CONDITIONS on a gipsy camp have been described as deplorable by council chiefs, who have promised to improve the site.

Gipsies living on the permanent camp near Aqueduct Road, Ewood, Blackburn, have won a battle to have extra baths fitted in the washing block.

The camp residents have claimed they are treated like second class citizens by their landlords. And Blackburn housing boss Phil Richards, has criticised County Hall for spending more money on a similar site in Preston.

The gipsies have now won a campaign to have 16 instead of eight new baths fitted, following a stormy public meeting with councillors and housing officers.

The site is owned by the county council, but Blackburn Council oversees the running of the camp and each family pays around £60 a week for a plot. A petition from the gipsies was discussed at a housing committee meeting.

Blackburn housing chief Phil Richards said: "This is a clear example of why Blackburn should become a unitary authority and take charge of its own destiny.

"For years we have said the conditions on the site are deplorable, the area has been resurfaced three times and each time the surface has come back up again."

Although Blackburn Council has been given enough cash to fit just eight baths, they have doubled the number because of the strength of feeling on the camp.

Phil Richards added: "Other sites around the county are far superior to Blackburn's. When we do become a unitary authority we will be carrying out improvements on the site."

Councillor Mike Nicholson added: "Mothers who want to wash the children have to walk 50 or 60 yards, that must be an ordeal on a winter night.

"There is a significant difference between standards on the site in Preston and Blackburn. There are fences between each plot and outbuildings with washing and cooking facilities at the side of each caravan."

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