From Brighton and Hove News
A Hove councillor has criticised the slow response of police and council officials saying that it permitted an unofficial Travellers camp to quadruple in size.
Councillor Dawn Barnett contacted Sussex Police and the Travellers liaison team at Brighton and Hove City Council when four caravans arrived in Greenleas Recreation Ground in Hangleton a few days ago.
Councillor Barnett, who represents Hangleton and Knoll, said that the park was a sensitive site, not least because children’s activities were supposed to be taking place there during the Easter holidays.
And she said that she had been sworn at, verbally abused and threatened but that police officers told her to go home for her own safety although she lives immediately next to the park.
Councillor Barnett said: “The police said they were worried for my safety but it’s a public park and I’m a council tax payer.
“All the time we’ve got Travellers occupying parks and public open spaces, people might wonder if they should be paying council tax for services that they can’t use.
“People don’t want to go in the park because they feel intimidated. They tried to intimidate me.
“Those occupying the park aren’t paying council tax or rent for being there.
“I asked the Travellers liaison team and the police to direct them to Horsdean (the official site). There were spaces there.
“They said they’d have to ask their manager and nothing happened.
“There were four caravans there and now there are 15.”
Last year the council carried out work in Greenleas to make the site less vulnerable to unauthorised Travellers camps.
And almost a year ago Councillor Barnett, a Conservative, urged travellers to leave Greenleas and go to open spaces in council wards held by Green councillors. She said that the Greens were happier to tolerate travellers.
She was reported to the council’s Standards Board over the incident. It found that she had brought her office or authority into disrepute but did not punish her. It cleared her of failing to treat others with respect and breaking equality laws.
The council said that it was assessing the impact of the incursion in Greenleas to decide what action it should take. In the mean time it would monitor the situation.
Similar camps are also being monitored at 19 Acres, next to the A27 Brighton bypass, and on land next to Ditchling Road, Brighton, in East Brighton Park and at Horsdean Recreation Ground.
Saturday 31 March 2012
New horsecare course for young Travellers - Bristol
Horseworld has received a £8,500 grant for a project helping young Yravellers to learn more about horsecare.
The Bristol charity aims to take youngsters from the local travelling community who are no longer in school and educate them in different aspects of horsecare, including riding, fence building, grooming and stable work as part of The Discovery Project.
The project, funded by a National Lottery grant, started in January and will run all year.
“We find that taking advantage of the unique bond that forms between horses and young people has staggering results,” said Amanda Cranston of Horseworld.
“The youngsters grow in confidence, which in turn helps their communication skills.”
Lee Hackett from the British Horse Society added: “It’s a valuable initiative and has our full support.
"Education is a major priority and it’s important the industry includes everybody in this.”
The Bristol charity aims to take youngsters from the local travelling community who are no longer in school and educate them in different aspects of horsecare, including riding, fence building, grooming and stable work as part of The Discovery Project.
The project, funded by a National Lottery grant, started in January and will run all year.
“We find that taking advantage of the unique bond that forms between horses and young people has staggering results,” said Amanda Cranston of Horseworld.
“The youngsters grow in confidence, which in turn helps their communication skills.”
Lee Hackett from the British Horse Society added: “It’s a valuable initiative and has our full support.
"Education is a major priority and it’s important the industry includes everybody in this.”
Travellers move off Black Country Living Museum car park
From the Express and Star
Travellers have finally left the overflow car park at the Black Country Living Museum – just as hundreds of extra visitors are expected over the Easter holidays.
They moved after museum bosses said they would apply to the High Court to get them evicted.
They had already ignored a possession order granted by Dudley County Court on Monday which required them to leave immediately.
Museum chiefs wanted the eight caravans and a motorhome to move from the car park in Dudley before the Easter break.
The Travellers spent a total of 13 days at the site after breaking through a steel gate on March 16.
Museum spokeswoman Sara Lambert said: “We hope for a busy time over the Easter holiday and are pleased that there will be plenty of parking available.”
Travellers have finally left the overflow car park at the Black Country Living Museum – just as hundreds of extra visitors are expected over the Easter holidays.
They moved after museum bosses said they would apply to the High Court to get them evicted.
They had already ignored a possession order granted by Dudley County Court on Monday which required them to leave immediately.
Museum chiefs wanted the eight caravans and a motorhome to move from the car park in Dudley before the Easter break.
The Travellers spent a total of 13 days at the site after breaking through a steel gate on March 16.
Museum spokeswoman Sara Lambert said: “We hope for a busy time over the Easter holiday and are pleased that there will be plenty of parking available.”
Moray travellers await decision on their home - Scotland
From the Press and Journal
Moray Travellers who were facing eviction from the site they call home are waiting to hear back from council officials on their future.
Members of the Stewart clan were given four weeks to table a retrospective request to make the site near Lhanbryde their home for up to three years.
The reprieve was granted by Moray Council at a private meeting in Elgin last month.
Moray Travellers who were facing eviction from the site they call home are waiting to hear back from council officials on their future.
Members of the Stewart clan were given four weeks to table a retrospective request to make the site near Lhanbryde their home for up to three years.
The reprieve was granted by Moray Council at a private meeting in Elgin last month.
Council admits to failings over sites - Devon
From Ivybridge Today
A TRAVELLER looks set to stay on an illegal encampment after the county and district councils admitted that it would be a long process before anything could be done.
Mr Monk has been living illegally in a truck parked on a highways verge by a junction next to the main road at Leighmoor Cross, in between Modbury and California Cross, since September 2010.
At the Modbury Parish Council AGM on Monday evening, Mr Monk attended along with Devon county councillor for Yealmpton division William Mumford, Devon’s Gypsy and Travellers liaison officer Sabrina Thomas, South Hams Council development management officer Malcolm Elliott and Police Inspector Andy Tomlinson.
Cllr Mumford gave a background of the events so far, stating that the land Mr Monk is currently living on illegally is Devon County Council land, but it is the responsibility of South Hams Council to find Travellers/Gypsies alternative encampments with suitable provisions.
Cllr Mumford said that if they went ahead and evicted Mr Monk, there is no reason why he could not move another 100 yards down the road if no suitable encampment was available, and the process would begin all over again at a great cost to public money.
Cllr Mumford said: ‘I admit that discussions between ourselves and South Hams Council should have begun earlier, but they are currently under way.
‘The dialogue has begun to find a long-term solution, and it will be a long-term process.’
Mr Elliott emphasised the difficulty in finding suitable sites in the region for Travellers/Gypsies.
He said: ‘We need to find willing land owners to offer their land as a site, and it has to be in an acceptable place – with local provisions. There is no short-term fixture.
A member of the public asked Mr Monk if his reasons for moving to Leighmoor Cross was as a protest?
Mr Monk said: ‘I used to live at the Marley Head site near South Brent, but moved off due to eviction reasons. I am not living at Leighmoor Cross in protest. I have a son in this area and I work in this area. I don’t like living illegally, I have had the windows of my truck smashed and my dog was very ill over the winter, but I am only there because I have nowhere else to go.’
Further questions were raised from the floor that if they set up a residential caravan on their own land that planning permission would have to be granted.
The next issue raised from the floor related to Mr Monk’s truck, which he lives in. A member of the public said: ‘The truck is surely in multiple infringement of DVLA rules. It is untaxed, unlicensed and uninsured. It is obstructing a junction and there are regularly visitors who park their cars on the road as a further obstruction.’
Police Inspector Tomlinson said: ‘We have looked at the offences and we reported them to the DVLA at an early stage. In terms of the insurance issue, there is a debate as to whether it is a vehicle or not? Our powers to seize vehicles are used very rarely and in terms of the vehicle being unlicensed it does not apply in this case as the vehicle is not used on the road.’
Mr Monk said: ‘When I first moved onto Leighmoor Cross the Police attended within hours saying I was not obstructing the junction.
‘I was visited by the Value Ordnance Authority in September last year, who declared my truck as a dwelling and not a vehicle. I have since been paying council tax.’ To which a member of the public said: ‘If it is a dwelling surely it requires planning permission?’
Cllr Mumford said: ‘This is not an open-ended situation, but we don’t know how long it will take. The fundamental issue is to find alternative sites for Travellers and Gypsies.’
Modbury parish councillor David Rickman asked Mr Elliott when it became South Hams Council’s responsibility to deliver the suitable sites.
Mr Elliott said it was around 2006, to which Cllr Rickman asked how many sites the council had found during that time.
Mr Elliott said: ‘We are currently looking at a number of sites but we have not found any yet.’
The Leighmoor Cross issue has been heightened by the news earlier this month that Dartmoor National Park, the planning authority for the site at Marley Head in South Brent, is applying for an injunction at the High Court in Bristol on April 19 to remove Travellers camping there illegally.
A TRAVELLER looks set to stay on an illegal encampment after the county and district councils admitted that it would be a long process before anything could be done.
Mr Monk has been living illegally in a truck parked on a highways verge by a junction next to the main road at Leighmoor Cross, in between Modbury and California Cross, since September 2010.
At the Modbury Parish Council AGM on Monday evening, Mr Monk attended along with Devon county councillor for Yealmpton division William Mumford, Devon’s Gypsy and Travellers liaison officer Sabrina Thomas, South Hams Council development management officer Malcolm Elliott and Police Inspector Andy Tomlinson.
Cllr Mumford gave a background of the events so far, stating that the land Mr Monk is currently living on illegally is Devon County Council land, but it is the responsibility of South Hams Council to find Travellers/Gypsies alternative encampments with suitable provisions.
Cllr Mumford said that if they went ahead and evicted Mr Monk, there is no reason why he could not move another 100 yards down the road if no suitable encampment was available, and the process would begin all over again at a great cost to public money.
Cllr Mumford said: ‘I admit that discussions between ourselves and South Hams Council should have begun earlier, but they are currently under way.
‘The dialogue has begun to find a long-term solution, and it will be a long-term process.’
Mr Elliott emphasised the difficulty in finding suitable sites in the region for Travellers/Gypsies.
He said: ‘We need to find willing land owners to offer their land as a site, and it has to be in an acceptable place – with local provisions. There is no short-term fixture.
A member of the public asked Mr Monk if his reasons for moving to Leighmoor Cross was as a protest?
Mr Monk said: ‘I used to live at the Marley Head site near South Brent, but moved off due to eviction reasons. I am not living at Leighmoor Cross in protest. I have a son in this area and I work in this area. I don’t like living illegally, I have had the windows of my truck smashed and my dog was very ill over the winter, but I am only there because I have nowhere else to go.’
Further questions were raised from the floor that if they set up a residential caravan on their own land that planning permission would have to be granted.
The next issue raised from the floor related to Mr Monk’s truck, which he lives in. A member of the public said: ‘The truck is surely in multiple infringement of DVLA rules. It is untaxed, unlicensed and uninsured. It is obstructing a junction and there are regularly visitors who park their cars on the road as a further obstruction.’
Police Inspector Tomlinson said: ‘We have looked at the offences and we reported them to the DVLA at an early stage. In terms of the insurance issue, there is a debate as to whether it is a vehicle or not? Our powers to seize vehicles are used very rarely and in terms of the vehicle being unlicensed it does not apply in this case as the vehicle is not used on the road.’
Mr Monk said: ‘When I first moved onto Leighmoor Cross the Police attended within hours saying I was not obstructing the junction.
‘I was visited by the Value Ordnance Authority in September last year, who declared my truck as a dwelling and not a vehicle. I have since been paying council tax.’ To which a member of the public said: ‘If it is a dwelling surely it requires planning permission?’
Cllr Mumford said: ‘This is not an open-ended situation, but we don’t know how long it will take. The fundamental issue is to find alternative sites for Travellers and Gypsies.’
Modbury parish councillor David Rickman asked Mr Elliott when it became South Hams Council’s responsibility to deliver the suitable sites.
Mr Elliott said it was around 2006, to which Cllr Rickman asked how many sites the council had found during that time.
Mr Elliott said: ‘We are currently looking at a number of sites but we have not found any yet.’
The Leighmoor Cross issue has been heightened by the news earlier this month that Dartmoor National Park, the planning authority for the site at Marley Head in South Brent, is applying for an injunction at the High Court in Bristol on April 19 to remove Travellers camping there illegally.
Friday 30 March 2012
Row over secret list of Leeds Traveller camps
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
A row over a search for new Gypsy and Traveller camps in Leeds is growing with Conservative councillors threatening to publish a confidential list of sites under consideration.
The Government has handed the council £1m to develop up to 12 new pitches to help tackle the problem of unauthorised encampments.
Council officials are currently assessing a lengthy list of possible sites which Tory councillors say should be made available to the public.
Having obtained a copy of the list – marked private and confidential and understood to contain about 90 possible locations, the Tories say they are taking legal advice and, if allowed, will publish it.
During a stormy debate at a meeting of the full council, Coun Les Carter (Con, Adel and Wharfedale) said: “The people of Leeds have a right to know which sites are being considered.
“This search is taking place behind closed doors and without scrutiny.”
Coun Dan Cohen (Con, Alwoodley) said the original list of 300 potential locations had been whittled down to 90 which should be publicly available.
He said: “We should be committed to democracy, transparency and fairness but so far we have seen a process opposite of this.”
The ruling Labour administration say it is clear many of the sites will be dropped from the list and have pledged to publish the finding of the officers’ review once their work is complete.
Coun Peter Gruen (Lab, Cross Gates and Whinmoor), executive councillor for neighbourhoods and housing, said there was no secrecy surrounding the process. Three published reports about the issue had gone to the executive board and the criteria being used to govern the search was also available.
The council voted 56-23 in favour of a resolution put forward by Coun Gruen that said: “Council encourages officers to complete their search for potential Traveller sites as swiftly and as thoroughly as possible.
“Council endorses the commitment to publicise the findings of this review once complete along with the commitment to undertake comprehensive consultation before any planning application for a new site is submitted.”
It supported the approach of providing more official pitches coupled with strong enforcement against unauthorised sites.
A row over a search for new Gypsy and Traveller camps in Leeds is growing with Conservative councillors threatening to publish a confidential list of sites under consideration.
The Government has handed the council £1m to develop up to 12 new pitches to help tackle the problem of unauthorised encampments.
Council officials are currently assessing a lengthy list of possible sites which Tory councillors say should be made available to the public.
Having obtained a copy of the list – marked private and confidential and understood to contain about 90 possible locations, the Tories say they are taking legal advice and, if allowed, will publish it.
During a stormy debate at a meeting of the full council, Coun Les Carter (Con, Adel and Wharfedale) said: “The people of Leeds have a right to know which sites are being considered.
“This search is taking place behind closed doors and without scrutiny.”
Coun Dan Cohen (Con, Alwoodley) said the original list of 300 potential locations had been whittled down to 90 which should be publicly available.
He said: “We should be committed to democracy, transparency and fairness but so far we have seen a process opposite of this.”
The ruling Labour administration say it is clear many of the sites will be dropped from the list and have pledged to publish the finding of the officers’ review once their work is complete.
Coun Peter Gruen (Lab, Cross Gates and Whinmoor), executive councillor for neighbourhoods and housing, said there was no secrecy surrounding the process. Three published reports about the issue had gone to the executive board and the criteria being used to govern the search was also available.
The council voted 56-23 in favour of a resolution put forward by Coun Gruen that said: “Council encourages officers to complete their search for potential Traveller sites as swiftly and as thoroughly as possible.
“Council endorses the commitment to publicise the findings of this review once complete along with the commitment to undertake comprehensive consultation before any planning application for a new site is submitted.”
It supported the approach of providing more official pitches coupled with strong enforcement against unauthorised sites.
Villagers opposed to expansion of Gypsy caravan site - Staffordshire
From the Burton Mail
VILLAGERS have voiced their opposition to the expansion of a Gypsy caravan site.
The owner of the Mile End encampment, in Derby Road, Hilton, has applied to allow two extra caravans stay on the site for three months a year.
However, this has provoked an angry response from neighbour Michael Plimmer, who has lived in Derby Road for 21 years and who claimed any expansion would lead to more noise and litter.
Speaking at the latest monthly meeting of Hilton Parish Council Mr Plimmer said: “This amount of caravans would be seriously out of order.
“A caravan is a home. On that site, would you put five houses?”
“It’s not animosity against anyone — not gipsies, not pink elephants.
“I cannot see how it would be monitored — for me it is a complete non starter.” He argued that the site was on an ‘exposed’ plot of land, and he said he believed that if it got any bigger, it could cause ‘a bad first impression’ for anyone driving into the village.
The owner of the site, Leo Smith, said in his application to South Derbyshire District Council that occupancy of the land was currently limited to three caravans.
He said: “This condition is generally acceptable but there are occasions, such as Christmas or other family celebrations, when all of Mr Smith’s sons and daughters gather together with their wives and children.”
Parish councillor Piet Walton-Knight, who examines planning applications for Hilton Parish Council, said the authority should oppose to the proposals.
“No-one else in the village can park extra caravans on the front of their houses for the holidays,” he said.
“There is the fact this is an unusual request. I’m concerned.
“There is amenity there for three caravans, but would there be adequate amenity for five caravans? “I suggest we turn this one down.”
The parish council voted unanimously to object to the plans.
South Derbyshire District Council is aiming to have made a decision on the application by May 7.
VILLAGERS have voiced their opposition to the expansion of a Gypsy caravan site.
The owner of the Mile End encampment, in Derby Road, Hilton, has applied to allow two extra caravans stay on the site for three months a year.
However, this has provoked an angry response from neighbour Michael Plimmer, who has lived in Derby Road for 21 years and who claimed any expansion would lead to more noise and litter.
Speaking at the latest monthly meeting of Hilton Parish Council Mr Plimmer said: “This amount of caravans would be seriously out of order.
“A caravan is a home. On that site, would you put five houses?”
“It’s not animosity against anyone — not gipsies, not pink elephants.
“I cannot see how it would be monitored — for me it is a complete non starter.” He argued that the site was on an ‘exposed’ plot of land, and he said he believed that if it got any bigger, it could cause ‘a bad first impression’ for anyone driving into the village.
The owner of the site, Leo Smith, said in his application to South Derbyshire District Council that occupancy of the land was currently limited to three caravans.
He said: “This condition is generally acceptable but there are occasions, such as Christmas or other family celebrations, when all of Mr Smith’s sons and daughters gather together with their wives and children.”
Parish councillor Piet Walton-Knight, who examines planning applications for Hilton Parish Council, said the authority should oppose to the proposals.
“No-one else in the village can park extra caravans on the front of their houses for the holidays,” he said.
“There is the fact this is an unusual request. I’m concerned.
“There is amenity there for three caravans, but would there be adequate amenity for five caravans? “I suggest we turn this one down.”
The parish council voted unanimously to object to the plans.
South Derbyshire District Council is aiming to have made a decision on the application by May 7.
Traveller family sick of being treated 'like animals' - Somerset
From the Western Gazette
A Traveller family living near Merriott say they are fed up of being treated like “animals.”
Since moving to Eggwood Hill in May 2008, the Hughes family have been embroiled in a legal battle with the land’s owner, Somerset County Council.
Residents of nearby Lopen urged the authorities to take action at a recent council meeting, claiming the issue had been forgotten by the county council.
But mum Emma Hughes said her family are trying to find somewhere else to go and just want to be treated fairly while they wait for a new home.
“We are trying to move on. We are trying to do things the right way, we know we can’t stay on this site forever but at the moment we have nowhere else to go.”
Mrs Hughes said the family had been offered a six-week temporary slot on a “transit” Travellers’ site and the option of going on a waiting list elsewhere. But Mrs Hughes said had safety concerns about other sites.
“There’s no way I’m going to put my kids in danger,” she said.
The family has also unsuccessfully sought planning permission for a site in Haselbury Plucknett and are now appealing against its refusal.
Mrs Hughes said: “I wonder how other people would feel in our situation?
“We don’t have it easy here. We have no running water, we have to fill up a bowser once a fortnight and no electricity except for a generator. Living here is probably costing us more than people pay for council tax.”
The Eggwood site – which borders Merriott, Hinton St George and Lopen – is a beauty spot. Lopen residents have said that in recent years they feel it has become a “no-go area” for them.
But Mrs Hughes said this was unfair.
“People are calling us a problem, comparing us to animals. My kids are doing really well in school and none of them have ever been in trouble with the law,” she said.
“One of them is at Maiden Beech and won an award for doing the best in three subjects. People are not giving us a chance, my kids won’t have a proper education if they are moved all the time. They should have the same rights for education as everyone else.”
A county council spokesman told the Western Gazette last week the authority is preparing for fresh legal action over the unauthorised occupation of the site, but was also taking into account welfare, educational and health needs of the occupants, including six children.
The spokesman said: “We appreciate local residents are unhappy about the situation and we can assure them we are doing what we can to sort this matter out.”
A Traveller family living near Merriott say they are fed up of being treated like “animals.”
Since moving to Eggwood Hill in May 2008, the Hughes family have been embroiled in a legal battle with the land’s owner, Somerset County Council.
Residents of nearby Lopen urged the authorities to take action at a recent council meeting, claiming the issue had been forgotten by the county council.
But mum Emma Hughes said her family are trying to find somewhere else to go and just want to be treated fairly while they wait for a new home.
“We are trying to move on. We are trying to do things the right way, we know we can’t stay on this site forever but at the moment we have nowhere else to go.”
Mrs Hughes said the family had been offered a six-week temporary slot on a “transit” Travellers’ site and the option of going on a waiting list elsewhere. But Mrs Hughes said had safety concerns about other sites.
“There’s no way I’m going to put my kids in danger,” she said.
The family has also unsuccessfully sought planning permission for a site in Haselbury Plucknett and are now appealing against its refusal.
Mrs Hughes said: “I wonder how other people would feel in our situation?
“We don’t have it easy here. We have no running water, we have to fill up a bowser once a fortnight and no electricity except for a generator. Living here is probably costing us more than people pay for council tax.”
The Eggwood site – which borders Merriott, Hinton St George and Lopen – is a beauty spot. Lopen residents have said that in recent years they feel it has become a “no-go area” for them.
But Mrs Hughes said this was unfair.
“People are calling us a problem, comparing us to animals. My kids are doing really well in school and none of them have ever been in trouble with the law,” she said.
“One of them is at Maiden Beech and won an award for doing the best in three subjects. People are not giving us a chance, my kids won’t have a proper education if they are moved all the time. They should have the same rights for education as everyone else.”
A county council spokesman told the Western Gazette last week the authority is preparing for fresh legal action over the unauthorised occupation of the site, but was also taking into account welfare, educational and health needs of the occupants, including six children.
The spokesman said: “We appreciate local residents are unhappy about the situation and we can assure them we are doing what we can to sort this matter out.”
MP welcomes reform of plans for Travellers sites - Worcestershire
From the Droitwich Standard
DROITWICH’s MP Peter Luff has welcomed a new Government policy document which aims to offer planning guidance for traveller sites across the county.
Following a consultation last year the Government has published the new planning guidance as a separate document from the National Planning Policy Framework which was launched on Tuesday (March 27).
The new guidance strengthens protection of the green belt by stating that traveller sites in the Green Belt are ‘inappropriate development’.
Mr Luff said the new blueprint would mean greater consideration and weight must now be given to the protection of local services and the local environment before Traveller sites are developed.
The Government has also made clear that abuse of the planning system would not be tolerated and the guidelines would help councils in planning enforcement cases against unauthorised development.
Mr Luff said: “Reform to the planning system on Traveller sites was desperately needed and I know that these new guidelines will be welcomed in Worcestershire.
“I recognise that most Travellers do not cause a nuisance and go about their travelling lifestyle in way that does not result in significant disruption to the settled community.
“However, there have been unwelcome planning issues and other incidents over recent years around south Worcestershire that have bought the travelling community into conflict with other residents and local bodies,” he added.
The MP hoped the reforms would ‘put right’ the failings of the previous planning laws which he said had caused problems for councils and Travellers alike.
“I will be talking to both the local authorities and the police about the full local implications of these new planning guidelines,”
“I hope that the Government’s changes will promote a harmonious relationship in the future between Travellers and the settled community,” he added.
DROITWICH’s MP Peter Luff has welcomed a new Government policy document which aims to offer planning guidance for traveller sites across the county.
Following a consultation last year the Government has published the new planning guidance as a separate document from the National Planning Policy Framework which was launched on Tuesday (March 27).
The new guidance strengthens protection of the green belt by stating that traveller sites in the Green Belt are ‘inappropriate development’.
Mr Luff said the new blueprint would mean greater consideration and weight must now be given to the protection of local services and the local environment before Traveller sites are developed.
The Government has also made clear that abuse of the planning system would not be tolerated and the guidelines would help councils in planning enforcement cases against unauthorised development.
Mr Luff said: “Reform to the planning system on Traveller sites was desperately needed and I know that these new guidelines will be welcomed in Worcestershire.
“I recognise that most Travellers do not cause a nuisance and go about their travelling lifestyle in way that does not result in significant disruption to the settled community.
“However, there have been unwelcome planning issues and other incidents over recent years around south Worcestershire that have bought the travelling community into conflict with other residents and local bodies,” he added.
The MP hoped the reforms would ‘put right’ the failings of the previous planning laws which he said had caused problems for councils and Travellers alike.
“I will be talking to both the local authorities and the police about the full local implications of these new planning guidelines,”
“I hope that the Government’s changes will promote a harmonious relationship in the future between Travellers and the settled community,” he added.
Meriden protestors against Travellers' site mark 700th day of campaign
From the Coventry Telegraph
PROTESTORS in Meriden will mark the 700th day of their campaign against a nearby Travellers’ site tomorrow.
The group, who have been camped out in Eaves Green Lane since 2010, plan to serve tea and scones throughout the day to mark the occasion.
Residents have been given until the end of next month to dismantle their illegal protest camp but the travellers have until 2013 to move on.
Almost every legal avenue has been exhausted by the Travellers, whose latest High Court appeal was thrown out earlier this week.
They remain on the site though.
Campaign chairman David McGrath said: “We have won all the important legal victories and our campaign will not cease until the green belt is restored.”
PROTESTORS in Meriden will mark the 700th day of their campaign against a nearby Travellers’ site tomorrow.
The group, who have been camped out in Eaves Green Lane since 2010, plan to serve tea and scones throughout the day to mark the occasion.
Residents have been given until the end of next month to dismantle their illegal protest camp but the travellers have until 2013 to move on.
Almost every legal avenue has been exhausted by the Travellers, whose latest High Court appeal was thrown out earlier this week.
They remain on the site though.
Campaign chairman David McGrath said: “We have won all the important legal victories and our campaign will not cease until the green belt is restored.”
Travellers served with eviction notice - Hertfordshire
From the Royston Weekly News
An eviction notice has been served on Travellers who have set up camp on a playing field next to a school in Royston.
North Herts District Council (NHDC) served the notice to the Travellers today, and have also positioned security staff at the site to prevent any additional travellers entering the site in Studlands Rise.
Andy Godman, NHDC’s head of housing and public protection, said: “The council intends to enforce the eviction notice if the Travellers haven’t vacated the site by early next week.
“We would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to resolve the situation in a timely manner and ask for their continued patience over the weekend.”
The Travellers arrived next to Studlands Rise First School on Tuesday, angering residents.
see also The Royston Crow 24 - UPDATE: Royston Travellers given eviction notice
An eviction notice has been served on Travellers who have set up camp on a playing field next to a school in Royston.
North Herts District Council (NHDC) served the notice to the Travellers today, and have also positioned security staff at the site to prevent any additional travellers entering the site in Studlands Rise.
Andy Godman, NHDC’s head of housing and public protection, said: “The council intends to enforce the eviction notice if the Travellers haven’t vacated the site by early next week.
“We would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to resolve the situation in a timely manner and ask for their continued patience over the weekend.”
The Travellers arrived next to Studlands Rise First School on Tuesday, angering residents.
see also The Royston Crow 24 - UPDATE: Royston Travellers given eviction notice
DORCHESTER: Olympic Gypsy site set to get green light - Dorset
From Views Online
Plans for a temporary site for Travellers near Dorchester during the Olympics are expected to be approved tomorrow (Friday, March 30th) – despite the worries of neighbours and the parish council.
Some fear that it may be impossible to close the site if Travellers decide to stay put once the Olympics are over.
Businesses alongside the proposed temporary campsite, on an existing pony paddock near the entrance to the Enterprise Business Park at Piddlehinton, fear for their security and have already been advised by their landlord to review their defences against intruders.
The temporary site could be used for nine weeks in the lead up to and during the Olympics and Paralympics.
News that the site was likely to be used was revealed in the View from Dorchester several weeks ago.
At the time one of the business owners told us: “Surely they could have found a site which was actually near the Olympics. Weymouth and Portland are surrounded by open fields yet they want to put this right next to our businesses and almost an hour’s drive away from the nearest Olympic sailing venue.”
Others have since added their voice to the objections. Piddle Valley Parish Council has written to Friday’s county council planning committee to formally oppose the use of the land.
It points out that the site, known locally as The Old Parade Ground, has in the past been used by “uninvited visitors” which it says has unfairly caused trouble for the permanent residents on the official Gypsy site next door.
The former military site, now an industrial estate, has long been the home for one of the area’s permanent Gypsy sites. A site which is widely acknowledged to be well managed.
The parish council’s letter said: “Granting ‘temporary’ permission will set a precedent to the site becoming permanent and the parish council would need a lot of reassurance that this would not be the case.”
Another letter of objection discusses security of businesses and concerns about returning the site to its original state – but is also critical of the county council for proposing the use of the five hectare site “with as little publicity as possible,” something which the council denies pointing out that it has advertised the application in the normal way and consulted with the parish council.
Dorset Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer David Ayres submitted the application on behalf of the county council and will manage the temporary site if the recommendation for approval is granted.
In a report he says that the county’s previous experience is that large events do attract Gypsy Travellers into the area and, without an official site, the result is often sporadic, illegal occupation of sites.
His experience is that temporary sites set up specifically for events, such as the annual Dorset Steam Fair, do mitigate the problem and make it easier for illegal occupations to be dealt with.
If county councillors follow their officers’ recommendation to approve the site, as expected, work will start on preparing the site towards the end of June with it being open for nine weeks from July 8th until the end of the Paralympics on September 14th.
Plans for a temporary site for Travellers near Dorchester during the Olympics are expected to be approved tomorrow (Friday, March 30th) – despite the worries of neighbours and the parish council.
Some fear that it may be impossible to close the site if Travellers decide to stay put once the Olympics are over.
Businesses alongside the proposed temporary campsite, on an existing pony paddock near the entrance to the Enterprise Business Park at Piddlehinton, fear for their security and have already been advised by their landlord to review their defences against intruders.
The temporary site could be used for nine weeks in the lead up to and during the Olympics and Paralympics.
News that the site was likely to be used was revealed in the View from Dorchester several weeks ago.
At the time one of the business owners told us: “Surely they could have found a site which was actually near the Olympics. Weymouth and Portland are surrounded by open fields yet they want to put this right next to our businesses and almost an hour’s drive away from the nearest Olympic sailing venue.”
Others have since added their voice to the objections. Piddle Valley Parish Council has written to Friday’s county council planning committee to formally oppose the use of the land.
It points out that the site, known locally as The Old Parade Ground, has in the past been used by “uninvited visitors” which it says has unfairly caused trouble for the permanent residents on the official Gypsy site next door.
The former military site, now an industrial estate, has long been the home for one of the area’s permanent Gypsy sites. A site which is widely acknowledged to be well managed.
The parish council’s letter said: “Granting ‘temporary’ permission will set a precedent to the site becoming permanent and the parish council would need a lot of reassurance that this would not be the case.”
Another letter of objection discusses security of businesses and concerns about returning the site to its original state – but is also critical of the county council for proposing the use of the five hectare site “with as little publicity as possible,” something which the council denies pointing out that it has advertised the application in the normal way and consulted with the parish council.
Dorset Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officer David Ayres submitted the application on behalf of the county council and will manage the temporary site if the recommendation for approval is granted.
In a report he says that the county’s previous experience is that large events do attract Gypsy Travellers into the area and, without an official site, the result is often sporadic, illegal occupation of sites.
His experience is that temporary sites set up specifically for events, such as the annual Dorset Steam Fair, do mitigate the problem and make it easier for illegal occupations to be dealt with.
If county councillors follow their officers’ recommendation to approve the site, as expected, work will start on preparing the site towards the end of June with it being open for nine weeks from July 8th until the end of the Paralympics on September 14th.
Gypsies lose in High Court bid to quash eviction order - Staffordshire
From the Tamworth Herald
A COMMUNE of Gypsies have lost a High Court challenge to an order forcing them to leave two sites in Hurley.
Pacer Sutcliffe and Hope and Lisa Taylor, and their fellow residents at Wrens Nest, had hoped to persuade High Court judge Mr Justice Duncan Ouseley to quash a Government planning inspector's decision to uphold enforcement notices issued by North Warwickshire Borough Council.
They wanted the judge to order the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to have their case reconsidered, and ultimately hoped to win at least temporary planning permission allowing them to stay there.
But the judge ruled that the inspector's decision was "lawful" and must stand. As a result, in accordance with the inspector's decision, the Gypsies must leave the site within 18 months.
The Wrens Nest representatives had claimed the inspector failed to consider the cases of the gypsies on the eastern site and larger western site separately.
They felt the inspector wrongly took into account a Travellers site with a temporary planning permission when considering available alternative sites, and wrongly held their unlawful occupation of these sites against them.
Pacer Sutcliffe, of the western site and Hope and Lisa Taylor of the smaller eastern site also argued the need for Gypsy sites in the area justified a grant of a temporary planning permission until an alternative was available.
However, the judge said: "In my judgement, he has reached lawful and adequately reasoned decisions in relation to each site.
"He has properly divided the report into common and individual sections, the former dealing with issues common to both sites and the latter with the personal and planning considerations arising on each site separately.
"There is no improper confusion between the two."
"I'm not persuaded that there was any error in appreciation of the facts, let alone a significant one, on the part of the inspector."
He also said that the inspector had been entitled to refer to their "opportunistic" occupation of the land: "The inspector was concerned to point out that acting in breach of development control, as the appellants had done, was not something which they were entitled to do by virtue of being Gypsies and Travellers. That is obvious."
He added: "There was no breach of natural justice in his approach."
A COMMUNE of Gypsies have lost a High Court challenge to an order forcing them to leave two sites in Hurley.
Pacer Sutcliffe and Hope and Lisa Taylor, and their fellow residents at Wrens Nest, had hoped to persuade High Court judge Mr Justice Duncan Ouseley to quash a Government planning inspector's decision to uphold enforcement notices issued by North Warwickshire Borough Council.
They wanted the judge to order the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to have their case reconsidered, and ultimately hoped to win at least temporary planning permission allowing them to stay there.
But the judge ruled that the inspector's decision was "lawful" and must stand. As a result, in accordance with the inspector's decision, the Gypsies must leave the site within 18 months.
The Wrens Nest representatives had claimed the inspector failed to consider the cases of the gypsies on the eastern site and larger western site separately.
They felt the inspector wrongly took into account a Travellers site with a temporary planning permission when considering available alternative sites, and wrongly held their unlawful occupation of these sites against them.
Pacer Sutcliffe, of the western site and Hope and Lisa Taylor of the smaller eastern site also argued the need for Gypsy sites in the area justified a grant of a temporary planning permission until an alternative was available.
However, the judge said: "In my judgement, he has reached lawful and adequately reasoned decisions in relation to each site.
"He has properly divided the report into common and individual sections, the former dealing with issues common to both sites and the latter with the personal and planning considerations arising on each site separately.
"There is no improper confusion between the two."
"I'm not persuaded that there was any error in appreciation of the facts, let alone a significant one, on the part of the inspector."
He also said that the inspector had been entitled to refer to their "opportunistic" occupation of the land: "The inspector was concerned to point out that acting in breach of development control, as the appellants had done, was not something which they were entitled to do by virtue of being Gypsies and Travellers. That is obvious."
He added: "There was no breach of natural justice in his approach."
Safety concerns as police budget cuts bite at Gypsy fair - Kent
From the Paddock Wood Courier
PLANS to slash policing at the Horsmonden Gypsy horse fair have prompted fears the violence and road chaos of previous years could be repeated.
Police have told Horsmonden parish councillors to expect a reduced presence for the controversial annual event in September.
But council vice-chairman Michael Clemson said the prospect of fewer officers supervising the village green event left him in "dread".
"The police have said they will be scaling down the level of support," he said.
"We're very concerned as a parish council. It's an affair which is growing each year."
Previous trouble, including a stabbing in 1997 and violence between feuding families, has led to high-profile policing in recent years, including road checks and surveillance of visitors.
Kent Police told the Courier this week patrols would no longer be provided for dealing with traffic but pledged a "proportionate" response to people breaking the law.
Mr Clemson said: "It has been quite peaceful in the last few years as the police have worked closely with the Gypsy Council.
"I am personally very concerned, as are many people in the village and those living around the green."
Of the problems caused by the event, he said: "They charge up and down with their pony traps. It is an accident waiting to happen and the Gypsy population will turn up and park wherever they wish.
"There's rivalry between these Gypsy families. If it is not supervised properly, who knows what's going to happen. I dread it, to be honest."
Martin Drinkwater, who runs village green newsagent Crowhurst's, insists on only serving customers through a hatch during the show.
He said: "I'm the only trader that is open every year. Everyone else, including the pubs, closes.
"In recent years it has been largely peaceful. But if the policing is reduced the traffic would be my main concern."
In response to concerns, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Adams said: "Safety at events rests with the organisers, who have civil, common and criminal law responsibilities and who may be liable for consequences if things go wrong.
"This involves the safety of the public, avoiding damage to property, fear or alarm to the public, and disruption to the local community.
"Police officers will no longer be provided to organisers to control traffic within road closures for events. It is recognised, however, that events such as horse fairs are of great importance to the communities."
He added: "Attendance by Kent Police at a public event will be assessed on the requirement to prevent and detect crime and prevent breaches of the peace. This is in line with guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers, ensuring any action taken is lawful and proportionate to the circumstances."
PLANS to slash policing at the Horsmonden Gypsy horse fair have prompted fears the violence and road chaos of previous years could be repeated.
Police have told Horsmonden parish councillors to expect a reduced presence for the controversial annual event in September.
But council vice-chairman Michael Clemson said the prospect of fewer officers supervising the village green event left him in "dread".
"The police have said they will be scaling down the level of support," he said.
"We're very concerned as a parish council. It's an affair which is growing each year."
Previous trouble, including a stabbing in 1997 and violence between feuding families, has led to high-profile policing in recent years, including road checks and surveillance of visitors.
Kent Police told the Courier this week patrols would no longer be provided for dealing with traffic but pledged a "proportionate" response to people breaking the law.
Mr Clemson said: "It has been quite peaceful in the last few years as the police have worked closely with the Gypsy Council.
"I am personally very concerned, as are many people in the village and those living around the green."
Of the problems caused by the event, he said: "They charge up and down with their pony traps. It is an accident waiting to happen and the Gypsy population will turn up and park wherever they wish.
"There's rivalry between these Gypsy families. If it is not supervised properly, who knows what's going to happen. I dread it, to be honest."
Martin Drinkwater, who runs village green newsagent Crowhurst's, insists on only serving customers through a hatch during the show.
He said: "I'm the only trader that is open every year. Everyone else, including the pubs, closes.
"In recent years it has been largely peaceful. But if the policing is reduced the traffic would be my main concern."
In response to concerns, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Adams said: "Safety at events rests with the organisers, who have civil, common and criminal law responsibilities and who may be liable for consequences if things go wrong.
"This involves the safety of the public, avoiding damage to property, fear or alarm to the public, and disruption to the local community.
"Police officers will no longer be provided to organisers to control traffic within road closures for events. It is recognised, however, that events such as horse fairs are of great importance to the communities."
He added: "Attendance by Kent Police at a public event will be assessed on the requirement to prevent and detect crime and prevent breaches of the peace. This is in line with guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers, ensuring any action taken is lawful and proportionate to the circumstances."
Thursday 29 March 2012
Truro Irish Travellers "could be there for some time" - Cornwall
From the West Briton
Inspector Mark Richards told councillors that Travellers on a Cornwall Council site on the edge of Truro could be there for some time. He broke the news during his presentation to Truro City Council at City Hall on Monday evening....The meeting also heard Travellers who had originally set up camp on Kenwyn playing fields and then moved to the Moresk car park had now relocated to Cornwall Council-owned land at Newham.
Mr Richards said: "There's a certain amount of leverage that Cornwall Council might put on them to move to an approved site. I suspect they're going to stay for a while because there's work."
Mr Richards said he was not aware of any complaints from residents about the latest Traveller site.
A spokesman for Cornwall Council said the Travellers had been issued with a direction under Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 instructing them to leave the site.
Inspector Mark Richards told councillors that Travellers on a Cornwall Council site on the edge of Truro could be there for some time. He broke the news during his presentation to Truro City Council at City Hall on Monday evening....The meeting also heard Travellers who had originally set up camp on Kenwyn playing fields and then moved to the Moresk car park had now relocated to Cornwall Council-owned land at Newham.
Mr Richards said: "There's a certain amount of leverage that Cornwall Council might put on them to move to an approved site. I suspect they're going to stay for a while because there's work."
Mr Richards said he was not aware of any complaints from residents about the latest Traveller site.
A spokesman for Cornwall Council said the Travellers had been issued with a direction under Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 instructing them to leave the site.
Travellers get hour to leave - Lancashire
From the Blackpool Gazette
TRAVELLERS who illegally set up camp on a Blackpool business park were given an hour to clear the area by police.
A group of caravans moved on to land at Whitehills close to the B&Q store on Monday night.
But officers arrived at the scene yesterday morning and told the group they had one hour to pack up and leave.
A mobile CCTV unit was left at the scene to ensure the Travellers had left.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said, “We attended the site along with an enforcement officer and issued the travellers with a notice to leave.
“They informed us that they were heading to Yorkshire and they left without incident.”
One of the Travellers who did not wish to be named said: “The police were very understanding with us.
“They knocked on the door and said we had to leave so we are going.
“They left the camera behind to make sure we go.
“I don’t know where we are going next.”
This week the Government announced a more streamlined planning policy for Travellers sites which condenses 54 pages of guidance into just eight.
They say the aim of the new policy is to give power back to local authorities, protect green space and promote more private Traveller sites.
Under the new policy, local councils are given more freedom to determine Traveller site provision in their area and consult with local communities to ensure a fairer system.
Today Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard said: “By creating a level playing field for all and allowing law-abiding Travellers the same prospects under the planning systems as non-Travellers, we are clamping down hard on those who intentionally seek to abuse the system for their own ends.
“Local residents have waited a long time for this to occur.
“For too long illegal-Travellers have appeared to have greater freedoms under the planning systems than all others.
“These changes will ensure our Green Belt will not be blighted by inappropriate and illegal Traveller development and all applications will be considered, fairly, according to the planning policies laid down by a local council.”
TRAVELLERS who illegally set up camp on a Blackpool business park were given an hour to clear the area by police.
A group of caravans moved on to land at Whitehills close to the B&Q store on Monday night.
But officers arrived at the scene yesterday morning and told the group they had one hour to pack up and leave.
A mobile CCTV unit was left at the scene to ensure the Travellers had left.
A Lancashire Police spokesman said, “We attended the site along with an enforcement officer and issued the travellers with a notice to leave.
“They informed us that they were heading to Yorkshire and they left without incident.”
One of the Travellers who did not wish to be named said: “The police were very understanding with us.
“They knocked on the door and said we had to leave so we are going.
“They left the camera behind to make sure we go.
“I don’t know where we are going next.”
This week the Government announced a more streamlined planning policy for Travellers sites which condenses 54 pages of guidance into just eight.
They say the aim of the new policy is to give power back to local authorities, protect green space and promote more private Traveller sites.
Under the new policy, local councils are given more freedom to determine Traveller site provision in their area and consult with local communities to ensure a fairer system.
Today Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard said: “By creating a level playing field for all and allowing law-abiding Travellers the same prospects under the planning systems as non-Travellers, we are clamping down hard on those who intentionally seek to abuse the system for their own ends.
“Local residents have waited a long time for this to occur.
“For too long illegal-Travellers have appeared to have greater freedoms under the planning systems than all others.
“These changes will ensure our Green Belt will not be blighted by inappropriate and illegal Traveller development and all applications will be considered, fairly, according to the planning policies laid down by a local council.”
Census 2011: Fall in number of Travellers living in mobile homes - Ireland
From the Journal.ie
THERE ARE MORE Travellers living in Ireland now than when the last census was completed back in 2006.
The release of the preliminary findings from the 2011 Census showed that 31.9 per cent more people described themselves as Irish Travellers in 2011 compared to 2006. In 2006, 22,369 people were Irish Travellers, which jumped to 29,495 in 2011.
Housing
The figures show that in 2011, only 12 per cent of Irish Travellers lived in caravans and mobile homes. This was a big fall from 2006 when one in four Irish Travellers lived in temporary accommodation. Almost 84 per cent of the Traveller population lived in permanent housing in 2011.
In a small number of areas the number living in temporary accommodation increased. This included Limerick City, where the number almost doubled.
Cavan (97 per cent), had the highest proportion of Travellers living in permanent housing. In Limerick, 69 per cent of Irish Travellers in the city lived in caravans or mobile homes, which contrasts with Galway City, where the percentage who lived in these homes stood at 6 per cent.
The county that saw the biggest increase in the number of Travellers living in permanent accommodation was Kilkenny (202 per cent), followed by Kildare (137 per cent), Donegal (135 per cent), Cavan (131 per cent) and Leitrim (111 per cent).
Males and females
There are slightly more women than men in the Traveller population, with 97.8 males for every 100 females. The equivalent sex ratio for the general population was 98.1.
Population
The number of Irish Travellers increased in every county except for Waterford, where the numbers declined by over 7 per cent. The biggest increases were recorded in Cavan, where Traveller numbers rose by 114 per cent. In Donegal meanwhile, numbers climbed by 99 per cent.
There were 1,033 more travellers in Galway – the highest increase in Traveller numbers in any county. An increase of 478 was recorded in Galway City while 555 more Travellers were counted in Galway County.
Longford was the county with the highest number of Travellers per head of population, with 19.1 travellers for every thousand people.
Waterford had the lowest number, with 3.8 Travellers per thousand people. There were 5,935 Travellers in Dublin, the largest number in any county – 37 per cent were in South Dublin while 7 per cent were in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.
Age profile
Irish Travellers were much younger than the general population, with three out of four Travellers aged 34 or younger. Less than 1 in 10 were over 54.
There was somewhat of a ‘baby boom’ in the past few years, as the greatest percentage population growth took place in Travellers aged between 0 and 4. This meant there were 41 per cent more children in this category than in 2006.
Marriage
Almost a quarter of Travellers aged between 15 and 24 were married, compared with less than 2 per cent of the general population. Only 32 per cent of Travellers aged between 25 and 34 were single, compared with over two thirds of the general population in the same age range.
The amount of Irish Travellers since 2006 who are separated increased by 38 per cent.
THERE ARE MORE Travellers living in Ireland now than when the last census was completed back in 2006.
The release of the preliminary findings from the 2011 Census showed that 31.9 per cent more people described themselves as Irish Travellers in 2011 compared to 2006. In 2006, 22,369 people were Irish Travellers, which jumped to 29,495 in 2011.
Housing
The figures show that in 2011, only 12 per cent of Irish Travellers lived in caravans and mobile homes. This was a big fall from 2006 when one in four Irish Travellers lived in temporary accommodation. Almost 84 per cent of the Traveller population lived in permanent housing in 2011.
In a small number of areas the number living in temporary accommodation increased. This included Limerick City, where the number almost doubled.
Cavan (97 per cent), had the highest proportion of Travellers living in permanent housing. In Limerick, 69 per cent of Irish Travellers in the city lived in caravans or mobile homes, which contrasts with Galway City, where the percentage who lived in these homes stood at 6 per cent.
The county that saw the biggest increase in the number of Travellers living in permanent accommodation was Kilkenny (202 per cent), followed by Kildare (137 per cent), Donegal (135 per cent), Cavan (131 per cent) and Leitrim (111 per cent).
Males and females
There are slightly more women than men in the Traveller population, with 97.8 males for every 100 females. The equivalent sex ratio for the general population was 98.1.
Population
The number of Irish Travellers increased in every county except for Waterford, where the numbers declined by over 7 per cent. The biggest increases were recorded in Cavan, where Traveller numbers rose by 114 per cent. In Donegal meanwhile, numbers climbed by 99 per cent.
There were 1,033 more travellers in Galway – the highest increase in Traveller numbers in any county. An increase of 478 was recorded in Galway City while 555 more Travellers were counted in Galway County.
Longford was the county with the highest number of Travellers per head of population, with 19.1 travellers for every thousand people.
Waterford had the lowest number, with 3.8 Travellers per thousand people. There were 5,935 Travellers in Dublin, the largest number in any county – 37 per cent were in South Dublin while 7 per cent were in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown.
Age profile
Irish Travellers were much younger than the general population, with three out of four Travellers aged 34 or younger. Less than 1 in 10 were over 54.
There was somewhat of a ‘baby boom’ in the past few years, as the greatest percentage population growth took place in Travellers aged between 0 and 4. This meant there were 41 per cent more children in this category than in 2006.
Marriage
Almost a quarter of Travellers aged between 15 and 24 were married, compared with less than 2 per cent of the general population. Only 32 per cent of Travellers aged between 25 and 34 were single, compared with over two thirds of the general population in the same age range.
The amount of Irish Travellers since 2006 who are separated increased by 38 per cent.
Amnesty launch of Scottish Gypsy Traveller reports
From Amnesty International
. Findings on Scottish Local Authorities provision and policies
. Analysis of Scottish media coverage of Scottish Gypsy Travellers
. Reports outline both good and bad practice around Scotland
Amnesty International Scotland will launch two reports examining the treatment of Scottish Gypsy Travellers by Scottish local authorities and the media on Monday 2 April at the City of Edinburgh Council's City Chambers.
The event will feature findings of Amnesty's campaign to speak out against the discrimination suffered by the Scottish Gypsy Traveller community, and is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, Article 12 in Scotland, NUJ Scotland and MECOPP.
The launch will be chaired by Mary Fee MSP, Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Equal Opportunities Committee, and feature presentations from representatives of the Scottish Gypsy Traveller community as well as organisations working with the community. It will also include contributions from City of Edinburgh Council and Perth & Kinross Council.
Where: City of Edinburgh Council Chambers, 253 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ.
When: 11am - 2pm, Monday, 2nd April 2012
Media welcome to attend - photo opportunities available.
Representatives of the Scottish Gypsy Traveller community as well as organisations taking part and are available on the day for interview.
Article 12 is a young person-led network that works to promote young people's participation and information rights as set out in international human rights charters. This includes work with young Scottish Gypsy Travellers.
MECOPP is Scotland’s leading Black and Minority Ethnic carers organisation.
Event Schedule
Formal presentations taking place between 11am and 12.10pm, followed by lunch and access to the exhibition.
Workshops will run 1pm - 2pm.
Workshop 1 - Local Authority Service Provision
Facilitators - George Narval and Anne Davidson from Edinburgh City Council and Lynne Tammi from Article 12.
Workshop 2 - Local Authority Service Provision
Facilitators - David McPhee from Perth and Kinross Council and Michelle Lloyd from MEECOP
Workshop 3 - Scottish Media
Facilitator - Paul Holleran, NUJ Scotland
. Findings on Scottish Local Authorities provision and policies
. Analysis of Scottish media coverage of Scottish Gypsy Travellers
. Reports outline both good and bad practice around Scotland
Amnesty International Scotland will launch two reports examining the treatment of Scottish Gypsy Travellers by Scottish local authorities and the media on Monday 2 April at the City of Edinburgh Council's City Chambers.
The event will feature findings of Amnesty's campaign to speak out against the discrimination suffered by the Scottish Gypsy Traveller community, and is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, Article 12 in Scotland, NUJ Scotland and MECOPP.
The launch will be chaired by Mary Fee MSP, Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Equal Opportunities Committee, and feature presentations from representatives of the Scottish Gypsy Traveller community as well as organisations working with the community. It will also include contributions from City of Edinburgh Council and Perth & Kinross Council.
Where: City of Edinburgh Council Chambers, 253 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ.
When: 11am - 2pm, Monday, 2nd April 2012
Media welcome to attend - photo opportunities available.
Representatives of the Scottish Gypsy Traveller community as well as organisations taking part and are available on the day for interview.
Article 12 is a young person-led network that works to promote young people's participation and information rights as set out in international human rights charters. This includes work with young Scottish Gypsy Travellers.
MECOPP is Scotland’s leading Black and Minority Ethnic carers organisation.
Event Schedule
Formal presentations taking place between 11am and 12.10pm, followed by lunch and access to the exhibition.
Workshops will run 1pm - 2pm.
Workshop 1 - Local Authority Service Provision
Facilitators - George Narval and Anne Davidson from Edinburgh City Council and Lynne Tammi from Article 12.
Workshop 2 - Local Authority Service Provision
Facilitators - David McPhee from Perth and Kinross Council and Michelle Lloyd from MEECOP
Workshop 3 - Scottish Media
Facilitator - Paul Holleran, NUJ Scotland
Travelling back in time - Ireland
From the Irish Times
More than 40 years ago, two Americans researched the Travelling community in Dublin, and now they have come back for an emotional reunion, and brought an entire archive of images with them
IN 1970, AMERICAN anthropology student Sharon Gmelch found herself on a field-training programme in Ireland. Her initial research began in Fenagh, where she was joined by her husband George, an ex-professional baseball player, who also studied anthropology. They undertook what was the most substantial study of the life and culture of Ireland’s Travelling community at that time. Both conducted interviews, and George took 2,400 photographs of the community based at Holylands, near present day Rathfarnham, in Dublin. The images form the basis of a new documentary, Unsettled – From Tinker to Traveller, and were yesterday handed over to the National Folklore Collection in UCD.
Ireland 40 years ago was a vastly different landscape, but the Travellers were very much a part of it. “When we visited, we were learning about the Irish, as well as the travelling community,” says Sharon, speaking from her San Francisco home. “Certainly we were aware that they were ‘apart’ from the rest of society and were much poorer. What really stood out though, was how frank and open they were. They had opinions and weren’t afraid to ask difficult questions.”
Sharon and George were intent on asking questions of their own, and knew that establishing trust was critical. Having rented a flat in Rathgar, they decided to assimilate themselves into the community by living on site in a barrel-top caravan.
“Initially, they were a little forbidding,” says Sharon. “Children are always the first to approach you in these situations. The women were matronly. The men were yellow-fingered, rough and very wary.”
“They had no cognitive category for an anthropologist,” adds George, “so we had to get to know them by investing time and talking to them.”
In the 1970s, the couple was aware of just one other study of the Travelling community, undertaken by a sociologist. In the weeks before their arrival, there was a suspected suicide at Holylands, and initially the families assumed them to be gardaí.
Mutual curiosity evolved into respect and friendship, with Sharon and George invited to nights out at the cinema or pub. While research and interviews were an important element of their study, photographs became an ancillary means of cataloguing the distinct culture. “We realised the value of photos to the Travellers themselves,” says George, “not only because had they never owned cameras, but they were a non-literate population. Visually it was a critical way for them to relate to what we were doing.”
Last summer, 40 years on from their 13-month stint at Holylands, the Gmelchs returned to Ireland to seek out the families they had met in the 1970s. Filmmaker Liam McGrath discovered the Gmelchs’ story while researching his documentary, Blood of the Travellers. “Their names kept coming up and I contacted them to get clearance for photos I wanted to use. They came to see me when they arrived in Ireland last year, and it occurred to me that someone should document the reunion.”
The Travelling community has long held an interest for McGrath. As well as Blood of the Travellers, he directed the critically acclaimed Southpaw, about boxer Francie Barrett. McGrath has a long-established relationship with many Traveller families, but he had other reasons for revisiting the community. “When I made those documentaries, lots of important themes came up, like suicide and the mortality rate for men, but we just didn’t go there. It felt like unfinished business, and that people might feel ready to talk about it now.”
Families opened up to the Gmelchs on their return, and George feels the root of the issue is bound up with male identity and changes within Traveller life. “Years ago the men would trade horses and collect scrap metal. Those livelihoods aren’t there any more, so they feel adrift. They don’t know what their role is supposed to be. Many of the younger men are trying to fill that void with sport, but others are having a very tough time.”
Travellers’ lives have changed, and Sharon feels that the biggest development has been in the lives of women. “Traveller women have acquired more power; their role has more recognised authority, more security. Women are more involved in training programmes and outreach groups. They look back at their mothers’ lives and see that profound change.”
Representations of the Travelling community in media and popular culture are often confined to the singular stereotypes of programmes such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Ostentatious weddings and gravity-defying dresses are reductive shorthand for an entire culture. The show has crossed the Atlantic, where the Gmelchs have seen and are dismayed by it. “Many of the families told us there are ‘no more poor Travellers’ any more, and while they are clearly better off, there is still so much to be done.”
Their return culminated in resurgent observations and feelings. “It was really interesting to see how a people and a culture had changed, but also to see how vastly different Ireland was,” says George. “People were glad to see us, which was heart-warming. You don’t want to exploit the people you study, but it was clear that lots of the kids knew us – and there was one George, and two Sharons called after us. It was a very reciprocal relationship. Returning after 40 years felt like a high-school reunion.”
“It was better than a high-school reunion,” laughs Sharon. “It was a very emotional experience to reconnect with these people.”
More than 40 years ago, two Americans researched the Travelling community in Dublin, and now they have come back for an emotional reunion, and brought an entire archive of images with them
IN 1970, AMERICAN anthropology student Sharon Gmelch found herself on a field-training programme in Ireland. Her initial research began in Fenagh, where she was joined by her husband George, an ex-professional baseball player, who also studied anthropology. They undertook what was the most substantial study of the life and culture of Ireland’s Travelling community at that time. Both conducted interviews, and George took 2,400 photographs of the community based at Holylands, near present day Rathfarnham, in Dublin. The images form the basis of a new documentary, Unsettled – From Tinker to Traveller, and were yesterday handed over to the National Folklore Collection in UCD.
Ireland 40 years ago was a vastly different landscape, but the Travellers were very much a part of it. “When we visited, we were learning about the Irish, as well as the travelling community,” says Sharon, speaking from her San Francisco home. “Certainly we were aware that they were ‘apart’ from the rest of society and were much poorer. What really stood out though, was how frank and open they were. They had opinions and weren’t afraid to ask difficult questions.”
Sharon and George were intent on asking questions of their own, and knew that establishing trust was critical. Having rented a flat in Rathgar, they decided to assimilate themselves into the community by living on site in a barrel-top caravan.
“Initially, they were a little forbidding,” says Sharon. “Children are always the first to approach you in these situations. The women were matronly. The men were yellow-fingered, rough and very wary.”
“They had no cognitive category for an anthropologist,” adds George, “so we had to get to know them by investing time and talking to them.”
In the 1970s, the couple was aware of just one other study of the Travelling community, undertaken by a sociologist. In the weeks before their arrival, there was a suspected suicide at Holylands, and initially the families assumed them to be gardaí.
Mutual curiosity evolved into respect and friendship, with Sharon and George invited to nights out at the cinema or pub. While research and interviews were an important element of their study, photographs became an ancillary means of cataloguing the distinct culture. “We realised the value of photos to the Travellers themselves,” says George, “not only because had they never owned cameras, but they were a non-literate population. Visually it was a critical way for them to relate to what we were doing.”
Last summer, 40 years on from their 13-month stint at Holylands, the Gmelchs returned to Ireland to seek out the families they had met in the 1970s. Filmmaker Liam McGrath discovered the Gmelchs’ story while researching his documentary, Blood of the Travellers. “Their names kept coming up and I contacted them to get clearance for photos I wanted to use. They came to see me when they arrived in Ireland last year, and it occurred to me that someone should document the reunion.”
The Travelling community has long held an interest for McGrath. As well as Blood of the Travellers, he directed the critically acclaimed Southpaw, about boxer Francie Barrett. McGrath has a long-established relationship with many Traveller families, but he had other reasons for revisiting the community. “When I made those documentaries, lots of important themes came up, like suicide and the mortality rate for men, but we just didn’t go there. It felt like unfinished business, and that people might feel ready to talk about it now.”
Families opened up to the Gmelchs on their return, and George feels the root of the issue is bound up with male identity and changes within Traveller life. “Years ago the men would trade horses and collect scrap metal. Those livelihoods aren’t there any more, so they feel adrift. They don’t know what their role is supposed to be. Many of the younger men are trying to fill that void with sport, but others are having a very tough time.”
Travellers’ lives have changed, and Sharon feels that the biggest development has been in the lives of women. “Traveller women have acquired more power; their role has more recognised authority, more security. Women are more involved in training programmes and outreach groups. They look back at their mothers’ lives and see that profound change.”
Representations of the Travelling community in media and popular culture are often confined to the singular stereotypes of programmes such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Ostentatious weddings and gravity-defying dresses are reductive shorthand for an entire culture. The show has crossed the Atlantic, where the Gmelchs have seen and are dismayed by it. “Many of the families told us there are ‘no more poor Travellers’ any more, and while they are clearly better off, there is still so much to be done.”
Their return culminated in resurgent observations and feelings. “It was really interesting to see how a people and a culture had changed, but also to see how vastly different Ireland was,” says George. “People were glad to see us, which was heart-warming. You don’t want to exploit the people you study, but it was clear that lots of the kids knew us – and there was one George, and two Sharons called after us. It was a very reciprocal relationship. Returning after 40 years felt like a high-school reunion.”
“It was better than a high-school reunion,” laughs Sharon. “It was a very emotional experience to reconnect with these people.”
Bournemouth council in legal bid to shift Travellers from Queens Park - Dorset
From the Bournemouth Echo
BOURNEMOUTH council will go to court on Monday if Travellers currently camped at Queens Park do not move on of their own accord.
A 17-vehicle party of Travellers moved onto the field near the Queens Park golf course on Saturday afternoon, following the removal of a boulder protecting the entrance.
They said they were just passing through and intended to stay until Wednesday at the latest. They also pledged to leave the site clean and tidy.
But they were still there yesterday and Bournemouth council confirmed it had secured a court date for 10am on Monday to try and force them to leave.
Council officers have been visiting the site every day, carrying out litter picks and supplying the Travellers with refuse bags. They have also checked security at other council sites in case Travellers move to one of those.
BOURNEMOUTH council will go to court on Monday if Travellers currently camped at Queens Park do not move on of their own accord.
A 17-vehicle party of Travellers moved onto the field near the Queens Park golf course on Saturday afternoon, following the removal of a boulder protecting the entrance.
They said they were just passing through and intended to stay until Wednesday at the latest. They also pledged to leave the site clean and tidy.
But they were still there yesterday and Bournemouth council confirmed it had secured a court date for 10am on Monday to try and force them to leave.
Council officers have been visiting the site every day, carrying out litter picks and supplying the Travellers with refuse bags. They have also checked security at other council sites in case Travellers move to one of those.
Royston Travellers: The full story and exclusive pictures - Hertfordshire
From the Royston Crow
TRAVELLERS this week pitched up in Royston on a playing field flanked by housing next to Studlands Rise First School.
Three caravans, a van and a pick up truck arrived at around 10.30am on Tuesday morning after moving from an encampment in Meldreth on private property.
As The Crow arrived on the scene police and North Herts District Council enforcement officers were speaking to the Travellers.
A female Traveller said: “We’re not causing any harm to anyone, we just want to stay here as long as we can.
“We keep ourselves to ourselves and we are not causing any disturbances.”
She also said there are about 13 in her party, mostly children.
The land is owned by the district council and the authority is at present investigating how best to proceed.
Andy Godman, NHDC’s head of housing and public protection, said: “We are currently assessing the situation following the arrival of Travellers on land in Studlands Rise, Royston, on Tuesday morning.
“This takes into account the welfare of those on site, as well as the needs of those living nearby.
“At the current time, all options are being actively reviewed and considered in discussion with other relevant agencies.”
Ward councillor Bill Davidson has been working with the police and council on the travellers.
He said: “I have been keeping in touch with the police and there is nothing they can do.
“The district council is on the case and is following it up.”
The park is directly next to the school and the Travellers arrived on the same day as parents evening.
No-one from the school was availible for comment at the time of going to press.
The Travellers’ new neighbours were not best pleased when they saw the caravans.
Gladys Edwards, of Furze Grove, said: “It’s terrible. I’m surprised to see it as it is a residential area and a playing field.
“We have been here for 25 years and we haven’t seen anything like it.”
This point was reiterated by Alan Page, of The Brambles.
He said: “I must admit I’m not totally surprised because of the easy access on to the recreation ground, at the same time it’s a shock to see them there.
“I’m concerned about what they are using for toilets and where they get their running water from.”
TRAVELLERS this week pitched up in Royston on a playing field flanked by housing next to Studlands Rise First School.
Three caravans, a van and a pick up truck arrived at around 10.30am on Tuesday morning after moving from an encampment in Meldreth on private property.
As The Crow arrived on the scene police and North Herts District Council enforcement officers were speaking to the Travellers.
A female Traveller said: “We’re not causing any harm to anyone, we just want to stay here as long as we can.
“We keep ourselves to ourselves and we are not causing any disturbances.”
She also said there are about 13 in her party, mostly children.
The land is owned by the district council and the authority is at present investigating how best to proceed.
Andy Godman, NHDC’s head of housing and public protection, said: “We are currently assessing the situation following the arrival of Travellers on land in Studlands Rise, Royston, on Tuesday morning.
“This takes into account the welfare of those on site, as well as the needs of those living nearby.
“At the current time, all options are being actively reviewed and considered in discussion with other relevant agencies.”
Ward councillor Bill Davidson has been working with the police and council on the travellers.
He said: “I have been keeping in touch with the police and there is nothing they can do.
“The district council is on the case and is following it up.”
The park is directly next to the school and the Travellers arrived on the same day as parents evening.
No-one from the school was availible for comment at the time of going to press.
The Travellers’ new neighbours were not best pleased when they saw the caravans.
Gladys Edwards, of Furze Grove, said: “It’s terrible. I’m surprised to see it as it is a residential area and a playing field.
“We have been here for 25 years and we haven’t seen anything like it.”
This point was reiterated by Alan Page, of The Brambles.
He said: “I must admit I’m not totally surprised because of the easy access on to the recreation ground, at the same time it’s a shock to see them there.
“I’m concerned about what they are using for toilets and where they get their running water from.”
Parliament proposes "no barriers" to Gypsy/Travellers - Scotland
From The Firm
The Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee is undertaking an inquiry into Gypsy/Traveller accommodation "to ensure that there are no barriers to Gypsy/Travellers accessing the services to which we are all entitled."
It has been 11 years since the parliament last undertook such an exercise. The recent figures show that there were 1,590 gypsy/travellers across Scotland.
“In 2001, our predecessor Equal Opportunities Committee held an inquiry looking into all aspects of Gypsy/Traveller life. Although the report contained many recommendations, we know there are still many issues," Committee Convener Mary Fee said.
“We’re aware that where Gypsy/Travellers live can often cause problems that other people may not have to face. Because there are such a range of experiences, we’re keen to hear not only from the people who provide services to Gypsy/Travellers, but also from Gypsy/Travellers themselves.
“By looking into, amongst other things, what it is like to find and live on a site, we hope that we can see what more needs to be done to ensure that there are no barriers to Gypsy/Travellers accessing the services to which we are all entitled.”
The Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee is undertaking an inquiry into Gypsy/Traveller accommodation "to ensure that there are no barriers to Gypsy/Travellers accessing the services to which we are all entitled."
It has been 11 years since the parliament last undertook such an exercise. The recent figures show that there were 1,590 gypsy/travellers across Scotland.
“In 2001, our predecessor Equal Opportunities Committee held an inquiry looking into all aspects of Gypsy/Traveller life. Although the report contained many recommendations, we know there are still many issues," Committee Convener Mary Fee said.
“We’re aware that where Gypsy/Travellers live can often cause problems that other people may not have to face. Because there are such a range of experiences, we’re keen to hear not only from the people who provide services to Gypsy/Travellers, but also from Gypsy/Travellers themselves.
“By looking into, amongst other things, what it is like to find and live on a site, we hope that we can see what more needs to be done to ensure that there are no barriers to Gypsy/Travellers accessing the services to which we are all entitled.”
Gypsy Travellers campaign: Make a difference! - Scotland
From Unison Scotland
UNISON Scotland has published a handbook of facts and guidance on Gypsy Travellers.
Click here to download PDF
Make a Difference! is designed to help support UNISON members to fulfil their obligations in relation to English Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, Scottish Gypsy Travellers, Roma and Welsh Kale.
It describes the communities concerned, addresses some common myths and provides occupational guidance for members who are most
likely to engage with these communities.
Have you ever used the term ‘Gypo’ or ‘Tink’? Have you ever had personal dealings with people from these communities?
Let us dispel the myths. You need to know the facts so that you do not become embroiled in litigation, face charges of professional misconduct or be labelled a racist. It might enable you to provide a better and more professional service to all of the users of your service. It will not provide you with all the information that you require but can direct you to useful extended reading sources.
If you belong to a professional body when was the last time you read your code of ethics? Do you know what your legal obligations are in relation to human rights and equalities legislation?
UNISON, the STUC and other organisations such as Shelter, BEMIS (Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure), Scottish Travellers Education Project (STEP), the churches and Amnesty International are committed to tackling racism. In 2011 they committed themselves to tackling issues concerning Gypsy Travellers and in particular Scottish Gypsy Travellers, and Roma. These communities are regarded by many as being the most discriminated and marginalised in Europe.
If you came across discrimination or violation of human rights in your workplace and management were ignoring the issues, with whom would you raise them?
Would you raise them with your UNISON representative?
UNISON Scotland has published a handbook of facts and guidance on Gypsy Travellers.
Click here to download PDF
Make a Difference! is designed to help support UNISON members to fulfil their obligations in relation to English Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, Scottish Gypsy Travellers, Roma and Welsh Kale.
It describes the communities concerned, addresses some common myths and provides occupational guidance for members who are most
likely to engage with these communities.
Have you ever used the term ‘Gypo’ or ‘Tink’? Have you ever had personal dealings with people from these communities?
Let us dispel the myths. You need to know the facts so that you do not become embroiled in litigation, face charges of professional misconduct or be labelled a racist. It might enable you to provide a better and more professional service to all of the users of your service. It will not provide you with all the information that you require but can direct you to useful extended reading sources.
If you belong to a professional body when was the last time you read your code of ethics? Do you know what your legal obligations are in relation to human rights and equalities legislation?
UNISON, the STUC and other organisations such as Shelter, BEMIS (Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure), Scottish Travellers Education Project (STEP), the churches and Amnesty International are committed to tackling racism. In 2011 they committed themselves to tackling issues concerning Gypsy Travellers and in particular Scottish Gypsy Travellers, and Roma. These communities are regarded by many as being the most discriminated and marginalised in Europe.
If you came across discrimination or violation of human rights in your workplace and management were ignoring the issues, with whom would you raise them?
Would you raise them with your UNISON representative?
Bury St Edmunds: Meeting to be held over Travellers - Suffolk
From EADT24
A MULTI-AGENCY meeting is taking place today over Travellers who have moved into council-owned land near a residential area.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council found out earlier this week that 10 caravans had turned up at Layhill Covert in Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, which is opposite the Ramada hotel in Symonds Road.
A spokeswoman for the borough council had said they were working with the police and Suffolk County Council’s Traveller welfare officer to clear the site as speedily as possible.
Today a meeting is taking place with representatives of the borough council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, the county council and the police to address the issue.
A spokesman for Suffolk Police said it had been deemed necessary for them to meet to determine what the next course of action should be “and what the best possible outcome can be for the community as a whole”.
Speaking on Tuesday, Sergeant Davy Hill said: “Local officers are currently working closely with the travelling community and nearby residents in a proactive approach to prevent any potential community tension in the area.
“We will be liaising with St Edmundsbury Borough Council in the coming days as the site is examined and a decision is made regarding what is best for the community in the long-term.”
Travellers told the East Anglian Daily Times on Tuesday that they were only looking for somewhere to stay until Easter and had been keeping the land clean and were not causing problems for anybody.
Moreton Hall councillor Frank Warby, who will be attending the meeting, said he had received about 30 emails from residents asking what was going to be done about the situation.
“The public are not very happy up there,” he said.
Mike Bacon, chairman of the Moreton Hall Residents’ Association, said their main concern was over litter and nuisance, but “on the whole there hasn’t been very much”.
He said: “It happens to us about every three or four years and it doesn’t normally last very long. As long as we are all a bit sensible about it and don’t get stupid about it, and as long as it doesn’t take very long to clear away, we are okay.”
A MULTI-AGENCY meeting is taking place today over Travellers who have moved into council-owned land near a residential area.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council found out earlier this week that 10 caravans had turned up at Layhill Covert in Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, which is opposite the Ramada hotel in Symonds Road.
A spokeswoman for the borough council had said they were working with the police and Suffolk County Council’s Traveller welfare officer to clear the site as speedily as possible.
Today a meeting is taking place with representatives of the borough council, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, the county council and the police to address the issue.
A spokesman for Suffolk Police said it had been deemed necessary for them to meet to determine what the next course of action should be “and what the best possible outcome can be for the community as a whole”.
Speaking on Tuesday, Sergeant Davy Hill said: “Local officers are currently working closely with the travelling community and nearby residents in a proactive approach to prevent any potential community tension in the area.
“We will be liaising with St Edmundsbury Borough Council in the coming days as the site is examined and a decision is made regarding what is best for the community in the long-term.”
Travellers told the East Anglian Daily Times on Tuesday that they were only looking for somewhere to stay until Easter and had been keeping the land clean and were not causing problems for anybody.
Moreton Hall councillor Frank Warby, who will be attending the meeting, said he had received about 30 emails from residents asking what was going to be done about the situation.
“The public are not very happy up there,” he said.
Mike Bacon, chairman of the Moreton Hall Residents’ Association, said their main concern was over litter and nuisance, but “on the whole there hasn’t been very much”.
He said: “It happens to us about every three or four years and it doesn’t normally last very long. As long as we are all a bit sensible about it and don’t get stupid about it, and as long as it doesn’t take very long to clear away, we are okay.”
Travelling showmen should be allowed to stay in Winsford, near family and friends - Cheshire
Letter from Winsford Guardian
READING the article on the front of the Winsford and Middlewich Guardian (March 21) has prompted me to write the following.
Maybe people do not know the difference between Showmen/Gypsies/Irish Travellers. But I assure you we are all totally different.
I just wanted to bring your attention and that of Winsford people among others to what the showmen did for this country during the war.
Not only did we lose a lot of our men and women during the war, the Showmen’s Guild also supplied the country with a Spitfire, they named it All the Fun of the Fair.
The Showmen’s Guild also loaned the country money.
What thanks do we get for this? None! There is reference to this in the Sheffield University archives.
I live in Winsford and have done for a number of years. Until last year when my mother passed, we had three generations of our family on this site on Bradford Road.
Before living here in Winsford we lived on the fairground site in Brook Street, Northwich, and my parents and grandparents lived in Northwich during the war years and after.
My parents were married in St Helens Church, where they are also buried, along with my grandparents. I was Christened in the same church, as were my two children, who were born in Davenham Hospital. I was married there and had a blessing after 25 years.
My husband and I are having our service in the same church on our deaths via a pre-paid funeral plan which we have taken out.
We have lived in Cheshire all of our lives and wish to stay in the area where all our friends and family are.
JOEANN WRIGHT
READING the article on the front of the Winsford and Middlewich Guardian (March 21) has prompted me to write the following.
Maybe people do not know the difference between Showmen/Gypsies/Irish Travellers. But I assure you we are all totally different.
I just wanted to bring your attention and that of Winsford people among others to what the showmen did for this country during the war.
Not only did we lose a lot of our men and women during the war, the Showmen’s Guild also supplied the country with a Spitfire, they named it All the Fun of the Fair.
The Showmen’s Guild also loaned the country money.
What thanks do we get for this? None! There is reference to this in the Sheffield University archives.
I live in Winsford and have done for a number of years. Until last year when my mother passed, we had three generations of our family on this site on Bradford Road.
Before living here in Winsford we lived on the fairground site in Brook Street, Northwich, and my parents and grandparents lived in Northwich during the war years and after.
My parents were married in St Helens Church, where they are also buried, along with my grandparents. I was Christened in the same church, as were my two children, who were born in Davenham Hospital. I was married there and had a blessing after 25 years.
My husband and I are having our service in the same church on our deaths via a pre-paid funeral plan which we have taken out.
We have lived in Cheshire all of our lives and wish to stay in the area where all our friends and family are.
JOEANN WRIGHT
COUNCILS TOLD: DO MORE FOR GYPSIES
From the Daily Express
THE Government faced a public backlash last night after demanding that every council in England identifies a five-year supply of Gypsy sites.
A huge rise in the number of gypsies has forced Whitehall planners to insist local authorities create landbanks specially for them.
The Government is concerned about the popularly-held view that the planning system treats Travellers more favourably than others.
Bob Neill, local government minister, said: “These new policies will allow local authorities to govern their own affairs while ensuring Travellers and settled communities get a fair deal through the planning system.”
The Government stressed it was not imposing Traveller sites on communities and said it was up to local councils to decide whether they wanted them and where they should go.
THE Government faced a public backlash last night after demanding that every council in England identifies a five-year supply of Gypsy sites.
A huge rise in the number of gypsies has forced Whitehall planners to insist local authorities create landbanks specially for them.
The Government is concerned about the popularly-held view that the planning system treats Travellers more favourably than others.
Bob Neill, local government minister, said: “These new policies will allow local authorities to govern their own affairs while ensuring Travellers and settled communities get a fair deal through the planning system.”
The Government stressed it was not imposing Traveller sites on communities and said it was up to local councils to decide whether they wanted them and where they should go.
Ewloe Gypsy site application to go to public inquiry - Wales
From the Flintshire Chronicle
Campaigners celebrated outside Flintshire County Council HQ in January after proposals for the Gypsy camp off Magazine Lane were thrown out by councillors.
But the applicant, Martin Rooney, has appealed – and the decision will now be made by a Welsh Government inspector after a three-day hearing in July.
Dave Mackie, county councillor for Ewloe, told the Chronicle he was ‘totally confident’ the council’s decision to reject the plans would be upheld.
“I am confident because we have a very good case,” he said.
Community leaders vowed to fight the plans after angry residents formed Ewloe Green Action Group nearly two years ago and sent dozens of letters of objection to the council.
A public meeting held in summer 2010 was attended by more than 200 people, who opposed the proposals to station residential caravans on five pitches and create utility buildings and spaces for touring mobile homes.
Campaigners claimed the plans were out-of-keeping with the area and raised concerns about traffic, drainage and sewage.
They also maintained the ‘green barrier’ between Ewloe and Northop Hall should not be developed.
Ewloe councillor Alison Halford, chairwoman of the county council’s planning committee, said the chances of winning are ‘50-50’ – but claimed she ‘strongly objects’ to building in the open countryside.
A spokesman for the council said last week: “Mr Rooney’s appeal will be heard by way of a public inquiry for three days from July 25-27. The venue has not yet been fixed.”
He added: “The council is preparing its case.”
Matthew Green of Green Planning Solutions, on behalf of Mr Rooney, would not comment when contacted by the Chronicle about the appeal.
Campaigners celebrated outside Flintshire County Council HQ in January after proposals for the Gypsy camp off Magazine Lane were thrown out by councillors.
But the applicant, Martin Rooney, has appealed – and the decision will now be made by a Welsh Government inspector after a three-day hearing in July.
Dave Mackie, county councillor for Ewloe, told the Chronicle he was ‘totally confident’ the council’s decision to reject the plans would be upheld.
“I am confident because we have a very good case,” he said.
Community leaders vowed to fight the plans after angry residents formed Ewloe Green Action Group nearly two years ago and sent dozens of letters of objection to the council.
A public meeting held in summer 2010 was attended by more than 200 people, who opposed the proposals to station residential caravans on five pitches and create utility buildings and spaces for touring mobile homes.
Campaigners claimed the plans were out-of-keeping with the area and raised concerns about traffic, drainage and sewage.
They also maintained the ‘green barrier’ between Ewloe and Northop Hall should not be developed.
Ewloe councillor Alison Halford, chairwoman of the county council’s planning committee, said the chances of winning are ‘50-50’ – but claimed she ‘strongly objects’ to building in the open countryside.
A spokesman for the council said last week: “Mr Rooney’s appeal will be heard by way of a public inquiry for three days from July 25-27. The venue has not yet been fixed.”
He added: “The council is preparing its case.”
Matthew Green of Green Planning Solutions, on behalf of Mr Rooney, would not comment when contacted by the Chronicle about the appeal.
Is West Sussex County Council right to consider selling off Gypsy sites in a bid to save cash?
From the Chichester Observer
Council chiefs have said an idea to sell off its Gypsy sites is not about making a ‘quick buck’.
A total of ten sites for Gypsies and Travellers owned by West Sussex county council are up for review, including sites in Westbourne and Easthampnett near Chichester.
A report presented to the community services select committee said running and managing what was in fact social housing was not a core activity of the county council. As a result, it might not have the breadth of housing management skills found in large social housing providers.
The committee was told the council had no legal duty to develop and maintain such sites.
The select committee agreed it would not object to either of the two alternatives, but called for ‘full consideration’ of the consequences.
It heard the budget needed to run the sites had traditionally been around £150,000 a year, reducing to about £50,000 as a result of restructuring.
Cllr Pete Bradbury, cabinet member for public protection, said: “It is about finding the best outcome for the sites on a long-term basis, whether by retaining ownership and leasing out the management, or whether we will get a better long-term solution from an organisation that has the well-being of the Gypsy and travelling community at heart.”
Cllr Steve Waight said the county council did not have the expertise in house to deal with this. Somerset County Council had recently sold all its sites to a company owned by Gypsies.
Cllr Bradbury stressed that no decision had yet been made.
“If we decided disposal looked the best option, then we would have to consider very carefully how best to go about that,” he said. “We have not put a lot of time and thought into this yet, because we have not decided yet whether this is the best option. If we go down that route, I would have an obligation to get the best deal I could for the county.”
At the same time, there would have to be caveats relating to future use of the land, requiring appropriate experience in managing sites.
The report said WSCC continued to deal with illegal encampments throughout West Sussex, either on highways or land owned by the council.
Since April, 2011, there had been 40 reports of such encampments, and of these 15 resulted in court action being started, with the remainder moving off after service of an initial notice.
Only 15 of the encampments were Gypsies and Travellers, with the remainder being people choosing to live in vehicles or tents.
Council chiefs have said an idea to sell off its Gypsy sites is not about making a ‘quick buck’.
A total of ten sites for Gypsies and Travellers owned by West Sussex county council are up for review, including sites in Westbourne and Easthampnett near Chichester.
A report presented to the community services select committee said running and managing what was in fact social housing was not a core activity of the county council. As a result, it might not have the breadth of housing management skills found in large social housing providers.
The committee was told the council had no legal duty to develop and maintain such sites.
The select committee agreed it would not object to either of the two alternatives, but called for ‘full consideration’ of the consequences.
It heard the budget needed to run the sites had traditionally been around £150,000 a year, reducing to about £50,000 as a result of restructuring.
Cllr Pete Bradbury, cabinet member for public protection, said: “It is about finding the best outcome for the sites on a long-term basis, whether by retaining ownership and leasing out the management, or whether we will get a better long-term solution from an organisation that has the well-being of the Gypsy and travelling community at heart.”
Cllr Steve Waight said the county council did not have the expertise in house to deal with this. Somerset County Council had recently sold all its sites to a company owned by Gypsies.
Cllr Bradbury stressed that no decision had yet been made.
“If we decided disposal looked the best option, then we would have to consider very carefully how best to go about that,” he said. “We have not put a lot of time and thought into this yet, because we have not decided yet whether this is the best option. If we go down that route, I would have an obligation to get the best deal I could for the county.”
At the same time, there would have to be caveats relating to future use of the land, requiring appropriate experience in managing sites.
The report said WSCC continued to deal with illegal encampments throughout West Sussex, either on highways or land owned by the council.
Since April, 2011, there had been 40 reports of such encampments, and of these 15 resulted in court action being started, with the remainder moving off after service of an initial notice.
Only 15 of the encampments were Gypsies and Travellers, with the remainder being people choosing to live in vehicles or tents.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Travellers in Bury St Edmunds face council eviction - Suffolk
From the BBC
A group of Travellers is facing eviction after moving onto an open space near a hotel in Bury St Edmunds.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council said it was alerted on Monday to the presence of about ten caravans at Symonds Road, Moreton Hall.
The police said they are working with the local authority, neighbouring householders and the travellers to prevent "community tension".
A council spokesperson said: "A lock had been cropped and bollards removed."
They added: "Council officers visited the site and told those present that camping on public open space was not permitted and that all necessary steps are being taken to evict them as swiftly as possible.
"A regular check is being kept on the site and the council is now working with the police and the Traveller welfare officer to clear the site as speedily as possible."
Sgt Davy Hill, from Suffolk Police, said: "Local officers are working closely with the travelling community and nearby residents in a proactive approach to prevent any potential community tension in the area.
"We will be liaising with St Edmundsbury Borough Council in the coming days as the site is examined and a decision is made regarding what is best for the community in the long-term."
No-one from the travelling community was available to talk when the BBC visited the land.
Joseph Jones, a spokesman for the national Gypsy Council, said: "As long as councils across the country don't meet their quota for site provision, then these problems are going to continue.
"Just because you make provision in one area, that doesn't mean the lack of provision in another area isn't going to overspill."
A group of Travellers is facing eviction after moving onto an open space near a hotel in Bury St Edmunds.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council said it was alerted on Monday to the presence of about ten caravans at Symonds Road, Moreton Hall.
The police said they are working with the local authority, neighbouring householders and the travellers to prevent "community tension".
A council spokesperson said: "A lock had been cropped and bollards removed."
They added: "Council officers visited the site and told those present that camping on public open space was not permitted and that all necessary steps are being taken to evict them as swiftly as possible.
"A regular check is being kept on the site and the council is now working with the police and the Traveller welfare officer to clear the site as speedily as possible."
Sgt Davy Hill, from Suffolk Police, said: "Local officers are working closely with the travelling community and nearby residents in a proactive approach to prevent any potential community tension in the area.
"We will be liaising with St Edmundsbury Borough Council in the coming days as the site is examined and a decision is made regarding what is best for the community in the long-term."
No-one from the travelling community was available to talk when the BBC visited the land.
Joseph Jones, a spokesman for the national Gypsy Council, said: "As long as councils across the country don't meet their quota for site provision, then these problems are going to continue.
"Just because you make provision in one area, that doesn't mean the lack of provision in another area isn't going to overspill."
Newport Gypsy site plans come under fire in debate - Wales
From the South Wales Argus
COUNCILLORS in Newport yesterday locked horns in a heated public debate about proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Labour members called for plans detailing five potential sites in Lliswerry, Marshfield and Bettws to be removed from the authority’s draft Local Development Plan, claiming there had been no public consultation on their choosing. Instead, they want a council committee to look at the viability of all 200 available sites in the city before any preferred sites are put forward for consideration.
Councillor Mark Whitcutt, who proposed the amendment, claimed transparency on the issue was key to community cohesion.
Bettws councillor Glyn Jarvis branded the council’s handling of the matter as “clandestine” and said the only way to prove the authority was democratic and trustworthy was to consider all possible sites.
Cllr Ron Jones questioned why the authority should include any Gypsy and Traveller sites in its long-term plan for the city’s land use if it was clear residents did not want them. He said: “Maybe people will come back and say they don’t want to have a Gypsy site, if that’s the case why are we naming sites at all?”
But head of planning Mark Hand said predictions showed the council needed to provide 27 permanent pitches and seven transit ones to cater for Gypsies and Travellers up to 2026 to comply with Welsh Government guidelines.
Failing to do so would not only delay the LDP process, which could effect the council’s say on future planning developments, but could also result in a six-figure fine, he said.
Voting against the amendment, council leader Matthew Evans said delaying the LDP would be a waste of council time and money.
The amendment was defeated by 26 votes to 18. The LDP will now go out to public consultation and residents will have a chance to air their views on the plans as well as suggest alternative sites.
Blaenau Gwent council plans to extend the Cwmcrachen Gypsy and Traveller site to accommodate four pitches. The council’s LDP has been submitted to the Welsh Government and will be subject to an examination in June.
The plan is expected to be adopted in February next year. Chief executive of Monmouthshire council, Paul Matthews, said the council commissioned a Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs and sites study in December 2009 which showed a need for a site near Usk.
He said: “Following a planning appeal inquiry, planning permission for the site has been granted and the site is being developed for two caravans.
There is therefore no evidence of further need in the county, hence no further sites are proposed.”
A Torfaen council spokeswoman said: “We have identified the need for further Gypsy and Traveller pitches and are currently searching for extra provision in order to meet Welsh Government guidelines.”
A Caerphilly council spokesman said no traveller sites had been identified in the council’s LDP.
COUNCILLORS in Newport yesterday locked horns in a heated public debate about proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Labour members called for plans detailing five potential sites in Lliswerry, Marshfield and Bettws to be removed from the authority’s draft Local Development Plan, claiming there had been no public consultation on their choosing. Instead, they want a council committee to look at the viability of all 200 available sites in the city before any preferred sites are put forward for consideration.
Councillor Mark Whitcutt, who proposed the amendment, claimed transparency on the issue was key to community cohesion.
Bettws councillor Glyn Jarvis branded the council’s handling of the matter as “clandestine” and said the only way to prove the authority was democratic and trustworthy was to consider all possible sites.
Cllr Ron Jones questioned why the authority should include any Gypsy and Traveller sites in its long-term plan for the city’s land use if it was clear residents did not want them. He said: “Maybe people will come back and say they don’t want to have a Gypsy site, if that’s the case why are we naming sites at all?”
But head of planning Mark Hand said predictions showed the council needed to provide 27 permanent pitches and seven transit ones to cater for Gypsies and Travellers up to 2026 to comply with Welsh Government guidelines.
Failing to do so would not only delay the LDP process, which could effect the council’s say on future planning developments, but could also result in a six-figure fine, he said.
Voting against the amendment, council leader Matthew Evans said delaying the LDP would be a waste of council time and money.
The amendment was defeated by 26 votes to 18. The LDP will now go out to public consultation and residents will have a chance to air their views on the plans as well as suggest alternative sites.
Blaenau Gwent council plans to extend the Cwmcrachen Gypsy and Traveller site to accommodate four pitches. The council’s LDP has been submitted to the Welsh Government and will be subject to an examination in June.
The plan is expected to be adopted in February next year. Chief executive of Monmouthshire council, Paul Matthews, said the council commissioned a Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs and sites study in December 2009 which showed a need for a site near Usk.
He said: “Following a planning appeal inquiry, planning permission for the site has been granted and the site is being developed for two caravans.
There is therefore no evidence of further need in the county, hence no further sites are proposed.”
A Torfaen council spokeswoman said: “We have identified the need for further Gypsy and Traveller pitches and are currently searching for extra provision in order to meet Welsh Government guidelines.”
A Caerphilly council spokesman said no traveller sites had been identified in the council’s LDP.
Travellers return to Red Hill Circle roundabout in Leicester
From the Leicester Mercury
A group of returning French Travellers have settled at their usual spot in the city.
Four caravans carrying the Gallic Travellers were spotted on the Red Hill Circle roundabout, Leicester, yesterday morning.
They been visiting the site for a number of years.
Carol Swift, who lives near the site, said: "They usually come for about a week. I'll be honest, I don't like it, but what can we do?"
Resident Diane Fernandez, 55, said: "It looks unsightly – who would want to look at a Travellers' site when they're coming into the city?"
But another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "If it's the French Travellers I've got no problem with them, when they left last year they put all their rubbish into black bags and left them tied up so the council could collect them."
Staff from the Leicestershire Multi-Agency Travellers' Unit (MATU) visited the site yesterday to carry out welfare and health checks before handing the Travellers a direction notice. The order means they have 24 hours to leave before they are evicted.
MATU spokesman Matt Bagley said: " The number of Travellers passing through Leicester is relatively low."
A group of returning French Travellers have settled at their usual spot in the city.
Four caravans carrying the Gallic Travellers were spotted on the Red Hill Circle roundabout, Leicester, yesterday morning.
They been visiting the site for a number of years.
Carol Swift, who lives near the site, said: "They usually come for about a week. I'll be honest, I don't like it, but what can we do?"
Resident Diane Fernandez, 55, said: "It looks unsightly – who would want to look at a Travellers' site when they're coming into the city?"
But another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "If it's the French Travellers I've got no problem with them, when they left last year they put all their rubbish into black bags and left them tied up so the council could collect them."
Staff from the Leicestershire Multi-Agency Travellers' Unit (MATU) visited the site yesterday to carry out welfare and health checks before handing the Travellers a direction notice. The order means they have 24 hours to leave before they are evicted.
MATU spokesman Matt Bagley said: " The number of Travellers passing through Leicester is relatively low."
Gypsy backing at public inquiry - Lancashire
From the Chorley Guardian
A public inquiry into a campsite on green belt in Chorley has heard how Gypsies are a ‘valued part of the community’.
Paul Wilkins, of Kings Lea, Adlington, was giving evidence at a three-day inquiry into a site on Hut Lane, Heath Charnock, which is occupied by families of Romany Gypsies.
The Linfoot family is appealing Chorley Council’s decision to refuse retrospective planning permission for caravans, storage units, and stables on the land, which is classed as green belt.
Mr Wilkins said he has known the family of Patty Linfoot for more than 30 years and kept in touch with them through work providing music systems at events across the country.
He said: “I found both the Linfoot and the other families to be nice ones who pay their taxes and are fully committed and working within the local community for the benefit of everyone.
“These families, like me, travelled to find work but always headed back to Chorley and have remained valued members of the community.”
He said he used to socialise with them when they parked in the lorry park on Friday Street, near to the Malt n’ Hops, which he used to own, and also when they would stay in a layby on Euxton Lane.
Paul said: “Over the years the family would be in there quite regularly. If they were asked by the council to move, they would. They would also stay on the playing fields at Adlington for two weeks of the year for Adlington Carnival.”
The inquiry had earlier heard how inspector Mark Dakeyne had received 135 letters of objections from residents over the development, with 109 in support of it.
A similar appeal for the site was turned down in May 2010. Giving evidence at the hearing, Malcolm Allen, owner of Malcolm’s Musicland, said he had also known the families involved for around 30 years, although he was not aware they were Gypsies until last year.
He said: “Despite various funds available for a Travellers site, nothing has been done.
“House builders are snapping up sites to build on across the borough, and sites travellers have used in the past have been built on.”
The inquiry will resume at Chorley Town Hall’s Lancastrian Suite on Friday
A public inquiry into a campsite on green belt in Chorley has heard how Gypsies are a ‘valued part of the community’.
Paul Wilkins, of Kings Lea, Adlington, was giving evidence at a three-day inquiry into a site on Hut Lane, Heath Charnock, which is occupied by families of Romany Gypsies.
The Linfoot family is appealing Chorley Council’s decision to refuse retrospective planning permission for caravans, storage units, and stables on the land, which is classed as green belt.
Mr Wilkins said he has known the family of Patty Linfoot for more than 30 years and kept in touch with them through work providing music systems at events across the country.
He said: “I found both the Linfoot and the other families to be nice ones who pay their taxes and are fully committed and working within the local community for the benefit of everyone.
“These families, like me, travelled to find work but always headed back to Chorley and have remained valued members of the community.”
He said he used to socialise with them when they parked in the lorry park on Friday Street, near to the Malt n’ Hops, which he used to own, and also when they would stay in a layby on Euxton Lane.
Paul said: “Over the years the family would be in there quite regularly. If they were asked by the council to move, they would. They would also stay on the playing fields at Adlington for two weeks of the year for Adlington Carnival.”
The inquiry had earlier heard how inspector Mark Dakeyne had received 135 letters of objections from residents over the development, with 109 in support of it.
A similar appeal for the site was turned down in May 2010. Giving evidence at the hearing, Malcolm Allen, owner of Malcolm’s Musicland, said he had also known the families involved for around 30 years, although he was not aware they were Gypsies until last year.
He said: “Despite various funds available for a Travellers site, nothing has been done.
“House builders are snapping up sites to build on across the borough, and sites travellers have used in the past have been built on.”
The inquiry will resume at Chorley Town Hall’s Lancastrian Suite on Friday
Gypsy star’s son in court accused of causing death of Elton man in road crash
From the Ellesmere Port Pioneer
THE son of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty has appeared in court accused of causing the death of an Elton man in a road crash.
David Doherty, 27, of Riverside caravan park, Queensferry, Flintshire, hobbled on crutches into the dock at Caernarfon Magistrates Court with his right arm strapped up.
After a hearing lasting an hour and 20 minutes, a bail application was rejected and he was remanded in custody to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on April 2.
Mr Doherty, who wore a blue sweatshirt and dark trousers, is accused of causing the death of friend James Loveridge, 38, of Elton, by dangerous driving in a Mitsubishi Shogun on the A55 at Talybont, near Bangor, in the early hours of Sunday, March 18.
He is also accused of failing to stop afterwards, failing to report the crash, being uninsured and taking a Land Rover without consent from a farm on the same morning.
His solicitor Avisha Gulhati told the magistrates: “Mr Doherty denies being the driver of the motor vehicle and that has always been his stance.”
She said his father was unable to attend court because of a hospital appointment. But, for bail, he could provide a £20,000 cash surety and offer the deeds on three properties worth £500,000.
The smash involved the Shogun and a Renault van parked in a lay-by. Police said Mr Loveridge, a Traveller, was in the Shogun and died at the scene and three other occupants were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The van driver was in a critical condition.
Officers have appealed for any witnesses who were on the A55 dual carriageway between 3.30am and 4am to contact them.
Mr Loveridge’s funeral took place on Thursday.
THE son of Big Fat Gypsy Weddings and Celebrity Big Brother winner Paddy Doherty has appeared in court accused of causing the death of an Elton man in a road crash.
David Doherty, 27, of Riverside caravan park, Queensferry, Flintshire, hobbled on crutches into the dock at Caernarfon Magistrates Court with his right arm strapped up.
After a hearing lasting an hour and 20 minutes, a bail application was rejected and he was remanded in custody to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on April 2.
Mr Doherty, who wore a blue sweatshirt and dark trousers, is accused of causing the death of friend James Loveridge, 38, of Elton, by dangerous driving in a Mitsubishi Shogun on the A55 at Talybont, near Bangor, in the early hours of Sunday, March 18.
He is also accused of failing to stop afterwards, failing to report the crash, being uninsured and taking a Land Rover without consent from a farm on the same morning.
His solicitor Avisha Gulhati told the magistrates: “Mr Doherty denies being the driver of the motor vehicle and that has always been his stance.”
She said his father was unable to attend court because of a hospital appointment. But, for bail, he could provide a £20,000 cash surety and offer the deeds on three properties worth £500,000.
The smash involved the Shogun and a Renault van parked in a lay-by. Police said Mr Loveridge, a Traveller, was in the Shogun and died at the scene and three other occupants were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The van driver was in a critical condition.
Officers have appealed for any witnesses who were on the A55 dual carriageway between 3.30am and 4am to contact them.
Mr Loveridge’s funeral took place on Thursday.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Gypsy/Travellers - Where You Live - Scotland
From the Scottish Parliament via Youtube
The Scottish Parliament's Equal Opportunities Committee is looking into the issues affecting Gypsy/Travellers and we want to hear your views.
This short video is about how to get in touch with us with your stories about where you live - we hope that you'll show this to friends and family who might be able to help, and we're looking forward to hearing from you soon.
The Scottish Parliament's Equal Opportunities Committee is looking into the issues affecting Gypsy/Travellers and we want to hear your views.
This short video is about how to get in touch with us with your stories about where you live - we hope that you'll show this to friends and family who might be able to help, and we're looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Residents’ concern over Travellers at Queens Park - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
LEGAL moves are being taken to evict a party of Travellers who have set up camp at Bournemouth’s Queens Park.
Seventeen vehicles moved onto the field near the park’s golf course after a boulder protecting the entrance was removed.
Queens Park councillor Mark Anderson said yesterday: “The residents are concerned that it’s intimidating.
“Some of the more elderly residents haven’t brought their dogs out because they’re concerned about the dogs that are there running around.”
Council officials and the police were working together to deal with the encampment.
Council employees have carried out the needs assessment which the law requires them to do before a camp is moved on.
Bournemouth Borough Council said it was seeking a court hearing as soon as possible.
Travellers at the site yesterday said they were just passing through and intended to stay until today or Wednesday.
They would leave the site clean and tidy, they said. The boulder that was moved before the Travellers arrived on Saturday afternoon had been put there as a security measure following another incursion in 2007.
Staff have been checking security at other council sites in case Travellers move to one of those.
A statement from Gary Josey, the council service director whose brief includes the town’s parks, said: “Our council officers and the police have taken swift action following this recent traveller encampment.
“They will be doing all they can, taking the necessary legal action to move them on as soon as possible. In the meantime our council officers are visiting the site on a daily basis to carry out litter picks and supply the travellers with refuse bags for their waste.”
Queens Park Golf Club was operating as normal.
see also:
BBC - Travellers camped in Bournemouth park face eviction notice
LEGAL moves are being taken to evict a party of Travellers who have set up camp at Bournemouth’s Queens Park.
Seventeen vehicles moved onto the field near the park’s golf course after a boulder protecting the entrance was removed.
Queens Park councillor Mark Anderson said yesterday: “The residents are concerned that it’s intimidating.
“Some of the more elderly residents haven’t brought their dogs out because they’re concerned about the dogs that are there running around.”
Council officials and the police were working together to deal with the encampment.
Council employees have carried out the needs assessment which the law requires them to do before a camp is moved on.
Bournemouth Borough Council said it was seeking a court hearing as soon as possible.
Travellers at the site yesterday said they were just passing through and intended to stay until today or Wednesday.
They would leave the site clean and tidy, they said. The boulder that was moved before the Travellers arrived on Saturday afternoon had been put there as a security measure following another incursion in 2007.
Staff have been checking security at other council sites in case Travellers move to one of those.
A statement from Gary Josey, the council service director whose brief includes the town’s parks, said: “Our council officers and the police have taken swift action following this recent traveller encampment.
“They will be doing all they can, taking the necessary legal action to move them on as soon as possible. In the meantime our council officers are visiting the site on a daily basis to carry out litter picks and supply the travellers with refuse bags for their waste.”
Queens Park Golf Club was operating as normal.
see also:
BBC - Travellers camped in Bournemouth park face eviction notice
Illegal Haldon Travellers site could be made permanent - Devon
From the BBC
The future of an illegal Travellers encampment in Devon is being discussed.
Between 30 and 50 Travellers, many of whom have children at local schools, have lived on the site in Haldon Forest, near Exeter, since 2002.
Teignbridge District Council will decide later whether to support a planning application from Teign Housing to create 15 permanent pitches.
Teign Housing has secured more than £1m from the government's Homes and Community Agency (HCA).
The HCA funding includes £125,581 which could be used for clearing the current site and the transfer of the land from Devon County Council to Teignbridge District Council.
'Other solutions'
A permanent site would have 15 hard-standing pitches and amenities such as electricity, water, showers and toilets.
Anyone living there would have to pay a fee, which would include a service charge to Teign Housing, and the pitches would also be subject to council tax.
Penny Dane, community development worker for Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council, said Teign Housing's proposal for a 15-pitch site was an "appropriate" size.
"The council feels that smaller sites generally work better than larger ones," she told BBC News.
"But if people want to stay and there are not enough pitches, we hope Teignbridge council will continue to look for other solutions."
Ms Dane said the Haldon Travellers, like any other diverse group, may have differing opinions over what those solutions could be, adding that it was important to remember that consultations between the Travellers and the authorities were still ongoing.
The future of an illegal Travellers encampment in Devon is being discussed.
Between 30 and 50 Travellers, many of whom have children at local schools, have lived on the site in Haldon Forest, near Exeter, since 2002.
Teignbridge District Council will decide later whether to support a planning application from Teign Housing to create 15 permanent pitches.
Teign Housing has secured more than £1m from the government's Homes and Community Agency (HCA).
The HCA funding includes £125,581 which could be used for clearing the current site and the transfer of the land from Devon County Council to Teignbridge District Council.
'Other solutions'
A permanent site would have 15 hard-standing pitches and amenities such as electricity, water, showers and toilets.
Anyone living there would have to pay a fee, which would include a service charge to Teign Housing, and the pitches would also be subject to council tax.
Penny Dane, community development worker for Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council, said Teign Housing's proposal for a 15-pitch site was an "appropriate" size.
"The council feels that smaller sites generally work better than larger ones," she told BBC News.
"But if people want to stay and there are not enough pitches, we hope Teignbridge council will continue to look for other solutions."
Ms Dane said the Haldon Travellers, like any other diverse group, may have differing opinions over what those solutions could be, adding that it was important to remember that consultations between the Travellers and the authorities were still ongoing.
Injunction granted against Travellers in West Leeds
From Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council has been granted indefinite injunctions against the Travellers on Wortley Heights, Armley Gyratory and Hedley Chase.
At Leeds County Court yesterday (Monday 26 March) the injunction was granted for the three sites after a run of encampments in the area sparked concerns for local residents.
The injunction will stop the specific Gypsy and Travellers families who have been unlawfully camping on the three sites in close succession from doing so in the future.
The council have pursued the injunction route as an alternative measure to break the circle of encampments in close succession on public land. This will save the council from having to apply for eviction orders at these sites in the future., and therefore save money.
Councillor Peter Gruen, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for neighbourhoods and housing said:
“This is an excellent result, and seeks to further make clear the council’s stance on unlawful encampments.
“We have been working hard to reduce the number of encampments across the city on public land, and this injunction is another step forward. In these specific areas there were a number of encampments in quick succession which caused disruption and concerns for the local community, and therefore needed to be tackled.
“This injunction will help to save us money in the long term, as we are not having to continually serve eviction notices to Travellers who move between sites in a local area."
Leeds City Council has been granted indefinite injunctions against the Travellers on Wortley Heights, Armley Gyratory and Hedley Chase.
At Leeds County Court yesterday (Monday 26 March) the injunction was granted for the three sites after a run of encampments in the area sparked concerns for local residents.
The injunction will stop the specific Gypsy and Travellers families who have been unlawfully camping on the three sites in close succession from doing so in the future.
The council have pursued the injunction route as an alternative measure to break the circle of encampments in close succession on public land. This will save the council from having to apply for eviction orders at these sites in the future., and therefore save money.
Councillor Peter Gruen, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for neighbourhoods and housing said:
“This is an excellent result, and seeks to further make clear the council’s stance on unlawful encampments.
“We have been working hard to reduce the number of encampments across the city on public land, and this injunction is another step forward. In these specific areas there were a number of encampments in quick succession which caused disruption and concerns for the local community, and therefore needed to be tackled.
“This injunction will help to save us money in the long term, as we are not having to continually serve eviction notices to Travellers who move between sites in a local area."
Travellers set up on land adjacent to Central Retail Park - Lancashire
From Rochdale Online
A group of Travellers has set up on a piece of land adjacent to the Central Retail Park, Oldham Road, that is home to Halfords, Argos and Matalan.
The convoy of around forty caravans arrived on the site at the weekend.
Concerns about the mess the Travellers are making, and may leave behind, have been raised.
Previously, when Travellers have set up on council land, Rochdale Borough Council has obtained eviction orders through the court and Travellers have been removed by the Council Planning Enforcement Team.
However, it is understood that though the Council is negotiating to buy the land, it is currently still privately owned and hence the landowner's responsibility to take proceedings in the County Court under the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 to obtain a Court Order for eviction.
If the landowner fails to act, unless the landowner has already obtained planning permission for a caravan site, the landowner could be in breach of the Planning Acts and the Acts dealing with the licensing of caravan sites and the council may take proceedings against the landowner to require removal of the illegal encampment.
The police will visit all sites reported to them. In certain circumstances (for example, where the travellers have with them six or more vehicles), officers may use powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
These powers will only be used in situations of serious criminality or public disorder not capable of being addressed by normal criminal legislation and in which the trespassory occupation of the land is a relevant factor.
The police are bound by the Human Rights Act and may be constrained to avoid using section 61 in circumstances where it would preclude welfare considerations from being applied by the civil courts.
The duty of the police is to preserve the peace and prevent crime. Trespass on land by itself is not a criminal offence. Prevention of trespass and the removal of trespassers are the responsibilities of the landowner and not the police. The police will investigate all criminal and Public Order offences.
Mark Robinson, Chief Planning Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Where camps are on private land, it is the responsibility of the landowner to take action. The council has no powers of eviction in these cases although our offices can assist with public enquiries.
“The police have separate powers where there are wider issues of crime and disorder and can move camps on in such cases.”
A group of Travellers has set up on a piece of land adjacent to the Central Retail Park, Oldham Road, that is home to Halfords, Argos and Matalan.
The convoy of around forty caravans arrived on the site at the weekend.
Concerns about the mess the Travellers are making, and may leave behind, have been raised.
Previously, when Travellers have set up on council land, Rochdale Borough Council has obtained eviction orders through the court and Travellers have been removed by the Council Planning Enforcement Team.
However, it is understood that though the Council is negotiating to buy the land, it is currently still privately owned and hence the landowner's responsibility to take proceedings in the County Court under the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 to obtain a Court Order for eviction.
If the landowner fails to act, unless the landowner has already obtained planning permission for a caravan site, the landowner could be in breach of the Planning Acts and the Acts dealing with the licensing of caravan sites and the council may take proceedings against the landowner to require removal of the illegal encampment.
The police will visit all sites reported to them. In certain circumstances (for example, where the travellers have with them six or more vehicles), officers may use powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
These powers will only be used in situations of serious criminality or public disorder not capable of being addressed by normal criminal legislation and in which the trespassory occupation of the land is a relevant factor.
The police are bound by the Human Rights Act and may be constrained to avoid using section 61 in circumstances where it would preclude welfare considerations from being applied by the civil courts.
The duty of the police is to preserve the peace and prevent crime. Trespass on land by itself is not a criminal offence. Prevention of trespass and the removal of trespassers are the responsibilities of the landowner and not the police. The police will investigate all criminal and Public Order offences.
Mark Robinson, Chief Planning Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Where camps are on private land, it is the responsibility of the landowner to take action. The council has no powers of eviction in these cases although our offices can assist with public enquiries.
“The police have separate powers where there are wider issues of crime and disorder and can move camps on in such cases.”
Travellers pitch up on Royston playing field - Hertfordshire
From the Royston Crow
TRAVELLERS have pitched up in Royston on a playing field surrounded by housing and next to Studlands Rise First School.
Three caravans and a van arrived at around 10.30am this morning (Tuesday) after moving on from an encampment in Meldreth.
As The Crow arrived on the scene police and North Herts District Council officers were speaking to the travellers.
A female Traveller said: “We’re not causing any harm to anyone, we just want to stay here as long as we can.
“We keep ourselves to ourselves and we are not causing any disturbances.”
Nearby residents were shocked to see the caravans near their houses.
Gladys Edwards, of Furze Grove, said: “It’s terrible. I’m surprised to see it as it is a residential area and a playing field.
“We have been here for 25 years and we haven’t seen anything like it.”
TRAVELLERS have pitched up in Royston on a playing field surrounded by housing and next to Studlands Rise First School.
Three caravans and a van arrived at around 10.30am this morning (Tuesday) after moving on from an encampment in Meldreth.
As The Crow arrived on the scene police and North Herts District Council officers were speaking to the travellers.
A female Traveller said: “We’re not causing any harm to anyone, we just want to stay here as long as we can.
“We keep ourselves to ourselves and we are not causing any disturbances.”
Nearby residents were shocked to see the caravans near their houses.
Gladys Edwards, of Furze Grove, said: “It’s terrible. I’m surprised to see it as it is a residential area and a playing field.
“We have been here for 25 years and we haven’t seen anything like it.”
Meriden Gypsy latest: Travellers and Solihull Borough Council thrashing out date to leave site
From the Birmingham Mail
A GROUP of Travellers who set up an illegal camp on greenbelt land near Solihull have lost their case in their battle to remain.
The Gypsies, led by Noah Burton, lost their appeal against the Secretary of State for communities Eric Pickle’s decision to refuse them planning permission, this afternoon.
Judge Robert Owen, sitting as a subsidiary of the High Court, spent 90 minutes considering five areas of concern put forward by Mr Burton before dismissing their case.
Judge Owen said: “In the circumstances of this case, there is no legal or proper basis to justify interference with the decision and application is dismissed.”
Judge Owen also said costs should be paid by the complainant.
Members of Residents Against Inappropriate Development who have been manning a counter camp opposite the gypsies site on Eaves Green Lane for nearly 700 days, welcomed the outcome.
David McGrath from RAID, said: “This is a comprehensive rebuttal of the Travellers case.
“A learned judge has found that there is no inequality in the way that the council and Secretary of State dealt with the case. there is no merit in the planning application whatsoever.
“We hope that the Travellers do not try a Dale Farm style appeal funded through legal aid.”
A hearing to decide the date by which they must leave will begin at the same court at 2.15pm.
see also:
The Coventry Telegraph - Travellers lose high court battle to remain in Meriden
The Independent - Travellers lose Solihull planning appeal
Solihull Observer - Meriden Travellers lose appeal
BBC - Gypsies agree date to leave Meriden site
The Independent - Travellers given year to quit Meriden site
The Daily Mail - Judge gives Gypsies on illegal camp a year's grace (despite fact they were told to leave five months ago)
The Coventry Telegraph - Meriden Gypsies to stay on illegal site for a YEAR - despite losing high court battle
The Solihull News - THE group of Gypsies who set up an illegal camp on greenbelt land in Meriden have been given a year to leave the site.
A GROUP of Travellers who set up an illegal camp on greenbelt land near Solihull have lost their case in their battle to remain.
The Gypsies, led by Noah Burton, lost their appeal against the Secretary of State for communities Eric Pickle’s decision to refuse them planning permission, this afternoon.
Judge Robert Owen, sitting as a subsidiary of the High Court, spent 90 minutes considering five areas of concern put forward by Mr Burton before dismissing their case.
Judge Owen said: “In the circumstances of this case, there is no legal or proper basis to justify interference with the decision and application is dismissed.”
Judge Owen also said costs should be paid by the complainant.
Members of Residents Against Inappropriate Development who have been manning a counter camp opposite the gypsies site on Eaves Green Lane for nearly 700 days, welcomed the outcome.
David McGrath from RAID, said: “This is a comprehensive rebuttal of the Travellers case.
“A learned judge has found that there is no inequality in the way that the council and Secretary of State dealt with the case. there is no merit in the planning application whatsoever.
“We hope that the Travellers do not try a Dale Farm style appeal funded through legal aid.”
A hearing to decide the date by which they must leave will begin at the same court at 2.15pm.
see also:
The Coventry Telegraph - Travellers lose high court battle to remain in Meriden
The Independent - Travellers lose Solihull planning appeal
Solihull Observer - Meriden Travellers lose appeal
BBC - Gypsies agree date to leave Meriden site
The Independent - Travellers given year to quit Meriden site
The Daily Mail - Judge gives Gypsies on illegal camp a year's grace (despite fact they were told to leave five months ago)
The Coventry Telegraph - Meriden Gypsies to stay on illegal site for a YEAR - despite losing high court battle
The Solihull News - THE group of Gypsies who set up an illegal camp on greenbelt land in Meriden have been given a year to leave the site.
Monday 26 March 2012
Dale Farm: Notice to quit served on illegal caravans
From the BBC
Five months after the Dale Farm eviction, Travellers who have parked their caravans illegally nearby have been given 21 days to leave.
New planning laws are due to be introduced this week to stop new Travellers' sites being set up on green belt land after the long running battle to clear the illegal pitches at the Essex site.
Now Basildon Council is now considering whether to embark on yet another forced eviction.
Five months after the Dale Farm eviction, Travellers who have parked their caravans illegally nearby have been given 21 days to leave.
New planning laws are due to be introduced this week to stop new Travellers' sites being set up on green belt land after the long running battle to clear the illegal pitches at the Essex site.
Now Basildon Council is now considering whether to embark on yet another forced eviction.
MP Tobias Ellwood takes Travellers site protest to Downing Street - Dorset
From the Bournemouth Echo
A PETITION opposing the idea of locating Traveller sites in Bournemouth’s green belt has been handed into Downing Street.
Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood took the petition, which has been signed by more than 1,000 residents of Strouden Park, Throop and Muscliff, to the Prime Minister’s door. He also presented another copy to the House of Commons.
The petition objects to the proposed development of three permanent Traveller sites on green belt land in north Bournemouth.
Consultants Bakers Associates were tasked with identifying suitable sites across Dorset and have suggested three residential pitches could be put on land near Erlin Farm on Muscliffe Lane, five residential pitches could go on Careys Road off Broadway Lane and eight residential pitches could go on land on the edge of urban development at Throop Road.
Mr Ellwood said: “This petition is designed to show how inappropriate building such sites on our green belt would be and I am delighted that so many residents from different political persuasions have responded by adding their names to this petition.”
Throop resident Dominic Coleman, who is chair of the local area forum, said: “The green belt issue is one that has been going on for a long time and we are quite adamant to protect it.
“One of our concerns about the report by Bakers’ Associates was that it hadn’t really looked at other sites and instead looked to the green belt as an easy option.
“At a local level, the response has been overwhelming, opinions have been unanimous on this one.”
And Muscliff resident Les Deller, who is vice-chair of the forum, said: “I’m against it simply because it’s the green belt, I don’t care whether it’s a supermarket, new homes or a Travellers’ site. It’s about setting a precedent, if we allow travellers to live there then developers will be asking why they can’t build there.
“I personally think the government either need to change the law to allow councils to share resources or, if Bournemouth has to find a site, then it has to do that. We can’t keep revisiting this issue again and again.”
A PETITION opposing the idea of locating Traveller sites in Bournemouth’s green belt has been handed into Downing Street.
Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood took the petition, which has been signed by more than 1,000 residents of Strouden Park, Throop and Muscliff, to the Prime Minister’s door. He also presented another copy to the House of Commons.
The petition objects to the proposed development of three permanent Traveller sites on green belt land in north Bournemouth.
Consultants Bakers Associates were tasked with identifying suitable sites across Dorset and have suggested three residential pitches could be put on land near Erlin Farm on Muscliffe Lane, five residential pitches could go on Careys Road off Broadway Lane and eight residential pitches could go on land on the edge of urban development at Throop Road.
Mr Ellwood said: “This petition is designed to show how inappropriate building such sites on our green belt would be and I am delighted that so many residents from different political persuasions have responded by adding their names to this petition.”
Throop resident Dominic Coleman, who is chair of the local area forum, said: “The green belt issue is one that has been going on for a long time and we are quite adamant to protect it.
“One of our concerns about the report by Bakers’ Associates was that it hadn’t really looked at other sites and instead looked to the green belt as an easy option.
“At a local level, the response has been overwhelming, opinions have been unanimous on this one.”
And Muscliff resident Les Deller, who is vice-chair of the forum, said: “I’m against it simply because it’s the green belt, I don’t care whether it’s a supermarket, new homes or a Travellers’ site. It’s about setting a precedent, if we allow travellers to live there then developers will be asking why they can’t build there.
“I personally think the government either need to change the law to allow councils to share resources or, if Bournemouth has to find a site, then it has to do that. We can’t keep revisiting this issue again and again.”
Gypsy caravans allowed to stay - Herefordshire
From the Ledbury Reporter
A GROUP of Travellers has been given permission to keep its caravan homes in a village near Malvern.
However, the decision – announced on Tuesday – to allow the caravan site in Bastonford makes a mockery of the local planning process, said a leading district councillor.
A planning application for the site, on land off the main Malvern to Worcester road, was thrown out last year by Malvern Hills District Council because of concerns about dangers posed by traffic in and out of the site, as well as its impact on the landscape.
But applicant Edward Smith appealed and a hearing was held earlier this year by planning inspector Victor Ammoun.
Now his decision has been released and he has allowed the site with five caravans to remain for the next three years, although he said that it should only be occupied by named people, including the applicant.
In his report, he cites the district council’s under provision of Gypsy sites as a factor in granting permission.
Powick ward member Tom Wells said: “I’m surprised that a government inspector overruled the county highways department’s recommendation for refusal.
“In his report, the inspector accepted the visibility at the junctions was sub-standard, but paradoxically.
“I hope for his sake we don’t see any accidents at this very busy stretch of road caused by vehicles turning in and out of the site.
“This decision means there are now five approved Gypsy sites in this one district council ward and this is the second one that has been approved as a result of a government inspector’s decision in the last 12 months.
“This is making a mockery of the local planning process, when the district council refuses the application for perfectly sound reasons, only for some government inspector to overturn their decision.”
Councillor David Hughes, who holds the planning portfolio, said: “The officers fought hard to make the case to the inspector and he has taken account of the council’s representations in his decision.”
A GROUP of Travellers has been given permission to keep its caravan homes in a village near Malvern.
However, the decision – announced on Tuesday – to allow the caravan site in Bastonford makes a mockery of the local planning process, said a leading district councillor.
A planning application for the site, on land off the main Malvern to Worcester road, was thrown out last year by Malvern Hills District Council because of concerns about dangers posed by traffic in and out of the site, as well as its impact on the landscape.
But applicant Edward Smith appealed and a hearing was held earlier this year by planning inspector Victor Ammoun.
Now his decision has been released and he has allowed the site with five caravans to remain for the next three years, although he said that it should only be occupied by named people, including the applicant.
In his report, he cites the district council’s under provision of Gypsy sites as a factor in granting permission.
Powick ward member Tom Wells said: “I’m surprised that a government inspector overruled the county highways department’s recommendation for refusal.
“In his report, the inspector accepted the visibility at the junctions was sub-standard, but paradoxically.
“I hope for his sake we don’t see any accidents at this very busy stretch of road caused by vehicles turning in and out of the site.
“This decision means there are now five approved Gypsy sites in this one district council ward and this is the second one that has been approved as a result of a government inspector’s decision in the last 12 months.
“This is making a mockery of the local planning process, when the district council refuses the application for perfectly sound reasons, only for some government inspector to overturn their decision.”
Councillor David Hughes, who holds the planning portfolio, said: “The officers fought hard to make the case to the inspector and he has taken account of the council’s representations in his decision.”
Gypsy camps right next door to new homes - Somerset
From the Weston Mercury
GYPSIES and Travellers could soon be pitching up to live alongside new home buyers on the outskirts of Weston.
North Somerset Council is looking to ‘persuade’ developers to allocate land within the new Weston Villages’ developments for specialised sites so the travellers can ‘live side-by-side’ with the local population.
The authority has had to turn to more urban areas to create the new, modern facilities, after more rural land it was looking at was rated as high flood-risk by the Environment Agency.
The council says it is under growing pressure to find the sites due to the growing and ageing population of travellers already living in the district, which means the children now need homes.
So, it has turned to new developments planned between Winterstoke Road and Wolvershill Road, to include the former airfield near Locking, Locking Parklands at the former RAF camp and the Mead Realisations land south of Somerset Avenue, to try and solve the problem.
One housing association has already come forward to say it would like to run the pitches, which are likely to go on land adjacent to the new housing developments.
North Somerset Council deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said: “Ideally we would like to find two to three sites, housing maybe 10 pitches.
“People can live side-by-side with the Travellers as Willowmead in Moor Lane, Weston, has shown.
“A lot of the Travellers are perfectly nice, but just have a different lifestyle.
“Although we are looking for the sites to be reasonably integrated into the community, we will look at landscaping them to make them more private.
“But it does make sense to have them within these developments, as the travellers can have access to shops, schools and doctors.”
Councillor Ap Rees says at the moment developers are ‘not keen’ on the ideas, but some of the land within the development areas are already owned by North Somerset Council.
He says the local authority does not want to resort to compulsory purchasing, but wants to ‘persuade’ developers the sites could be well managed, as Willowmead already is.
He added: “They would be part of the local community, but this doesn’t mean houses would be devalued.
“The people who would live there are already local residents and would be very different to the type of Travellers who invade the area for a short period of time.
“We’d like to do this sensitively and overcome any prejudices people may have.”
In North Somerset there are nearly 50 permanent Traveller pitches across multiple sites already.
These include Willowmead and the privately-owned Moorland Park in Hewish.
Proposals for the new sites will be discussed by the council’s strategic planning, highways and economic development scrutiny panel before any decisions are made by the executive of senior councillors.
GYPSIES and Travellers could soon be pitching up to live alongside new home buyers on the outskirts of Weston.
North Somerset Council is looking to ‘persuade’ developers to allocate land within the new Weston Villages’ developments for specialised sites so the travellers can ‘live side-by-side’ with the local population.
The authority has had to turn to more urban areas to create the new, modern facilities, after more rural land it was looking at was rated as high flood-risk by the Environment Agency.
The council says it is under growing pressure to find the sites due to the growing and ageing population of travellers already living in the district, which means the children now need homes.
So, it has turned to new developments planned between Winterstoke Road and Wolvershill Road, to include the former airfield near Locking, Locking Parklands at the former RAF camp and the Mead Realisations land south of Somerset Avenue, to try and solve the problem.
One housing association has already come forward to say it would like to run the pitches, which are likely to go on land adjacent to the new housing developments.
North Somerset Council deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said: “Ideally we would like to find two to three sites, housing maybe 10 pitches.
“People can live side-by-side with the Travellers as Willowmead in Moor Lane, Weston, has shown.
“A lot of the Travellers are perfectly nice, but just have a different lifestyle.
“Although we are looking for the sites to be reasonably integrated into the community, we will look at landscaping them to make them more private.
“But it does make sense to have them within these developments, as the travellers can have access to shops, schools and doctors.”
Councillor Ap Rees says at the moment developers are ‘not keen’ on the ideas, but some of the land within the development areas are already owned by North Somerset Council.
He says the local authority does not want to resort to compulsory purchasing, but wants to ‘persuade’ developers the sites could be well managed, as Willowmead already is.
He added: “They would be part of the local community, but this doesn’t mean houses would be devalued.
“The people who would live there are already local residents and would be very different to the type of Travellers who invade the area for a short period of time.
“We’d like to do this sensitively and overcome any prejudices people may have.”
In North Somerset there are nearly 50 permanent Traveller pitches across multiple sites already.
These include Willowmead and the privately-owned Moorland Park in Hewish.
Proposals for the new sites will be discussed by the council’s strategic planning, highways and economic development scrutiny panel before any decisions are made by the executive of senior councillors.
'Council must provide 100 new Gypsy pitches' - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
A GYPSY spokesman has called on the council to provide 100 new pitches for the burgeoning traveller community.
Last week Darlington Borough Council drew up a masterplan of the 35 new pitches it proposes to build in the next fifteen years.
However Billy Welch, 50, who lives on the Honeypot Lane caravan site in Darlington, said the council’s plan to extend Gypsy sites is not extensive enough.
He said: “Darlington is in desperate need of new pitches - thirty five in the next 15 years is not enough.
“We need something more like 100 new pitches within the next year.”
Mr Welch, who appeared on hit show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, said about 80 per cent of the travelling community live in houses in Darlington, but many kept caravans for family members pitched in their gardens.
“If there are more pitches it will prevent this happening. Our population, which is in the thousands in Darlington, is expanding, just like the settled community - we need more sites,” he said.
The council has identified six potential locations for new or extended sites, which could be earmarked to be developed as sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople.
A study carried out for Tees Valley councils found that there are not enough pitches for travelling communities in the area and Darlington needs to provide an additional 35 pitches by 2026.
The six potential locations for these new pitches are: a site at Salters Lane West, open space at Blackett Road, the North West Fringe (near West Park and Branksome), Honeypot Lane caravan site, Neasham Road caravan site, and a private family site at Roundhill Road, Hurworth.
A consultation on the masterplan is currently taking place in the town.
Speaking at a consultation drop-in session, Lucy Mo, 26, a planning officer for Darlington Borough Council, said: “We want to engage with both the Traveller community and the general public.
“This consultation helps us answer any queries people may have and makes sure people get the right information.”
The final drop-in session for members of the public to have a look at the Gypsy site masterplan will be held on Friday, March 30, at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.
A GYPSY spokesman has called on the council to provide 100 new pitches for the burgeoning traveller community.
Last week Darlington Borough Council drew up a masterplan of the 35 new pitches it proposes to build in the next fifteen years.
However Billy Welch, 50, who lives on the Honeypot Lane caravan site in Darlington, said the council’s plan to extend Gypsy sites is not extensive enough.
He said: “Darlington is in desperate need of new pitches - thirty five in the next 15 years is not enough.
“We need something more like 100 new pitches within the next year.”
Mr Welch, who appeared on hit show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, said about 80 per cent of the travelling community live in houses in Darlington, but many kept caravans for family members pitched in their gardens.
“If there are more pitches it will prevent this happening. Our population, which is in the thousands in Darlington, is expanding, just like the settled community - we need more sites,” he said.
The council has identified six potential locations for new or extended sites, which could be earmarked to be developed as sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople.
A study carried out for Tees Valley councils found that there are not enough pitches for travelling communities in the area and Darlington needs to provide an additional 35 pitches by 2026.
The six potential locations for these new pitches are: a site at Salters Lane West, open space at Blackett Road, the North West Fringe (near West Park and Branksome), Honeypot Lane caravan site, Neasham Road caravan site, and a private family site at Roundhill Road, Hurworth.
A consultation on the masterplan is currently taking place in the town.
Speaking at a consultation drop-in session, Lucy Mo, 26, a planning officer for Darlington Borough Council, said: “We want to engage with both the Traveller community and the general public.
“This consultation helps us answer any queries people may have and makes sure people get the right information.”
The final drop-in session for members of the public to have a look at the Gypsy site masterplan will be held on Friday, March 30, at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington from 10am to noon and 1pm to 3pm.
Sunday 25 March 2012
Plan for Traveller camps on new housing estates - Somerset
From the Bristol Evening Post
TRAVELLER camps run by housing associations could be created as part of new developments planned in Weston-super-Mare.
North Somerset Council has to provide up to 36 new pitches in the district over the next few years to cope with the growing number of Travellers in the area.
But rather than fund the sites itself the cash-strapped authority, tasked with saving £47 million over the next four years, is asking local housing associations to fund and run them.
The authority is now looking to persuade developers to allocate land within the new Weston Villages development so travellers can live side by side with the local community.
Areas being considered include new developments planned between Winterstoke Road and Wolvershill Road including the former airfield near Locking, Locking Parklands and land south of Somerset Avenue.
The new pitches would be used by existing Traveller families, many of whom are already living on cramped sites in the area. The pitches would not be available to any travellers living outside of North Somerset.
There are 42 residential pitches in six locations across the district including the Willowmead at Locking Castle, which has five pitches. And there is the privately owned camp, Moorland Park, at Hewish which is owned by local businessman Peter Penfold and has 33 pitches. There are other pitches at Box Bush Lane and Travellers Rest, Puxton and at Clevedon Road, Failand.
If the sites are managed by a housing association, it would pay for their creation and then charge a weekly rent – similar to houses.
Housing associations would be able to apply for Government grants to help with the cost of creating the sites
North Somerset Council deputy leader and executive member for planning, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, said: "We are looking at areas which are undeveloped but where developments are planned in the future.
"One of the key issues is to try and integrate these sites before there is major development so the Travellers instantly become part of the community. Many of the existing travelling families have grown and the pitches have become overcrowded.
"We are looking to developers to assist us in identifying sites, otherwise we will identify suitable locations ourselves. Working with housing associations is one option we are considering at the moment as any funding for the sites would have to come from outside of the council."
A survey of traveller families in North Somerset revealed that Weston is their favoured area for pitches because of its close proximity to schools, shops and other facilities.
TRAVELLER camps run by housing associations could be created as part of new developments planned in Weston-super-Mare.
North Somerset Council has to provide up to 36 new pitches in the district over the next few years to cope with the growing number of Travellers in the area.
But rather than fund the sites itself the cash-strapped authority, tasked with saving £47 million over the next four years, is asking local housing associations to fund and run them.
The authority is now looking to persuade developers to allocate land within the new Weston Villages development so travellers can live side by side with the local community.
Areas being considered include new developments planned between Winterstoke Road and Wolvershill Road including the former airfield near Locking, Locking Parklands and land south of Somerset Avenue.
The new pitches would be used by existing Traveller families, many of whom are already living on cramped sites in the area. The pitches would not be available to any travellers living outside of North Somerset.
There are 42 residential pitches in six locations across the district including the Willowmead at Locking Castle, which has five pitches. And there is the privately owned camp, Moorland Park, at Hewish which is owned by local businessman Peter Penfold and has 33 pitches. There are other pitches at Box Bush Lane and Travellers Rest, Puxton and at Clevedon Road, Failand.
If the sites are managed by a housing association, it would pay for their creation and then charge a weekly rent – similar to houses.
Housing associations would be able to apply for Government grants to help with the cost of creating the sites
North Somerset Council deputy leader and executive member for planning, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, said: "We are looking at areas which are undeveloped but where developments are planned in the future.
"One of the key issues is to try and integrate these sites before there is major development so the Travellers instantly become part of the community. Many of the existing travelling families have grown and the pitches have become overcrowded.
"We are looking to developers to assist us in identifying sites, otherwise we will identify suitable locations ourselves. Working with housing associations is one option we are considering at the moment as any funding for the sites would have to come from outside of the council."
A survey of traveller families in North Somerset revealed that Weston is their favoured area for pitches because of its close proximity to schools, shops and other facilities.
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