.

"If the new site is to improve their standard of living then we should support it."

However, a resident, who did not wish to be named, said she was opposed to the plan.

"There are a lot of things that need sorting in the area," she said.

"We need to prioritise."