The Cemetery Road park in Silverdale has benefited from a major upgrade and expansion, funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and Aspire Housing which manages the site.
The work has seen the creation of two extra pitches, with full disabled access amenity blocks. The funding has also enabled the upgrade of all existing facilities including new kitchens and bathrooms, and enhanced heating and lighting.
The on site community room, which doubles as a classroom, has been improved and enlarged too.
A celebration barbecue hosted by Aspire Housing marked the official opening of the new-look site on Thursday (27th August).
More than 30 residents attended the event as well as workmen, local councilors and Aspire staff.
The site is currently full with a waiting list of families keen to move in. The scheme will help ease the shortage of pitches in North Staffordshire, leading to fewer illegal settlements in the future.
Sinead Butters, chief executive of the Aspire Group, said: “We are one of only a few housing associations in the country to manage a gypsy and traveller site.
“It opened 16 years ago and many of the same families are still here today.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide new and improved permanent facilities.”
Gypsies and travellers are among the most disadvantaged groups in society with lower health and education outcomes. They often find it difficult to access services.
However, eleven children from the Silverdale site are now benefiting from on-site schooling three days a week. Adults are also turning to the private teacher for help with reading, writing and driving theory tuition.
As part of the refurbishment PM Training apprentice Jak Forester has designed and created a name sign for the caravan park. PM Training, a social enterprise which tackles worklessness among young people, became part of the Aspire Group last year.
“We are always working to create better communities and make a positive impact for the individuals we serve,” added Sinead Butters.
“Development of this site was a priority and we look forward to celebrating its completion.”
