APPLICANTS for a second showman’s site in Picket Piece have decided not to pursue their plans in the face of continued opposition in the village. Work has already started on the first site but plans for a second next door were rejected by Test Valley Borough Council’s northern area planning committee.

The applicants for the second site were John Wall and Son who run the regular fairs at Smannell Road open space.

Cllr Len Gates, leader of the opposition on the borough, has since received an email from Mrs Bernice Wall, one of the applicants.

In it she said: “We have decided not to pursue the planning application for the showmen’s quarters we applied for.

“I believe that, in looking at the overall response, it would not be welcomed by the local community and therefore it would be unfair to carry on with an appeal on the decision.

“We have declined the advice given to us on moral grounds.”

She added: “We truly had no idea that the feeling against the application from the local residents was so strong. Our apologies if we caused anyone undue concern.”

Mr Gates said that while it was important that sites were found for show people, it was equally important that these sites were acceptable to local residents.

“I applaud Mrs Wall’s public spirited decision not to pursue her application and thank her for the consideration she has shown to the local community,” he added.