DO the taxpayers of Southampton realise what the travellers' site at Monks Brook will cost them?

To set it up the Government will be allocating about £1m but it will still cost in the region of another £1.5m from our council tax. In addition there will then be the yearly cost of running the site, and also the costs of removing other illegal travellers' camps who cannot get on the site because there is not enough room.

There will be six pitches, each holding two caravans, and each pitch having a toilet and shower block, electricity and refuse disposal. A children's play area is also included.

The site amenities are far better than an average holiday caravan park!

There will be CCTV and a manager who will be on site from 8.30am to 5pm six days a week, and new arrivals will only be allowed in during those hours.

They will be required to pay a deposit and one week's rent in advance. Is this realistic? Will the council lock the gates to stop them coming or going?

By all means give the travellers a site with minimum facilities, but spending all this money from our council tax is not right when there will be little chance of any money being paid by these people.

CORA ASHFORD (by e-mail).