MANAGEMENT of the Widnes gipsy site in Tanhouse Lane is to be taken over by Halton Council when the borough goes unitary on April 1.

The site consists of 22 pitches where two caravans and two vehicles can be parked.

The day-to-day management of the site, contracted out to a gipsy, runs out on March 31.

A weekly rent of £30 is charged for each plot, inclusive of water charges.

Electricity is metered separately. Individuals buy "smart cards" from the warden for their electricity.

"Letting is handled locally by the site warden but movement is rare with some families resident for 30 years," members of the Housing and Community Services Committee were told on Monday. There is a waiting list of more than 35.

The site was originally provided under the Caravan Sites Act of 1968 which placed a duty on the county council to provide a site. This has been amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and there is no longer a duty, simply permissive powers.

An estimated £30,000 was spent on maintenance this year.

Work is continuing with the county council to finalise details of the handover.

The overall budget is estimated to amount to £100,000 per year, inclusive of rents, services, management, repairs and asset charges.

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