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A woman who owns a plot of land in Cambridgeshire is offering it up to travellers to live on - but her only condition is that they "ruin the village."

Linda Watson, 48, says she would be the "happiest woman going" if travellers took up her offer to stay on the two-and-a-half acre piece of land in Kirtling, near Newmarket.

This is because she thinks neighbours who live in the village are "so far up their own a***."

But East Cambridge District Council has warned it could take enforcement action against Linda for the move.

A spokesman said she would have to get approval for changing the use of her land before she could invite travellers to camp there.

Linda told the News: "We have a fantastic plot of land. Two and a half acres. It's got electric, water, scenery - it's a gorgeous place.

"I would be the happiest woman going if I could get travellers on my land. In an ideal scenario, I'd love them to buy it - but I'm going to walk away.

"My only stipulation is that they ruin the village. Everyone in Kirtling is so far up their own a***."

Linda lives in a caravan at the Coedendderw Stud in Bradley Road, Kirtling, where she has worked as a horse rehabilitation professional for seven years.

The 48-year-old has put in several planning applications on her land to improve her business and way of living, including a small home for herself and her partner.

However, East Cambridgeshire District Council did not think her business plan was viable, so they rejected the plans.

Linda, who has been involved in the racing industry for most of her life, and has owned the land for 17 years, has now been forced to reconsider her stay there.

"It's a very well to do village," said Linda. "Most council houses have been purchased and done up. The district council have spent thousands on parts of the area.

"But with travellers next door to them, how much will it be worth then?

"The council [East Cambridgeshire District Council] called me earlier to say that I can't do it. But I will do it. At the end of the day, travellers have had nowhere to stay, I'm providing a solution.

"As for the villagers, what have they done for us? They've always gossiped - not one person in Kirtling has put in a letter to help our planning application.

"We won't be in this country by the end of October - so I tell you this, travellers will be living here in September."

East Cambridgeshire District Council has been contacted for a comment.

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