From the Ascot Windsor and Eton Express
A Travellers' site in Datchet has moved a step closer to being given the green light.
Royal Borough cabinet members decided to develop the site at Mill Place to include 10 pitches, costing £700,000, subject to permission being granted by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
They also agreed to enter into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land at £30,000 per year.
Speaking at a meeting on Thursday, October 24, cabinet member for planning and property Cllr MJ Saunders (Con, Bisham and Cookham) said: "We have done a lot of work to fulfil our obligation to provide these pitches, we looked at a number of sites and held a number of consultations.
"It became clear that the Traveller community in Datchet was already quite substantial and it was sensible for us to leave the door open for a planning application to come forward which it did.
"The planning consent was approved and now the secretary of state is looking into it. I look forward to this coming to fruition and I am glad to be part of its conception."
It is hoped the site, if approved by the Secretary of State, will be complete and occupied by March 2015.
The meeting took place at Windsor Guildhall.
Thursday 31 October 2013
Stow Horse Fair 'beautiful' and free of trouble - Gloucestershire
From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD saw hundreds of Travellers descend on a field near Maugersbury Road last Thursday to celebrate the 537-year-old traditional horse fair.
Stow Horse Fair is a chartered event, which is held twice a year, in May and October, and sees members of the gypsy community attend from across the UK to sell and trade their horses and goods.
Gloucestershire Police said last week’s event went well and without trouble.
“The fair was very peaceful and well-spirited and there were no issues of disorder or criminality from our perspective,” said a spokesman.
“The only arrests made were on two boys who stole several cans of soft drink from a local shop. A community resolution was reached in which the pair paid for their goods and apologised to the shopkeeper.
“Our thanks to those who attended and the community for their responsible behaviour and cooperation.”
Field owner Walter Henry also praised the organisation of this year’s event.
“There wasn’t a bit of trouble, everything went lovely, everything was beautiful,” he said.
“It was very busy, there was a lot of people here today. There was a big crowd.”
This fair may have been held for the last time on its usual field near Maugersbury Road, as there are plans for the land to be sold. The fair has been held on the field since 1990.
Developer JRN Properties Ltd hopes to build a medical centre, five houses and a 300-space car park on the site, although no planning application has yet been made.
Stow Town Council has said that if the plans do go ahead, there would be other areas close to the town where the horse fair could be relocated.
A spokesman added: “Planning permission has not even been applied for yet and the horse fair will only move from its current site if permission is granted.
“A proposal has not been made formally to the council. If the horse fair had to move, though, there are plenty of adjoining fields for it to go, if the landowners are prepared to allow it.”
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD saw hundreds of Travellers descend on a field near Maugersbury Road last Thursday to celebrate the 537-year-old traditional horse fair.
Stow Horse Fair is a chartered event, which is held twice a year, in May and October, and sees members of the gypsy community attend from across the UK to sell and trade their horses and goods.
Gloucestershire Police said last week’s event went well and without trouble.
“The fair was very peaceful and well-spirited and there were no issues of disorder or criminality from our perspective,” said a spokesman.
“The only arrests made were on two boys who stole several cans of soft drink from a local shop. A community resolution was reached in which the pair paid for their goods and apologised to the shopkeeper.
“Our thanks to those who attended and the community for their responsible behaviour and cooperation.”
Field owner Walter Henry also praised the organisation of this year’s event.
“There wasn’t a bit of trouble, everything went lovely, everything was beautiful,” he said.
“It was very busy, there was a lot of people here today. There was a big crowd.”
This fair may have been held for the last time on its usual field near Maugersbury Road, as there are plans for the land to be sold. The fair has been held on the field since 1990.
Developer JRN Properties Ltd hopes to build a medical centre, five houses and a 300-space car park on the site, although no planning application has yet been made.
Stow Town Council has said that if the plans do go ahead, there would be other areas close to the town where the horse fair could be relocated.
A spokesman added: “Planning permission has not even been applied for yet and the horse fair will only move from its current site if permission is granted.
“A proposal has not been made formally to the council. If the horse fair had to move, though, there are plenty of adjoining fields for it to go, if the landowners are prepared to allow it.”
Council leaders to make decision on whether to renew search for Travellers' site - Glamorgan
From the South Wales Evening Post
Swansea Council leaders are set to decide whether to re-start a search for a new site for Travellers.
The authority’s cabinet meets on Tuesday, when they will make a decision on whether to accept the recommendation of officers to set-up a site either in Llansamlet or in Cockett.
They will also consider an amendment to the officers’ report, proposed at the full council meeting two weeks ago, that the search for a site should instead consider all available land in Swansea, including privately-owned land - effectively pushing back a decision once again in the long-running process to find a site for Travellers.
A spokesman for the authority said: “It was agreed that the views of council on adopting a whole Swansea approach and to look at all land in the city to see if is suitable, would be forwarded for consideration by cabinet. “
“Cabinet will then determine what the next steps are.”
Swansea already has one official site for Travellers in Pant-Y-Blawd Road, Llansamlet, as well as an unofficial one in nearby Swansea Vale.
But Swansea Council has to provide another to meet statutory obligations, and since March 2010 the authority has been engaged in a process to find a suitable site.
The process saw officers initially consider more than 1,000 council-owned sites, which was whittled down to a shortlist of five was developed, in Gorseinon, Cockett, Llansamlet and Penderry.
That was finally reduced to two - the former greyhound racing track site in Cockett, or land off Peniel Green Road in Llansamlet.
But two weeks ago, councillors rejected the officers recommendation, and asked for more plots to be considered. The cabinet will make the final decision.
The report to be considered advises councillors that development costs “have been estimated by Welsh Government to be possibly in the region of £2 million” dependent on design, substructure and associated infrastructure costs.
In response to concerns from some businesses which had threatened to pull out of Fforestfach estate if a site went ahead at the former greyhound racing track, the report also states: “If local business did experience any problems or issues with the Gypsies
and Travellers, this situation could be within the remit of the site manager and in serious cases could lead to eviction from the site.”
The cabinet will meet on Tuesday (Nov 5) at the Civic Centre, and will be webcast live to enable residents to view the proceedings on the internet.
Swansea Council leaders are set to decide whether to re-start a search for a new site for Travellers.
The authority’s cabinet meets on Tuesday, when they will make a decision on whether to accept the recommendation of officers to set-up a site either in Llansamlet or in Cockett.
They will also consider an amendment to the officers’ report, proposed at the full council meeting two weeks ago, that the search for a site should instead consider all available land in Swansea, including privately-owned land - effectively pushing back a decision once again in the long-running process to find a site for Travellers.
A spokesman for the authority said: “It was agreed that the views of council on adopting a whole Swansea approach and to look at all land in the city to see if is suitable, would be forwarded for consideration by cabinet. “
“Cabinet will then determine what the next steps are.”
Swansea already has one official site for Travellers in Pant-Y-Blawd Road, Llansamlet, as well as an unofficial one in nearby Swansea Vale.
But Swansea Council has to provide another to meet statutory obligations, and since March 2010 the authority has been engaged in a process to find a suitable site.
The process saw officers initially consider more than 1,000 council-owned sites, which was whittled down to a shortlist of five was developed, in Gorseinon, Cockett, Llansamlet and Penderry.
That was finally reduced to two - the former greyhound racing track site in Cockett, or land off Peniel Green Road in Llansamlet.
But two weeks ago, councillors rejected the officers recommendation, and asked for more plots to be considered. The cabinet will make the final decision.
The report to be considered advises councillors that development costs “have been estimated by Welsh Government to be possibly in the region of £2 million” dependent on design, substructure and associated infrastructure costs.
In response to concerns from some businesses which had threatened to pull out of Fforestfach estate if a site went ahead at the former greyhound racing track, the report also states: “If local business did experience any problems or issues with the Gypsies
and Travellers, this situation could be within the remit of the site manager and in serious cases could lead to eviction from the site.”
The cabinet will meet on Tuesday (Nov 5) at the Civic Centre, and will be webcast live to enable residents to view the proceedings on the internet.
Travellers' sites misery for Telford firms as four locations taken over in week - Shropshire
From the Shropshire Star
Travellers have pitched up at four locations in Telford in less than a week.
Their tour of the town has angered company leaders, who say they are blocking up vital business parks.
Caravans had today set up home on Halesfield 5, next to the offices of Rex Stevens Transport Ltd on Stafford Park.
It comes in a week in which they have created four separate illegal camps. Rex Stevens director James Stevens said action needed to be taken to prevent the arrival of the Travellers.
He said: “It’s always Telford. Travellers currently roll around between the same places so much you get to recognise the vehicles. If the police put more pressure on them the moment they turned up I am sure they would leave Telford and find somewhere else. But they know they’ve got two weeks before it goes to court so they just push it until then.”
On Monday morning, workers at Alumasc in Halesfield 19 arrived to find the barrier to their staff car park had been taken down and caravans were parked across their spaces.
Mac Harwood, operations manager at the company, said the travelling community had been frequenting the car park since February of this year, running up massive legal costs to have them evicted, and costs to clean up the site once they have left.
Alex Casewell, from neighbouring company Pelloby, said the Travellers’ presence was damaging local businesses, adding: “ We cannot sustain this continued level of gross intrusion and the effects it has on our local business.
“The clean up costs alone are running into several thousands of pounds, not to mention the damage to property, gates and fences that are ripped apart to gain unlawful entry. The law needs changing in order to protect the employers, their valued workforce and the contracts awarded that keep industrial cogs going round.”
On Tuesday, a separate camp was set up on the roadside, close to Stafford Park 12.
During that evening, the Travellers from the Alumasc car park were moved on by police and bailiffs, but took up residence on the Ironbridge Park and Ride station, causing difficulties for tourists yesterday who were left with nowhere to park.
Telford & Wrekin Council is currently seeking planning permission for a temporary transit site for Travellers in the borough. It also wants to extend an existing permanent site at Lodge Road.
Council spokesman Russell Griffin said: “This will hopefully reduce the impact of some of the illegal encampments within the borough. We are working closely with the police to ensure that any illegal sites on public land are moved on as quickly as they can be, but this can sometimes take several weeks if we have to go via the county courts.
“The council has no powers over Traveller encampments on private land, as with the current Halesfield 5 settlement, but will offer advice and guidance to the landowner/ occupier were necessary.”
Travellers have pitched up at four locations in Telford in less than a week.
Their tour of the town has angered company leaders, who say they are blocking up vital business parks.
Caravans had today set up home on Halesfield 5, next to the offices of Rex Stevens Transport Ltd on Stafford Park.
It comes in a week in which they have created four separate illegal camps. Rex Stevens director James Stevens said action needed to be taken to prevent the arrival of the Travellers.
He said: “It’s always Telford. Travellers currently roll around between the same places so much you get to recognise the vehicles. If the police put more pressure on them the moment they turned up I am sure they would leave Telford and find somewhere else. But they know they’ve got two weeks before it goes to court so they just push it until then.”
On Monday morning, workers at Alumasc in Halesfield 19 arrived to find the barrier to their staff car park had been taken down and caravans were parked across their spaces.
Mac Harwood, operations manager at the company, said the travelling community had been frequenting the car park since February of this year, running up massive legal costs to have them evicted, and costs to clean up the site once they have left.
Alex Casewell, from neighbouring company Pelloby, said the Travellers’ presence was damaging local businesses, adding: “ We cannot sustain this continued level of gross intrusion and the effects it has on our local business.
“The clean up costs alone are running into several thousands of pounds, not to mention the damage to property, gates and fences that are ripped apart to gain unlawful entry. The law needs changing in order to protect the employers, their valued workforce and the contracts awarded that keep industrial cogs going round.”
On Tuesday, a separate camp was set up on the roadside, close to Stafford Park 12.
During that evening, the Travellers from the Alumasc car park were moved on by police and bailiffs, but took up residence on the Ironbridge Park and Ride station, causing difficulties for tourists yesterday who were left with nowhere to park.
Telford & Wrekin Council is currently seeking planning permission for a temporary transit site for Travellers in the borough. It also wants to extend an existing permanent site at Lodge Road.
Council spokesman Russell Griffin said: “This will hopefully reduce the impact of some of the illegal encampments within the borough. We are working closely with the police to ensure that any illegal sites on public land are moved on as quickly as they can be, but this can sometimes take several weeks if we have to go via the county courts.
“The council has no powers over Traveller encampments on private land, as with the current Halesfield 5 settlement, but will offer advice and guidance to the landowner/ occupier were necessary.”
Roma in Europe: Guilty until proven innocent?
From the United Nations Human Rights
GENEVA (29 October 2013) – “The recent activities of some national authorities to remove 'non-Roma looking' children from Roma families due to their alleged abduction has led to sensationalist media coverage, has been disturbing and may result in a dangerous, unwarranted backlash against Roma individuals and communities. Some authorities and media outlets appear to be working on the basis that the Roma are ‘guilty until proven innocent’.
The case of the young blonde girl called Maria, who was found living in a Roma settlement in Greece, prompted a wave of anti-Roma reports, which made the front pages of media globally. Uninformed accusations were made about how she was stolen and abused, even before a thorough investigation could be conducted. Reports now suggest that, following DNA tests, Maria has been found to be the daughter of Bulgarian Roma parents who have stated that they voluntarily left the girl with the Greek Roma family because they could not afford to look after her themselves. The Greek Roma couple reportedly remain in custody on charges of abduction.
If investigations find that Maria was abducted by those Roma she lived with, then certainly those individuals should face justice and should be prosecuted according to the law. But too many people appear to believe the stereotypes that all Roma are criminals by birth. If Roma individuals are found to be guilty of a crime, this will be the crime of those individuals, not of the entire Roma population. Sadly, this recent coverage threatens to provoke a further angry reaction against Roma communities accused of snatching children, who are already the subject of hatred. In various countries, desperate families with missing children are now calling on police to investigate Roma settlements to find their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Roma families are seeing their own children being taken away from them based on simplistic notions of the right eye-colour and hair-colour for a Roma individual. There has been evidence of inappropriate, ethnically biased behaviour on the part of some authorities, which must cease. The incident in Ireland recently, where two blonde Roma children were taken away from their parents, and only returned after DNA tests proved that they were indeed their children, is illustrative and must have been distressing for the families.
For generations, Roma children have been taken away from their families because of poverty and the assumption that poor Roma parents cannot take care of their children. Many Roma children go missing and are at risk of trafficking or prostitution. Segregated education of Roma, the forced sterilization of Roma women, and the murder of Roma individuals in hate based attacks are just a few of the many tragedies faced by Roma that rarely get media coverage. The Roma population in Europe is estimated at about 12 million people, and there is a long history of discrimination against them.
I call on all media and commentators, including political figures and leaders of political parties to exercise restraint and refrain from dangerous generalizations on the supposed criminality of Roma. Such irresponsible coverage and hateful rhetoric will only trigger further stigmatization and even violence against Roma individuals and communities. I urge journalists to cover these issues responsibly.
At this time of economic crisis and disillusionment, the last thing we need is further scapegoating of those who are already marginalized.”
Rita Izsák was appointed as Independent Expert on minority issues by the Human Rights Council in June 2011 and took up her functions on 01 August 2011. As Independent Expert, she is independent from any government or organization and serves in her individual capacity. Learn more: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/IExpert/Pages/IEminorityissuesIndex.aspx
Check the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/Minorities.aspx
For further information and media inquiries, please contact Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to minorityissues@ohchr.org
For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)
GENEVA (29 October 2013) – “The recent activities of some national authorities to remove 'non-Roma looking' children from Roma families due to their alleged abduction has led to sensationalist media coverage, has been disturbing and may result in a dangerous, unwarranted backlash against Roma individuals and communities. Some authorities and media outlets appear to be working on the basis that the Roma are ‘guilty until proven innocent’.
The case of the young blonde girl called Maria, who was found living in a Roma settlement in Greece, prompted a wave of anti-Roma reports, which made the front pages of media globally. Uninformed accusations were made about how she was stolen and abused, even before a thorough investigation could be conducted. Reports now suggest that, following DNA tests, Maria has been found to be the daughter of Bulgarian Roma parents who have stated that they voluntarily left the girl with the Greek Roma family because they could not afford to look after her themselves. The Greek Roma couple reportedly remain in custody on charges of abduction.
If investigations find that Maria was abducted by those Roma she lived with, then certainly those individuals should face justice and should be prosecuted according to the law. But too many people appear to believe the stereotypes that all Roma are criminals by birth. If Roma individuals are found to be guilty of a crime, this will be the crime of those individuals, not of the entire Roma population. Sadly, this recent coverage threatens to provoke a further angry reaction against Roma communities accused of snatching children, who are already the subject of hatred. In various countries, desperate families with missing children are now calling on police to investigate Roma settlements to find their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Roma families are seeing their own children being taken away from them based on simplistic notions of the right eye-colour and hair-colour for a Roma individual. There has been evidence of inappropriate, ethnically biased behaviour on the part of some authorities, which must cease. The incident in Ireland recently, where two blonde Roma children were taken away from their parents, and only returned after DNA tests proved that they were indeed their children, is illustrative and must have been distressing for the families.
For generations, Roma children have been taken away from their families because of poverty and the assumption that poor Roma parents cannot take care of their children. Many Roma children go missing and are at risk of trafficking or prostitution. Segregated education of Roma, the forced sterilization of Roma women, and the murder of Roma individuals in hate based attacks are just a few of the many tragedies faced by Roma that rarely get media coverage. The Roma population in Europe is estimated at about 12 million people, and there is a long history of discrimination against them.
I call on all media and commentators, including political figures and leaders of political parties to exercise restraint and refrain from dangerous generalizations on the supposed criminality of Roma. Such irresponsible coverage and hateful rhetoric will only trigger further stigmatization and even violence against Roma individuals and communities. I urge journalists to cover these issues responsibly.
At this time of economic crisis and disillusionment, the last thing we need is further scapegoating of those who are already marginalized.”
Rita Izsák was appointed as Independent Expert on minority issues by the Human Rights Council in June 2011 and took up her functions on 01 August 2011. As Independent Expert, she is independent from any government or organization and serves in her individual capacity. Learn more: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Minorities/IExpert/Pages/IEminorityissuesIndex.aspx
Check the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/Minorities.aspx
For further information and media inquiries, please contact Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to minorityissues@ohchr.org
For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)
Travellers move onto Cheslyn Hay school car park - Staffordshire
From the Express and Star
Travellers’ caravans, vans and cars have moved onto a school’s car park in Cheslyn Hay.
Four caravans were spotted on Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School’s car park in Saredon Road during this morning.
The Travellers, who are thought to have moved on to the site last night, also had two cars and two vans on the car park.
Jane Hoult, communications officer for Staffordshire Police, said: “We received a call after 8pm last night following a report of caravans on Cheslyn Hay High School’s car park.
“Officers attended and spoke to the occupants and the landowner will now discuss the matter with them.”
Travellers’ caravans, vans and cars have moved onto a school’s car park in Cheslyn Hay.
Four caravans were spotted on Cheslyn Hay Sport and Community High School’s car park in Saredon Road during this morning.
The Travellers, who are thought to have moved on to the site last night, also had two cars and two vans on the car park.
Jane Hoult, communications officer for Staffordshire Police, said: “We received a call after 8pm last night following a report of caravans on Cheslyn Hay High School’s car park.
“Officers attended and spoke to the occupants and the landowner will now discuss the matter with them.”
'Living in fear' - Cork Roma worry kids will be taken - Cork
From the Cork Independent
"Living in fear" is how the Cork Roma community have been described by the co-founder of the Roma Support Group Bill Dunlea after two children were removed from Roma homes last week.
The second child that was removed, in Athlone, was related to members of the Cork Roma community and the family were in regular contact with Cork Roma Support Group who are working towards national support.
"We did a survey last year to find out the needs of the Roma community. We were in contact with the families in Athlone and we have been in contact with the families over the past year.
An uncle of the family that had their child taken last week is living in Cork and it was a huge shock for him to hear what had happened.
"To be honest," Mr Dunlea said, "The community is very upset. They are just stunned and they are looking at their own children now and if they are any bit different they are wondering if they are going to be taken.
"One of the young fellas said to me the other day, I heard there is an old Irish phrase, 'come in here, don't be staying out there too long, the Gypsies will take you.' Now the Gypsies are saying, 'Come in, don't be staying out there, the settled people will take you."
Cornell 'Bobby' Rostas, a member of the Cork Roma community, said everybody is afraid after what happened in Tallaght and Athlone.
"I don't know what to say, we are angry and I just dont want it to happen to me. I have four children, the oldest is 11 and the youngest is one and a half years old.
"They are blonde and they are not dark skinned and I worry that they might be taken. I have stopped them playing outside of our estate. Everyone has stopped letting their children play around the area.
"I never talk to the Cork garda and it is a good thing. I just want them to leave us alone.
"It is upsetting because we know the family and we are worried it could happen to us. I just don't want to have to worry about my chidren being taken."
UCC lecturer Gina Lordan, who co-founded the Cork Roma Support Group said there were positive things to take from the incident.
"I think what happened highlighted a problem that was going unnoticed. A lot of people know what happened wasn't right and to have a child taken from its family is not easy on anyone."
Gina's colleagues organised a protest last Friday to show solidarity with the Roma community and it was a great success.
"It was a great success, I didn't expect it so many people to turn up. There was just one Roma woman as the rest were to afraid to attend and some of the older men were also worried, just in case.
"After the protest, some of the Irish families that came invited the Roma to a pub for a drink and I think that is most unusual. It must be an historic event."
"Living in fear" is how the Cork Roma community have been described by the co-founder of the Roma Support Group Bill Dunlea after two children were removed from Roma homes last week.
The second child that was removed, in Athlone, was related to members of the Cork Roma community and the family were in regular contact with Cork Roma Support Group who are working towards national support.
"We did a survey last year to find out the needs of the Roma community. We were in contact with the families in Athlone and we have been in contact with the families over the past year.
An uncle of the family that had their child taken last week is living in Cork and it was a huge shock for him to hear what had happened.
"To be honest," Mr Dunlea said, "The community is very upset. They are just stunned and they are looking at their own children now and if they are any bit different they are wondering if they are going to be taken.
"One of the young fellas said to me the other day, I heard there is an old Irish phrase, 'come in here, don't be staying out there too long, the Gypsies will take you.' Now the Gypsies are saying, 'Come in, don't be staying out there, the settled people will take you."
Cornell 'Bobby' Rostas, a member of the Cork Roma community, said everybody is afraid after what happened in Tallaght and Athlone.
"I don't know what to say, we are angry and I just dont want it to happen to me. I have four children, the oldest is 11 and the youngest is one and a half years old.
"They are blonde and they are not dark skinned and I worry that they might be taken. I have stopped them playing outside of our estate. Everyone has stopped letting their children play around the area.
"I never talk to the Cork garda and it is a good thing. I just want them to leave us alone.
"It is upsetting because we know the family and we are worried it could happen to us. I just don't want to have to worry about my chidren being taken."
UCC lecturer Gina Lordan, who co-founded the Cork Roma Support Group said there were positive things to take from the incident.
"I think what happened highlighted a problem that was going unnoticed. A lot of people know what happened wasn't right and to have a child taken from its family is not easy on anyone."
Gina's colleagues organised a protest last Friday to show solidarity with the Roma community and it was a great success.
"It was a great success, I didn't expect it so many people to turn up. There was just one Roma woman as the rest were to afraid to attend and some of the older men were also worried, just in case.
"After the protest, some of the Irish families that came invited the Roma to a pub for a drink and I think that is most unusual. It must be an historic event."
Pavee planning for bright future - Ireland
From the Herald.ie
THE Dublin flags were still flying proudly outside Paddy McDonnell's home. The sun is coming in through the front window.
Paddy is the manager of the Pavee, the football team of the Travelling Community. They have had an excellent season in the AFL Division 10 Mid County, finishing third in the 16-team league.
Paddy's thoughts drift back to the great Bill Shelley. "Bill managed Pavee for years. He was such a gentleman. He did so much for the Travellers, both on and off the field. After Bill, the team had no manager. Lads kept approaching me. I decided to give it a go. It's important to promote a healthy lifestyle, and football is central to that."
CORE
Pavee have 25 players in the squad. They range in age from 16 to 36. They play at St Vincent's school. They train at Poppintree. Paddy's co-mentors are Martin Reilly and Patrick McDonagh.
Five families are at the core of the panel – the McDonnells, McDonaghs, Collinses, Cawleys and Joyces. There are many relations.
Paddy's father hailed from Westmeath. His mother came from Offaly. He learned his early football in Castlepollard.
He followed the Dubs everywhere. David Hickey and Tony Hanahoe were his favourites. "Brian Mullins was a great man to come back from the car accident to win the All-Ireland in '83. I'll never forget the semi-final in Cork. It was a great day. Joe McNally and Kieran Duff ... legends.
"But Dublin had so many good footballers over the years, you could name them all," says Paddy, who also had a real fondness for Offaly's Matt Connor.
Paddy has four sons playing for Pavee – Jamesie, Johnny, Paddy and Kieran. His youngest son, Thomas, plays with the U10s at Good Counsel. He's also bright off the field. A Student of the Year certificate hangs in the sitting room.
Paddy's daughter, Kathleen, also played football, and he says that sport means so much in the Travelling Community.
Gaelic football, boxing, soccer and swimming are popular pursuits. He would like to see more sports clubs within the Travelling Community. And looking at his work with Pavee, there would be no better co-ordinator to knit it all together. There is so much sporting talent within the community, just waiting for the chance to dance. It's a role that would sit perfectly with Paddy.
He's happy to see Pavee progress. "Our aim is to establish the team on a sound footing. We want it here in the years to come. We'd love to have our own ground. And we'd like to develop more teams, from the juvenile level up. The people are crying out for football."
He has forever friends at Erin's Isle – the Barrs, Charlie Redmond and so many at the club. He appreciates the wise words of Mick Dowling and Phil Sutcliffe. And he'll always be grateful to the Dublin county board – "John Costello, Jim Roche, John McNicholas, Kevin O'Shaughnessy. They couldn't do enough for us. I met Donal Hickey the other day. He was always so supportive."
MARVELLOUS
Ger Brennan, David Hickey and Conor Hickey will shortly be bringing Sam to the Travelling Community in Finglas. "They did the same in 2011. Marvellous people."
Paddy is thrilled with the Pavee renaissance. "The lads are so committed. You have the family members of players who played on the old team now playing. I'd often pop into them after training for a cup of tea. The encouragement they give me is just unreal."
Paddy keeps referring back to his old friend, Bill Shelley, a hero of the Travelling people. "I remember first going out when Bill was there and I was only 14. We always played in the Offaly jerseys."
Magical days, and Pavee are sure to have many more of them. They'd be delighted if a sponsor could be found. And they'd also welcome new players. Email Paddy at paddymcdonnellwalkinstown@ hotmail.com.
THE Dublin flags were still flying proudly outside Paddy McDonnell's home. The sun is coming in through the front window.
Paddy is the manager of the Pavee, the football team of the Travelling Community. They have had an excellent season in the AFL Division 10 Mid County, finishing third in the 16-team league.
Paddy's thoughts drift back to the great Bill Shelley. "Bill managed Pavee for years. He was such a gentleman. He did so much for the Travellers, both on and off the field. After Bill, the team had no manager. Lads kept approaching me. I decided to give it a go. It's important to promote a healthy lifestyle, and football is central to that."
CORE
Pavee have 25 players in the squad. They range in age from 16 to 36. They play at St Vincent's school. They train at Poppintree. Paddy's co-mentors are Martin Reilly and Patrick McDonagh.
Five families are at the core of the panel – the McDonnells, McDonaghs, Collinses, Cawleys and Joyces. There are many relations.
Paddy's father hailed from Westmeath. His mother came from Offaly. He learned his early football in Castlepollard.
He followed the Dubs everywhere. David Hickey and Tony Hanahoe were his favourites. "Brian Mullins was a great man to come back from the car accident to win the All-Ireland in '83. I'll never forget the semi-final in Cork. It was a great day. Joe McNally and Kieran Duff ... legends.
"But Dublin had so many good footballers over the years, you could name them all," says Paddy, who also had a real fondness for Offaly's Matt Connor.
Paddy has four sons playing for Pavee – Jamesie, Johnny, Paddy and Kieran. His youngest son, Thomas, plays with the U10s at Good Counsel. He's also bright off the field. A Student of the Year certificate hangs in the sitting room.
Paddy's daughter, Kathleen, also played football, and he says that sport means so much in the Travelling Community.
Gaelic football, boxing, soccer and swimming are popular pursuits. He would like to see more sports clubs within the Travelling Community. And looking at his work with Pavee, there would be no better co-ordinator to knit it all together. There is so much sporting talent within the community, just waiting for the chance to dance. It's a role that would sit perfectly with Paddy.
He's happy to see Pavee progress. "Our aim is to establish the team on a sound footing. We want it here in the years to come. We'd love to have our own ground. And we'd like to develop more teams, from the juvenile level up. The people are crying out for football."
He has forever friends at Erin's Isle – the Barrs, Charlie Redmond and so many at the club. He appreciates the wise words of Mick Dowling and Phil Sutcliffe. And he'll always be grateful to the Dublin county board – "John Costello, Jim Roche, John McNicholas, Kevin O'Shaughnessy. They couldn't do enough for us. I met Donal Hickey the other day. He was always so supportive."
MARVELLOUS
Ger Brennan, David Hickey and Conor Hickey will shortly be bringing Sam to the Travelling Community in Finglas. "They did the same in 2011. Marvellous people."
Paddy is thrilled with the Pavee renaissance. "The lads are so committed. You have the family members of players who played on the old team now playing. I'd often pop into them after training for a cup of tea. The encouragement they give me is just unreal."
Paddy keeps referring back to his old friend, Bill Shelley, a hero of the Travelling people. "I remember first going out when Bill was there and I was only 14. We always played in the Offaly jerseys."
Magical days, and Pavee are sure to have many more of them. They'd be delighted if a sponsor could be found. And they'd also welcome new players. Email Paddy at paddymcdonnellwalkinstown@ hotmail.com.
Blocking Telford Travellers - Shropshire
From Telford Live
Elite Precast Concrete, who produce a variety of innovative precast concrete solutions for clients UK-wide, were called upon by a concerned business owner on the park to provide 28 two-tonne security barrier blocks, following reports that Travellers had homed in on a nearby industrial site and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Owen Batham, Sales and Marketing Director at Elite Precast Concrete, said: “We were contacted early yesterday morning [Tuesday 29 October] by a Telford business owner who was concerned after last week’s injunction saw the Travellers begrudgingly on the move. We had a two-hour window to get the blocks delivered to Halesfield 19 and close off a large staff car park.
“The blocks are absolutely ideal for added security and peace of mind. They’re not only strong and durable, but can be easily moved by the client once it is safe to do so.”
A spokesman from the Business Park commented: “Elite Precast Concrete has been an absolute lifesaver. They responded quickly and efficiently, not only protecting the site, but also ensuring that local businesses are not impacted. We can’t thank Owen and the team enough.”
Elite Precast Concrete, who produce a variety of innovative precast concrete solutions for clients UK-wide, were called upon by a concerned business owner on the park to provide 28 two-tonne security barrier blocks, following reports that Travellers had homed in on a nearby industrial site and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Owen Batham, Sales and Marketing Director at Elite Precast Concrete, said: “We were contacted early yesterday morning [Tuesday 29 October] by a Telford business owner who was concerned after last week’s injunction saw the Travellers begrudgingly on the move. We had a two-hour window to get the blocks delivered to Halesfield 19 and close off a large staff car park.
“The blocks are absolutely ideal for added security and peace of mind. They’re not only strong and durable, but can be easily moved by the client once it is safe to do so.”
A spokesman from the Business Park commented: “Elite Precast Concrete has been an absolute lifesaver. They responded quickly and efficiently, not only protecting the site, but also ensuring that local businesses are not impacted. We can’t thank Owen and the team enough.”
Controversial Leicester Gypsy and Travellers sites are approved - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
Contentious plans for managed Gypsy Traveller pitches in the north of Leicester have been approved by city councillors.
Members of Leicester City Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to allow plots at Thurcaston Road, near the Red Hill Roundabout, and Greengate Lane, near Birstall, to be developed.
Both areas were selected by Leicester City Council on land it owns and it says the 16 pitches are needed to reduce the problem of unauthorised encampments.
Last night, a special committee meeting was held at the African-Caribbean Centre, in Highfields, where members discussed planning the application by housing association Framework which has been granted £4.3 million of Government cash to build and develop the sites.
see also: The BBC - Two new Leicester Gypsy and Traveller sites approved
Contentious plans for managed Gypsy Traveller pitches in the north of Leicester have been approved by city councillors.
Members of Leicester City Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to allow plots at Thurcaston Road, near the Red Hill Roundabout, and Greengate Lane, near Birstall, to be developed.
Both areas were selected by Leicester City Council on land it owns and it says the 16 pitches are needed to reduce the problem of unauthorised encampments.
Last night, a special committee meeting was held at the African-Caribbean Centre, in Highfields, where members discussed planning the application by housing association Framework which has been granted £4.3 million of Government cash to build and develop the sites.
see also: The BBC - Two new Leicester Gypsy and Traveller sites approved
Leicester council to decide location of Gypsy sites - Leicestershire
From ITV
A decision will be made this evening on the location of two proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites in Leicester.
The City Council's Planning and Development Committee will hear the formal application from from the developer Framework Housing Association to build two sites in the north of the city.
There has been fierce opposition to the sites from local campaign group LE4, who claim residents have not been properly consulted over the plans, and that those living close to Greengate Lane have suffered from the "illegally tolerated" Travellers at the site.
Developers want to create 6 pitches at Greengate Lane, and ten at Redhill Way.
The council says any residents who oppose the plans are free to express their views at tonight's meeting, which takes place at the African Caribbean Centre in Highfields, Leicester at 6pm.
A decision will be made this evening on the location of two proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites in Leicester.
The City Council's Planning and Development Committee will hear the formal application from from the developer Framework Housing Association to build two sites in the north of the city.
There has been fierce opposition to the sites from local campaign group LE4, who claim residents have not been properly consulted over the plans, and that those living close to Greengate Lane have suffered from the "illegally tolerated" Travellers at the site.
Developers want to create 6 pitches at Greengate Lane, and ten at Redhill Way.
The council says any residents who oppose the plans are free to express their views at tonight's meeting, which takes place at the African Caribbean Centre in Highfields, Leicester at 6pm.
Gypsies to stay on park and ride site - Wiltshire
From This Is Wiltshire
ROMANY Gypsies who moved on to the old Groundwell Road Park and Ride on Saturday will stay there for another few days.
More than 50 Travellers from Paris moved on to the site in 12 caravans shortly after 1pm, claiming they found the gates on Cricklade Road unlocked.
The land is owned by Swindon Council, who work with the police to find solutions with Travellers who pull into undesignated sites.
A council spokesman said: “The Travellers are not causing any problems and, following a meeting with our partners in the police and in accordance with Government guidance and best practices, we have decided to allow the group to remain for a short period.”
Last month, a separate group of Travellers occupied the site for 24 hours after being moved from Dale Farm, in Essex.
In August the building on the site was gutted by fire.
The nearest legal site for use by Travellers is the Chiseldon Firs transit site, which is managed by the council.
The site, on the A346 between Swindon and Marlborough, can accommodate 20 caravans. Information about legal sites is at www.swindon.gov.uk.
ROMANY Gypsies who moved on to the old Groundwell Road Park and Ride on Saturday will stay there for another few days.
More than 50 Travellers from Paris moved on to the site in 12 caravans shortly after 1pm, claiming they found the gates on Cricklade Road unlocked.
The land is owned by Swindon Council, who work with the police to find solutions with Travellers who pull into undesignated sites.
A council spokesman said: “The Travellers are not causing any problems and, following a meeting with our partners in the police and in accordance with Government guidance and best practices, we have decided to allow the group to remain for a short period.”
Last month, a separate group of Travellers occupied the site for 24 hours after being moved from Dale Farm, in Essex.
In August the building on the site was gutted by fire.
The nearest legal site for use by Travellers is the Chiseldon Firs transit site, which is managed by the council.
The site, on the A346 between Swindon and Marlborough, can accommodate 20 caravans. Information about legal sites is at www.swindon.gov.uk.
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Travellers move on to park-and-ride site at Ironbridge - Shropshire
From the Shropshire Star
The campers moved to the car park at the top of Jiggers Bank last night after being moved on from the Alumasc on Halesfield Business Park by police and bailiffs.
It is preventing people from using the parking spaces set aside for people who visit the town to see the Iron Bridge and other Gorge attractions.
A second group of Travellers has also set up camp on land at Stafford Park. Representatives of businesses in the area said caravans had been parked on the side of the road on Stafford Park 12, which they said presents a danger to motorists.
Officials at Telford & Wrekin Council have been made aware of both groups and were today in discussions with police.
The car park at Alumasc was taken over by Travellers over the weekend after they took down a barrier to gain access.
Phil Holmes, from Alumasc, said: “They went last night, the police came down with bailiffs and moved them on. What we now understand is on leaving they’ve moved on to the park-and-ride.”
James Stevens, from Rex Stevens Transport Ltd on Stafford Park, said every time a business is forced to evict Travellers from their premises, it costs them £1,000 with an added clean-up cost which can stretch to twice as much.
Charlotte Dade, a spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We will be asking the police to use their powers to move the Travellers.
“If the police are unable to get them moved, the council will go through our usual channels.”
The campers moved to the car park at the top of Jiggers Bank last night after being moved on from the Alumasc on Halesfield Business Park by police and bailiffs.
It is preventing people from using the parking spaces set aside for people who visit the town to see the Iron Bridge and other Gorge attractions.
A second group of Travellers has also set up camp on land at Stafford Park. Representatives of businesses in the area said caravans had been parked on the side of the road on Stafford Park 12, which they said presents a danger to motorists.
Officials at Telford & Wrekin Council have been made aware of both groups and were today in discussions with police.
The car park at Alumasc was taken over by Travellers over the weekend after they took down a barrier to gain access.
Phil Holmes, from Alumasc, said: “They went last night, the police came down with bailiffs and moved them on. What we now understand is on leaving they’ve moved on to the park-and-ride.”
James Stevens, from Rex Stevens Transport Ltd on Stafford Park, said every time a business is forced to evict Travellers from their premises, it costs them £1,000 with an added clean-up cost which can stretch to twice as much.
Charlotte Dade, a spokeswoman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We will be asking the police to use their powers to move the Travellers.
“If the police are unable to get them moved, the council will go through our usual channels.”
Travellers set up camp at two sites in Bracknell - Berkshire
From Get Reading
A group of Travellers have moved onto two sites in the borough.
Police were called by a member of the public at 11.21am today (Wednesday) who saw a number of caravans travelling in convoy.
Bracknell Forest Council requested the help of Thames Valley Police after camps were set up on a grassed area of Downshire Way, by its junction with Bagshot Road, and at Bracknell Leisure Centre.
A group of Travellers have moved onto two sites in the borough.
Police were called by a member of the public at 11.21am today (Wednesday) who saw a number of caravans travelling in convoy.
Bracknell Forest Council requested the help of Thames Valley Police after camps were set up on a grassed area of Downshire Way, by its junction with Bagshot Road, and at Bracknell Leisure Centre.
Big gypsy mess costs taxpayers in Milton Keynes £41K - Buckinghamshire
From MK Web
TRAVELLERS have landed Milton Keynes Council taxpayers with a bill for a whopping £41,000 – in just six months.
The figure, calculated from April to this month, is made up of £7,000 on clearing up the mess left behind at 72 separate illegal encampments across the city and £34,000 in officers’ time for court hearings.
In the same period the authority has received 245 complaints about camps from members of the public.
As previously reported by MK NEWS, £2,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on clearing up the mound of mess left behind by a group of Travellers at local beauty spot the Blue Lagoon in July.
Following the incident, the council joined forces with police and The Parks Trust to investigate ways of stopping illegal camps being set up in the city.
But now Travellers have moved onto private land, as reported by this paper last week, including areas on Rockingham Drive industrial estate in Linford Wood.
Councillor Peter Geary, Milton Keynes Council’s cabinet member for communities and public realm, said: “We are very disappointed in these costs.
“We would have preferred not to have paid that but if we don’t it will get worse and we want to keep Milton Keynes neat.
“It is taxpayers money but we had no choice in what we did.
“We will continue to be vigilant and carry on the process.
“Travellers have changed their tactics moving onto private land and we as a council are invested in what’s going on.
“This does not cost taxpayers but we need landlords to work with us to solve these problems in Milton Keynes.”
TRAVELLERS have landed Milton Keynes Council taxpayers with a bill for a whopping £41,000 – in just six months.
The figure, calculated from April to this month, is made up of £7,000 on clearing up the mess left behind at 72 separate illegal encampments across the city and £34,000 in officers’ time for court hearings.
In the same period the authority has received 245 complaints about camps from members of the public.
As previously reported by MK NEWS, £2,000 of taxpayers’ money was spent on clearing up the mound of mess left behind by a group of Travellers at local beauty spot the Blue Lagoon in July.
Following the incident, the council joined forces with police and The Parks Trust to investigate ways of stopping illegal camps being set up in the city.
But now Travellers have moved onto private land, as reported by this paper last week, including areas on Rockingham Drive industrial estate in Linford Wood.
Councillor Peter Geary, Milton Keynes Council’s cabinet member for communities and public realm, said: “We are very disappointed in these costs.
“We would have preferred not to have paid that but if we don’t it will get worse and we want to keep Milton Keynes neat.
“It is taxpayers money but we had no choice in what we did.
“We will continue to be vigilant and carry on the process.
“Travellers have changed their tactics moving onto private land and we as a council are invested in what’s going on.
“This does not cost taxpayers but we need landlords to work with us to solve these problems in Milton Keynes.”
Writer calls for lawful Travellers’ site in Perth - Perthshire
From the Courier
A high-profile Gypsy writer has called on council chiefs to create a designated site in Perth.
Jess Smith wants a legal site to help the travelling community move away from the stereotypes of “stealing”, “untaxed cars” and “litter”.
The author, who has penned books about her way of life, spoke out after clashes between Perth and Kinross Council and Travellers at Broxden.
She said the council was “blinkered” in failing to offer a safe, permanent site.
She said: “I didn’t get to speak to the people who stopped at Broxden but I read about it. I know they would have been aware of the hostility to their presence but they were only there because there are not other sites they can use.
“Camping at Broxden and under the Friarton bridge is depressing and dangerous but they are faced with little alternative.
“The council should be responsible and offer recognised transit places where Travellers stopping for a week are not behaving ‘illegally’.”
Travellers at the Broxden encampment were forced to leave after being served a notice to quit.
see also The Daily Record - Give Gypsy Travellers transit sites in Perthshire urges author Jess Smith
A high-profile Gypsy writer has called on council chiefs to create a designated site in Perth.
Jess Smith wants a legal site to help the travelling community move away from the stereotypes of “stealing”, “untaxed cars” and “litter”.
The author, who has penned books about her way of life, spoke out after clashes between Perth and Kinross Council and Travellers at Broxden.
She said the council was “blinkered” in failing to offer a safe, permanent site.
She said: “I didn’t get to speak to the people who stopped at Broxden but I read about it. I know they would have been aware of the hostility to their presence but they were only there because there are not other sites they can use.
“Camping at Broxden and under the Friarton bridge is depressing and dangerous but they are faced with little alternative.
“The council should be responsible and offer recognised transit places where Travellers stopping for a week are not behaving ‘illegally’.”
Travellers at the Broxden encampment were forced to leave after being served a notice to quit.
see also The Daily Record - Give Gypsy Travellers transit sites in Perthshire urges author Jess Smith
Fourth man charged with murder of Sidney Cox at Leeds Travellers’ commune - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
A fourth man has been charged with the murder of a man at a Travellers’ commune on the outskirts of Leeds.
Karl Gaskin, 41, was due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today (Oct 30) in connection with the death of 57-year-old Sidney Cox has at Thorpe House Farm, on Middleton Lane in the village of Thorpe near Rothwell.
Mr Cox died from multiple injuries after being attacked on the evening of August 24.
The three others already charged with murder are: 39-year-old Ambrose Dear Senior, of Stocksbridge Lane in Doncaster; 24-year-old John Edwards Nicholson, of Little Lane, Doncaster; and 39-year-old Michael Valance Dear, of Norton Common Road, Askern.
A fourth man has been charged with the murder of a man at a Travellers’ commune on the outskirts of Leeds.
Karl Gaskin, 41, was due to appear at Leeds Magistrates’ Court today (Oct 30) in connection with the death of 57-year-old Sidney Cox has at Thorpe House Farm, on Middleton Lane in the village of Thorpe near Rothwell.
Mr Cox died from multiple injuries after being attacked on the evening of August 24.
The three others already charged with murder are: 39-year-old Ambrose Dear Senior, of Stocksbridge Lane in Doncaster; 24-year-old John Edwards Nicholson, of Little Lane, Doncaster; and 39-year-old Michael Valance Dear, of Norton Common Road, Askern.
Council predicts £200k overspend on Traveller costs - Sussex
From the Argus
Traveller costs are spiralling, with town hall bosses predicting a £200,000 overspend on their already squeezed budget.
Brighton and Hove City Council currently allocates £500,000 a year to support travelling communities in the city.
But, with the transit site at Horsdean remaining closed for much of the year and unauthorised encampments being dotted around the city throughout the summer, officials have revealed the local authority is on course to overspend its budget by more than £200,000 for 2012/13.
With other budgets being cut due to swingeing cuts, opposition councillors have called on council chiefs to look at other ways in which the amount could be reduced.
Conservative councillor Ann Norman said: “It’s an enormous amount of money on what is a reasonably small budget. Other councils don’t seem to have the same problems and I do think we could do with a bit more support from our neighbouring authorities.
“When we’re looking to make savings across the board we do need to look at the Travellers’ budget.
“I’m very interested in what is planned for next year.”
According to documents presented to councillors, the majority of the overspend (£92,000) is due to the closure of Horsdean transit site.
Money has had to be spent on improving the site, increased security and loss of income with it being shut. The site, which is north of the A27 at Patcham, has only recently been reopened on a partial basis after being damaged by trespassers at Christmas.
A further £55,000 is estimated to be spent on unauthorised encampments, with the taxpayer footing bills for removing fly-tipping, legal fees and removing and storing of vehicles.
The remaining sum (£55,000) is predicted to be additional staff costs.
Previously, council leaders claimed the new permanent 12- pitch site alongside 21 temporary pitches would reduce the number of unauthorised encampments.
Coun Norman questioned if the site would be big enough to cope with unauthorised encampments, which can total more than 50 vehicles.
Catherine Vaughan, the council’s finance director, said overall the local authority was on course to overspend its budget by £2.4 million – down from the predicted £3.3 million forecast in June.
Speaking about the overall budget, Green councillor Leo Littman said: “Things are still very difficult but the direction of travel remains positive.”
Traveller costs are spiralling, with town hall bosses predicting a £200,000 overspend on their already squeezed budget.
Brighton and Hove City Council currently allocates £500,000 a year to support travelling communities in the city.
But, with the transit site at Horsdean remaining closed for much of the year and unauthorised encampments being dotted around the city throughout the summer, officials have revealed the local authority is on course to overspend its budget by more than £200,000 for 2012/13.
With other budgets being cut due to swingeing cuts, opposition councillors have called on council chiefs to look at other ways in which the amount could be reduced.
Conservative councillor Ann Norman said: “It’s an enormous amount of money on what is a reasonably small budget. Other councils don’t seem to have the same problems and I do think we could do with a bit more support from our neighbouring authorities.
“When we’re looking to make savings across the board we do need to look at the Travellers’ budget.
“I’m very interested in what is planned for next year.”
According to documents presented to councillors, the majority of the overspend (£92,000) is due to the closure of Horsdean transit site.
Money has had to be spent on improving the site, increased security and loss of income with it being shut. The site, which is north of the A27 at Patcham, has only recently been reopened on a partial basis after being damaged by trespassers at Christmas.
A further £55,000 is estimated to be spent on unauthorised encampments, with the taxpayer footing bills for removing fly-tipping, legal fees and removing and storing of vehicles.
The remaining sum (£55,000) is predicted to be additional staff costs.
Previously, council leaders claimed the new permanent 12- pitch site alongside 21 temporary pitches would reduce the number of unauthorised encampments.
Coun Norman questioned if the site would be big enough to cope with unauthorised encampments, which can total more than 50 vehicles.
Catherine Vaughan, the council’s finance director, said overall the local authority was on course to overspend its budget by £2.4 million – down from the predicted £3.3 million forecast in June.
Speaking about the overall budget, Green councillor Leo Littman said: “Things are still very difficult but the direction of travel remains positive.”
Plymouth inquiry hears of "disgusting" Gypsy camp - Devon
From the Herald
NEIGHBOURS endured two weeks of hell after Travellers set up camp next to their homes, an inquiry has been told.
Excrement was dumped into hedges around Horsham Fields in Plymstock, local man Andrew Nutbean told a Plymouth City Council scrutiny panel yesterday.
Builders’ rubble including asbestos was tipped near homes, and the noise of cement mixers being banged out and trailers being welded went on at times until 2am, Mr Nutbean said.
Elderly people cowered in their own homes, too terrified even to call the police.
The Traveller invasion of the playing fields in Plymstock in June has sparked a full-scale review of how Plymouth City Council handles illegal encampments.
But a Gypsy journalist travelled from Hastings in East Sussex to make an impassioned plea for more understanding.
Jake Bowers said the solution to unauthorised encampments was to provide legal, self-financing campsites. “It’s obviously disgusting, the way people behaved and the way they have treated the local community,” he said. “As a Roma Gypsy that’s not part of my culture.
“A lot of us would be horrified to hear about that kind of behaviour. There is an enormous amount of fear. Of course you are going to be fearful of someone who puts excrement in your hedge. But you may have more in common than you realise.”
He said that councils which provided an adequate number of managed permanent and transit sites for Gypsies and Travellers had few problems. “If not, you’ll keep spending money on refuse collection and enforcement.”
And he said Plymouth should send out the message that this is a city which values Gypsy culture.
“People tend not to trash places they value,” he said.
Police have the power to use Section 61 of the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) to move people immediately. But Chief Inspector Brendan Brookshaw of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Those are quite draconian measures and we have taken a proportionate response.
“This is a no-win situation for police and the local authority in terms of the way the public view it.”
He accepted that there some in the Traveller community committed crime, but said: “If you have one or two people in your street committing crime you would not expect the police to come and treat everyone as if they were criminals.”
He said it would be futile to move the Travellers immediately using Section 61 because they would probably just move to another site in the city.
However, Mr Nutbean said the council and police refused to take any positive action at all until the Travellers had left Horsham Fields. Even then, he said, council staff had to be called back a second time to complete the clean-up of Horsham Fields.
He said the cost of cleaning up was £10,000, which would have more than covered the cost of having two police officers stationed at the field to ensure good behaviour.
NEIGHBOURS endured two weeks of hell after Travellers set up camp next to their homes, an inquiry has been told.
Excrement was dumped into hedges around Horsham Fields in Plymstock, local man Andrew Nutbean told a Plymouth City Council scrutiny panel yesterday.
Builders’ rubble including asbestos was tipped near homes, and the noise of cement mixers being banged out and trailers being welded went on at times until 2am, Mr Nutbean said.
Elderly people cowered in their own homes, too terrified even to call the police.
The Traveller invasion of the playing fields in Plymstock in June has sparked a full-scale review of how Plymouth City Council handles illegal encampments.
But a Gypsy journalist travelled from Hastings in East Sussex to make an impassioned plea for more understanding.
Jake Bowers said the solution to unauthorised encampments was to provide legal, self-financing campsites. “It’s obviously disgusting, the way people behaved and the way they have treated the local community,” he said. “As a Roma Gypsy that’s not part of my culture.
“A lot of us would be horrified to hear about that kind of behaviour. There is an enormous amount of fear. Of course you are going to be fearful of someone who puts excrement in your hedge. But you may have more in common than you realise.”
He said that councils which provided an adequate number of managed permanent and transit sites for Gypsies and Travellers had few problems. “If not, you’ll keep spending money on refuse collection and enforcement.”
And he said Plymouth should send out the message that this is a city which values Gypsy culture.
“People tend not to trash places they value,” he said.
Police have the power to use Section 61 of the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) to move people immediately. But Chief Inspector Brendan Brookshaw of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Those are quite draconian measures and we have taken a proportionate response.
“This is a no-win situation for police and the local authority in terms of the way the public view it.”
He accepted that there some in the Traveller community committed crime, but said: “If you have one or two people in your street committing crime you would not expect the police to come and treat everyone as if they were criminals.”
He said it would be futile to move the Travellers immediately using Section 61 because they would probably just move to another site in the city.
However, Mr Nutbean said the council and police refused to take any positive action at all until the Travellers had left Horsham Fields. Even then, he said, council staff had to be called back a second time to complete the clean-up of Horsham Fields.
He said the cost of cleaning up was £10,000, which would have more than covered the cost of having two police officers stationed at the field to ensure good behaviour.
Braintree: Residents' upset at Travellers - Essex
From the Braintree and Witham Times
Travellers returned to a Braintree industrial estate, sparking concern among neighbouring residents.
About 10 “brand new” caravans turned up on the run down Broomhills industrial estate on Sunday afternoon and there were four remaining by Monday afternoon.
One woman, who is in her fifties and has lived next to the industrial estate for nearly a decade, said Travellers had spent last Halloween, Christmas and New Year on the industrial estate.
She said: “They had a big firework display in November last year.
“It’s dreadful to see them back."
Travellers returned to a Braintree industrial estate, sparking concern among neighbouring residents.
About 10 “brand new” caravans turned up on the run down Broomhills industrial estate on Sunday afternoon and there were four remaining by Monday afternoon.
One woman, who is in her fifties and has lived next to the industrial estate for nearly a decade, said Travellers had spent last Halloween, Christmas and New Year on the industrial estate.
She said: “They had a big firework display in November last year.
“It’s dreadful to see them back."
Brighton allotment owner claims Travellers blocking gardeners from their plots - Sussex
From the Argus
AN allotment owner claims gardeners have been blocked from accessing their plots after Travellers parked at the entrance to the land.
Bill Wood arrived at Lower Roedale allotments in Hollingdean, Brighton, yesterday morning to find 15 to 20 caravans blocking the entrance to the site.
The 77-year-old said he wanted to check on his plot to survey the damage caused by St Jude’s storm but did not feel safe going past the encampment.
He said: “I was told to just walk past them, but you do not want to take a chance.
“It is an imposition. I just want something done about it.
“None of us can do anything on our allotment sites.”
Keen gardener Mr Wood said the encampment had also managed to spill over onto the adjoining sports pitch.
He feared football fixtures would be cancelled if the Travellers were not moved by the weekend.
He added: “They have taken the fence down and gone onto the pitch.”
A spokesman for the council said staff were working with the police to take action.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police are aware of a group of caravans in Lynchet Close car park who arrived on Monday around 10am.
“A call was received at 9.10am this morning to a report they were blocking access to the allotments and officers have today visited.
“Police are working with the landowners, Brighton and Hove City Council, and the Travellers while they are on the site.”
It is unclear if the Travellers are the same ones who took refuge in the car park at Asda Hollingbury on Sunday night.
About 20 caravans parked along the back wall of the car park as St Jude’s storm hit the city.
But they left the site at about 8am on Monday morning after the worst of the storm had passed
AN allotment owner claims gardeners have been blocked from accessing their plots after Travellers parked at the entrance to the land.
Bill Wood arrived at Lower Roedale allotments in Hollingdean, Brighton, yesterday morning to find 15 to 20 caravans blocking the entrance to the site.
The 77-year-old said he wanted to check on his plot to survey the damage caused by St Jude’s storm but did not feel safe going past the encampment.
He said: “I was told to just walk past them, but you do not want to take a chance.
“It is an imposition. I just want something done about it.
“None of us can do anything on our allotment sites.”
Keen gardener Mr Wood said the encampment had also managed to spill over onto the adjoining sports pitch.
He feared football fixtures would be cancelled if the Travellers were not moved by the weekend.
He added: “They have taken the fence down and gone onto the pitch.”
A spokesman for the council said staff were working with the police to take action.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police are aware of a group of caravans in Lynchet Close car park who arrived on Monday around 10am.
“A call was received at 9.10am this morning to a report they were blocking access to the allotments and officers have today visited.
“Police are working with the landowners, Brighton and Hove City Council, and the Travellers while they are on the site.”
It is unclear if the Travellers are the same ones who took refuge in the car park at Asda Hollingbury on Sunday night.
About 20 caravans parked along the back wall of the car park as St Jude’s storm hit the city.
But they left the site at about 8am on Monday morning after the worst of the storm had passed
Tuesday 29 October 2013
Battle lines drawn in St Cyrus Travellers’ site dispute - Aberdeenshire
From the Courier
The battle lines have been drawn in a fiery dispute between Mearns residents and the occupants of a Travellers’ site.
A month-long dispute over illegal building works started near the St Cyrus Nature Reserve has sent shockwaves through the nearby village.
Residents reacted in anger after a patch of private land was flattened and work to build a Gypsy/Traveller caravan site was started without planning permission.
Aberdeenshire Council placed a stop notice on the site and obtained an interim interdict from Stonehaven Sheriff Court, prohibiting any further work.
Villagers turned out in force at a St Cyrus Community Council meeting to register their feelings against the work after a retrospective application for planning permission was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council by the Traveller group.
Aberdeenshire Council’s director of infrastructure services, Stephen Archer, said: “We are in the process of applying to the court for a full interdict. In the meantime, the interim interdict against further building work on the St Cyrus site remains in place.
“The time limit for the developer to lodge a notice of intention to defend has passed, without any such notice being lodged.
“The period within which public comment on the planning application can be accepted closed on October 24.”
The hot topic could come before the authority’s infrastructure services after a number of representations were made to the council’s planning team.
Among their concerns, residents have listed fears over the impact a new development could have on the already strained school roll at St Cyrus Primary School and the detrimental impact the site could have on the nearby nature reserve.
Village resident Paula Beveridge said: “I object to this proposal as it is very close to the nature reserve and a site of scientific interest. I feel it is unfair to have a development like that so close to where the birds are nesting.
“I am extremely surprised to see the land has already been flattened and there are several caravans parked there, even although planning permission has not yet been granted.”
The Kincardine and Mearns area education office also expressed “serious concerns” for the school’s capacity should the development go ahead.
Hazel Hall, business support officer for the office said: “The current roll of St Cyrus is 139. The school has very limited space at some stages and is only six pupils short of capacity overall.
“It is unknown what number and turnover of pupils would likely come from a development of this type.
“We would have serious concerns about the capacity for St Cyrus school to cope with additional and fluctuating pupil numbers across the age stages.”
However, despite the objections, support for the application has also been registered on the council planning site.
One letter, submitted in support of the Travellers, has quoted extensively from local, national and international policies, including the Human Rights Act, which are aimed at addressing the needs and rights of Gypsy/Traveller communities.
The letter states: “This application has the potential to deliver on the well-documented recommendations for permanent, private, Gypsy/Traveller sites as a means to addressing the shortfall of pitches in the North East of Scotland.
“Further, the proposed site would enable Aberdeenshire Council, as a human rights bearer, to meet its obligations (to minority ethnic groups, particularly but not exclusively, the children and young people).”
Mr Archer added: “We are still awaiting responses from a number of statutory consultees.
“Only once these consultation responses have been received will the planning service be in a position to make a recommendation and confirm what route the application will take for determination.”
The battle lines have been drawn in a fiery dispute between Mearns residents and the occupants of a Travellers’ site.
A month-long dispute over illegal building works started near the St Cyrus Nature Reserve has sent shockwaves through the nearby village.
Residents reacted in anger after a patch of private land was flattened and work to build a Gypsy/Traveller caravan site was started without planning permission.
Aberdeenshire Council placed a stop notice on the site and obtained an interim interdict from Stonehaven Sheriff Court, prohibiting any further work.
Villagers turned out in force at a St Cyrus Community Council meeting to register their feelings against the work after a retrospective application for planning permission was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council by the Traveller group.
Aberdeenshire Council’s director of infrastructure services, Stephen Archer, said: “We are in the process of applying to the court for a full interdict. In the meantime, the interim interdict against further building work on the St Cyrus site remains in place.
“The time limit for the developer to lodge a notice of intention to defend has passed, without any such notice being lodged.
“The period within which public comment on the planning application can be accepted closed on October 24.”
The hot topic could come before the authority’s infrastructure services after a number of representations were made to the council’s planning team.
Among their concerns, residents have listed fears over the impact a new development could have on the already strained school roll at St Cyrus Primary School and the detrimental impact the site could have on the nearby nature reserve.
Village resident Paula Beveridge said: “I object to this proposal as it is very close to the nature reserve and a site of scientific interest. I feel it is unfair to have a development like that so close to where the birds are nesting.
“I am extremely surprised to see the land has already been flattened and there are several caravans parked there, even although planning permission has not yet been granted.”
The Kincardine and Mearns area education office also expressed “serious concerns” for the school’s capacity should the development go ahead.
Hazel Hall, business support officer for the office said: “The current roll of St Cyrus is 139. The school has very limited space at some stages and is only six pupils short of capacity overall.
“It is unknown what number and turnover of pupils would likely come from a development of this type.
“We would have serious concerns about the capacity for St Cyrus school to cope with additional and fluctuating pupil numbers across the age stages.”
However, despite the objections, support for the application has also been registered on the council planning site.
One letter, submitted in support of the Travellers, has quoted extensively from local, national and international policies, including the Human Rights Act, which are aimed at addressing the needs and rights of Gypsy/Traveller communities.
The letter states: “This application has the potential to deliver on the well-documented recommendations for permanent, private, Gypsy/Traveller sites as a means to addressing the shortfall of pitches in the North East of Scotland.
“Further, the proposed site would enable Aberdeenshire Council, as a human rights bearer, to meet its obligations (to minority ethnic groups, particularly but not exclusively, the children and young people).”
Mr Archer added: “We are still awaiting responses from a number of statutory consultees.
“Only once these consultation responses have been received will the planning service be in a position to make a recommendation and confirm what route the application will take for determination.”
Traveller misery for Telford factories - Shropshire
From the Shropshire Star
Staff at Alumasc on Halesfield Business Park arrived at work yesterday to find the camp settled on their premises.
Bosses at the company say Travellers have been frequenting the car park since February, costing the firm more than £1,000 to move each time they set up.
Mac Harwood, operations manager at the company said on this occasion the group had taken down a barrier in order to get access to the car park.
“Staff have been unable to park their vehicles,” Mr Harwood said.
“Across the road they can’t get their vehicles through because there are horses tethered up.
“Each time, what you have to consider is that it is left with the landlord who has to remove them through a common law order, which is then passed on to us.
“And there is the costs for 24 hour surveillance and security guards which has to be paid weekly. The problem is that larger vehicles struggle to get past them.”
Mr Harwood said company property had been damaged on previous occasions when Travellers had stopped on the car park.
He said: “There has been damage to our water pipes, excrement left on the paths and walk ways, excrement has been thrown at one of our directors.” Alex Casewell, from Pelloby, next to Alumasc, has been helping by offering parking for staff. He said: “We have turned into work this morning to find our friendly neighbours at Alumasc on Halesfield 19, have been besieged by Travellers now camping on their staff car park.
“We cannot sustain this continued level of gross intrusion and the effects it has on our local business.
“The clean up costs alone are running into several thousands of pounds, not to mention the damage to property, gates and fences that are ripped apart to gain unlawful entry.
“Pelloby have some very lucrative contracts in the utilities and energy business and find it increasingly difficult to keep finding excuses for our clients and suppliers when visiting our facility.”
Because the Travellers are on private land, Telford & Wrekin Council is not able to move them.
Staff at Alumasc on Halesfield Business Park arrived at work yesterday to find the camp settled on their premises.
Bosses at the company say Travellers have been frequenting the car park since February, costing the firm more than £1,000 to move each time they set up.
Mac Harwood, operations manager at the company said on this occasion the group had taken down a barrier in order to get access to the car park.
“Staff have been unable to park their vehicles,” Mr Harwood said.
“Across the road they can’t get their vehicles through because there are horses tethered up.
“Each time, what you have to consider is that it is left with the landlord who has to remove them through a common law order, which is then passed on to us.
“And there is the costs for 24 hour surveillance and security guards which has to be paid weekly. The problem is that larger vehicles struggle to get past them.”
Mr Harwood said company property had been damaged on previous occasions when Travellers had stopped on the car park.
He said: “There has been damage to our water pipes, excrement left on the paths and walk ways, excrement has been thrown at one of our directors.” Alex Casewell, from Pelloby, next to Alumasc, has been helping by offering parking for staff. He said: “We have turned into work this morning to find our friendly neighbours at Alumasc on Halesfield 19, have been besieged by Travellers now camping on their staff car park.
“We cannot sustain this continued level of gross intrusion and the effects it has on our local business.
“The clean up costs alone are running into several thousands of pounds, not to mention the damage to property, gates and fences that are ripped apart to gain unlawful entry.
“Pelloby have some very lucrative contracts in the utilities and energy business and find it increasingly difficult to keep finding excuses for our clients and suppliers when visiting our facility.”
Because the Travellers are on private land, Telford & Wrekin Council is not able to move them.
Large numbers of protesters expected at Leicester Travellers site meeting - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
Large numbers of protesters are expected to attend a meeting to decide whether two managed Travellers camps should be built in Leicester.
A special meeting of Leicester City Council’s planning meeting will take place tomorrow at 6pm, in the African Caribbean Centre, in Maidstone Road, Highfields.
The centre can accommodate some 200 people - some 60 more than the town hall which would normally host such meetings.
Planning committee members will decide whether to permit housing association Framework to build pitches at Greengate Lane and Thurcaston Road, to the north of the city.
Both site were selected by the council for development but more than 2,700 names were collected on petitions opposing them.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has said the decision now rests solely with the planning committee but stressed the 16 pitches are needed to tackle to reduce the numbers of unauthorised camps in the city which cost huge sums of cash to deal with.
Opponents say Sir Peter has pushed the plans through disregarding their concerns.
Tomorrow night the two planning applications will be considered separately, and the committee will hear a presentation from planning officers giving details of each application.
Framework representatives will also speak as well as objectors who have previously registered their opposition with the councils.
People can also follow the meeting using a live webcast.
Parking is limited in the area around the venue, although there is some on-street parking nearby.
The closest public car park is at Leicester Station, a few minutes' walk from the centre. The number 17 bus service also goes past the African Caribbean Centre.
The webcast can be viewed www.leicester.public-i.tv/core
Large numbers of protesters are expected to attend a meeting to decide whether two managed Travellers camps should be built in Leicester.
A special meeting of Leicester City Council’s planning meeting will take place tomorrow at 6pm, in the African Caribbean Centre, in Maidstone Road, Highfields.
The centre can accommodate some 200 people - some 60 more than the town hall which would normally host such meetings.
Planning committee members will decide whether to permit housing association Framework to build pitches at Greengate Lane and Thurcaston Road, to the north of the city.
Both site were selected by the council for development but more than 2,700 names were collected on petitions opposing them.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has said the decision now rests solely with the planning committee but stressed the 16 pitches are needed to tackle to reduce the numbers of unauthorised camps in the city which cost huge sums of cash to deal with.
Opponents say Sir Peter has pushed the plans through disregarding their concerns.
Tomorrow night the two planning applications will be considered separately, and the committee will hear a presentation from planning officers giving details of each application.
Framework representatives will also speak as well as objectors who have previously registered their opposition with the councils.
People can also follow the meeting using a live webcast.
Parking is limited in the area around the venue, although there is some on-street parking nearby.
The closest public car park is at Leicester Station, a few minutes' walk from the centre. The number 17 bus service also goes past the African Caribbean Centre.
The webcast can be viewed www.leicester.public-i.tv/core
Gotcha! Gypsy campaigner catches online racist
From the Travellers' Times
AN online racist going under the name ‘OurLil’, who posted hate-fuelled comments about Gypsies and Travellers, has been caught by veteran Gypsy campaigner, Shay Clipson, and “disciplined” after an internal investigation by the commenter’s health service employer.
Mrs Clipson, who is a Trustee of the UK Association of Gypsy Women, decided to do something when one comment about an unauthorised encampment in the local area posted by ‘OurLil’ in July this year, on the online on the website ‘Your Grimsby’ read:
“scum bags the lot of them!!”; “Good riddance!!”; “With any luck they might tap into the substation and blow themselves to kingdom come!! Problem solved!” and “Ethnic ~cleansing??? More like dirtbag cleansing!! Get shot of the lot of the bloody low life’s”.
Mrs Clipson explains why she was prompted to take action
read more...
AN online racist going under the name ‘OurLil’, who posted hate-fuelled comments about Gypsies and Travellers, has been caught by veteran Gypsy campaigner, Shay Clipson, and “disciplined” after an internal investigation by the commenter’s health service employer.
Mrs Clipson, who is a Trustee of the UK Association of Gypsy Women, decided to do something when one comment about an unauthorised encampment in the local area posted by ‘OurLil’ in July this year, on the online on the website ‘Your Grimsby’ read:
“scum bags the lot of them!!”; “Good riddance!!”; “With any luck they might tap into the substation and blow themselves to kingdom come!! Problem solved!” and “Ethnic ~cleansing??? More like dirtbag cleansing!! Get shot of the lot of the bloody low life’s”.
Mrs Clipson explains why she was prompted to take action
read more...
Barriers erected to block Travellers in Ayr - Ayrshire
The Ayr Advertiser
PLANS are underway to bar Travellers from setting up camp for the summer in Ayr next year after residents complained about caravans near scenic Greenan Castle and elsewhere.
South Ayrshire Council erected barriers to stop Travellers from entering the Greenan car park in Doonfoot after residents voiced concern about the presence of half a dozen caravans in July and August.
Residents in the town have also complained about dumped rubbish, noisy brawls and people urinating in public when Travellers moved into Cromwell Road car park too.
The council has been searching for a designated seasonal site for the Travellers without success.
Alloway and Doonfoot Community Council treasurer John Crone said: "There is a fair chance the Travellers will be back next summer again - it is a regular occurrence. South Ayrshire Council are searching for a suitable area for them and we would certainly like to see progress before next year.
"The caravans do not create a good impression and local residents feel a bit inhibited about going for walks with caravans in residence.
"The more serious issues occurred near the Horizon Hotel near Cromwell Road in Ayr."
Residents overlooking the Cromwell Road car park told the community council they had to put up with noisy cockerels and generators as well as hearing rows in the middle of the night when the Travellers were present.
Mike Newall, Head of Service for Neighbourhood Services for South Ayrshire Council said: "We are currently looking at ways of addressing these problems.
"At Doonfoot barriers have been put in to restrict the vehicles that can enter.
"In Cromwell Road we have been looking at options to provide better management of the car park and are in the process of examining the costs that could be involved. As funding would have to be identified and Traffic Regulation Orders would require to be altered no decisions will be taken until a paper has been presented to the members of the Leadership Panel later this year."
PLANS are underway to bar Travellers from setting up camp for the summer in Ayr next year after residents complained about caravans near scenic Greenan Castle and elsewhere.
South Ayrshire Council erected barriers to stop Travellers from entering the Greenan car park in Doonfoot after residents voiced concern about the presence of half a dozen caravans in July and August.
Residents in the town have also complained about dumped rubbish, noisy brawls and people urinating in public when Travellers moved into Cromwell Road car park too.
The council has been searching for a designated seasonal site for the Travellers without success.
Alloway and Doonfoot Community Council treasurer John Crone said: "There is a fair chance the Travellers will be back next summer again - it is a regular occurrence. South Ayrshire Council are searching for a suitable area for them and we would certainly like to see progress before next year.
"The caravans do not create a good impression and local residents feel a bit inhibited about going for walks with caravans in residence.
"The more serious issues occurred near the Horizon Hotel near Cromwell Road in Ayr."
Residents overlooking the Cromwell Road car park told the community council they had to put up with noisy cockerels and generators as well as hearing rows in the middle of the night when the Travellers were present.
Mike Newall, Head of Service for Neighbourhood Services for South Ayrshire Council said: "We are currently looking at ways of addressing these problems.
"At Doonfoot barriers have been put in to restrict the vehicles that can enter.
"In Cromwell Road we have been looking at options to provide better management of the car park and are in the process of examining the costs that could be involved. As funding would have to be identified and Traffic Regulation Orders would require to be altered no decisions will be taken until a paper has been presented to the members of the Leadership Panel later this year."
City of York Council to borrow cash for Travellers site extension - Yorkshire
From the Press
COUNCIL bosses could borrow £340,000 to extend a controversial Travellers’ site in the city after the scheme was given the go-ahead.
City of York Council’s planning committee approved proposals to increase the size of the Osbaldwick site at a meeting last week, despite fierce opposition, with the authority saying it has a duty to provide accommodation for Travellers.
The site will have six extra pitches as well as grazing land for horses, with the expansion expected to cost £763,500. Of this, £423,500 is earmarked to come from a Housing and Communities Agency grant, and the council’s cabinet will next week be asked to approve borrowing the rest, with additional rent income being used to repay this sum.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for housing, said: “Cabinet allowing us to secure funding will help us meet a shortfall in pitches as well as improved facilities for this community.” Opponents of the extension included Osbaldwick residents, parish councils, ward councillor Mark Warters and York Outer MP Julian Sturdy, with five votes needed at last week's meeting before a final decision was made.
COUNCIL bosses could borrow £340,000 to extend a controversial Travellers’ site in the city after the scheme was given the go-ahead.
City of York Council’s planning committee approved proposals to increase the size of the Osbaldwick site at a meeting last week, despite fierce opposition, with the authority saying it has a duty to provide accommodation for Travellers.
The site will have six extra pitches as well as grazing land for horses, with the expansion expected to cost £763,500. Of this, £423,500 is earmarked to come from a Housing and Communities Agency grant, and the council’s cabinet will next week be asked to approve borrowing the rest, with additional rent income being used to repay this sum.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for housing, said: “Cabinet allowing us to secure funding will help us meet a shortfall in pitches as well as improved facilities for this community.” Opponents of the extension included Osbaldwick residents, parish councils, ward councillor Mark Warters and York Outer MP Julian Sturdy, with five votes needed at last week's meeting before a final decision was made.
Swansea Traveller site debate proves an online hit - Glamorgan
From the South Wales Evening Post
THE ongoing Travellers site row in Swansea has proved an internet hit for the council.
Last week's meting to discuss the issue was the first ever to be broadcast live on the web and was watched by more than 1,000 viewers.
The meeting to discuss proposals for a second permanent Traveller site saw 800 viewers watch it live, with almost 500 picking it up afterwards.
The interest in the Travellers issue means that the council will now broadcast the next cabinet meeting during which the issue will be discussed.
A report identifying two parcels of land for a second official Travellers site in Swansea was thrown out last week.
It means a new search for a site has now begun.
Christine Richards, deputy leader and cabinet member for citizen, community engagement and democracy, said: "This was the first time the council has ever broadcast its proceedings live and on the internet.
"It's encouraging that so many people were interested and took the time to tune in to see the debate going on.
"Our aim was to ensure that everyone who wanted to get involved in the debate had the opportunity to participate whether it was through attending the meeting itself or watching it online.
"What this shows is that people will want to watch council proceedings on important issues that interest them.
"Cabinet is due to consider the recommendations from the council meeting next week and that meeting will be broadcast live via the internet as well."
Mrs Richards added: "The decision to broadcast the meetings is part of the council's commitment to openness, ensuring that people have the opportunity to see their council in action."
The council has to create a second permanent Gypsy and Traveller site because the existing site at Pantyblawd Road is full.
A three-month consultation on a five-site shortlist ended in March 2013 and resulted in more than 3,000 responses along with a number of petitions.
The proceedings from the extraordinary meeting of council can still be seen by going to www.swansea.public-i.tv/core
Future meetings due to be broadcast include the cabinet meeting of November 12.
THE ongoing Travellers site row in Swansea has proved an internet hit for the council.
Last week's meting to discuss the issue was the first ever to be broadcast live on the web and was watched by more than 1,000 viewers.
The meeting to discuss proposals for a second permanent Traveller site saw 800 viewers watch it live, with almost 500 picking it up afterwards.
The interest in the Travellers issue means that the council will now broadcast the next cabinet meeting during which the issue will be discussed.
A report identifying two parcels of land for a second official Travellers site in Swansea was thrown out last week.
It means a new search for a site has now begun.
Christine Richards, deputy leader and cabinet member for citizen, community engagement and democracy, said: "This was the first time the council has ever broadcast its proceedings live and on the internet.
"It's encouraging that so many people were interested and took the time to tune in to see the debate going on.
"Our aim was to ensure that everyone who wanted to get involved in the debate had the opportunity to participate whether it was through attending the meeting itself or watching it online.
"What this shows is that people will want to watch council proceedings on important issues that interest them.
"Cabinet is due to consider the recommendations from the council meeting next week and that meeting will be broadcast live via the internet as well."
Mrs Richards added: "The decision to broadcast the meetings is part of the council's commitment to openness, ensuring that people have the opportunity to see their council in action."
The council has to create a second permanent Gypsy and Traveller site because the existing site at Pantyblawd Road is full.
A three-month consultation on a five-site shortlist ended in March 2013 and resulted in more than 3,000 responses along with a number of petitions.
The proceedings from the extraordinary meeting of council can still be seen by going to www.swansea.public-i.tv/core
Future meetings due to be broadcast include the cabinet meeting of November 12.
Monday 28 October 2013
Former park and ride site is reoccupied by French Travellers - Wiltshire
From the Swindon Advertiser
ROMANY Gypsies who moved on to the old Groundwell Road Park and Ride on Saturday hope to be able to stay there for a week.
More than 50 Travellers from Paris – all members of the same family – moved on to the site after claiming they found the main gates unlocked.
Police were called to the site within an hour of the Travellers parking up to monitor the situation.
Carlos Porado, a spokesman for the group who arrived in 12 caravans, said they were a good Christian family and had come to Swindon after their last stop in Scotland.
He said: “We were here for only 50 minutes before the police arrived. People always say we will make a mess, and we will steal. But we keep it clean and we don’t rob. We want people to come and say hello, to come and have a drink with us and sit down and have a meal with us.
“All people are the same, English, Roma, Irish, Canadian, French, German. We all have the same blood and we are no different to you. This is what Jesus Christ says. We are no different, except we live in caravans and you live in one place.”
The land is owned by Swindon Council, who were alerted by the police when the gypsies were known to have pulled in.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We received a call out at 1pm on Saturday. We attended to keep an eye on the situation and are currently in the process of liasing with the council as well as the land owners to resolve the situation.”
It is the second time in a month the site has been occupied by Travellers.
Last month a group stayed for 24 hours after being moved off Dale Farm in Essex.
And in August the building on the site was gutted by a fire.
The park and ride service was binned by the council in 2009 after being considered a drain on resources.
Since then, concerns over vandalism on the site have led to a series of proposals for a new use but these have failed to get off the ground.
The nearest legal site dedicated for use by Travellers is the Chiseldon Firs transit site which is managed by the council. The site, located on the A346 between Swindon and Marlborough, can accommodate between 12 and 20 caravans.
For more information about sites where Travellers can legally stay can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk.
ROMANY Gypsies who moved on to the old Groundwell Road Park and Ride on Saturday hope to be able to stay there for a week.
More than 50 Travellers from Paris – all members of the same family – moved on to the site after claiming they found the main gates unlocked.
Police were called to the site within an hour of the Travellers parking up to monitor the situation.
Carlos Porado, a spokesman for the group who arrived in 12 caravans, said they were a good Christian family and had come to Swindon after their last stop in Scotland.
He said: “We were here for only 50 minutes before the police arrived. People always say we will make a mess, and we will steal. But we keep it clean and we don’t rob. We want people to come and say hello, to come and have a drink with us and sit down and have a meal with us.
“All people are the same, English, Roma, Irish, Canadian, French, German. We all have the same blood and we are no different to you. This is what Jesus Christ says. We are no different, except we live in caravans and you live in one place.”
The land is owned by Swindon Council, who were alerted by the police when the gypsies were known to have pulled in.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We received a call out at 1pm on Saturday. We attended to keep an eye on the situation and are currently in the process of liasing with the council as well as the land owners to resolve the situation.”
It is the second time in a month the site has been occupied by Travellers.
Last month a group stayed for 24 hours after being moved off Dale Farm in Essex.
And in August the building on the site was gutted by a fire.
The park and ride service was binned by the council in 2009 after being considered a drain on resources.
Since then, concerns over vandalism on the site have led to a series of proposals for a new use but these have failed to get off the ground.
The nearest legal site dedicated for use by Travellers is the Chiseldon Firs transit site which is managed by the council. The site, located on the A346 between Swindon and Marlborough, can accommodate between 12 and 20 caravans.
For more information about sites where Travellers can legally stay can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk.
Osbaldwick Travellers’ site extension agreed - Yorkshire
From the Press
PLANS to extend an Osbaldwick Travellers’ site, branded “unmanageable” by neighbours, are to go ahead despite objections from villagers, parish councils, the city councillor and the MP for the area.
The city council’s planning committee approved the proposals for six more pitches at the site in Outgang Lane, after a debate lasting nearly three hours and taking five votes before a decision could be made.
Council officers planning the extension said more pitches were desperately needed to relieve overcrowding on the site, but those opposing the scheme are now calling for a public inquiry into the decision and the scheme, which will be paid for by central government money.
Coun Mark Warters, who represents Osbaldwick on City of York council, said wheels were already in motion to see the plans examined by a government inspector, and local MP Julian Sturdy has called the decision “profoundly disappointing.”
David Shaw farms the land around the site, and told the meeting that damage to his crops, illegal grazing, and hay theft has cost him £9,000 in one year.
He fears more pitches will only make matters worse unless it the site properly managed.
MP Julian Sturdy has slammed the decision, saying the council should not be contemplating extending it until they can bring it under control.
He said: “Their failure to do this over the years has impacted greatly on the quality of life for neighbouring residents and local business owners.
“I have been asking the council to show me a management plan for the site for over a year and yet they only managed to cobble one together when the prospect of government funding came about. Likewise, they were happy for the site to remain in an awful condition for many years and only took action to clean it up when they heard public officials coming for a site visit.
“I will continue to work with local residents and parish councillors, to do whatever we can to prevent spades from hitting the ground until the council have regained the public trust.”
see also: The York Conservatives - Open Letter from Paul Doughty about Osbaldwick Travellers Site
PLANS to extend an Osbaldwick Travellers’ site, branded “unmanageable” by neighbours, are to go ahead despite objections from villagers, parish councils, the city councillor and the MP for the area.
The city council’s planning committee approved the proposals for six more pitches at the site in Outgang Lane, after a debate lasting nearly three hours and taking five votes before a decision could be made.
Council officers planning the extension said more pitches were desperately needed to relieve overcrowding on the site, but those opposing the scheme are now calling for a public inquiry into the decision and the scheme, which will be paid for by central government money.
Coun Mark Warters, who represents Osbaldwick on City of York council, said wheels were already in motion to see the plans examined by a government inspector, and local MP Julian Sturdy has called the decision “profoundly disappointing.”
David Shaw farms the land around the site, and told the meeting that damage to his crops, illegal grazing, and hay theft has cost him £9,000 in one year.
He fears more pitches will only make matters worse unless it the site properly managed.
MP Julian Sturdy has slammed the decision, saying the council should not be contemplating extending it until they can bring it under control.
He said: “Their failure to do this over the years has impacted greatly on the quality of life for neighbouring residents and local business owners.
“I have been asking the council to show me a management plan for the site for over a year and yet they only managed to cobble one together when the prospect of government funding came about. Likewise, they were happy for the site to remain in an awful condition for many years and only took action to clean it up when they heard public officials coming for a site visit.
“I will continue to work with local residents and parish councillors, to do whatever we can to prevent spades from hitting the ground until the council have regained the public trust.”
see also: The York Conservatives - Open Letter from Paul Doughty about Osbaldwick Travellers Site
Are You Prejudiced Towards Roma and Travellers, Or Are You Right? A Five-Step Checklist
From the Huffington Post
Did you instantly believe that the Roma had abducted any of the three children taken from their families in Ireland or Greece this month? Pause a moment. Have a look at yourself. Why did you believe it?
read more...
Did you instantly believe that the Roma had abducted any of the three children taken from their families in Ireland or Greece this month? Pause a moment. Have a look at yourself. Why did you believe it?
read more...
Sunday 27 October 2013
The grim history of the Roma is no fairy tale
From the Independent
It was like a doom-laden fairy tale from the Dark Ages. A sweet little girl, instantly dubbed the blonde angel, stolen by a swarthy Roma couple who looked shifty and shady as people always do in police mugshots. The story tapped into ancient fears of greedy Gypsies stealing innocent children, of good versus evil at its most rudimentary level.
The shock waves rippled across Europe, sowing fear and loathing. In Ireland – a country with a shameful record of hostility towards travelling people – a seven-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy were ripped from their families despite having birth certificates and passports in perfect order. In Serbia, skinheads tried to take a fair-haired Roma child from his parents. In Britain, broadcasters and newspapers reheated scare stories and, with minimal evidence, stoked the fires of living hell for families of missing children such as Madeleine McCann.
For all the wild claims of child theft and trafficking gangs on the rampage, we do not know the full story of that blonde Bulgarian girl found in Greece. It may be a sordid saga of stolen or sold children, or simply the kind of informal adoption common in many communities. Whatever the truth, one single incident no more shows that Roma tend to be child-snatchers than the Stuart Hall case proves football commentators are paedophiles.
It would be nice to think we have moved on from days when the actions of an individual damn an entire community, or from eugenicist ideas that races or communities are predisposed towards certain actions. Sadly, this week showed these corrosive concepts still hold society in their cruel grip – something well understood by other marginalised groups, most notably people with disabilities. Try replacing the word Roma with Jew, or Gypsy with gay, to illustrate the attitudes on display.
If you strip away the myths and moral panic, the reality is far more disturbing. For all the hoary claims there is zero hard evidence of Roma stealing children – yet fears about "dirty Gypsies" have sanctioned the theft of their own children by the state in Britain even within my lifetime. Families were forced into forest compounds, boys put in the army, girls sent into service.
The author Katharine Quarmby tells the story in her recent book No Place To Call Home of one boy taken by officials from his family's tent in Fife and placed in children's homes, where he was sexually abused. His mother spent the rest of her life hunting for him, dying at the age of 41 without seeing her son again. Scottish authorities have never apologised for such disgraceful actions, which continued into the 1960s. Similar enforced family break-ups were seen in Western Europe for at least another decade.
Today there are Roma chefs, clerics and lawyers, yet although it is the size of the Chinese community, this excluded group endures lower life expectancy and higher rates of infant mortality and adult suicide than other Britons. Liberals who howl in outrage over racism happily use hate language such as "pikey" and "gyppo", while police prompt false claims of Faganism and television feeds stereotypes with freak-show programmes. Now we see Roma used to fuel immigration concerns as EU restrictions on Bulgarians and Romanians are lifted.
This loathing is the legacy of medieval fears over dark-skinned nomadic outsiders, when laws were passed permitting their branding, enslavement, exile, even execution. In Victorian times, Roma and Gypsies were romanticised by writers even as they were scapegoated and criminalised during economic downturns. Later, they were the forgotten victims of the Nazis, with up to half a million slaughtered; in death camps they were frequently singled out for the most horrific medical experiments.
Never again? Maybe not mass extermination, but Europe's 10 million Roma are still victims of abuse, prejudice and poverty. I was shocked to discover the hatred towards them in Hungary; they are unable to get jobs, segregated, and their children classified as mentally handicapped to keep them out of mainstream schools. The governing party blames them for crime while honouring a leader who deported families to Auschwitz, and vigilante groups terrorise their villages and firebomb their homes. One gang was jailed two months ago for a 14-month murder spree; a child of five was among the dead.
There are similar stories across the Continent, forcing fearful families to the fringes of society.
In Italy, where mobs attacked their camps five years ago and the prime minister responded in the most racist manner by ordering the fingerprinting of all 150,000 Roma, acid was thrown at a mother and her child earlier this month. In the Czech Republic, human-rights groups demanded action to protect Roma from violence and intimidation after riots this summer. In Slovakia, they are being segregated behind imposing walls, a disturbing echo of dismal recent history.
In France, politicians on right and left have scapegoated Roma amid recent economic woes. One prominent figure ridiculously claimed a community of 15,000 people was responsible for one in 10 crimes in a country of 65 million, while the hardline interior minister's poll ratings rose after calls for them to leave and forced evictions. The hapless president, meanwhile, tied himself in knots over the expulsion of a teenage Roma girl that led his popularity to plunge further.
Remember all this when you see destitute Roma families living in apartheid-like conditions. Half their households lack kitchens or inside toilets while fewer than a third have jobs, illiteracy is rife and life expectancy 10 years lower than among fellow Europeans. These are isolated people more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators; indeed, it has been suggested offences actually fall around well-managed sites.
But who wants facts to intrude on a good scare story – especially when it panders to age-old prejudice against the most abused community on our continent.
It was like a doom-laden fairy tale from the Dark Ages. A sweet little girl, instantly dubbed the blonde angel, stolen by a swarthy Roma couple who looked shifty and shady as people always do in police mugshots. The story tapped into ancient fears of greedy Gypsies stealing innocent children, of good versus evil at its most rudimentary level.
The shock waves rippled across Europe, sowing fear and loathing. In Ireland – a country with a shameful record of hostility towards travelling people – a seven-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy were ripped from their families despite having birth certificates and passports in perfect order. In Serbia, skinheads tried to take a fair-haired Roma child from his parents. In Britain, broadcasters and newspapers reheated scare stories and, with minimal evidence, stoked the fires of living hell for families of missing children such as Madeleine McCann.
For all the wild claims of child theft and trafficking gangs on the rampage, we do not know the full story of that blonde Bulgarian girl found in Greece. It may be a sordid saga of stolen or sold children, or simply the kind of informal adoption common in many communities. Whatever the truth, one single incident no more shows that Roma tend to be child-snatchers than the Stuart Hall case proves football commentators are paedophiles.
It would be nice to think we have moved on from days when the actions of an individual damn an entire community, or from eugenicist ideas that races or communities are predisposed towards certain actions. Sadly, this week showed these corrosive concepts still hold society in their cruel grip – something well understood by other marginalised groups, most notably people with disabilities. Try replacing the word Roma with Jew, or Gypsy with gay, to illustrate the attitudes on display.
If you strip away the myths and moral panic, the reality is far more disturbing. For all the hoary claims there is zero hard evidence of Roma stealing children – yet fears about "dirty Gypsies" have sanctioned the theft of their own children by the state in Britain even within my lifetime. Families were forced into forest compounds, boys put in the army, girls sent into service.
The author Katharine Quarmby tells the story in her recent book No Place To Call Home of one boy taken by officials from his family's tent in Fife and placed in children's homes, where he was sexually abused. His mother spent the rest of her life hunting for him, dying at the age of 41 without seeing her son again. Scottish authorities have never apologised for such disgraceful actions, which continued into the 1960s. Similar enforced family break-ups were seen in Western Europe for at least another decade.
Today there are Roma chefs, clerics and lawyers, yet although it is the size of the Chinese community, this excluded group endures lower life expectancy and higher rates of infant mortality and adult suicide than other Britons. Liberals who howl in outrage over racism happily use hate language such as "pikey" and "gyppo", while police prompt false claims of Faganism and television feeds stereotypes with freak-show programmes. Now we see Roma used to fuel immigration concerns as EU restrictions on Bulgarians and Romanians are lifted.
This loathing is the legacy of medieval fears over dark-skinned nomadic outsiders, when laws were passed permitting their branding, enslavement, exile, even execution. In Victorian times, Roma and Gypsies were romanticised by writers even as they were scapegoated and criminalised during economic downturns. Later, they were the forgotten victims of the Nazis, with up to half a million slaughtered; in death camps they were frequently singled out for the most horrific medical experiments.
Never again? Maybe not mass extermination, but Europe's 10 million Roma are still victims of abuse, prejudice and poverty. I was shocked to discover the hatred towards them in Hungary; they are unable to get jobs, segregated, and their children classified as mentally handicapped to keep them out of mainstream schools. The governing party blames them for crime while honouring a leader who deported families to Auschwitz, and vigilante groups terrorise their villages and firebomb their homes. One gang was jailed two months ago for a 14-month murder spree; a child of five was among the dead.
There are similar stories across the Continent, forcing fearful families to the fringes of society.
In Italy, where mobs attacked their camps five years ago and the prime minister responded in the most racist manner by ordering the fingerprinting of all 150,000 Roma, acid was thrown at a mother and her child earlier this month. In the Czech Republic, human-rights groups demanded action to protect Roma from violence and intimidation after riots this summer. In Slovakia, they are being segregated behind imposing walls, a disturbing echo of dismal recent history.
In France, politicians on right and left have scapegoated Roma amid recent economic woes. One prominent figure ridiculously claimed a community of 15,000 people was responsible for one in 10 crimes in a country of 65 million, while the hardline interior minister's poll ratings rose after calls for them to leave and forced evictions. The hapless president, meanwhile, tied himself in knots over the expulsion of a teenage Roma girl that led his popularity to plunge further.
Remember all this when you see destitute Roma families living in apartheid-like conditions. Half their households lack kitchens or inside toilets while fewer than a third have jobs, illiteracy is rife and life expectancy 10 years lower than among fellow Europeans. These are isolated people more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators; indeed, it has been suggested offences actually fall around well-managed sites.
But who wants facts to intrude on a good scare story – especially when it panders to age-old prejudice against the most abused community on our continent.
Media frenzy over Roma child stealing claims unravels as new facts come to light
From the Travellers' Times
The “media frenzy” over accusations of child stealing by Roma families is beginning to unravel as new facts come to light in the Republic of Ireland and Greece amidst claims of state-sponsored child “abduction”.
Traveller campaigners have accused the Irish Government of illegal “abductions” of Roma children and following criteria similar to the eugenic theories of Nazi Germany, after a blond haired Roma girl was returned to her family when DNA tests proved that she was related to her parents. Shortly afterwards, another Irish Roma child was returned to his family in similar circumstances.
The “sensationalist” and “inaccurate” media coverage of in the UK is now being called into question by campaigners as new developments in Greece throw serious doubts on the claims that the Greek ‘Maria’, who is at the centre of the media storm, was abducted. Instead, initial results from the Greek investigation suggest that ‘Maria’ may have been unofficially adopted from a Roma woman by the Roma couple who initially claimed to be her biological parents. In Ireland Pavee Point, the Traveller rights organization that is supporting the Roma family whose child was taken by the Gardai, has called on the Minister for Children to establish an independent review of the actions of the Irish state authorities.
read more...
The “media frenzy” over accusations of child stealing by Roma families is beginning to unravel as new facts come to light in the Republic of Ireland and Greece amidst claims of state-sponsored child “abduction”.
Traveller campaigners have accused the Irish Government of illegal “abductions” of Roma children and following criteria similar to the eugenic theories of Nazi Germany, after a blond haired Roma girl was returned to her family when DNA tests proved that she was related to her parents. Shortly afterwards, another Irish Roma child was returned to his family in similar circumstances.
The “sensationalist” and “inaccurate” media coverage of in the UK is now being called into question by campaigners as new developments in Greece throw serious doubts on the claims that the Greek ‘Maria’, who is at the centre of the media storm, was abducted. Instead, initial results from the Greek investigation suggest that ‘Maria’ may have been unofficially adopted from a Roma woman by the Roma couple who initially claimed to be her biological parents. In Ireland Pavee Point, the Traveller rights organization that is supporting the Roma family whose child was taken by the Gardai, has called on the Minister for Children to establish an independent review of the actions of the Irish state authorities.
read more...
Pavee Point Welcomes Independent Ombudsman Review
From Pavee Point
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre welcome the Ombudsman for Children’s statement that she will conduct a full inquiry into recent events in which children from Roma families were taken into State Care. We welcome this complete and independent inquiry, which is to include a review of both HSE and Garda procedures.
Pavee Point have consistently maintained that a fully independent inquiry is needed to investigate these matters. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children is the appropriate body to lead this investigation. It is important that we have a transparent and accountable system and these developments are positive in this regard.
This is also important for signalling to the families involved and the wider Roma community that there is a commitment to ensuring cases like these do not occur again.
Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre welcome the Ombudsman for Children’s statement that she will conduct a full inquiry into recent events in which children from Roma families were taken into State Care. We welcome this complete and independent inquiry, which is to include a review of both HSE and Garda procedures.
Pavee Point have consistently maintained that a fully independent inquiry is needed to investigate these matters. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children is the appropriate body to lead this investigation. It is important that we have a transparent and accountable system and these developments are positive in this regard.
This is also important for signalling to the families involved and the wider Roma community that there is a commitment to ensuring cases like these do not occur again.
Saturday 26 October 2013
Hartlepool councillor apologises over Gypsy ‘blight’ comment - County Durham
From the Hartlepool Mail
A COUNCILLOR has apologised to a Travellers’ organisation which lodged an official complaint after he said Gypsy sites proposed for Hart Village would “blight the whole ward”.
Labour councillor Paul Beck has since apologised and the Traveller Movement has agreed to withdraw the complaint to Hartlepool Borough Council’s audit and governance committee and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
This week, Coun Beck, who represents the Hart Ward, said he has nothing against Gypsies or Travellers and was merely backing his residents but has since written to apologise.
In a letter, seen by the Mail, Coun Beck said: “First of all I apologise for any offence caused to the Traveller Community. My comments were purely based on concerns raised by my constituents and as ward councillor I was opposed to the decision to place the two sites in Hart Village.
“The term ‘blight’ was not used with malice towards any members of your community. Perhaps when supporting my resident’s concerns I should have said that placing the two sites in a tourist/historical village would have an impact on the whole area.”
The Traveller Movement is a registered charity that aims to raise capacity and social inclusion of the Irish Traveller community in Britain.
Spokesman Mike Doherty said: “It takes a certain amount of integrity and courage to own up to mistakes, intentional or unintentional, so we welcome Coun Becks’ apology.
“We hope that Hartlepool campaigners and politicians involved in any future Traveller site disputes will be careful about the language that they use when arguing their case. “We trust that Hartlepool Council will continue to fulfil its legal duties towards its small resident Gypsy and Irish Traveller population.”
The Traveller Movement had also slammed the council after it agreed to scrap its Local Plan and start again after previously assigning land at Hart to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers and examine if the town needs to provide any sites.
A COUNCILLOR has apologised to a Travellers’ organisation which lodged an official complaint after he said Gypsy sites proposed for Hart Village would “blight the whole ward”.
Labour councillor Paul Beck has since apologised and the Traveller Movement has agreed to withdraw the complaint to Hartlepool Borough Council’s audit and governance committee and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.
This week, Coun Beck, who represents the Hart Ward, said he has nothing against Gypsies or Travellers and was merely backing his residents but has since written to apologise.
In a letter, seen by the Mail, Coun Beck said: “First of all I apologise for any offence caused to the Traveller Community. My comments were purely based on concerns raised by my constituents and as ward councillor I was opposed to the decision to place the two sites in Hart Village.
“The term ‘blight’ was not used with malice towards any members of your community. Perhaps when supporting my resident’s concerns I should have said that placing the two sites in a tourist/historical village would have an impact on the whole area.”
The Traveller Movement is a registered charity that aims to raise capacity and social inclusion of the Irish Traveller community in Britain.
Spokesman Mike Doherty said: “It takes a certain amount of integrity and courage to own up to mistakes, intentional or unintentional, so we welcome Coun Becks’ apology.
“We hope that Hartlepool campaigners and politicians involved in any future Traveller site disputes will be careful about the language that they use when arguing their case. “We trust that Hartlepool Council will continue to fulfil its legal duties towards its small resident Gypsy and Irish Traveller population.”
The Traveller Movement had also slammed the council after it agreed to scrap its Local Plan and start again after previously assigning land at Hart to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers and examine if the town needs to provide any sites.
Eric Pickles: No restriction on Bournemouth and Poole sharing transit Travellers' camp - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
COMMUNITIES Secretary Eric Pickles has confirmed there is no restriction on Bournemouth and Poole sharing a Traveller transit site with neighbouring authorities.
Mr Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, made his comments in Parliament in response to a question from Mid Dorset and North Poole Lib Dem MP Annette Brooke.
Mrs Brooke questioned the secretary following a meeting held by Borough of Poole, last Friday, in which Poole’s Tory MP Robert Syms offered to meet with the Home Office to talk about varying the law on authorities sharing transit sites.
It had been thought government guidelines prohibited authorities from sharing transit sites, which councillors said was hampering progress on moving ahead on the issue.
However, answering Mrs Brookes question this week, Mr Pickles said: “There was some suggestion that there was a prohibition on adjoining local authorities’ sharing facilities.
“Having checked with the planners in my department, I am happy to report there is no restriction.
“We would very much welcome the idea of local authorities working together on this important and sensitive issue.”
Mrs Brooke asked the secretary of state directly about allowing Poole to share a Travellers’ transit site with Bournemouth and Dorset County Council.
She asked what consideration had been given to allowing authorities to share sites, “given the lack of space in the conurbation and the great need for the police to be able to invoke section 62 powers when, for example, play areas become unavailable for use by local children during the school holidays.”
During last week’s Traveller meeting at Poole Civic Centre, Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable David Lewis explained police had the power to move Travellers off public land more rapidly of there was a specific transit site to direct them to.
After the two-hour session Borough of Poole determined to continue its search for a transit site, and to also give consideration to establishing a ‘temporary stopping place’, which – before Mr Pickles’ comments – seemed to be a solution that could be in place earlier that a transit site.
Bournemouth Borough Council’s stance remains that there is no local demand for a permanent site and no suitable locations for a transit site.
Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said he welcomed Mr Pickles’ confirmation. “Dorset council does have more brownfield sites available than Bournemouth and Poole so I am glad we now have clear guidance that a shared site would meet out obligations.
“The next step is to sit down and consider where such a site could be located.”
Borough of Poole head of legal & democratic services Tim Martin said: “The law in this area is complex and we are committed to working towards solutions that satisfy legal requirements.
“We note the views of the Secretary of State with interest and will be seeking further clarification on this matter.”
COMMUNITIES Secretary Eric Pickles has confirmed there is no restriction on Bournemouth and Poole sharing a Traveller transit site with neighbouring authorities.
Mr Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, made his comments in Parliament in response to a question from Mid Dorset and North Poole Lib Dem MP Annette Brooke.
Mrs Brooke questioned the secretary following a meeting held by Borough of Poole, last Friday, in which Poole’s Tory MP Robert Syms offered to meet with the Home Office to talk about varying the law on authorities sharing transit sites.
It had been thought government guidelines prohibited authorities from sharing transit sites, which councillors said was hampering progress on moving ahead on the issue.
However, answering Mrs Brookes question this week, Mr Pickles said: “There was some suggestion that there was a prohibition on adjoining local authorities’ sharing facilities.
“Having checked with the planners in my department, I am happy to report there is no restriction.
“We would very much welcome the idea of local authorities working together on this important and sensitive issue.”
Mrs Brooke asked the secretary of state directly about allowing Poole to share a Travellers’ transit site with Bournemouth and Dorset County Council.
She asked what consideration had been given to allowing authorities to share sites, “given the lack of space in the conurbation and the great need for the police to be able to invoke section 62 powers when, for example, play areas become unavailable for use by local children during the school holidays.”
During last week’s Traveller meeting at Poole Civic Centre, Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable David Lewis explained police had the power to move Travellers off public land more rapidly of there was a specific transit site to direct them to.
After the two-hour session Borough of Poole determined to continue its search for a transit site, and to also give consideration to establishing a ‘temporary stopping place’, which – before Mr Pickles’ comments – seemed to be a solution that could be in place earlier that a transit site.
Bournemouth Borough Council’s stance remains that there is no local demand for a permanent site and no suitable locations for a transit site.
Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said he welcomed Mr Pickles’ confirmation. “Dorset council does have more brownfield sites available than Bournemouth and Poole so I am glad we now have clear guidance that a shared site would meet out obligations.
“The next step is to sit down and consider where such a site could be located.”
Borough of Poole head of legal & democratic services Tim Martin said: “The law in this area is complex and we are committed to working towards solutions that satisfy legal requirements.
“We note the views of the Secretary of State with interest and will be seeking further clarification on this matter.”
Friday 25 October 2013
Council leader calls for patience over shared Travellers site plan - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
COUNCIL leader John Beesley has appealed for patience over hopes that Bournemouth and Poole could share a transit Traveller’s camp.
The two councils are both yet to find anywhere to place a Travellers site that would then empower police to use tougher and quicker section 62a powers to move them on when they arrive in parks and public spaces.
Police commissioner Martyn Underhill has stated that cabinet minister Eric Pickles informed him Bournemouth and Poole could share a site instead of having one each.
Cllr John Beesley, Bournemouth council leader, welcomed the idea at a council steering group meeting but wants to wait until it is made official.
He said: “I would have thought this would require a change in legislation from the Government.
“When the secretary of state says ‘get on with it’, that is parallel with what the two MPs have been told.
“But I think we need to wait until we have it in writing that that’s the case from the department for communities and local government.
“Then if we get to that stage it will be extremely welcome.”
Mark Axford, principal planning policy officer, told the meeting there is no need for a permanent Travellers site as the “large population of gypsy Travellers” in Bournemouth is living in houses.
Cllr Ron Whittaker said he believes there should only be a need for a Travellers camp within the boundaries of each police authority.
At a meeting at Poole council last week members welcomed MP Roberts Syms’s offer to meet with the home office to consider varying the law on councils sharing transit sites.
COUNCIL leader John Beesley has appealed for patience over hopes that Bournemouth and Poole could share a transit Traveller’s camp.
The two councils are both yet to find anywhere to place a Travellers site that would then empower police to use tougher and quicker section 62a powers to move them on when they arrive in parks and public spaces.
Police commissioner Martyn Underhill has stated that cabinet minister Eric Pickles informed him Bournemouth and Poole could share a site instead of having one each.
Cllr John Beesley, Bournemouth council leader, welcomed the idea at a council steering group meeting but wants to wait until it is made official.
He said: “I would have thought this would require a change in legislation from the Government.
“When the secretary of state says ‘get on with it’, that is parallel with what the two MPs have been told.
“But I think we need to wait until we have it in writing that that’s the case from the department for communities and local government.
“Then if we get to that stage it will be extremely welcome.”
Mark Axford, principal planning policy officer, told the meeting there is no need for a permanent Travellers site as the “large population of gypsy Travellers” in Bournemouth is living in houses.
Cllr Ron Whittaker said he believes there should only be a need for a Travellers camp within the boundaries of each police authority.
At a meeting at Poole council last week members welcomed MP Roberts Syms’s offer to meet with the home office to consider varying the law on councils sharing transit sites.
Calderdale Council plans action over Travellers - Yorkshire
From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Council bosses are to get tough over Travellers.
They plan to look at a new way of dealing with Travellers by making potential sites even more secure.
And that is likely to mean fences and barriers on playing fields and other sites.
Clr Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale causing a nuisance.
“Once Travellers have left the site we are also responsible for clearing any rubbish which has been left and this can have significant costs.
“We’re undertaking a review of our procedures for tackling this problem, but prevention is clearly the best option. We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to communities.”
Council bosses are to get tough over Travellers.
They plan to look at a new way of dealing with Travellers by making potential sites even more secure.
And that is likely to mean fences and barriers on playing fields and other sites.
Clr Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale causing a nuisance.
“Once Travellers have left the site we are also responsible for clearing any rubbish which has been left and this can have significant costs.
“We’re undertaking a review of our procedures for tackling this problem, but prevention is clearly the best option. We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to communities.”
Gipsy site behind Shenleybury Cottages in Radlett seeks permission to expand - Hertfordshire
From the St Albans and Harpenden Review
Residents are concerned the value of their houses might plummet as a Gypsy site in Radlett seeks planning permission to triple in size.
Travellers occupying Woodland Yard behind Shenleybury Cottages in Radlett are asking Hertsmere Borough Council for permission to add an extra three pitches to the one currently in place.
This will include four static caravans, four touring caravans, eight parking spaces and associated infrastructure.
The application is being carried out on behalf of the current owner of the site, Mrs M Cash, by Joseph Jones of Buckingham-based firm BFSGC, to accommodate "small" numbers of the Cash family.
The site caused controversy when Hertsmere Council lost an appeal in 2011 to prevent its previous owner submitting retrospective planning permission after she moved her caravan onto the site.
The result came after a Government inspector concluded it was an "excellent site".
In 2011 members of the public objected strongly to the Gypsy site, which is on greenbelt land, complaining about noise, destruction of wildlife and dogs roaming the streets at all hours.
They are now concerned these problems will only worsen when the Travellers site expands.
Mark Blundell, chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley, said in 2011 the decision to grant planning permission would "open the floodgates to other Gypsy families."
He said: "I cannot believe this is happening again.
"The whole thing is wrong, it is a disgrace. This is green belt land and it should not be built on.
"The site was wholly unsuitable for one Travellers’ site. It is far too small for the extra pitches.
"Local residents are up in arms about this.
"Three houses back onto the site. There will be room for 16 people at least if permission is granted, think of how noisy it is going to be."
He said he had heard of at least 10 or more letters of objection being sent in by residents, who are expected to put up a fight.
The resident of Shenleybury Farm Cottages added: "The council let us down in losing the appeal and letting the Gypsies occupy this site, hopefully it will not be so inept as to let it happen again."
A resident of Shenleybury Cottages, who did not want to be named, said she was worried more Travellers moving in would mean she would never be able to sell her house.
She said: "This is life threatening for me. I’m getting on but I’ll never be able to sell my house and downsize because no one will buy it if more Travellers move in.
"I just want the space left as green belt.
"It’s causing me a lot of stress and anxiety which is affecting my health."
However Mr Jones said the number of Travellers who would occupy the site would be small and would cause minimal disruption.
He said: "Local residents object to everything, it’s just a case of nimbyism.
"I’ve drawn up the plans and the site will fit into that space. The extra pitches will only be used by members of the Cash family and will cause minimum disruption.
"There are nowhere near enough pitches in Hertsmere, with 30 people applying for each one, this site needs to be used.
"The previous owner was forced to sell because of all the bad blood between her and local residents.
"Hopefully local people will be more circumspect this time."
Residents are concerned the value of their houses might plummet as a Gypsy site in Radlett seeks planning permission to triple in size.
Travellers occupying Woodland Yard behind Shenleybury Cottages in Radlett are asking Hertsmere Borough Council for permission to add an extra three pitches to the one currently in place.
This will include four static caravans, four touring caravans, eight parking spaces and associated infrastructure.
The application is being carried out on behalf of the current owner of the site, Mrs M Cash, by Joseph Jones of Buckingham-based firm BFSGC, to accommodate "small" numbers of the Cash family.
The site caused controversy when Hertsmere Council lost an appeal in 2011 to prevent its previous owner submitting retrospective planning permission after she moved her caravan onto the site.
The result came after a Government inspector concluded it was an "excellent site".
In 2011 members of the public objected strongly to the Gypsy site, which is on greenbelt land, complaining about noise, destruction of wildlife and dogs roaming the streets at all hours.
They are now concerned these problems will only worsen when the Travellers site expands.
Mark Blundell, chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley, said in 2011 the decision to grant planning permission would "open the floodgates to other Gypsy families."
He said: "I cannot believe this is happening again.
"The whole thing is wrong, it is a disgrace. This is green belt land and it should not be built on.
"The site was wholly unsuitable for one Travellers’ site. It is far too small for the extra pitches.
"Local residents are up in arms about this.
"Three houses back onto the site. There will be room for 16 people at least if permission is granted, think of how noisy it is going to be."
He said he had heard of at least 10 or more letters of objection being sent in by residents, who are expected to put up a fight.
The resident of Shenleybury Farm Cottages added: "The council let us down in losing the appeal and letting the Gypsies occupy this site, hopefully it will not be so inept as to let it happen again."
A resident of Shenleybury Cottages, who did not want to be named, said she was worried more Travellers moving in would mean she would never be able to sell her house.
She said: "This is life threatening for me. I’m getting on but I’ll never be able to sell my house and downsize because no one will buy it if more Travellers move in.
"I just want the space left as green belt.
"It’s causing me a lot of stress and anxiety which is affecting my health."
However Mr Jones said the number of Travellers who would occupy the site would be small and would cause minimal disruption.
He said: "Local residents object to everything, it’s just a case of nimbyism.
"I’ve drawn up the plans and the site will fit into that space. The extra pitches will only be used by members of the Cash family and will cause minimum disruption.
"There are nowhere near enough pitches in Hertsmere, with 30 people applying for each one, this site needs to be used.
"The previous owner was forced to sell because of all the bad blood between her and local residents.
"Hopefully local people will be more circumspect this time."
Shropshire Gypsy site shortage to be revealed at inquiry
From the Shropshire Star
A shortfall in Gypsy sites in Shropshire should not signal a “free-for-all” for Travellers to set up home anywhere in county, a planning appeal will be told next week.
But the appeal into a controversial bid by a Traveller family to stay on land in Gobowen will also be told the site is the only one available to them because all sites run by Shropshire Council are full.
The appeal on Wednesday in Oswestry will be the second time Jerry and Michelle Berry have gone to appeal over their plans for land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club.
Submissions have been lodged by Shropshire Council outlining why the authority rejected the couple’s application for a chalet, a touring caravan and an amenity building at the site in May.
The council paper also says the authority is working to develop more Gypsy and Traveller sites in the county.
It says: “There is currently a shortfall in the site allocation for Gypsy and Travellers county-wide.
“However, the council is making significant in-roads into meeting this provision both in terms of decision taking and policy formulation.
“The assessed need over the period from 2007 to 2017 is 93 pitches for Gypsy and Travellers; to date the council has given consent for 40 pitches, some allowed on appeal. The outstanding demand is 53 pitches.
“Whilst the council acknowledges it has a shortfall, this factor should not result in a free-for-all. Checks and measures still need to be applied on a site-by-site basis.”
The submission says in the last 14 months the council has allowed 20 pitches and refused 13.
It adds: “This demonstrates that the council is exercising a judgement on a case-by-case basis and applying its policies. There is not a policy for approving everything in the light of the council’s shortfall in provision nor is the council refusing everything.”
In the applicants’ submission to the appeal hearing they say they have long standing connections to the area and were aware that the official sites run by the county council are full.
They further say the council has not been able to point to any suitable, available, affordable alternative sites in the area.
The planning appeal hearing will take place at the council offices in Castle View, Oswestry, on Wednesday, starting at 10am.
A shortfall in Gypsy sites in Shropshire should not signal a “free-for-all” for Travellers to set up home anywhere in county, a planning appeal will be told next week.
But the appeal into a controversial bid by a Traveller family to stay on land in Gobowen will also be told the site is the only one available to them because all sites run by Shropshire Council are full.
The appeal on Wednesday in Oswestry will be the second time Jerry and Michelle Berry have gone to appeal over their plans for land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club.
Submissions have been lodged by Shropshire Council outlining why the authority rejected the couple’s application for a chalet, a touring caravan and an amenity building at the site in May.
The council paper also says the authority is working to develop more Gypsy and Traveller sites in the county.
It says: “There is currently a shortfall in the site allocation for Gypsy and Travellers county-wide.
“However, the council is making significant in-roads into meeting this provision both in terms of decision taking and policy formulation.
“The assessed need over the period from 2007 to 2017 is 93 pitches for Gypsy and Travellers; to date the council has given consent for 40 pitches, some allowed on appeal. The outstanding demand is 53 pitches.
“Whilst the council acknowledges it has a shortfall, this factor should not result in a free-for-all. Checks and measures still need to be applied on a site-by-site basis.”
The submission says in the last 14 months the council has allowed 20 pitches and refused 13.
It adds: “This demonstrates that the council is exercising a judgement on a case-by-case basis and applying its policies. There is not a policy for approving everything in the light of the council’s shortfall in provision nor is the council refusing everything.”
In the applicants’ submission to the appeal hearing they say they have long standing connections to the area and were aware that the official sites run by the county council are full.
They further say the council has not been able to point to any suitable, available, affordable alternative sites in the area.
The planning appeal hearing will take place at the council offices in Castle View, Oswestry, on Wednesday, starting at 10am.
Gypsy family to 'rise above' objections to field home bid - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucester Echo
A GYPSY family has said it will "rise above" a spate of objections to its bid to take up permanent residence on a Cheltenham field.
Lita Cox and her family want to call the Castle Dream Stud, in Mill Lane, their home, having occupied the site under temporary permission for two years.
But, residents have sent in a flurry of objections. One of their chief concerns is that approving the plan would harm the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and that more Gypsy families could flood on to the site.
Adam Gatier, planning agent for the Cox family, said many of the objections were "vexatious" and that his client would rise above them.
He said: "What the majority of objectors have failed to acknowledge is the obligations on the planning authority to make site allocations for the Traveller community in the same way they allocate mainstream housing sites."
A GYPSY family has said it will "rise above" a spate of objections to its bid to take up permanent residence on a Cheltenham field.
Lita Cox and her family want to call the Castle Dream Stud, in Mill Lane, their home, having occupied the site under temporary permission for two years.
But, residents have sent in a flurry of objections. One of their chief concerns is that approving the plan would harm the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and that more Gypsy families could flood on to the site.
Adam Gatier, planning agent for the Cox family, said many of the objections were "vexatious" and that his client would rise above them.
He said: "What the majority of objectors have failed to acknowledge is the obligations on the planning authority to make site allocations for the Traveller community in the same way they allocate mainstream housing sites."
Crowds flock to Stow Fair - Gloucestershire
From the Tewksbury Admag
A BIG crowd of Gypsies and Travellers descended on Stow for the twice-yearly horse fair - in what could be the last event in its current home.
The sun shone as punters came to buy the selling horses, munch on hot dogs and enjoyed the many market stalls as well as catching up with old friends at the event today.
Field owner Walter Henry said it all went off without a hitch.
“There wasn’t a bit of trouble, everything went lovely, everything was beautiful,” he said. “It was very busy, there was a lot of people here today. There was a big crowd.”
It could be the last time the fair is held in the field near Maugersbury Road after developer JRN properties Ltd announced its plans to build a doctors surgery, five houses and 300-space car park.
Contracts have been exchanged for the purchase of the field, but the move is subject to gaining planning permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC).
The bi-annual Stow Fair has been held in the field in May and October since 1990.
A BIG crowd of Gypsies and Travellers descended on Stow for the twice-yearly horse fair - in what could be the last event in its current home.
The sun shone as punters came to buy the selling horses, munch on hot dogs and enjoyed the many market stalls as well as catching up with old friends at the event today.
Field owner Walter Henry said it all went off without a hitch.
“There wasn’t a bit of trouble, everything went lovely, everything was beautiful,” he said. “It was very busy, there was a lot of people here today. There was a big crowd.”
It could be the last time the fair is held in the field near Maugersbury Road after developer JRN properties Ltd announced its plans to build a doctors surgery, five houses and 300-space car park.
Contracts have been exchanged for the purchase of the field, but the move is subject to gaining planning permission from Cotswold District Council (CDC).
The bi-annual Stow Fair has been held in the field in May and October since 1990.
Thursday 24 October 2013
Time for a Lewisham Travellers Site - London
From Transpontine
The shocking case of children being snatched by the state from their own parents in Ireland (and the accompanying press coverage) has highlighted the racism faced by Romani Gypsies and Travellers. The rush of the tabloids to imply that Travellers across Europe are going around stealing pretty blonde children reminded me of the medieval blood libel that the Jews were sacrificing young Christians. Seemingly Roma families aren't allowed to have blonde-haired, blue-eyed children - presumably this is a privilege reserved for pure Aryan families only.
But what about locally? In the last week, a group of Travellers have set up camp in the Girton Road car park in Sydenham. Last month Travellers on the site of the demolished Catford Greyhound Stadium were served eviction notice, and Travellers were also evicted from a site in Crystal Palace. Travellers like these are being driven from pillar to post because of the lack of proper Travellers sites.
read more...
The shocking case of children being snatched by the state from their own parents in Ireland (and the accompanying press coverage) has highlighted the racism faced by Romani Gypsies and Travellers. The rush of the tabloids to imply that Travellers across Europe are going around stealing pretty blonde children reminded me of the medieval blood libel that the Jews were sacrificing young Christians. Seemingly Roma families aren't allowed to have blonde-haired, blue-eyed children - presumably this is a privilege reserved for pure Aryan families only.
But what about locally? In the last week, a group of Travellers have set up camp in the Girton Road car park in Sydenham. Last month Travellers on the site of the demolished Catford Greyhound Stadium were served eviction notice, and Travellers were also evicted from a site in Crystal Palace. Travellers like these are being driven from pillar to post because of the lack of proper Travellers sites.
read more...
Halifax council tightens security in bid to keep Travellers out - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Post
A YORKSHIRE council plagued by costly illegal Traveller encampments is planning to beef up security at vulnerable sites.
Calderdale Council in Halifax is forced to spend tens of thousands of pounds every year on security, legal and clean-up costs following unauthorised camps.
The authority is to review how it deals with the problem – and will consider whether to establish designated, authorised sites for gipsies and Travellers.
The council’s Cabinet member for communities, Councillor Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently, Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale, causing distress to local people and leaving rubbish which can be costly to remove.
“So we are reviewing the way we deal with this problem. As part of the review we’ll be considering the merits of designated authorised sites, but our main focus is on how we work with the police to minimise the impact on communities when there are unauthorised encampments.
“Prevention is clearly the best option, so we have assessed all our parks and open spaces and will strengthen security at those that need it most.
“We will carry out any improvement works within our existing budget for managing parks and open spaces.”
Councillor Sweeney said the authority would act within the law but “will also be firm where necessary”.
He added: “We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We have identified some funding which will be used to strengthen the security at those sites that need it most.
“It is important that we have a consistent and co-ordinated approach to unauthorised encampments, working closely with the West Yorkshire Police.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to our local communities.”
The council review of its Unauthorised Encampment Protocol will be considered by the Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police, fire and health services and Calderdale Council’s Cabinet. The review will begin in the winter.
In one recent incident, a group of Travellers took over a play area and sports field in Halifax. Caravans were parked up at Shelf Hall Park, Shelf in September.
A YORKSHIRE council plagued by costly illegal Traveller encampments is planning to beef up security at vulnerable sites.
Calderdale Council in Halifax is forced to spend tens of thousands of pounds every year on security, legal and clean-up costs following unauthorised camps.
The authority is to review how it deals with the problem – and will consider whether to establish designated, authorised sites for gipsies and Travellers.
The council’s Cabinet member for communities, Councillor Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently, Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale, causing distress to local people and leaving rubbish which can be costly to remove.
“So we are reviewing the way we deal with this problem. As part of the review we’ll be considering the merits of designated authorised sites, but our main focus is on how we work with the police to minimise the impact on communities when there are unauthorised encampments.
“Prevention is clearly the best option, so we have assessed all our parks and open spaces and will strengthen security at those that need it most.
“We will carry out any improvement works within our existing budget for managing parks and open spaces.”
Councillor Sweeney said the authority would act within the law but “will also be firm where necessary”.
He added: “We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.
“We have identified some funding which will be used to strengthen the security at those sites that need it most.
“It is important that we have a consistent and co-ordinated approach to unauthorised encampments, working closely with the West Yorkshire Police.
“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to our local communities.”
The council review of its Unauthorised Encampment Protocol will be considered by the Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police, fire and health services and Calderdale Council’s Cabinet. The review will begin in the winter.
In one recent incident, a group of Travellers took over a play area and sports field in Halifax. Caravans were parked up at Shelf Hall Park, Shelf in September.
Gypsies hit back at Hartlepool Council over Hart site U-turn - County Durham
From the Hartlepool Mail
A TRAVELLERS’ organisation has hit back at Hartlepool Borough Council’s decision to rip up its planning blueprint to block a Gypsy site in Hart.
The Traveller Movement slammed the council after it agreed to scrap its Local Plan after previously assigning land at Hart to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers and examine if the town needs to provide any sites.
The group also singled out Hart ward councillor Paul Beck for criticism after he said the Gypsy sites proposed for Hart would “blight the whole ward”.
The Traveller Movement has lodged an official complaint to the council’s audit and governance committee and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over Coun Beck’s comments.
But Coun Beck insists he has nothing against Gypsies or Travellers and was merely backing his residents.
The Traveller Movement is a registered charity that aims to raise capacity and social inclusion of the Irish Traveller community in Britain.
Spokesman Mike Doherty said: “We are concerned and alarmed that Hartlepool Council is threatening to waste even more taxpayers’ money by ripping up their Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment.
“We would like to remind them that it is required to have such an assessment by law.”
Referring to Coun Beck, Mr Doherty added: “By calling a proposal for a legitimate authorised Traveller site a ‘blight’, Coun Beck has failed in his duties and responsibilities as an elected local government representative.
“In our book, it means a blemish, a disease or a corruption. Does this mean that Mr Beck considers Romany Gypsy or travelling people to be a disease?
“We would like to remind everyone that the proposal was only for six to eight pitches and that small family sites such as this are often a valuable part of the communities that they are embedded in.
“It is such a shame that the campaigners have succeeded in denying the chance of a home for one or two Gypsy and Traveller families when there is such an acute shortage of such accommodation in the UK as a whole.”
Coun Beck said he had “nothing whatsoever” against Gypsies, but said a site at Hart would have a major impact on the village and insisted he was representing residents’ views.
He said: “They are human beings and have got to live somewhere, but there is no demand in Hartlepool at the moment.
“The west site would be so visible from the main road. People would find it hard to sell their homes so in that sense it would blight the Hart ward.”
Coun Beck added: “I was brought up in a little village in Oxfordshire were there was a Gypsy and Traveller site within about a mile and I used to play on their land and got on great with them.
“I have got nothing against them whatsoever, all I’m doing is backing my residents.”
A council spokesman said: “This council is fully committed to diversity and equality and has absolutely no issue with the travelling community.
“However, the council’s new administration has made a firm commitment to make decisions which resonate with the people of Hartlepool.
“Having listened to widespread concerns expressed by local people about the proposed location of a Gypsy and Traveller site, the council is fully within its rights to withdraw the Local Plan and to revisit the matter of potential Gypsy and Traveller site provision to determine whether there is sufficient need and demand to provide a site at all.”
A TRAVELLERS’ organisation has hit back at Hartlepool Borough Council’s decision to rip up its planning blueprint to block a Gypsy site in Hart.
The Traveller Movement slammed the council after it agreed to scrap its Local Plan after previously assigning land at Hart to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers and examine if the town needs to provide any sites.
The group also singled out Hart ward councillor Paul Beck for criticism after he said the Gypsy sites proposed for Hart would “blight the whole ward”.
The Traveller Movement has lodged an official complaint to the council’s audit and governance committee and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission over Coun Beck’s comments.
But Coun Beck insists he has nothing against Gypsies or Travellers and was merely backing his residents.
The Traveller Movement is a registered charity that aims to raise capacity and social inclusion of the Irish Traveller community in Britain.
Spokesman Mike Doherty said: “We are concerned and alarmed that Hartlepool Council is threatening to waste even more taxpayers’ money by ripping up their Gypsy/Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment.
“We would like to remind them that it is required to have such an assessment by law.”
Referring to Coun Beck, Mr Doherty added: “By calling a proposal for a legitimate authorised Traveller site a ‘blight’, Coun Beck has failed in his duties and responsibilities as an elected local government representative.
“In our book, it means a blemish, a disease or a corruption. Does this mean that Mr Beck considers Romany Gypsy or travelling people to be a disease?
“We would like to remind everyone that the proposal was only for six to eight pitches and that small family sites such as this are often a valuable part of the communities that they are embedded in.
“It is such a shame that the campaigners have succeeded in denying the chance of a home for one or two Gypsy and Traveller families when there is such an acute shortage of such accommodation in the UK as a whole.”
Coun Beck said he had “nothing whatsoever” against Gypsies, but said a site at Hart would have a major impact on the village and insisted he was representing residents’ views.
He said: “They are human beings and have got to live somewhere, but there is no demand in Hartlepool at the moment.
“The west site would be so visible from the main road. People would find it hard to sell their homes so in that sense it would blight the Hart ward.”
Coun Beck added: “I was brought up in a little village in Oxfordshire were there was a Gypsy and Traveller site within about a mile and I used to play on their land and got on great with them.
“I have got nothing against them whatsoever, all I’m doing is backing my residents.”
A council spokesman said: “This council is fully committed to diversity and equality and has absolutely no issue with the travelling community.
“However, the council’s new administration has made a firm commitment to make decisions which resonate with the people of Hartlepool.
“Having listened to widespread concerns expressed by local people about the proposed location of a Gypsy and Traveller site, the council is fully within its rights to withdraw the Local Plan and to revisit the matter of potential Gypsy and Traveller site provision to determine whether there is sufficient need and demand to provide a site at all.”
£700k bill estimated to build new Travellers' site in Datchet - Berkshire
From the Royal Borough Observer
The Royal Borough looks set to spend around £350,000 for the groundwork of a new Gypsy and Traveller site with 10 pitches on land at Datchet Common, in Horton Road, Datchet.
A report outlining the process of how the site will be built will be discussed at a Royal Borough cabinet meeting tonight with councillors advised to approve freeing up the cash in a bid to receive match funding from the Homes and Community Agency.
The report stated: “The current estimated cost for developing the site prior to any procurement exercise is that the site development will cost £700k to include the hard standing and infrastructure required.”
Councillors are also advised to enter into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land to receive rent of £30,000 a year.
Cabinet has also been recommended to extend the management agreement with Radian - who look after the adjacent Mill Place site - to cover the new pitches.
The planning application for the site was passed at a heated Windsor Urban Development Control panel meeting on Wednesday, October 9, as councillors overruled planning officers’ concerns about flood risk.
The plan could yet be called in by the secretary of state for communities and local government due to the land being deemed at risk of flooding.
The Royal Borough looks set to spend around £350,000 for the groundwork of a new Gypsy and Traveller site with 10 pitches on land at Datchet Common, in Horton Road, Datchet.
A report outlining the process of how the site will be built will be discussed at a Royal Borough cabinet meeting tonight with councillors advised to approve freeing up the cash in a bid to receive match funding from the Homes and Community Agency.
The report stated: “The current estimated cost for developing the site prior to any procurement exercise is that the site development will cost £700k to include the hard standing and infrastructure required.”
Councillors are also advised to enter into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land to receive rent of £30,000 a year.
Cabinet has also been recommended to extend the management agreement with Radian - who look after the adjacent Mill Place site - to cover the new pitches.
The planning application for the site was passed at a heated Windsor Urban Development Control panel meeting on Wednesday, October 9, as councillors overruled planning officers’ concerns about flood risk.
The plan could yet be called in by the secretary of state for communities and local government due to the land being deemed at risk of flooding.
Arlesey Travellers apply for 14 new pitches in Hitchin Road - Bedfordshire
From the Advertiser
Plans to add 14 new pitches to a Traveller site in Arlesey have been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council.
Under the plans to extend the existing Twin Acres Traveller site in Hitchin Road, grazing land to the rear of the site would be used and a new communal space with amenities built.
A document submitted with the plan says: “Each pitch will accommodate a single-unit static mobile home, together with car parking for two vehicles.
“The proposal includes provision of an access road, laying of hardstandings, erection of a communal day room/amenity building, and provision of a central play area.”
It continues: “The proposed site extension would be largely screened from public view by frontage development and hedgerows along Hitchin Road.
“Landscaping would be provided in the form of hedge planting along the southern and western boundaries of the proposed caravan site extension.
“This would further assimilate existing and proposed development in to its landscape surroundings.”
It concludes: “The site access is an appropriate location for a Gypsy site, in a sustainable location, close to services and community facilities available in Arlesey.
“The site access has been accepted as being safe, and the site is not located in an area at high risk from flooding.
“There is substantial need for additional Gypsy sites in Central Bedfordshire to which the Secretary of State recently attributed considerable weight when granting temporary planning permission for six pitches in the green belt.
“The granting of permanent permission for the proposed site extension would help to meet the identified unmet need, and alleviate pressure on green belt sites.
“For the above reasons, planning permission should be granted.”
Responses from the public consultation on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan were due to be discussed by councillors on October 10.
However, council officers and members decided to delay announcing their changes to the plan after the Secretary of State granted on appeal temporary planning permission for six pitches at a site in Leighton Buzzard.
The council’s response is now expected in the new year.
Plans to add 14 new pitches to a Traveller site in Arlesey have been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council.
Under the plans to extend the existing Twin Acres Traveller site in Hitchin Road, grazing land to the rear of the site would be used and a new communal space with amenities built.
A document submitted with the plan says: “Each pitch will accommodate a single-unit static mobile home, together with car parking for two vehicles.
“The proposal includes provision of an access road, laying of hardstandings, erection of a communal day room/amenity building, and provision of a central play area.”
It continues: “The proposed site extension would be largely screened from public view by frontage development and hedgerows along Hitchin Road.
“Landscaping would be provided in the form of hedge planting along the southern and western boundaries of the proposed caravan site extension.
“This would further assimilate existing and proposed development in to its landscape surroundings.”
It concludes: “The site access is an appropriate location for a Gypsy site, in a sustainable location, close to services and community facilities available in Arlesey.
“The site access has been accepted as being safe, and the site is not located in an area at high risk from flooding.
“There is substantial need for additional Gypsy sites in Central Bedfordshire to which the Secretary of State recently attributed considerable weight when granting temporary planning permission for six pitches in the green belt.
“The granting of permanent permission for the proposed site extension would help to meet the identified unmet need, and alleviate pressure on green belt sites.
“For the above reasons, planning permission should be granted.”
Responses from the public consultation on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan were due to be discussed by councillors on October 10.
However, council officers and members decided to delay announcing their changes to the plan after the Secretary of State granted on appeal temporary planning permission for six pitches at a site in Leighton Buzzard.
The council’s response is now expected in the new year.
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