Cheshire East Council is issuing further information pack aboutits decision to set up a permanent site for Gypsies and Travellersin Crewe.
It said the documents, which will be issued to anyone who has contacted the council about the plans and published online, will help "inform residents in greater detail" about its proposals.
After an assessment of council-owned land, a plot off Parkers Road and Kent Lane in the Coppenhall area of Crewe was judged to be the most appropriate location.
A number of other sites along the M6 motorway corridor were considered but the Parkers Road site was thought to be the most suitable. These included Pyms Lane, Crewe; Moss End Farm, Alsager; Saxon Cross Motel Site, Sandbach; Leighton West, Crewe; Maw Green Road, Crewe; Nursery Lane, Alsager; and Broad Lane, Nantwich.
The pack will include national guidance and legal requirements relating to the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers; local policies; and assessment summaries from the shortlist of locations.
Cllr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member for "safer and stronger communities", said: "We hope that by publishing this pack, people will feel informed better about Gypsy and Traveller sites.
"As a council we have a legal duty to look at the housing needs of Gypsies and Travellers and assessments indicate we need to increase the number of pitches available in Cheshire East.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Gobowen chalet work begins without permission - Shropshire
Plans for a chalet and caravan site on the edge of Gobowen – which have already been partly built – look likely to be refused by council chiefs.
There has been opposition to the plans by Romany Gypsy couple Jerry Berry and his wife, who have applied for permission to site four chalets and provide space for four touring caravans on the land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club.
But members of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council and local residents have said the land is in a rural area unsuitable for residential development and say work has already begun without permission.
Objectors have also claimed the land was a former tip and could be contaminated land.
In a statement, the couple, who have five children, say they previously lived at Shropshire Council’s Gypsy site at Park Hall where Mrs Berry was born. The family have said they have had to move because of overcrowding and a long waiting list for pitches there.
There has been opposition to the plans by Romany Gypsy couple Jerry Berry and his wife, who have applied for permission to site four chalets and provide space for four touring caravans on the land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club.
But members of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council and local residents have said the land is in a rural area unsuitable for residential development and say work has already begun without permission.
Objectors have also claimed the land was a former tip and could be contaminated land.
In a statement, the couple, who have five children, say they previously lived at Shropshire Council’s Gypsy site at Park Hall where Mrs Berry was born. The family have said they have had to move because of overcrowding and a long waiting list for pitches there.
Why Newport sites were rejected for Gypsies - South Wales
LAND deemed acceptable for the development of Gypsy sites in Newport include areas within a protected flood plain, a former tip and a protected wildlife site.
A list of 20 sites considered suitable under Welsh Government (WG) guidelines and published on the council’s website, includes comments on each area’s suitability, including the five shortlisted sites in Bettws, Nash and Marshfield.
It shows that two of the five, including the former army camp and the former barracks, both at Pye Corner, Nash, lie within protected flood plains.
The shortlisted Queensway Meadows site, south of Leeway Industrial Estate, Nash, is considered to have good access and road links, but would need screening from surrounding commercial businesses.
Land at Yew Tree Cottage, Bettws, is in a rural area, which the WG advises against, but it already has residential planning consent so would be suitable for a small Gypsy and Traveller camp.
The last shortlisted area, at Pound Hill, Coedkernew, is said to be on a main route with good access. Although it is a sloping site, the difference in levels would cancel out noise from the M4.
Other areas looked at include the former working mens’ club in Lliswerry, and land opposite Old Spencer Boys Club, Ringland, which were dismissed because of privacy concerns for Travellers.
Brickyard Lane, Allt- Yr-Yn; and a chicken farm in Castleton could not cope with increased traffic. Craig y Ceiliog, Bettws, although suitable under WAG guidelines, was discounted by the council because it was a former tip.
Also disregarded was Bettws Allotments, after the council decided against the use of allotment land. There were access issues at College Crescent, Caerleon, and noise concerns at land near the Open Hearth pub, Ringland, and a former bakery on Nash Road.
The former Bridge Training Centre, in the Victoria ward, was dismissed because social services is using it;
Tatton Farm, Lliswerry, is believed to have substandard access.
Penhow quarry, Langstone, has unsecured hazards and is home to protected wildlife.
The former road safety site at Hartridge Farm, Llanwern, has already been approved for homes and money from its sale will fund the rebuild of Hartridge High School.
The former Wye Vale Garden Centre, Marshfield, is five times bigger than needed; and safety concerns were raised about Arnsbrae House, Glassworks Cottages, Shaftsbury.
A list of 20 sites considered suitable under Welsh Government (WG) guidelines and published on the council’s website, includes comments on each area’s suitability, including the five shortlisted sites in Bettws, Nash and Marshfield.
It shows that two of the five, including the former army camp and the former barracks, both at Pye Corner, Nash, lie within protected flood plains.
The shortlisted Queensway Meadows site, south of Leeway Industrial Estate, Nash, is considered to have good access and road links, but would need screening from surrounding commercial businesses.
Land at Yew Tree Cottage, Bettws, is in a rural area, which the WG advises against, but it already has residential planning consent so would be suitable for a small Gypsy and Traveller camp.
The last shortlisted area, at Pound Hill, Coedkernew, is said to be on a main route with good access. Although it is a sloping site, the difference in levels would cancel out noise from the M4.
Other areas looked at include the former working mens’ club in Lliswerry, and land opposite Old Spencer Boys Club, Ringland, which were dismissed because of privacy concerns for Travellers.
Brickyard Lane, Allt- Yr-Yn; and a chicken farm in Castleton could not cope with increased traffic. Craig y Ceiliog, Bettws, although suitable under WAG guidelines, was discounted by the council because it was a former tip.
Also disregarded was Bettws Allotments, after the council decided against the use of allotment land. There were access issues at College Crescent, Caerleon, and noise concerns at land near the Open Hearth pub, Ringland, and a former bakery on Nash Road.
The former Bridge Training Centre, in the Victoria ward, was dismissed because social services is using it;
Tatton Farm, Lliswerry, is believed to have substandard access.
Penhow quarry, Langstone, has unsecured hazards and is home to protected wildlife.
The former road safety site at Hartridge Farm, Llanwern, has already been approved for homes and money from its sale will fund the rebuild of Hartridge High School.
The former Wye Vale Garden Centre, Marshfield, is five times bigger than needed; and safety concerns were raised about Arnsbrae House, Glassworks Cottages, Shaftsbury.
West Sussex gets a Traveller sites forum
Romany and Travelling people who are concerned about site provision in West Sussex might want to come along to the first West Sussex Gypsy and Traveller Forum.
Changes to national planning law as it affects Gypsies and Travellers will also be discussed. The forum will take place in Billingshurst on Wednesday the 7th December.
The meeting is organised by STAG (Sussex Traveller Action Group).
It will start at 1:30pm at the Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, Roman Way, Billinghurst, RH14 9QU.
Tea, coffee and mince pies will be provided. For further details contact Lisa on 07956 627835.
From Travellers' Times
Changes to national planning law as it affects Gypsies and Travellers will also be discussed. The forum will take place in Billingshurst on Wednesday the 7th December.
The meeting is organised by STAG (Sussex Traveller Action Group).
It will start at 1:30pm at the Billingshurst Community and Conference Centre, Roman Way, Billinghurst, RH14 9QU.
Tea, coffee and mince pies will be provided. For further details contact Lisa on 07956 627835.
From Travellers' Times
Basildon Council Planning officers in favour of greenbelt dogs home
Traveller numbers increase in Brighton and Hove
Unauthorised Traveller numbers rose by 40% in the last 12 months – despite politicians claiming there was “no evidence” of a year-on-year hike.
Government figures show a third of all the Gypsy or Traveller groups in the south east who were not on their own land settled in Brighton and Hove in the summer.
The revelation comes after a period of heightened tension as illegal encampments were established in a number of open spaces and public parks in the city. Throughout the summer politicians from the city council’s Green administration advocated a “firm but fair” approach to the issue. They frequently hit back at “scaremongering” from opposition councillors and residents, stating there had been no increase in numbers on previous years.
But after seeing the latest Government figures, which were recorded in July, opponents claim they have now been vindicated.
Last night, environment cabinet member Pete West said the council was examining the figures and working to get a broader overview of the situation this summer.
But Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald said: “Here, finally, we have the evidence that backs up what everyone, apart from the Greens, could see – that their policy of toleration has not worked and has only served to increase the number of travellers coming to Brighton and Hove.
“Perhaps Coun West would now like to offer an apology to us and to the residents of this city who he has been misleading for the last six months.”
Government figures show a third of all the Gypsy or Traveller groups in the south east who were not on their own land settled in Brighton and Hove in the summer.
The revelation comes after a period of heightened tension as illegal encampments were established in a number of open spaces and public parks in the city. Throughout the summer politicians from the city council’s Green administration advocated a “firm but fair” approach to the issue. They frequently hit back at “scaremongering” from opposition councillors and residents, stating there had been no increase in numbers on previous years.
But after seeing the latest Government figures, which were recorded in July, opponents claim they have now been vindicated.
Last night, environment cabinet member Pete West said the council was examining the figures and working to get a broader overview of the situation this summer.
But Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald said: “Here, finally, we have the evidence that backs up what everyone, apart from the Greens, could see – that their policy of toleration has not worked and has only served to increase the number of travellers coming to Brighton and Hove.
“Perhaps Coun West would now like to offer an apology to us and to the residents of this city who he has been misleading for the last six months.”
Pupils win prize in Gypsy history month contest - Bicester
THREE pupils at Winslow Combined School have won second prize in this year’s national Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month competition, A Moment In Time.
Run by the National Association of Teachers of Travellers and other professionals, the competition is designed to celebrate Gypsy Roma Traveller culture.
Headteacher Simon Rose said: “Staff were quick to respond to this exciting opportunity as we have a number of Traveller pupils at our school, and we are always looking for ways to enhance our curriculum for all our pupils.”
The children were invited to create a piece of work that captured a moment in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture or history.
Three Year 5 boys, Robert Lamb, Jhonny Lamb and Jim Bell, designed and made Gypsy caravans in clay and then led an assembly for the whole school where they talked to pupils about their culture.
Out of more than 1,000 entries, the boys were all awarded second prize in the Key Stage 2 category. The boys, their families and school representatives will attend an awards ceremony in Berkshire next week.
Mr Rose said: “We are extremely proud of all three pupils.”
Run by the National Association of Teachers of Travellers and other professionals, the competition is designed to celebrate Gypsy Roma Traveller culture.
Headteacher Simon Rose said: “Staff were quick to respond to this exciting opportunity as we have a number of Traveller pupils at our school, and we are always looking for ways to enhance our curriculum for all our pupils.”
The children were invited to create a piece of work that captured a moment in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture or history.
Three Year 5 boys, Robert Lamb, Jhonny Lamb and Jim Bell, designed and made Gypsy caravans in clay and then led an assembly for the whole school where they talked to pupils about their culture.
Out of more than 1,000 entries, the boys were all awarded second prize in the Key Stage 2 category. The boys, their families and school representatives will attend an awards ceremony in Berkshire next week.
Mr Rose said: “We are extremely proud of all three pupils.”
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
400 sign petition over Nash Gypsy site plan - Gwent
MORE than 400 people have signed petition to fight proposals for Gypsy and Traveller sites in Nash.
Local community councillor Tony Ducroq has also written to all 49 Newport councillors stating the reasons why locals believe the three proposed sites - two at Broadstreet Common, Pye Corner, and one at Nash Mead, Queensway Meadows - are not suitable under planning and Welsh Government guidelines.
These include the fact that the Broadstreet Common sites are within a flood plain, which the Welsh government states should be avoided; the sites are in a rural area and lack the basic infrastructure such as mains sewerage, street lighting, and pavements required.
Mr Ducroq says one site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; two are on a narrow country lanes, which could not cope with the increased traffic; and two are near reens, which the Welsh Government advises against over safety fears for children. Mr Ducroq says Welsh Government guidelines for Traveller sites state they should be close to local amenities such as schools, health centres, shops and be accessible on foot, which they are not.
The guidelines also state proposed sites should take into account the impact of noise and disturbance to local residents - but these sites are within ten metres of homes. Instead Mr Ducroq suggests some areas discounted by the council should be looked at again, including the former Llanwern Steelworks Sports and Social club site at Spytty. He says the it ticks all the boxes in that it has all the necessary infrastructure and any issues around lack of privacy, for which it was discounted, could be overcome with screening.
Mr Ducroq is now calling on councillors to back the residents' campaign, adding: "Whilst these sites may not be within your ward, we all have a duty to give value for money to our electors, and the sites in Nash will certainly involve expensive infrastructure if proceeded with and will involve further encroachment on the rural nature of the area."
Plans for a site at Yew Tree Cottage, Bettws, have already been submitted and the others, including details for a site at Pound Hill, Marshfield, are expected to be applied for shortly.
Local community councillor Tony Ducroq has also written to all 49 Newport councillors stating the reasons why locals believe the three proposed sites - two at Broadstreet Common, Pye Corner, and one at Nash Mead, Queensway Meadows - are not suitable under planning and Welsh Government guidelines.
These include the fact that the Broadstreet Common sites are within a flood plain, which the Welsh government states should be avoided; the sites are in a rural area and lack the basic infrastructure such as mains sewerage, street lighting, and pavements required.
Mr Ducroq says one site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; two are on a narrow country lanes, which could not cope with the increased traffic; and two are near reens, which the Welsh Government advises against over safety fears for children. Mr Ducroq says Welsh Government guidelines for Traveller sites state they should be close to local amenities such as schools, health centres, shops and be accessible on foot, which they are not.
The guidelines also state proposed sites should take into account the impact of noise and disturbance to local residents - but these sites are within ten metres of homes. Instead Mr Ducroq suggests some areas discounted by the council should be looked at again, including the former Llanwern Steelworks Sports and Social club site at Spytty. He says the it ticks all the boxes in that it has all the necessary infrastructure and any issues around lack of privacy, for which it was discounted, could be overcome with screening.
Mr Ducroq is now calling on councillors to back the residents' campaign, adding: "Whilst these sites may not be within your ward, we all have a duty to give value for money to our electors, and the sites in Nash will certainly involve expensive infrastructure if proceeded with and will involve further encroachment on the rural nature of the area."
Plans for a site at Yew Tree Cottage, Bettws, have already been submitted and the others, including details for a site at Pound Hill, Marshfield, are expected to be applied for shortly.
No agreement over need for sites for Travellers - Isle of Wight
CLAIMS Gypsy and Traveller sites could be banned from the Island have been refuted by council officers.
Tory councillor Andy Sutton said the Localism Bill — which gives local councils more freedom to make decisions that affect their communities — would give the Isle of Wight Council power to remove such sites. The bill would also supersede regional strategies and targets, he said, thereby removing any requirement to provide them in the first place.
He said: "I do not think we should provide Travellers’ sites on a tourist island. I do not want them, I do not think they are necessary and I do not think we should have them on the Island. I’m also concerned the high cross-Solent charges would deter them from leaving."
But the council’s director of economy and environment, Stuart Love, said the bill did not simply absolve the authority of its responsibilities.
He told Cllr Sutton: "We cannot agree with your assertion the requirements for Gypsy and Traveller sites has been completely removed, or that we should revisit the core strategy in light of this. The draft national planning policy framework, which is currently being consulted on by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is very clear in terms of this issue and states it will be for local authorities to set local targets.
"The draft policy does not remove the requirement for councils to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers, in fact it specifically states there remains a requirement to provide sites based on local evidence.
"We also have responsibilities to this group of residents under other legislation, including the Housing Act and Equalities and the Diversities Act."
Tory councillor Andy Sutton said the Localism Bill — which gives local councils more freedom to make decisions that affect their communities — would give the Isle of Wight Council power to remove such sites. The bill would also supersede regional strategies and targets, he said, thereby removing any requirement to provide them in the first place.
He said: "I do not think we should provide Travellers’ sites on a tourist island. I do not want them, I do not think they are necessary and I do not think we should have them on the Island. I’m also concerned the high cross-Solent charges would deter them from leaving."
But the council’s director of economy and environment, Stuart Love, said the bill did not simply absolve the authority of its responsibilities.
He told Cllr Sutton: "We cannot agree with your assertion the requirements for Gypsy and Traveller sites has been completely removed, or that we should revisit the core strategy in light of this. The draft national planning policy framework, which is currently being consulted on by the Department for Communities and Local Government, is very clear in terms of this issue and states it will be for local authorities to set local targets.
"The draft policy does not remove the requirement for councils to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers, in fact it specifically states there remains a requirement to provide sites based on local evidence.
"We also have responsibilities to this group of residents under other legislation, including the Housing Act and Equalities and the Diversities Act."
Traveller caravans plan is submitted for Hurworth Moor - Darlington
ANOTHER application for four more Traveller caravans has been submitted for a village site.
Foster Lee has submitted a planning application to site four mobile homes and six touring vans on land he and his brother-in-law own at Snipe Lane, near Hurworth.
It follows a number of other previous applications which have been given permission in the area, some on appeal.
A planning statement issued with Mr Lee's application used published figures for more than 60 additional sites that were required by 2021 across Darlington to cite the need for the site.
The four pitches would be used by Mr Lee and his family, who have strong connections with the Darlington area.
They claim Gypsy status because they travel for four or five months each summer, principally for work reasons.
The application added: "All or at least the large majority of the land off this section of Snipe Lane is owned by local Gypsies, including the farm complex on Snipe Lane, which is partly laid out as a Gypsy site, the riding stables and a number of fields used as paddocks.
"In the vicinity two recent permissions have been granted for residential use."
After one of those sites was given approval, ward councillor Martin Swainston called for Darlington Borough Council to extend its existing sites rather than allowing smaller private plots in open countryside.
Foster Lee has submitted a planning application to site four mobile homes and six touring vans on land he and his brother-in-law own at Snipe Lane, near Hurworth.
It follows a number of other previous applications which have been given permission in the area, some on appeal.
A planning statement issued with Mr Lee's application used published figures for more than 60 additional sites that were required by 2021 across Darlington to cite the need for the site.
The four pitches would be used by Mr Lee and his family, who have strong connections with the Darlington area.
They claim Gypsy status because they travel for four or five months each summer, principally for work reasons.
The application added: "All or at least the large majority of the land off this section of Snipe Lane is owned by local Gypsies, including the farm complex on Snipe Lane, which is partly laid out as a Gypsy site, the riding stables and a number of fields used as paddocks.
"In the vicinity two recent permissions have been granted for residential use."
After one of those sites was given approval, ward councillor Martin Swainston called for Darlington Borough Council to extend its existing sites rather than allowing smaller private plots in open countryside.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Plans for new Travellers' site in Rangeworthy are deferred after land ownership is questioned
NO DECISION was reached about plans for a second Travellers’ site in Rangeworthy after questions of land ownership brought council deliberations to an abrupt halt last week.
Just one day before the South Gloucestershire Council development committee west meeting on Thursday, planning officers received a document suggesting that TL Demolition did not own the Tanhouse Lane grounds in their entirety.
This unexpected turn of events meant that for legal reasons and despite councillors pushing for an immediate vote on the proposed 14 pitches to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers, the final decision was deferred pending investigation.
Planning officer Helen O’Connor revealed the existence of the controversial letter to councillors.
She said: "We can’t ignore this correspondence. We need to act reasonably.
"This is a procedural issue we need to resolve before making a decision either way. The planning authority needs to demonstrate that it has acted in a legal manner.
"We need to go back and check the ownership."
Just one day before the South Gloucestershire Council development committee west meeting on Thursday, planning officers received a document suggesting that TL Demolition did not own the Tanhouse Lane grounds in their entirety.
This unexpected turn of events meant that for legal reasons and despite councillors pushing for an immediate vote on the proposed 14 pitches to accommodate Gypsies and Travellers, the final decision was deferred pending investigation.
Planning officer Helen O’Connor revealed the existence of the controversial letter to councillors.
She said: "We can’t ignore this correspondence. We need to act reasonably.
"This is a procedural issue we need to resolve before making a decision either way. The planning authority needs to demonstrate that it has acted in a legal manner.
"We need to go back and check the ownership."
We are trying to stop Traveller encampments, says councillor - Bedfordshire
A senior council official has admitted that Gypsies have been giving them the run around.
The Travellers have already been moved off three other sites in Bedford but overnight on Wednesday 15 caravans popped up on wasteland earmarked for the site of a supermarket.
Cllr Charles Royden said the group, who are now camped on land off Ampthill Road, have already been taken to court to be evicted from near Interchange Retail Park three times as well as Meadow Lane and Norse Road, Bedford But, as the land is privately owned, the council is unable to remove them.
Cllr Royden, portfolio holder for the environment and transport, said: “It is shocking when people look askance at the court and legal process and treat communities with disregard.
“Illegal encampments such as these are completely unacceptable. It costs local taxpayers money to take legal action to remove the encampment from each individual site, in addition to the cost of clearing the site afterwards.
“The council is doing everything in its power to prevent unauthorised encampments which are unacceptable to local taxpayers.”*
A council spokesman added: “The council has taken action to remove previous illegal encampments in the borough from public land. However, this encampment is located on privately owned land and the council is therefore not able to become involved in any eviction process.”
* Everything that is apart from providing authorised sites
The Travellers have already been moved off three other sites in Bedford but overnight on Wednesday 15 caravans popped up on wasteland earmarked for the site of a supermarket.
Cllr Charles Royden said the group, who are now camped on land off Ampthill Road, have already been taken to court to be evicted from near Interchange Retail Park three times as well as Meadow Lane and Norse Road, Bedford But, as the land is privately owned, the council is unable to remove them.
Cllr Royden, portfolio holder for the environment and transport, said: “It is shocking when people look askance at the court and legal process and treat communities with disregard.
“Illegal encampments such as these are completely unacceptable. It costs local taxpayers money to take legal action to remove the encampment from each individual site, in addition to the cost of clearing the site afterwards.
“The council is doing everything in its power to prevent unauthorised encampments which are unacceptable to local taxpayers.”*
A council spokesman added: “The council has taken action to remove previous illegal encampments in the borough from public land. However, this encampment is located on privately owned land and the council is therefore not able to become involved in any eviction process.”
* Everything that is apart from providing authorised sites
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Exeter Gypsy sites plans abandoned by city council
Plans for two Gypsy sites in Exeter have been abandoned by the city council.
The proposed sites, at Monkerton and New Court, will be "released for other uses" after an inspector's report said further consultation was needed.
The council has said it will look at other sites across Exeter but that it is "far too early" to commit to any.
The proposals had "proved unpopular with local people", said the report by inspector Jill Kingaby.
Thirteen traveller pitches were proposed at both sites.
Residents had feared property prices in the area would drop if the Gypsy sites were approved.
Councillor Rachel Sutton, lead councillor for sustainable development and transport, said they were going back to the beginning and looking at all potential sites.
"Maybe we did get it wrong and for that reason we're starting again."
The proposed sites, at Monkerton and New Court, will be "released for other uses" after an inspector's report said further consultation was needed.
The council has said it will look at other sites across Exeter but that it is "far too early" to commit to any.
The proposals had "proved unpopular with local people", said the report by inspector Jill Kingaby.
Thirteen traveller pitches were proposed at both sites.
Residents had feared property prices in the area would drop if the Gypsy sites were approved.
Councillor Rachel Sutton, lead councillor for sustainable development and transport, said they were going back to the beginning and looking at all potential sites.
"Maybe we did get it wrong and for that reason we're starting again."
Friday, 25 November 2011
Winsford says 'no' to proposed Gypsy site
ANGRY residents, councillors, racists and business leaders from Winsford gathered on Wednesday to protest against controversial plans to develop a permanent Gypsy site in the town.
The application for 20 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches on land off Barlow Drive has prompted a number letters of objection to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning department.
At a meeting of Winsford Town Council’s planning committee on Monday furious residents said the site will only add to the town’s woes.
Gary Hoather, of the Over residents group, said: “I find it quite offensive in the report that the jobs allocation in Winsford is not as important as this site.
“We have one of the lowest percentages of employment in Cheshire.
“The perception rather than the reality will put people off moving to the area and businesses will be concerned about expanding.”
Resident, Sharon Newall, added: “Why is it that Winsford gets dumped with everything?
“When I had someone to come out to value my house recently I was told Winsford was the poor relation of Cheshire and the same house somewhere else in the county would be worth much more.”
Concerns were also raised about wildlife habitations and the existence of great crested newts on the site, flooding, and impact the proposed site will have on businesses in the area.
Bob Washington, of Solutech, on Woodford Park Industrial Estate, said: “We produce food additives for a number of household names and we have people from those companies come to visit our site annually to do audits.
“When we came to this site about 10 years ago we were assured by a very active councillor at the time that this would be a clean and industrial area for us to operate.It saddens me to think this may not be the case in the future.”
Resident Graham Peattie, who worked in the private housing sector for 25 years and managed Gypsy and Traveller sites in Halton said Winsford has nothing to offer travelling communities.
He added: “I have managed some of the Gypsy sites in Holton and it doesn’t work.What the council is looking at is the importation of Gypsies and Travellers in the area but there is no occupation for them.They always prefer the heavy industrial areas where they can work in tarmacking, tree felling and metal dealing.It also won’t do anything to improve the economy of this area and it will increase the security costs of business on that site.”
Charlie Parkinson, former councillor, agreed.
He said: “Has anyone asked the Travellers if they want to come to Winsford, or is this being forced upon them? I am told that they want to be along the M56 corridor.More houses are being built along Oakmere Road, how on earth is this developer going to be able to sell these homes with a Gypsy site a quarter of a mile away?”
The application for 20 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches on land off Barlow Drive has prompted a number letters of objection to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning department.
At a meeting of Winsford Town Council’s planning committee on Monday furious residents said the site will only add to the town’s woes.
Gary Hoather, of the Over residents group, said: “I find it quite offensive in the report that the jobs allocation in Winsford is not as important as this site.
“We have one of the lowest percentages of employment in Cheshire.
“The perception rather than the reality will put people off moving to the area and businesses will be concerned about expanding.”
Resident, Sharon Newall, added: “Why is it that Winsford gets dumped with everything?
“When I had someone to come out to value my house recently I was told Winsford was the poor relation of Cheshire and the same house somewhere else in the county would be worth much more.”
Concerns were also raised about wildlife habitations and the existence of great crested newts on the site, flooding, and impact the proposed site will have on businesses in the area.
Bob Washington, of Solutech, on Woodford Park Industrial Estate, said: “We produce food additives for a number of household names and we have people from those companies come to visit our site annually to do audits.
“When we came to this site about 10 years ago we were assured by a very active councillor at the time that this would be a clean and industrial area for us to operate.It saddens me to think this may not be the case in the future.”
Resident Graham Peattie, who worked in the private housing sector for 25 years and managed Gypsy and Traveller sites in Halton said Winsford has nothing to offer travelling communities.
He added: “I have managed some of the Gypsy sites in Holton and it doesn’t work.What the council is looking at is the importation of Gypsies and Travellers in the area but there is no occupation for them.They always prefer the heavy industrial areas where they can work in tarmacking, tree felling and metal dealing.It also won’t do anything to improve the economy of this area and it will increase the security costs of business on that site.”
Charlie Parkinson, former councillor, agreed.
He said: “Has anyone asked the Travellers if they want to come to Winsford, or is this being forced upon them? I am told that they want to be along the M56 corridor.More houses are being built along Oakmere Road, how on earth is this developer going to be able to sell these homes with a Gypsy site a quarter of a mile away?”
Horror of Dale Farm still hurts ...Travellers are treated better here
GRATTAN Puxon watched the dramatic Dale Farm evictions from the front line.
The campaigner, who lives in John Harper Street, Colchester, stood beside activists and members of the travelling community and witnessed the illegal pitches being dismantled. He describes the actions of police and bailiffs as “illegal over-enforcement”.
Mr Puxon, 72, says the experience left him exhausted. But he is far from finished in his mission to find the evicted residents a new place to live. On Tuesday, he was at Basildon Council for a public inquiry which is considering the council’s decision to refuse planning permission for 12 plots.
The hearing follows last month’s clearance of the six-acre site in Crays Hill after a decade-long row over unauthorised plots. The operation saw violent clashes between police and protesters.
Mr Puxon said: “I was shaken for several days after.
“It was shattering, both physically and mentally – the biggest eviction in the UK’s history. “We never wanted to fight the police. It was supposed to be a civil matter between us, the council and the bailiffs.“But they came flying in with tasers aiming everywhere. There is a clear case of over-enforcement.”
Mr Puxon claims a deal to meet council officers outside the fences on the day of the eviction to negotiate the police operation was never honoured.
He said: “The people at Dale Farm were always willing to move, but needed a legal place to move to.
“The eviction amounts to ethnic cleansing. There has been damage dealt to the legal properties there. The land has been completely raked up.”
The campaigner, who lives in John Harper Street, Colchester, stood beside activists and members of the travelling community and witnessed the illegal pitches being dismantled. He describes the actions of police and bailiffs as “illegal over-enforcement”.
Mr Puxon, 72, says the experience left him exhausted. But he is far from finished in his mission to find the evicted residents a new place to live. On Tuesday, he was at Basildon Council for a public inquiry which is considering the council’s decision to refuse planning permission for 12 plots.
The hearing follows last month’s clearance of the six-acre site in Crays Hill after a decade-long row over unauthorised plots. The operation saw violent clashes between police and protesters.
Mr Puxon said: “I was shaken for several days after.
“It was shattering, both physically and mentally – the biggest eviction in the UK’s history. “We never wanted to fight the police. It was supposed to be a civil matter between us, the council and the bailiffs.“But they came flying in with tasers aiming everywhere. There is a clear case of over-enforcement.”
Mr Puxon claims a deal to meet council officers outside the fences on the day of the eviction to negotiate the police operation was never honoured.
He said: “The people at Dale Farm were always willing to move, but needed a legal place to move to.
“The eviction amounts to ethnic cleansing. There has been damage dealt to the legal properties there. The land has been completely raked up.”
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Gypsy site expansion bid blocked by council - Surrey
THE owner of a Gypsy site on the outskirts of Chertsey has lost his bid to try and expand.
Miles Cash, owner of Walnut Tree Farm in Almners Road, Lyne, had applied to change the use of part of the land to a Gypsy site and develop the existing area to allow for 28 pitches.
Current permission allows for 20 pitches.
However, last week Runnymede Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to refuse the application, which would also have included single storey mobile homes and a children’s play area on the site.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor John Furey said: “Considering the enforcement notices the council has currently served on this site, I think this application is very much out of order.”
The owner has until February to remove all mobile homes and caravans on the site for which he does not have permission. He has been told to stop using the site for skip and waste storage and to cease using the land as a holiday camp and caravan park for non-Gypsies.
Planning committee chairman Geoff Woodger said extra berths were not needed in the borough. He said: “We currently do not have enough people using the Gypsy pitches we have in the borough so there is no need for this extension.And we need to remember there are two Gypsy sites either side of this farm. I think the owner should be focusing on ensuring he complies with the enforcement notices issued against the site. This is no place for a business to be run.”
By February, the applicant must also demolish a detached dwelling on the land and remove all fences, gates and walls that have been installed along with a number of sheds.
The site falls within the green belt but the council felt that the application did not show a ‘special circumstance’ to allow it to be granted.
Travellers currently living on the site can remain there under permission granted in 2004.
Miles Cash, owner of Walnut Tree Farm in Almners Road, Lyne, had applied to change the use of part of the land to a Gypsy site and develop the existing area to allow for 28 pitches.
Current permission allows for 20 pitches.
However, last week Runnymede Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously agreed to refuse the application, which would also have included single storey mobile homes and a children’s play area on the site.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor John Furey said: “Considering the enforcement notices the council has currently served on this site, I think this application is very much out of order.”
The owner has until February to remove all mobile homes and caravans on the site for which he does not have permission. He has been told to stop using the site for skip and waste storage and to cease using the land as a holiday camp and caravan park for non-Gypsies.
Planning committee chairman Geoff Woodger said extra berths were not needed in the borough. He said: “We currently do not have enough people using the Gypsy pitches we have in the borough so there is no need for this extension.And we need to remember there are two Gypsy sites either side of this farm. I think the owner should be focusing on ensuring he complies with the enforcement notices issued against the site. This is no place for a business to be run.”
By February, the applicant must also demolish a detached dwelling on the land and remove all fences, gates and walls that have been installed along with a number of sheds.
The site falls within the green belt but the council felt that the application did not show a ‘special circumstance’ to allow it to be granted.
Travellers currently living on the site can remain there under permission granted in 2004.
Gypsy family may have to quit Burton-in-Lonsdale home
A GYPSY couple and their six children are fighting an eviction notice to quit their Lunesdale home.
Robert Dugdale bought land on the edge of Burton-in-Lonsdale in 2004 and built a chalet-type home, for which he received temporary planning approval.
But the permission ran out on June 1 and Mr Dugdale, who was brought up in nearby Melling, now faces having to move out of the area, taking his children away from their local schools.
He is now applying to Craven District Council to permanently change the use of his field from agricultural land to a caravan site for ‘one Gypsy family’.
If permission is not granted he will have to remove his children from St Wilfrid CofE Primary School, in Melling, and Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale.
Bentham Town Council refused to support his application at their monthly meeting, with councillors describing the issue as a 'frustration' which had been going on too long.The council said the term 'one Gypsy family' was too vague and highlighted worries about an earth closet being too close to the River Greta.They also said Mr Dugdale had ‘a history of non-compliance’.
“I have done everything in line with what the planning authority said I needed to do to get permission,” said Mr Dugdale. “I pay my taxes and have worked on farms in the area, on and off throughout my life. I have never met Bentham town councillors so I have no idea why they say I haven't complied with them.”
Mr Dugdale claims objections have gone beyond the local community.
“People are writing in from London objecting to my application. I feel when people hear the words ‘Gypsy family’ they get worried without having any reason for it. It’s like every group of people, you get the good and the bad within them but I’ve done my best to make sure everything is how the authorities want. I feel I am being persecuted by people who don't know me or my family. It’s a constant worry. All I want is for children to go to school and have a normal life.”
Robert Dugdale bought land on the edge of Burton-in-Lonsdale in 2004 and built a chalet-type home, for which he received temporary planning approval.
But the permission ran out on June 1 and Mr Dugdale, who was brought up in nearby Melling, now faces having to move out of the area, taking his children away from their local schools.
He is now applying to Craven District Council to permanently change the use of his field from agricultural land to a caravan site for ‘one Gypsy family’.
If permission is not granted he will have to remove his children from St Wilfrid CofE Primary School, in Melling, and Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale.
Bentham Town Council refused to support his application at their monthly meeting, with councillors describing the issue as a 'frustration' which had been going on too long.The council said the term 'one Gypsy family' was too vague and highlighted worries about an earth closet being too close to the River Greta.They also said Mr Dugdale had ‘a history of non-compliance’.
“I have done everything in line with what the planning authority said I needed to do to get permission,” said Mr Dugdale. “I pay my taxes and have worked on farms in the area, on and off throughout my life. I have never met Bentham town councillors so I have no idea why they say I haven't complied with them.”
Mr Dugdale claims objections have gone beyond the local community.
“People are writing in from London objecting to my application. I feel when people hear the words ‘Gypsy family’ they get worried without having any reason for it. It’s like every group of people, you get the good and the bad within them but I’ve done my best to make sure everything is how the authorities want. I feel I am being persecuted by people who don't know me or my family. It’s a constant worry. All I want is for children to go to school and have a normal life.”
UK pub chain which barred Travellers faces investigation
ONE OF Britain’s largest pub chains is to face investigation for racial discrimination after a group, including a police officer and a priest who had attended an Irish Travellers’ meeting, were refused entry to a north London pub.
The group, including Cheshire Constabulary’s head of diversity Insp Mark Watson, solicitor Martin Howe and the group’s chairman, Fr Joe Brown, along with a number of Travellers, were blocked by doormen.
Mr Howe, who is to issue legal proceedings against JD Wetherspoons today, said the doormen had told him they had been instructed not to allow in anyone who had been at the Travellers’ conference because of “problems last year, except that there weren’t any”.
The Travellers movement director Yvonne McNamara said: “It was only when Insp Watson produced his police identity card that the doormen allowed entrance to speak to the manager – and only on condition that Insp Watson be responsible for the group going to speak to the manager.”
Two bartenders on duty refused to give their full names to him when he approached them, but said that they had been given instructions that any Travellers and those associated with them were not to be allowed in.
Insp Watson confirmed the allegations.
“I will be supplying a full statement of what I saw, heard and did, in order to support this action. This matter will also be reported to the Metropolitan Police as a racially motivated incident for assessment and investigation,” he said.
A spokesman for JD Wetherspoons, which runs more than 700 pubs throughout Britain, said: “We are not aware of the incident and all the details surrounding it. However, we will be carrying out a full investigation with the area manager, pub manager and team on duty.”
An attempt to speak to the Coronet’s manager failed when the telephone call was disconnected.
Other people, who had attended an equality conference for gays, bisexuals and transgender people in the Resource Centre on Holloway Road, “were similarly barred” from the Coronet because the doormen thought that they, too, had attended the Travellers’ meeting, the Travellers’ group alleges.
Saying the incident highlighted the “everyday occurrences” of discrimination against Irish Travellers, Ms McNamara said her group was outraged by “this blatant act” against them, “their friends and colleagues”.
The group, including Cheshire Constabulary’s head of diversity Insp Mark Watson, solicitor Martin Howe and the group’s chairman, Fr Joe Brown, along with a number of Travellers, were blocked by doormen.
Mr Howe, who is to issue legal proceedings against JD Wetherspoons today, said the doormen had told him they had been instructed not to allow in anyone who had been at the Travellers’ conference because of “problems last year, except that there weren’t any”.
The Travellers movement director Yvonne McNamara said: “It was only when Insp Watson produced his police identity card that the doormen allowed entrance to speak to the manager – and only on condition that Insp Watson be responsible for the group going to speak to the manager.”
Two bartenders on duty refused to give their full names to him when he approached them, but said that they had been given instructions that any Travellers and those associated with them were not to be allowed in.
Insp Watson confirmed the allegations.
“I will be supplying a full statement of what I saw, heard and did, in order to support this action. This matter will also be reported to the Metropolitan Police as a racially motivated incident for assessment and investigation,” he said.
A spokesman for JD Wetherspoons, which runs more than 700 pubs throughout Britain, said: “We are not aware of the incident and all the details surrounding it. However, we will be carrying out a full investigation with the area manager, pub manager and team on duty.”
An attempt to speak to the Coronet’s manager failed when the telephone call was disconnected.
Other people, who had attended an equality conference for gays, bisexuals and transgender people in the Resource Centre on Holloway Road, “were similarly barred” from the Coronet because the doormen thought that they, too, had attended the Travellers’ meeting, the Travellers’ group alleges.
Saying the incident highlighted the “everyday occurrences” of discrimination against Irish Travellers, Ms McNamara said her group was outraged by “this blatant act” against them, “their friends and colleagues”.
MP denies 'conflict of interest' over Gypsy sites - Kidderminster
WYRE Forest’s MP has denied a Labour councillor’s claim that his case workers, who are also council cabinet members, have a “conflict of interest” over proposed Traveller sites.
Wyre Forest district Labour member Adrian Sewell made the claim about Conservative councillors Julian Phillips and Tracey Onslow, who are employed by MP Mark Garnier and are also in the cabinet which will have the final say on pitch plans.
Mr Sewell believed the two councillors worked on drafting Mr Garnier’s 12-page consultation response, which questioned the number of pitches the council said it required but the Conservative MP said: “They have had no involvement”.
Mr Sewell said: “I do feel there’s a conflict of interest where Julian Phillips and Tracey Onslow have been accessories, if you like to, compiling a report opposing their own proposal.”
Wyre Forest district Labour member Adrian Sewell made the claim about Conservative councillors Julian Phillips and Tracey Onslow, who are employed by MP Mark Garnier and are also in the cabinet which will have the final say on pitch plans.
Mr Sewell believed the two councillors worked on drafting Mr Garnier’s 12-page consultation response, which questioned the number of pitches the council said it required but the Conservative MP said: “They have had no involvement”.
Mr Sewell said: “I do feel there’s a conflict of interest where Julian Phillips and Tracey Onslow have been accessories, if you like to, compiling a report opposing their own proposal.”
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Council leader on Gypsy sites review - Lincolnshire
SOUTH Holland District Council is reviewing its current Gypsy and Travellers sites and is looking at providing new sites.
But areas of land already considered and rejected will not be looked at again.
Council leader Coun Gary Porter told Tuesday’s meeting of the cabinet: “There is no intention to revisit any of those sites that have been through the selection process and have fallen out of it.”
But areas of land already considered and rejected will not be looked at again.
Council leader Coun Gary Porter told Tuesday’s meeting of the cabinet: “There is no intention to revisit any of those sites that have been through the selection process and have fallen out of it.”
Dale Farm group ask Essex inquiry for two new sites
Former residents of the UK's largest unauthorised Travellers' site are to argue at a public inquiry for two new places to live in Essex.
The Dale Farm Residents Association is to make its case at the Basildon Centre and will ask for a mobile-home park in Church Lane in nearby Laindon.
It also wants a second site near Dale Farm, at Gardiner's Lane in Crays Hill.
Both sites belong to the Homes and Communities Agency which offered them to Basildon Council as traveller plots.
The inquiry will consider the council's decision to refuse planning permission for 12 permanent plots.
The council is challenging a claim from the travellers that 60 temporary pitches to meet their immediate need of travellers would also be considered.
They describe this as "misinformation".
Many former residents have parked caravans in lanes near their former homes at Dale Farm.
The Dale Farm Residents Association is to make its case at the Basildon Centre and will ask for a mobile-home park in Church Lane in nearby Laindon.
It also wants a second site near Dale Farm, at Gardiner's Lane in Crays Hill.
Both sites belong to the Homes and Communities Agency which offered them to Basildon Council as traveller plots.
The inquiry will consider the council's decision to refuse planning permission for 12 permanent plots.
The council is challenging a claim from the travellers that 60 temporary pitches to meet their immediate need of travellers would also be considered.
They describe this as "misinformation".
Many former residents have parked caravans in lanes near their former homes at Dale Farm.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
50 Newport sites ‘suitable’ for Gypsy base - South Wales
FIFTY areas in Newport were deemed suitable for a Gypsy and Traveller site, despite only five being put forward for development as potential camps.
Of the 224 sites looked at by the council, 165 were dismissed because they were considered unsuitable under the Welsh Government’s criteria for reasons including poor access, ground not level, highway issues and flooding.
A list obtained by the Argus shows areas considered suitable include allotments in Bettws, Coed Melyn, Maesglas Grove, and Radnor Road and playing fields in Bettws, Cefn Wood and Ringland.
Bettws Rugby Ground, Ringland’s former road safety centre and former working men’s club, Olivers Garden Centre, Langstone, and St Julians Social Club were also selected as appropriate sites.
Of all the sites, 202 are in council ownership, 19 are privately owned and three belong to the Welsh Government.
Of the 224 sites looked at by the council, 165 were dismissed because they were considered unsuitable under the Welsh Government’s criteria for reasons including poor access, ground not level, highway issues and flooding.
A list obtained by the Argus shows areas considered suitable include allotments in Bettws, Coed Melyn, Maesglas Grove, and Radnor Road and playing fields in Bettws, Cefn Wood and Ringland.
Bettws Rugby Ground, Ringland’s former road safety centre and former working men’s club, Olivers Garden Centre, Langstone, and St Julians Social Club were also selected as appropriate sites.
Of all the sites, 202 are in council ownership, 19 are privately owned and three belong to the Welsh Government.
Protestors against Crewe Gypsy site head to Downing Street
FOUR representatives from protest group Crewe Against Travellers Sites (CATS) are heading to London to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister.
The group has collected 5,400 signatures from people unhappy about the proposed council Gypsy site off Parker’s Road in Crewe, and are due to arrive in Downing Street with the petition this afternoon (Monday, November 21).
Chairman of CATS Glenn Perris will be joined by Cllr Derek Bebbington, former councillor John Jones and petition coordinator Chris Bell.
The group has collected 5,400 signatures from people unhappy about the proposed council Gypsy site off Parker’s Road in Crewe, and are due to arrive in Downing Street with the petition this afternoon (Monday, November 21).
Chairman of CATS Glenn Perris will be joined by Cllr Derek Bebbington, former councillor John Jones and petition coordinator Chris Bell.
5,400 name petition against Crewe Traveller site goes to Downing Street- Crewe Chronicle 23/11/11
Crewe Against Traveller Sites (CATS) hand deliver petition to David Cameron at Downing Street - Crewe and Nantwich Guardian 24/11/11
Manor Farm's 2,000 name petition against Gypsy site - Kidderminster
A COUPLE whose farm is shortlisted as a potential Gypsy site presented the council with a 2,000 signature petition.
Tim Barnes and his wife Leander Walton, of Manor Farm in Stourport, handed Wyre Forest District Council the list of names, along with another 140 from an online petition.
More than 600 people have joined facebook pages dedicated to saving the farm from becoming home to 15 pitches, or a plot for travelling Showpeople.
The inclusion of Manor Farm on the council’s shortlist attracted widespread criticism as consultants Baker Associates labelled it a “redundant farm and land”.
In fact, Mr Barnes has lived at the farm for 55 years and employs six people in his equine and agricultural businesses, while Mrs Walton runs a neurological rehabilitation centre on site.
Tim Barnes and his wife Leander Walton, of Manor Farm in Stourport, handed Wyre Forest District Council the list of names, along with another 140 from an online petition.
More than 600 people have joined facebook pages dedicated to saving the farm from becoming home to 15 pitches, or a plot for travelling Showpeople.
The inclusion of Manor Farm on the council’s shortlist attracted widespread criticism as consultants Baker Associates labelled it a “redundant farm and land”.
In fact, Mr Barnes has lived at the farm for 55 years and employs six people in his equine and agricultural businesses, while Mrs Walton runs a neurological rehabilitation centre on site.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Council agrees to new pitches for Travellers - Cambridge
A dozen new Traveller pitches will be provided in East Cambridgeshire within the next decade.
The district council needs to allocate 38 more pitches over the next 20 years in order to cater for the district’s growing number of Gypsy and Traveller families.
With 11 pitches already having been granted planning permission, the council has agreed to allocate a further 12 over the next 10 years.
The remaining 15 pitches will be allocated in the 10 years after
The district council needs to allocate 38 more pitches over the next 20 years in order to cater for the district’s growing number of Gypsy and Traveller families.
With 11 pitches already having been granted planning permission, the council has agreed to allocate a further 12 over the next 10 years.
The remaining 15 pitches will be allocated in the 10 years after
Usk Gypsy site gets the go-ahead on appeal - South Wales
A FAMILY of Travellers will be allowed to move onto a field in Monmouthshire, after they won an appeal.
The land, south of Upper Maerdy Farm, Llangeview, will now become a permanent home for Star Lea and her extended family, subject to conditions.
She had appealed to The Planning Inspectorate, as Monmouthshire council refused plans for four mobile homes, four touring caravans, four untility dayroom blocks and to retain an existing railway carriage.
The plans were downsized, and this satisfied planning inspector Hywel Wyn Jones.
Two caravans used for residential purposes, a portacabin used as an amenity block and hardstandings will be allowed, following the conclusion of a four day inquiry into the matter.
The report by Mr Wyn Jones said: "The available evidence leads me to find there is a modest need for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the area."
Mrs Lea, who bought the land in Llangeview, told the inquiry in September that she had waited three years to turn it into a traveller's site.
She said that although she lives in a house in Pontypool, she longed to return to her Gypsy roots in a caravan being looked after by her family, which is their tradition.
The land, south of Upper Maerdy Farm, Llangeview, will now become a permanent home for Star Lea and her extended family, subject to conditions.
She had appealed to The Planning Inspectorate, as Monmouthshire council refused plans for four mobile homes, four touring caravans, four untility dayroom blocks and to retain an existing railway carriage.
The plans were downsized, and this satisfied planning inspector Hywel Wyn Jones.
Two caravans used for residential purposes, a portacabin used as an amenity block and hardstandings will be allowed, following the conclusion of a four day inquiry into the matter.
The report by Mr Wyn Jones said: "The available evidence leads me to find there is a modest need for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the area."
Mrs Lea, who bought the land in Llangeview, told the inquiry in September that she had waited three years to turn it into a traveller's site.
She said that although she lives in a house in Pontypool, she longed to return to her Gypsy roots in a caravan being looked after by her family, which is their tradition.
Traveller pitch numbers will not be as high as first though, report says - Ely
THE number of Gypsy and Traveller pitches required in East Cambridgeshire in the coming years will not be as high as previously thought, a report released this week confirmed.
A study carried out on behalf of the district council found that about 38 new pitches will be required over the next 20 years to 2031, less than half the amount required under the previous Government.
In a report to councillors on the Development and Transport Committee on Tuesday, planning officer Abigail Taylor, said: “The GTANA requires fewer pitches to be provided than the previous Regional Spatial Strategy targets, which stated that 64 pitches should be provided in East Cambridgeshire between 2006 and 2031 and a further 14 pitches between 2021 and 2025.”
Ms Taylor added that, in its next local plan, the district council would have to identify sites to meet at least some of the 38-pitch need.
Thanks to a survey carried out last year, the council says it has already identified land for at least 24 pitches, though sites at Hod Hall Lane in Haddenham and Heath Road in Swaffham Prior had been disregarded in the face of strident local opposition.
Planning permission is also in place for a further 11 pitches to be built on land at Whitecross Farm in Wilburton which, if completed, would leave a residual requirement of 27 pitches.
A study carried out on behalf of the district council found that about 38 new pitches will be required over the next 20 years to 2031, less than half the amount required under the previous Government.
In a report to councillors on the Development and Transport Committee on Tuesday, planning officer Abigail Taylor, said: “The GTANA requires fewer pitches to be provided than the previous Regional Spatial Strategy targets, which stated that 64 pitches should be provided in East Cambridgeshire between 2006 and 2031 and a further 14 pitches between 2021 and 2025.”
Ms Taylor added that, in its next local plan, the district council would have to identify sites to meet at least some of the 38-pitch need.
Thanks to a survey carried out last year, the council says it has already identified land for at least 24 pitches, though sites at Hod Hall Lane in Haddenham and Heath Road in Swaffham Prior had been disregarded in the face of strident local opposition.
Planning permission is also in place for a further 11 pitches to be built on land at Whitecross Farm in Wilburton which, if completed, would leave a residual requirement of 27 pitches.
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Remembering the past, Recording the present - Romani Culture & Arts Company
More than 20 families from Cardiff’s Gypsy and Traveller community will get the opportunity to share their history, culture and traditions thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Despite having been part of British society for over 500 years, members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community are often thought of negatively. This new project which involves residents from the Rover Way and Shirenewton sites, will share their experiences of their lives in Cardiff and their nomadic way of life.
The project, which will be managed by the Romany Cultural & Arts Company in Cardiff, will recruit volunteers and train them in recording oral histories, create a new exhibition which will tour venues throughout Cardiff and produce learning and interpretation material which will help people to have a better understanding of the heritage of the cities’ Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.
Isaac Blake, Director of the Romany Cultural and Arts Company said, “Many people have documented the heritage and culture of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, but much of that has been documented by people outside of our community. This project will create an opportunity for Cardiff’s Gypsy and Traveller community to lead the project itself and be sure that it becomes a true representation of its culture and values.”
Despite having been part of British society for over 500 years, members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community are often thought of negatively. This new project which involves residents from the Rover Way and Shirenewton sites, will share their experiences of their lives in Cardiff and their nomadic way of life.
The project, which will be managed by the Romany Cultural & Arts Company in Cardiff, will recruit volunteers and train them in recording oral histories, create a new exhibition which will tour venues throughout Cardiff and produce learning and interpretation material which will help people to have a better understanding of the heritage of the cities’ Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.
Isaac Blake, Director of the Romany Cultural and Arts Company said, “Many people have documented the heritage and culture of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community, but much of that has been documented by people outside of our community. This project will create an opportunity for Cardiff’s Gypsy and Traveller community to lead the project itself and be sure that it becomes a true representation of its culture and values.”
Friday, 18 November 2011
Bettws residents march against Gypsy site plan - S Wales
LOCAL residents confronted Newport’s council leader over proposals for a Gypsy site in Bettws yesterday, following a protest march.
Around 50 people went into the civic centre complete with placards where Cllr Matthew Evans came out to accept a petition of around 800 signatures and a letter of objection.
Grabbing the opportunity to make their feelings known about proposals for the site at Yew Tree Cottage, the residents fired questions at the council leader and chanted “What does Bettws say? No, no, no”.
David Phillips of the South East Wales regional equality council which represents the Gypsies said: “The fact that so few people turned up reflects the fact that this whole campaign is led by a minority of people in the community.”
Around 50 people went into the civic centre complete with placards where Cllr Matthew Evans came out to accept a petition of around 800 signatures and a letter of objection.
Grabbing the opportunity to make their feelings known about proposals for the site at Yew Tree Cottage, the residents fired questions at the council leader and chanted “What does Bettws say? No, no, no”.
David Phillips of the South East Wales regional equality council which represents the Gypsies said: “The fact that so few people turned up reflects the fact that this whole campaign is led by a minority of people in the community.”
Council meet over proposed Gypsy site in Winsford
WINSFORD Town Council’s planning committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss an application for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the town.
The proposal, for 20 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches, is earmarked for land off Barlow’s Drive.
The meeting will be held in the main council chamber at Wyvern House from 5.30pm.
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
The proposal, for 20 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches, is earmarked for land off Barlow’s Drive.
The meeting will be held in the main council chamber at Wyvern House from 5.30pm.
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Purbeck residents have say on Gypsy sites - Dorset
RESIDENTS in Purbeck will soon be able to have their say on possible Gypsy and Traveller sites.
District councillors have agreed to consult from tomorrow to February 10 on the suitability of four possible sites.
They are County Farm in Swan-age, land off High Street in Hers-ton Cross, Swanage, land at Wash-pond Lane and Ulwell Road, Swan-age, and between Meadow View and Lancresse in Wool.
People will be able to comment at exhibitions held at The Mow-lem in Swanage on Monday, from 3.30pm-7.30pm and at D’Urber-ville Centre in Wool on Thursday, December 1 between 2pm-5pm.
Purbeck District Council leader Gary Suttle said: “It is a government directive that we have to find suitable sites in the district.
“If we do not carry out a consultation, it makes the district more vulnerable and gives us less defence against unscrupulous planning applications in inappropriate areas."
District councillors have agreed to consult from tomorrow to February 10 on the suitability of four possible sites.
They are County Farm in Swan-age, land off High Street in Hers-ton Cross, Swanage, land at Wash-pond Lane and Ulwell Road, Swan-age, and between Meadow View and Lancresse in Wool.
People will be able to comment at exhibitions held at The Mow-lem in Swanage on Monday, from 3.30pm-7.30pm and at D’Urber-ville Centre in Wool on Thursday, December 1 between 2pm-5pm.
Purbeck District Council leader Gary Suttle said: “It is a government directive that we have to find suitable sites in the district.
“If we do not carry out a consultation, it makes the district more vulnerable and gives us less defence against unscrupulous planning applications in inappropriate areas."
Anger at Hertsmere Borough Council’s handling of Gypsy site planning inquiry
PEOPLE campaigning against a Gypsy site in Shenleybury are angry at Hertsmere Borough Council’s handling of a planning application which was the subject of a planning inquiry which took place last week.
Those opposed to the site feel they have been let down by council officers, who they say should have done more to defend at the inquiry the council’s decision to turn down two retrospective planning applications made by Travellers.
Mark Blundell chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley said: “The way the council has dealt with this has been very disappointing. I and other people living nearby are appalled by the council’s actions.”
They fear that if the site is approved because the council was unable to stop it, there will be nothing to prevent other Travellers from moving in onto Green Belt land.
Traveller Sarah Price launched a challenge after the council turned down her two retrospective planning applications to stay on Green Belt land she bought in December 2009 near homes in Shenleybury Cottages.
Those opposed to the site feel they have been let down by council officers, who they say should have done more to defend at the inquiry the council’s decision to turn down two retrospective planning applications made by Travellers.
Mark Blundell chairman of the Action Group for Safer Shenley said: “The way the council has dealt with this has been very disappointing. I and other people living nearby are appalled by the council’s actions.”
They fear that if the site is approved because the council was unable to stop it, there will be nothing to prevent other Travellers from moving in onto Green Belt land.
Traveller Sarah Price launched a challenge after the council turned down her two retrospective planning applications to stay on Green Belt land she bought in December 2009 near homes in Shenleybury Cottages.
French Travellers - Hackney
Thousands of tourists will teem into Hackney for the Olympics next year – but one family of holidaymakers were less welcome when they pitched up on a public park next to the 2012 site.
Council chiefs have revealed they are introducing special measures to avoid a repeat of this week’s events, which saw Mabley Green in Homerton temporarily turned into a campsite. A convoy of 11 caravans, belonging to a family of French Gypsies on a fortnight’s holiday, arrived on the green, next to the A12 flyover on Thursday.
Council chiefs have revealed they are introducing special measures to avoid a repeat of this week’s events, which saw Mabley Green in Homerton temporarily turned into a campsite. A convoy of 11 caravans, belonging to a family of French Gypsies on a fortnight’s holiday, arrived on the green, next to the A12 flyover on Thursday.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Fewer Travellers on socially-rented sites
The total number of Gypsy and Traveller caravans in England increased by 400 in a year, government data shows.
Figures published by the communities and local government department today (Thursday) show there were 18,600 caravans in England in July, compared to 18,200 the previous year.
A total of 78 per cent of caravans, 14,600, were on authorised sites. Of these 6,600 were on socially-rented sites operated by councils and housing associations, a drop of 200 on the previous year, while 8,000 were on privately funded sites, an increase of 300.
The number of caravans on unauthorised developments on land owned by Gypsies and Travellers decreased by 200, while the number of unauthorised encampments on land not owned by Gypsies and Travellers increased by 600.
The east of England had the highest number of caravans, 4,700, equivalent to a quarter of the total, while the south east and south west had 21 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. The north east and London had the fewest, 500 and 800 respectively.
Figures published by the communities and local government department today (Thursday) show there were 18,600 caravans in England in July, compared to 18,200 the previous year.
A total of 78 per cent of caravans, 14,600, were on authorised sites. Of these 6,600 were on socially-rented sites operated by councils and housing associations, a drop of 200 on the previous year, while 8,000 were on privately funded sites, an increase of 300.
The number of caravans on unauthorised developments on land owned by Gypsies and Travellers decreased by 200, while the number of unauthorised encampments on land not owned by Gypsies and Travellers increased by 600.
The east of England had the highest number of caravans, 4,700, equivalent to a quarter of the total, while the south east and south west had 21 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. The north east and London had the fewest, 500 and 800 respectively.
Two weeks left to have say on Gypsy planning document - Goole
RESIDENTS have just two weeks left to have their say about Selby District Council’s Site Allocations Development Plan Document.
Consultation on the document, which sets out preferred options for specific sites for future development in the district, closes on December 2.
Preferred sites in the document are those which meet the overall long-term vision of what is needed in the district as set out in the authority’s Core Strategy, which is currently under review following an adjournment of its Examination in Public.
The SADPD sets out how many homes should be built in each area and their preferred location, and where land is appropriate for business development. The document also identifies a Preferred Option for ten new pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the district.
Consultation on the document, which sets out preferred options for specific sites for future development in the district, closes on December 2.
Preferred sites in the document are those which meet the overall long-term vision of what is needed in the district as set out in the authority’s Core Strategy, which is currently under review following an adjournment of its Examination in Public.
The SADPD sets out how many homes should be built in each area and their preferred location, and where land is appropriate for business development. The document also identifies a Preferred Option for ten new pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the district.
Whitley landowner ‘pulls out of Travellers’ site deal’
CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a new Gypsy and Travellers’ site in a North Yorkshire village may have to be completely rethought.
Selby District Council’s Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD) has been developed to look at areas in the region which could hold 5,000 new homes and business developments over the next 15 years.
Among the developments the council wish to create is a ten-pitch Gypsy and Traveller site on land at Poplar Farm in Whitley, which was named as the council’s preferred option in September.
Yesterday, it was suggested that the landowner had withdrawn the land from consideration for the development, eight weeks into a ten-week public consultation, although the council could not confirm this.
Selby District Council’s Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD) has been developed to look at areas in the region which could hold 5,000 new homes and business developments over the next 15 years.
Among the developments the council wish to create is a ten-pitch Gypsy and Traveller site on land at Poplar Farm in Whitley, which was named as the council’s preferred option in September.
Yesterday, it was suggested that the landowner had withdrawn the land from consideration for the development, eight weeks into a ten-week public consultation, although the council could not confirm this.
Cookley Gypsy site protesters give petition to council - Kidderminster
COOKLEY Action Group (CAG) is set to present Wyre Forest District Council with hundreds of objections to a Traveller site at the former Lea Castle Hospital.
Chairman of CAG, Gill Hill, will be joined by members tomorrow when they take a petition of 350 signatures and 250 consultation forms to council offices at Duke House in Kidderminster.
Ms Hill said: “We will be inviting [council leader] John Campion to personally accept the documents. I will be asking him how many the council has received and how many are solely regarding the Lea Castle site. ”
She said she had received a letter of objection from Coventry and North Warwickshire NHS Trust, which owns part of the land.
She added that the Homes and Communities Agency, which also owns part of the site “complain to the council on their response form to say they are not happy to have this proposal on their site because it will blight their sale”.
Chairman of CAG, Gill Hill, will be joined by members tomorrow when they take a petition of 350 signatures and 250 consultation forms to council offices at Duke House in Kidderminster.
Ms Hill said: “We will be inviting [council leader] John Campion to personally accept the documents. I will be asking him how many the council has received and how many are solely regarding the Lea Castle site. ”
She said she had received a letter of objection from Coventry and North Warwickshire NHS Trust, which owns part of the land.
She added that the Homes and Communities Agency, which also owns part of the site “complain to the council on their response form to say they are not happy to have this proposal on their site because it will blight their sale”.
Fears as Gypsy family apply to settle on land - Cornwall
PARCELS of land along the road between Portreath and Porthtowan could become sporadic Gypsy and Traveller settlements.
That is the fear of Portreath parish councillors who are concerned that a precedent could be set if a Gypsy family is given permission to remain on land at Nancekuke.
Gary Emmins has applied to Cornwall Council for permission to site a log cabin as a permanent base and a touring caravan for "nomadic use" at an address called Pirates, which he owns.
His agent is Maggie Smith-Bendell, a Romany Gypsy liaison officer from Somerset.
In her supporting statement to Cornwall Council, she said the site was sustainable with local services at "a short distance at Redruth and Illogan". The family was currently sharing a site which only had authority for one family.
She added: "Mr Emmins is a nomadic travelling Gypsy, who travels the country painting barns in his touring caravan.
"He also attends most Gypsy horse fairs, as is our custom, where he buys and sells anything of value, which hold a profit to earn part of his living.
"The family lives by all our traditions, culture and customs, and keeps our Romany language alive by our life-style."
Parish councillors were concerned that work had already taken place on the site, prior to any planning approval, including the building of a new access on to the main road.
Councillor Chris Watts said: "I have some sympathy with the way travellers struggle to find somewhere to live, but I don't see why they should be allowed to buy agricultural land and then get planning permission on it.
"It makes me cross that they go in, do what they want and expect to be allowed to stay there.
"If we were all allowed to do it, there would be sporadic developments all over the place."
Councillor Doug Coates said: "I'm convinced that they will get permission for this because of all the rules and regulations in their favour.
"Cornwall Council has done nothing in 25 years to provide appropriate sites."
Disagreed
Councillor Nigel Mathews disagreed, saying: "Cornwall Council has been trying to do an awful lot. They've rebuilt Tregajorran, they've built Wheal Jewell and another one on Bodmin Moor. The problem is no one wants them.
"If this one is allowed, we will have no way of stopping anyone else from doing it."
The parish council will consider the application again at its December meeting.
That is the fear of Portreath parish councillors who are concerned that a precedent could be set if a Gypsy family is given permission to remain on land at Nancekuke.
Gary Emmins has applied to Cornwall Council for permission to site a log cabin as a permanent base and a touring caravan for "nomadic use" at an address called Pirates, which he owns.
His agent is Maggie Smith-Bendell, a Romany Gypsy liaison officer from Somerset.
In her supporting statement to Cornwall Council, she said the site was sustainable with local services at "a short distance at Redruth and Illogan". The family was currently sharing a site which only had authority for one family.
She added: "Mr Emmins is a nomadic travelling Gypsy, who travels the country painting barns in his touring caravan.
"He also attends most Gypsy horse fairs, as is our custom, where he buys and sells anything of value, which hold a profit to earn part of his living.
"The family lives by all our traditions, culture and customs, and keeps our Romany language alive by our life-style."
Parish councillors were concerned that work had already taken place on the site, prior to any planning approval, including the building of a new access on to the main road.
Councillor Chris Watts said: "I have some sympathy with the way travellers struggle to find somewhere to live, but I don't see why they should be allowed to buy agricultural land and then get planning permission on it.
"It makes me cross that they go in, do what they want and expect to be allowed to stay there.
"If we were all allowed to do it, there would be sporadic developments all over the place."
Councillor Doug Coates said: "I'm convinced that they will get permission for this because of all the rules and regulations in their favour.
"Cornwall Council has done nothing in 25 years to provide appropriate sites."
Disagreed
Councillor Nigel Mathews disagreed, saying: "Cornwall Council has been trying to do an awful lot. They've rebuilt Tregajorran, they've built Wheal Jewell and another one on Bodmin Moor. The problem is no one wants them.
"If this one is allowed, we will have no way of stopping anyone else from doing it."
The parish council will consider the application again at its December meeting.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Groups promote media training to Travellers
A new media training course for Travellers has been launched to equip communities with the necessary skills to speak to journalists.
Travelling Voices is a course that has been designed to equip Travellers with the skills they need to speak to the mainstream media.
The high-profile evictions at Dale Farm and the ongoing plight of Roma across Europe, have fuelled a surge of media interest in Traveller and Gypsy communities. At the same time, some members of the Traveller community are reluctant to speak to the media for fear of being badly portrayed.
'A lot of Travellers are suspicious of the media, especially after programmes like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding that portray the communities in a very negative way,' said Shanterlena Knowles editorial assistant at Rural Media, the publisher of the Travellers' Times.
'We want to help them put their side of the story forward.'
The course will teach how to interview and be interviewed, how to make and edit films. It's free for Travellers and funded by The Big Lottery.
Knowles said she hopes more Travellers will take up the training opportunity: 'At the height of the Dale Farm eviction story we were getting seven or eight requests a day from the likes of the BBC and Sky News and on the odd occasion when a Traveller was interviewed they often weren't doing themselves justice.'
Knowles says she still gets three or four calls a week from people who want to interview Gypsies or Travellers but that they currently struggle to find enough willing speakers.
Travelling Voices is a course that has been designed to equip Travellers with the skills they need to speak to the mainstream media.
The high-profile evictions at Dale Farm and the ongoing plight of Roma across Europe, have fuelled a surge of media interest in Traveller and Gypsy communities. At the same time, some members of the Traveller community are reluctant to speak to the media for fear of being badly portrayed.
'A lot of Travellers are suspicious of the media, especially after programmes like My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding that portray the communities in a very negative way,' said Shanterlena Knowles editorial assistant at Rural Media, the publisher of the Travellers' Times.
'We want to help them put their side of the story forward.'
The course will teach how to interview and be interviewed, how to make and edit films. It's free for Travellers and funded by The Big Lottery.
Knowles said she hopes more Travellers will take up the training opportunity: 'At the height of the Dale Farm eviction story we were getting seven or eight requests a day from the likes of the BBC and Sky News and on the odd occasion when a Traveller was interviewed they often weren't doing themselves justice.'
Knowles says she still gets three or four calls a week from people who want to interview Gypsies or Travellers but that they currently struggle to find enough willing speakers.
Bettws Gypsy site protesters set to march
RESIDENTS fighting plans for a Gypsy site in Bettws will march to Newport’s council offices to voice their opposition tomorrow.
Householders in will gather at Bettws Shopping Centre at 10am and then assemble at The King’s Head Hotel in Newport at 11.15am before marching to the civic centre to hand in a petition.
Four hundred people crammed into Bettws Social Club on Monday night for a meeting led by a group of residents, called ‘Say no to the permanent or temporary caravan site in Bettws’ to discuss a plans for a site at Yew Tree Cottage.
The group’s chairman, Kevin Whitehead, said it was not a racist issue and asked anyone in favour of the site coming to Bettws to raise their hand.
None did.
Householders in will gather at Bettws Shopping Centre at 10am and then assemble at The King’s Head Hotel in Newport at 11.15am before marching to the civic centre to hand in a petition.
Four hundred people crammed into Bettws Social Club on Monday night for a meeting led by a group of residents, called ‘Say no to the permanent or temporary caravan site in Bettws’ to discuss a plans for a site at Yew Tree Cottage.
The group’s chairman, Kevin Whitehead, said it was not a racist issue and asked anyone in favour of the site coming to Bettws to raise their hand.
None did.
Concern after Gypsy camps U-turn - Chester
OPPOSITION councillors have “called in” the decision by the Conservative executive to withdraw proposals to establish two Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Concerns have been expressed by members of the public in all parts of the borough about the site selection process, which led to ‘unsuitable’ sites being proposed in Neston and Saughall, before being withdrawn by the council’s executive on November 2. The Labour Group has now asked the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee to take a detailed look at the plans to ensure that any remaining issues are addressed.
Cllr Ben Powell, Labour spokesman for regeneration, said: “We are calling this decision in, not because we disagree with the decision to remove two sites from the process, but because real concerns have emerged about the way this matter has been handled.
Concerns have been expressed by members of the public in all parts of the borough about the site selection process, which led to ‘unsuitable’ sites being proposed in Neston and Saughall, before being withdrawn by the council’s executive on November 2. The Labour Group has now asked the council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee to take a detailed look at the plans to ensure that any remaining issues are addressed.
Cllr Ben Powell, Labour spokesman for regeneration, said: “We are calling this decision in, not because we disagree with the decision to remove two sites from the process, but because real concerns have emerged about the way this matter has been handled.
Labour group ‘calls in’ withdrawal of Gypsy and Traveller sites in Neston and Saughall
LABOUR councillors have accused Tory council bosses of causing ‘upset and distress’ by choosing ‘unsuitable’ sites for proposed Gypsy and Travellers pitches.
Controversial proposals for sites in Neston and Saughall were abandoned earlier this month, after residents questioned the sites’ suitability.
Now Cheshire West and Chester Council Labour Group has ‘called in’ the decision to ditch the plans – despite supporting the withdrawal.
Labour group leader Cllr Justin Madders said: “The requirement for the council to provide Gypsy and Traveller sites is an extremely sensitive issue which needs to be handled carefully and diligently.
“While the executive has made the right decision to withdraw the Neston and Saughall sites, it’s clear they have failed in their duty.
“Had they done their homework properly, these sites would never have come forward in the first place.”
The council’s corporate scrutiny committee will consider the issue on December 12 – delaying any decision on a proposed 15-pitch site in Rossfield Road, Overpool.
Cllr Madders said: “That site appeared from nowhere and, as far as we know, it’s still a fully functioning council depot.
“Until they actually say what’s going to happen to all the people who work there it strikes me as premature. It just says to me they haven’t thought this through properly.”
A council spokesman said no definite decision had been reached on the future of the depot and its workers. He said residents also face ‘months of uncertainty’ while the council finds alternative sites.
Controversial proposals for sites in Neston and Saughall were abandoned earlier this month, after residents questioned the sites’ suitability.
Now Cheshire West and Chester Council Labour Group has ‘called in’ the decision to ditch the plans – despite supporting the withdrawal.
Labour group leader Cllr Justin Madders said: “The requirement for the council to provide Gypsy and Traveller sites is an extremely sensitive issue which needs to be handled carefully and diligently.
“Had they done their homework properly, these sites would never have come forward in the first place.”
The council’s corporate scrutiny committee will consider the issue on December 12 – delaying any decision on a proposed 15-pitch site in Rossfield Road, Overpool.
Cllr Madders said: “That site appeared from nowhere and, as far as we know, it’s still a fully functioning council depot.
“Until they actually say what’s going to happen to all the people who work there it strikes me as premature. It just says to me they haven’t thought this through properly.”
A council spokesman said no definite decision had been reached on the future of the depot and its workers. He said residents also face ‘months of uncertainty’ while the council finds alternative sites.
BEAMINSTER: Gypsy plans to go on display
RESIDENTS will be able to inspect plans for an official traveller site in Beaminster.
Proposals for the one family pitch at Shady Side, Axnoller Lane will be displayed in the town hall next January.
The exhibition is one of a series of public consultations to be held across Dorset as the county council looks to identify new sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
Local authorities must assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and identify where new pitches should be located under the terms of the Housing Act 2004.
By creating official permanent and transit sites police will be able to use enhanced powers to move on illegally camped travellers quickly.
Independent consultants Baker Associates drew up a shortlist of possible locations through discussions with landowners, Gypsies and Travellers and interest groups.
Robert Gould, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for environment, said: “No decision has been made to date on the locations for the sites and the roadshows are an opportunity for everyone to have their say and provide information on potential sites not already listed.”
During the exhibition consultants and officers will answer questions, and visitors can take away consultation booklets and forms to give their views.
Proposals for the one family pitch at Shady Side, Axnoller Lane will be displayed in the town hall next January.
The exhibition is one of a series of public consultations to be held across Dorset as the county council looks to identify new sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
Local authorities must assess the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and identify where new pitches should be located under the terms of the Housing Act 2004.
By creating official permanent and transit sites police will be able to use enhanced powers to move on illegally camped travellers quickly.
Independent consultants Baker Associates drew up a shortlist of possible locations through discussions with landowners, Gypsies and Travellers and interest groups.
Robert Gould, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for environment, said: “No decision has been made to date on the locations for the sites and the roadshows are an opportunity for everyone to have their say and provide information on potential sites not already listed.”
During the exhibition consultants and officers will answer questions, and visitors can take away consultation booklets and forms to give their views.
Traveller caravans destroyed in fire - Harborough
TWO caravans at a Travellers’ site near Lutterworth were completely destroyed when they were deliberately set alight.
Fire crews from Lutterworth were called to the scene, at the site off Lutterworth Road near Ullesthorpe, at 4pm last Thursday.
Firefighters used one hose reel and breathing apparatus to put out the blaze, which had engulfed and almost completely destroyed two adjacent caravans.
They spent some time at the scene using drag forks and damping down.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been started with an accelerant.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Fire crews from Lutterworth were called to the scene, at the site off Lutterworth Road near Ullesthorpe, at 4pm last Thursday.
Firefighters used one hose reel and breathing apparatus to put out the blaze, which had engulfed and almost completely destroyed two adjacent caravans.
They spent some time at the scene using drag forks and damping down.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been started with an accelerant.
Nobody was injured in the incident.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
It's trench warfare against Traveller camps - Burton
MYSTERY surrounds a mammoth trench which has been dug out around a popular Gypsy site to prevent travellers from getting onto the land.
Someone has created a 200ft-300ft long trench around a piece of land in Swadlincote, which has been used by Travellers over the last few of years.
Someone has created a 200ft-300ft long trench around a piece of land in Swadlincote, which has been used by Travellers over the last few of years.
Gypsy Golfers Win European Championship
So how about this then for a blast of icy air up the sport’s complacent kilt? London Gypsies being crowned European champions. Joe Smith, a scrap metal dealer and former bare-knuckle boxing exponent and his 16-year-old son Rymer struck a blow for the outsider by winning the recent European Father and Son Championship in Spain.
“Coming from a Gypsy community, I’ve had to fight all my life to get acceptance and respect in the elitist golfing world. That trophy made the 28 years of hard work all worthwhile.”
In no way, shape or form do the pair fit into golf’s stereotype. Joe once turned out at Royal St George’s with the cross of St George painted on his shaven head. But the scorecard is a judge without prejudice. It does not care which school someone attended.
Joe did not go to school – he spent his childhood travelling round the south of England in a caravan as his father dealt in scrap and his mother sold lucky heather. His first introduction to sport was via rites of passage punch-ups in travellers’ camps.
"We are an English Romany Gypsy family and our sport is fighting. My granddad was a good fighter, but when he finished he took up golf,” said Joe, whose cousin is Coventry City striker Freddy Eastwood.
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Bettws Gypsy site man says he is "living in fear" - South Wales
AN ELDERLY man whose home could be turned into a Gypsy site says he is living in fear after a gang of people turned up at his home to protest against the plans.
Owen Friel, 64, suffered chest pains and was taken to hospital with a suspected heart attack after he claims 30 people turned up at his Yew Tree Cottage home in Bettws, shouting abuse two weeks ago.
He now lives in fear of further reprisals and says he feels driven out of the home he has lived in with his son Eoin, 34, for the past 20 years.
Despite putting his house up for sale earlier this year, Mr Friel says he knew nothing about the plans for a Gypsy site until it was reported in the Argus.
Owen Friel, 64, suffered chest pains and was taken to hospital with a suspected heart attack after he claims 30 people turned up at his Yew Tree Cottage home in Bettws, shouting abuse two weeks ago.
He now lives in fear of further reprisals and says he feels driven out of the home he has lived in with his son Eoin, 34, for the past 20 years.
Despite putting his house up for sale earlier this year, Mr Friel says he knew nothing about the plans for a Gypsy site until it was reported in the Argus.
Travellers seek court ruling over aversion to bricks and mortar housing
HOMELESS Travellers evicted from an illegal site will ask judges to rule that they have a right to be re-homed in caravans or offered pitches.
John Sheridan, Barbara O’Brien and Mary Flynn – who were living on the Dale Farm site near Basildon, Essex – are scheduled to seek a ruling from the Court of Appeal in London next month. Their lawyers aim to argue that Basildon Council acted unreasonably in offering only conventional flats or houses as alternatives.
A county court judge ruled in favour of the local authority following a hearing in Southend, Essex, in October 2010.
Travellers were yesterday given permission to appeal against the county court ruling, following a preliminary appeal court hearing in London.
Alex Offer, for the three Travellers, outlined arguments his clients wanted to make, at a hearing before Lord Justice Patten.
He said his clients had an “aversion” to living in “bricks and mortar” and would argue that local authorities had an “obligation” to provide “suitable” accommodation which would allow “members of the Gypsy community” to continue their traditional way of life.
Lord Justice Patten granted the three travellers permission to appeal, scheduled on December 14.
Lawyers say the ruling may affect other Travellers and Gypsies.
John Sheridan, Barbara O’Brien and Mary Flynn – who were living on the Dale Farm site near Basildon, Essex – are scheduled to seek a ruling from the Court of Appeal in London next month. Their lawyers aim to argue that Basildon Council acted unreasonably in offering only conventional flats or houses as alternatives.
A county court judge ruled in favour of the local authority following a hearing in Southend, Essex, in October 2010.
Travellers were yesterday given permission to appeal against the county court ruling, following a preliminary appeal court hearing in London.
Alex Offer, for the three Travellers, outlined arguments his clients wanted to make, at a hearing before Lord Justice Patten.
He said his clients had an “aversion” to living in “bricks and mortar” and would argue that local authorities had an “obligation” to provide “suitable” accommodation which would allow “members of the Gypsy community” to continue their traditional way of life.
Lord Justice Patten granted the three travellers permission to appeal, scheduled on December 14.
Lawyers say the ruling may affect other Travellers and Gypsies.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
MP in petition against green belt Taveller sites - Dorset
AN MP has launched an online petition against proposals to build three permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites on Bournemouth’s greenbelt. Tobias Ellwood, who has three of the proposed Travellers’ sites on his patch, said the petition is designed to show how inappropriate such sites on the area’s greenbelt would be.
Nine councils across Dorset banded together three years ago to hire consultants to find suitable travellers’ sites.
The consultants have come up with four suggested sites in Bournemouth – three in the green belt at Throop and Muscliff and one near the Lansdowne.
Mr Ellwood is petitioning No 10 Downing Street, the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Town Hall in Bournemouth to overturn the proposal. He said while the coalition government promised to change the law regarding provision of Traveller sites, the bill has yet to come into force. Mr Ellwood said he has received assurances that once the Localism Bill becomes law, councils will have an opportunity to re-submit their local plans without the obligation to automatically identify Gypsy Traveller locations.
He added: “Residents are extremely worried that three actual locations have been earmarked on our greenbelt. Our greenbelt land is limited, it’s been eaten away over the last 25 years and we need to protect it for future generations. This petition is designed to reflect the overwhelming view of residents that building three permanent sites in our ever diminishing but much treasured green belt is completely inappropriate. There must come a point when we say Bournemouth is full.”
Nine councils across Dorset banded together three years ago to hire consultants to find suitable travellers’ sites.
The consultants have come up with four suggested sites in Bournemouth – three in the green belt at Throop and Muscliff and one near the Lansdowne.
Mr Ellwood is petitioning No 10 Downing Street, the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Town Hall in Bournemouth to overturn the proposal. He said while the coalition government promised to change the law regarding provision of Traveller sites, the bill has yet to come into force. Mr Ellwood said he has received assurances that once the Localism Bill becomes law, councils will have an opportunity to re-submit their local plans without the obligation to automatically identify Gypsy Traveller locations.
He added: “Residents are extremely worried that three actual locations have been earmarked on our greenbelt. Our greenbelt land is limited, it’s been eaten away over the last 25 years and we need to protect it for future generations. This petition is designed to reflect the overwhelming view of residents that building three permanent sites in our ever diminishing but much treasured green belt is completely inappropriate. There must come a point when we say Bournemouth is full.”
Labour Councillors Question Cheshire West Gypsy Site Process
The Labour Group of Cheshire West and Chester Council has "called in" the decision by the Conservative Executive to withdraw proposals to establish two Gypsy and Traveller sites in Saughall and Neston.
Concerns have been expressed by members of the public in all parts of the Borough about the site selection process, which led to unsuitable sites being proposed in Neston and Saughall, before being withdrawn by the Executive on the 2nd November. The Labour Group is asking the Council's Corporate Scrutiny Committee to take a detailed look at the plans, to ensure that any remaining issues are addressed.
Cllr Ben Powell, Labour spokesperson for Regeneration said: ""We are calling this decision in, not because we disagree with the decision to remove two sites from the process, but because real concerns have emerged about the way this matter has been handled.
"The Labour Group fully supports the decision to provide sites for the travelling community, but we believe that it's vital we have a process in which the public and importantly, the travelling community can have confidence."
Labour Group Leader, Cllr Justin Madders commented: "The requirement for the Council to provide Gypsy and Traveller sites is an extremely sensitive issue which needs to be handled carefully and diligently. While the Executive has made the right decision to withdraw the Neston and Saughall sites, it's clear they have failed in their duty. Had they done their homework properly, these sites would never have come forward in the first place.
City council set to pitch in and search for new Travellers’ sites - Wakefield
A WEST Yorkshire council is expected to begin looking for suitable council-owned and private land for use by Travellers in a bid to protect green-belt land from unwanted developments.
Wakefield Council has claimed that finding suitable sites for Travellers will benefit both the settled and travelling communities.
A report by the authority states that the current lack of available sites to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers is leading to planning applications coming in on land usually located in the green belt.
Travellers or others seeking to develop green-belt land can use the “unmet need” argument to support their plans which can only be granted in very special circumstances.
Wakefield Council has claimed that finding suitable sites for Travellers will benefit both the settled and travelling communities.
A report by the authority states that the current lack of available sites to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers is leading to planning applications coming in on land usually located in the green belt.
Travellers or others seeking to develop green-belt land can use the “unmet need” argument to support their plans which can only be granted in very special circumstances.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Tyson Fury: Fists of fury
In the boxing world there are dozens of Gypsy boxers learning their trade in legal and illegal rings and often as betting sideshow attractions whenever other travelling people gather for a wedding, a christening or to sell a horse or two. There are others who just like to strip and fight.
Tyson Fury is the British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion with impeccable Gypsy credentials on both sides of the ropes and is increasingly becoming a leading figure inside a culture that revolves around men trading punches. Fury, by the way, is not a muscle knucklehead and has a gentle voice, gentle way and the looks of a Thirties leading man.
Thankfully, Fury never has to now take his shirt off and shape up like "real men do" when he or his family is insulted, or somebody steps over the line and talks about his father. He never has to strip down now but, make no mistake, he would if pushed.
Tyson Fury is the British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion with impeccable Gypsy credentials on both sides of the ropes and is increasingly becoming a leading figure inside a culture that revolves around men trading punches. Fury, by the way, is not a muscle knucklehead and has a gentle voice, gentle way and the looks of a Thirties leading man.
Thankfully, Fury never has to now take his shirt off and shape up like "real men do" when he or his family is insulted, or somebody steps over the line and talks about his father. He never has to strip down now but, make no mistake, he would if pushed.
Gypsy and Traveller Site Consultation - North Dorset
The consultation on proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites in North Dorset begins on 18 November.
All Dorset councils have been working with consultants, Baker Associates, to identify and assess potentially suitable locations against strict criteria, before drawing up a shortlist of options for each Dorset council.
Each council has now approved the consultation process and, as part of this, North Dorset District Council has arranged four public exhibitions in the district:
Sturminster Newton - 21 November 10.00am-2.00pm, The Bow Room, The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton.
Blandford Forum - 2 December 10.00am-12:30pm, The Council Chamber, North Dorset District Council, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum.
Gillingham - 8 December 10.00am-12:30pm, The Jubilee Room, Gillingham Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham.
Shaftesbury - 8 December 2.00pm-7.00pm, The Guildhall, The Town Hall, Shaftesbury.
Gypsy and Traveller site consultations begin - Dorset Newsroom 14/11/11
Roadshows to give residents chance for say over Travellers' sites - Daily Echo 14/11/11
All Dorset councils have been working with consultants, Baker Associates, to identify and assess potentially suitable locations against strict criteria, before drawing up a shortlist of options for each Dorset council.
Each council has now approved the consultation process and, as part of this, North Dorset District Council has arranged four public exhibitions in the district:
Sturminster Newton - 21 November 10.00am-2.00pm, The Bow Room, The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton.
Blandford Forum - 2 December 10.00am-12:30pm, The Council Chamber, North Dorset District Council, Nordon, Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum.
Gillingham - 8 December 10.00am-12:30pm, The Jubilee Room, Gillingham Town Hall, School Road, Gillingham.
Shaftesbury - 8 December 2.00pm-7.00pm, The Guildhall, The Town Hall, Shaftesbury.
Gypsy and Traveller site consultations begin - Dorset Newsroom 14/11/11
Roadshows to give residents chance for say over Travellers' sites - Daily Echo 14/11/11
Thursday, 10 November 2011
QPR aiming to drive Gypsy & Traveller discrimination out of the game
RACISM in sport has been dominating the headlines in recent weeks, particularly in football.
But a type of discrimination described as 'the last socially acceptable form of racism' rarely makes the top of the news agenda - that against Gypsies and Traveller.
A scheme at Queens Park Rangers Football Club aims to promote players from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, helping them reach the top of their game, as well as driving this kind of racism out of the stands.
NOW they are flying high in the top flight of English football, it is hard to imagine there are many things QPR would want to change.
But in their quest to improve diversity and support the community, the club is blazing a trail to kick racism out of football, and in particular that against GRT communities.
They run regular coaching sessions for youngsters and adults from those communities, working closely with Ealing's Gypsy Roma and Traveller Achievement Service. But they offer more than that, preparing those taking part for coaching badges, and providing them with the tools to be able to integrate fully with the fixed community.
Gareth Dixon, inclusion and diversity officer at the club, said: "Everybody knows about the campaigns to get racism out of football, and they're great campaigns doing a lot of good work. "But the terraces are still full of people who use certain derogatory words about Travellers because they are ignorant. It is the last socially acceptable form of racism and that needs to change.
"Football is a great tool, and it is not really a sport that has much of a GRT presence. The only reasonably high profile footballer from a GRT background is Freddy Eastwood (a striker at Coventry City).
But a type of discrimination described as 'the last socially acceptable form of racism' rarely makes the top of the news agenda - that against Gypsies and Traveller.
A scheme at Queens Park Rangers Football Club aims to promote players from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, helping them reach the top of their game, as well as driving this kind of racism out of the stands.
NOW they are flying high in the top flight of English football, it is hard to imagine there are many things QPR would want to change.
But in their quest to improve diversity and support the community, the club is blazing a trail to kick racism out of football, and in particular that against GRT communities.
They run regular coaching sessions for youngsters and adults from those communities, working closely with Ealing's Gypsy Roma and Traveller Achievement Service. But they offer more than that, preparing those taking part for coaching badges, and providing them with the tools to be able to integrate fully with the fixed community.
Gareth Dixon, inclusion and diversity officer at the club, said: "Everybody knows about the campaigns to get racism out of football, and they're great campaigns doing a lot of good work. "But the terraces are still full of people who use certain derogatory words about Travellers because they are ignorant. It is the last socially acceptable form of racism and that needs to change.
"Football is a great tool, and it is not really a sport that has much of a GRT presence. The only reasonably high profile footballer from a GRT background is Freddy Eastwood (a striker at Coventry City).
Gypsy family given temporary consent - Lincolnshire
TEMPORARY planning permission has been handed to a travelling family to allow them to remain in Gosberton Clough.
Councillors on South Holland District Council’s planning committee have allowed the use of a site on Beck Bank to be changed for five years after discussing the plans for a second time.
The Bower family’s retrospective plans for the three Traveller pitches at Cockrams Yard had been deferred last month to allow councillors to have a site visit.
They had raised several concerns about the impact the site would have on the community, particularly with an illegal site still operating in nearby Broad Drove.
On Wednesday, the committee agreed on the temporary permission but warned council officers they want issues over the larger illegal site resolved quickly.
Councillors on South Holland District Council’s planning committee have allowed the use of a site on Beck Bank to be changed for five years after discussing the plans for a second time.
The Bower family’s retrospective plans for the three Traveller pitches at Cockrams Yard had been deferred last month to allow councillors to have a site visit.
They had raised several concerns about the impact the site would have on the community, particularly with an illegal site still operating in nearby Broad Drove.
On Wednesday, the committee agreed on the temporary permission but warned council officers they want issues over the larger illegal site resolved quickly.
Give us a chance to be good neighbours - Newport
TWO Newport travellers are calling on residents fighting plans to create designated Gypsy sites in Newport to give them a chance to prove they are not all bad.
Brothers Bobby and Tom Tom Hendry say they are upset by “racist” comments left on an online petition branding Travellers and Gypsies as “thieving scum”, and are asking people not to judge them before they get to know them.
Whilst they acknowledge some Travellers, who have previously left Newport council with hefty cleaning bills after setting up illegal encampments, do not help the situation, they are adamant they are not all the same.
Bobby, 21, said: “You are tarring a very large community with a very small brush. If a black person committed a crime would you say all black people are criminals? You wouldn’t, would you?”
Brothers Bobby and Tom Tom Hendry say they are upset by “racist” comments left on an online petition branding Travellers and Gypsies as “thieving scum”, and are asking people not to judge them before they get to know them.
Whilst they acknowledge some Travellers, who have previously left Newport council with hefty cleaning bills after setting up illegal encampments, do not help the situation, they are adamant they are not all the same.
Bobby, 21, said: “You are tarring a very large community with a very small brush. If a black person committed a crime would you say all black people are criminals? You wouldn’t, would you?”
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Sixty Traveller pitches identified - West Sussex
RUDGWICK, Barns Green, Coneyhurst and Dial Post are among the potentially suitable sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople identified by Horsham District Council.
The council commissioned a study to find possible sites which was published this week revealing 13 possible locations, some new or with personal or temporary planning permission and some unauthorised sites that have been ‘tolerated’.
There is a recognised need to provide appropriate sites and the council said: “This work has taken on increased importance with planning applications coming forward across the district and the publication of draft government policy which suggests planning authorities will have to show a five year supply of traveller sites, in the same way they do for housing.”
The council commissioned a study to find possible sites which was published this week revealing 13 possible locations, some new or with personal or temporary planning permission and some unauthorised sites that have been ‘tolerated’.
There is a recognised need to provide appropriate sites and the council said: “This work has taken on increased importance with planning applications coming forward across the district and the publication of draft government policy which suggests planning authorities will have to show a five year supply of traveller sites, in the same way they do for housing.”
Travellers face concrete block obstacle at Hardwicke - Gloucestershire
TRAVELLERS who try to access empty land in Hardwicke will now be faced by strong gates and solid concrete. The Highways Agency has secured its land off the B4008, which was occupied for almost three months between July and September.
The news comes after the agency racked up a bill, thought to have totalled more than £12,000, for private security contractors who patrolled the site 24-hours a day with dogs for around six weeks.
Mark Newman, whose Gloucester-based company NSGL has been providing the service, said the operation had been a success.
"We had a few suspicious-looking people sniffing around and a few people slowed down as they went past, but they weren't going to try anything while we were there.
"As far as we're concerned, the job ended for us at around lunchtime on Friday. They were just putting the finishing touches to it."
He said the Highways Agency had reinforced the gate posts, which were damaged while the Travellers were on the site over the summer, and put concrete crash-barriers in place to stop vehicles.
The news comes after the agency racked up a bill, thought to have totalled more than £12,000, for private security contractors who patrolled the site 24-hours a day with dogs for around six weeks.
Mark Newman, whose Gloucester-based company NSGL has been providing the service, said the operation had been a success.
"We had a few suspicious-looking people sniffing around and a few people slowed down as they went past, but they weren't going to try anything while we were there.
"As far as we're concerned, the job ended for us at around lunchtime on Friday. They were just putting the finishing touches to it."
He said the Highways Agency had reinforced the gate posts, which were damaged while the Travellers were on the site over the summer, and put concrete crash-barriers in place to stop vehicles.
Evicting Travellers Bill To Be Introduced To Commons
A Tory MP will introduce a Bill to Parliament on Wednesday which would give greater powers to police forces and councils to move on Travellers from illegal sites.
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, will present the Bill after PMQs on a 10-minute rule motion.
Although it stands little chance of becoming law in its own right, aspects of the Bill have the sympathies of ministers and could find their way into a government bill later.
Kirby's Bill would revise the 1994 Public Order Act, he says, to give clarity to police and local authorities on who should take the lead on emptying illegal sites.
It also calls for changes to welfare checks, currently compulsory for Travellers each time they are moved. He says that every time a Traveller camp is removed from one site and established in another one nearby, local authorities must carry out a welfare check before attempting to evict them again.
His Bill would also allow for impounding of Travellers vans if the owners do not move on when told to.
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, will present the Bill after PMQs on a 10-minute rule motion.
Although it stands little chance of becoming law in its own right, aspects of the Bill have the sympathies of ministers and could find their way into a government bill later.
Kirby's Bill would revise the 1994 Public Order Act, he says, to give clarity to police and local authorities on who should take the lead on emptying illegal sites.
It also calls for changes to welfare checks, currently compulsory for Travellers each time they are moved. He says that every time a Traveller camp is removed from one site and established in another one nearby, local authorities must carry out a welfare check before attempting to evict them again.
His Bill would also allow for impounding of Travellers vans if the owners do not move on when told to.
Shropshire planners warned of ‘Dale Farm fiasco’
Council chiefs have been warned they could have ‘another Dale Farm fiasco’ on their hands near Oswestry if they do not resolve a planning row quickly. Dozens of objections have been lodged with Shropshire Council over plans for a Travellers’ camp on land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club in Gobowen.
Some work has already been carried out on the site, a former rubbish tip, without planning permission and council chiefs slapped a stop order on the site last year.
The applicants reduced the size of their application in September to ease public concerns about their plans. The travellers now say they only want to build four pitches.
But several more objections have now been lodged after the revised plans were made public. The new objections have been posted on Shropshire Council’s public access planning website and one objector, calling himself Mr Very Angry, urged the council to resolve the controversy quickly.
He added: “Do we have to wait for the situation to slide in to another Dale Farm fiasco at yet more expense to the public purse, also known as my council tax?”
Other objectors have also written to the council, alleging work has been carried out despite the stop notice.
Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council has already lodged objections to the application.
Agent for the bid, Bayston Hill firm TR Mennell, said the applicants had no intention of blocking off any rights of way and said there would only be one entrance and exit to the site. It said the proposed chalets were ‘very modest’.
The letter said “none of the statutory consultees has sustained any objection that would prevent the application going forward with a recommendation for approval.”
Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision on the bid as soon as possible.
Some work has already been carried out on the site, a former rubbish tip, without planning permission and council chiefs slapped a stop order on the site last year.
The applicants reduced the size of their application in September to ease public concerns about their plans. The travellers now say they only want to build four pitches.
But several more objections have now been lodged after the revised plans were made public. The new objections have been posted on Shropshire Council’s public access planning website and one objector, calling himself Mr Very Angry, urged the council to resolve the controversy quickly.
He added: “Do we have to wait for the situation to slide in to another Dale Farm fiasco at yet more expense to the public purse, also known as my council tax?”
Other objectors have also written to the council, alleging work has been carried out despite the stop notice.
Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council has already lodged objections to the application.
Agent for the bid, Bayston Hill firm TR Mennell, said the applicants had no intention of blocking off any rights of way and said there would only be one entrance and exit to the site. It said the proposed chalets were ‘very modest’.
The letter said “none of the statutory consultees has sustained any objection that would prevent the application going forward with a recommendation for approval.”
Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision on the bid as soon as possible.
Solihull land suggested for future Gypsy and Traveller sites
FIVE new Midland sites have been identified as possible permanent homes for travelling communities. Solihull Council has undertaken a consultation with residents into where travelling communities should be located in the future.
The local authority has just won a lengthy legal battle to remove an illegal camp at Eves Green Lane in Meriden.
But it is also one of the new sites that members of the public have suggested that the travellers should live.
In addition to the five new greenbelt sites, owners of four existing traveller sites in Solihull have come forward to say that their sites could be extended.
The proposals are proving controversial with those who live in the settled areas nearby – even though no site has yet been put forward for actual development.
One parish councillor has declared that he would fight any plans for a travellers site in his area “to the bitter end”.
The five new sites are at:
Eaves Green Lane in Meriden;
School Road in Hockley Heath;
Waste Lane and Old Waste Lane in Balsall Common;
Shadowbrook Lane in Hampton-in-Arden; and
Damson Lane in Solihull.
The existing travellers sites where owners have indicated they would be happy to extend or increase the number of pitches are at:
Salter Street in Earlswood;
Canal View, off Salter Street;
The Warren in Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green; and
The Haven, in Catherine-de-Barnes Lane in Bickenhill.
The local authority has just won a lengthy legal battle to remove an illegal camp at Eves Green Lane in Meriden.
But it is also one of the new sites that members of the public have suggested that the travellers should live.
In addition to the five new greenbelt sites, owners of four existing traveller sites in Solihull have come forward to say that their sites could be extended.
The proposals are proving controversial with those who live in the settled areas nearby – even though no site has yet been put forward for actual development.
One parish councillor has declared that he would fight any plans for a travellers site in his area “to the bitter end”.
The five new sites are at:
Eaves Green Lane in Meriden;
School Road in Hockley Heath;
Waste Lane and Old Waste Lane in Balsall Common;
Shadowbrook Lane in Hampton-in-Arden; and
Damson Lane in Solihull.
The existing travellers sites where owners have indicated they would be happy to extend or increase the number of pitches are at:
Salter Street in Earlswood;
Canal View, off Salter Street;
The Warren in Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green; and
The Haven, in Catherine-de-Barnes Lane in Bickenhill.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Shenleybury Cottages site 'best ever seen for Gypsies' - Borehamwood
AN expert has said a disputed green belt site in Shenleybury is the most appropriate she has ever seen for a small Gypsy family.
Alison Heine, a Gypsy and Traveller specialist at the Royal Town Planning Institute, gave evidence this afternoon to the planning inquiry into a gypsy family occupying land adjacent to Shenleybury Cottages.
She said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better site on the green belt, I think the council would struggle to find anywhere better for a small family site such as this.
“This is a really good site for Travellers – unlike other sites it is not next to a motorway, it’s not under pylons, it’s a good situation for Gypsies and Travellers.”
Ms Heine dismissed the idea of finding new Gypsy sites in urban areas away from residential areas as “absurd”, and pulled apart Hertsmere Borough Council’s efforts to find new Gypsy sites in the area.
THE occupier of disputed green belt land in Shenleybury has apologised for not seeking planning permission for her caravan.
Gypsy Sarah Price has appealed to the planning inspector after Hertsmere Borough Council refused her application for retrospective planning permission for the land adjacent to homes in Shenleybury Cottages.
She told the first day of an inquiry today: “I can only apologise for occupying the site before getting planning permission.
“I was desperate as my children was not getting educated, there was nowhere safe to stop, and no access to water or toilets.”
The site, which currently has a caravan, a generator, and a portable toilet on it, has been the subject of controversy since Ms Price's ex-husband bought the land for £56,000 in December 2009.
She denied having problems with the neighbours, describing herself as a private person.
The 28-year-old said: “I've found them as they found me. I do my thing and they do their thing.
“I've never had a falling out with anyone, I've never been rude to any of them, and they've never been rude to me.
“I don't treat them any different to how I would treat a gypsy lady or gentleman. We've all got our own rights and if you close your door, that's the way it should be.”
Mark Blundell, chairman of the Action Group for a Safer Shenley, led the calls for the inspector, who is overseeing an appeal into land adjacent to Shenleybury Cottages, to rule in their favour.
He said the arrival in December 2009 of Sarah Price, who has parked a caravan along with a generator and portable toilets, has disrupted the “peaceful, rural backwater” in which they live.
Alan Masters, representing the site’s occupier Sarah Price, pointed out councillors had agreed the case fell into “very special circumstances” because there were no available Gypsy sites in the borough, but shortly afterwards an enforcement notice was issued on Ms Price, in March this year.
Mr Smith admitted there is “no planning policy that support that approach”, but he later insisted the enforcement notice was an expedient course of action to take.
When Mr Masters argued there was no planning justification for not granting the application, the senior planner agreed - “for a temporary period”.
And when pressed further on the enforcement notice served on Ms Price, Mr Smith said: “Perhaps the answer is that it possibly could be not expedient to issue an enforcement notice at the time.”
Alison Heine, a Gypsy and Traveller specialist at the Royal Town Planning Institute, gave evidence this afternoon to the planning inquiry into a gypsy family occupying land adjacent to Shenleybury Cottages.
She said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better site on the green belt, I think the council would struggle to find anywhere better for a small family site such as this.
“This is a really good site for Travellers – unlike other sites it is not next to a motorway, it’s not under pylons, it’s a good situation for Gypsies and Travellers.”
Ms Heine dismissed the idea of finding new Gypsy sites in urban areas away from residential areas as “absurd”, and pulled apart Hertsmere Borough Council’s efforts to find new Gypsy sites in the area.
THE occupier of disputed green belt land in Shenleybury has apologised for not seeking planning permission for her caravan.
Gypsy Sarah Price has appealed to the planning inspector after Hertsmere Borough Council refused her application for retrospective planning permission for the land adjacent to homes in Shenleybury Cottages.
She told the first day of an inquiry today: “I can only apologise for occupying the site before getting planning permission.
“I was desperate as my children was not getting educated, there was nowhere safe to stop, and no access to water or toilets.”
The site, which currently has a caravan, a generator, and a portable toilet on it, has been the subject of controversy since Ms Price's ex-husband bought the land for £56,000 in December 2009.
She denied having problems with the neighbours, describing herself as a private person.
The 28-year-old said: “I've found them as they found me. I do my thing and they do their thing.
“I've never had a falling out with anyone, I've never been rude to any of them, and they've never been rude to me.
“I don't treat them any different to how I would treat a gypsy lady or gentleman. We've all got our own rights and if you close your door, that's the way it should be.”
Neighbours: Shenleybury Gypsy site has 'disrupted our lives'
NEIGHBOURS of a disputed Gypsy site in Shenleybury have appealed to a planning inspector to reject the bid to stay on the land.Mark Blundell, chairman of the Action Group for a Safer Shenley, led the calls for the inspector, who is overseeing an appeal into land adjacent to Shenleybury Cottages, to rule in their favour.
He said the arrival in December 2009 of Sarah Price, who has parked a caravan along with a generator and portable toilets, has disrupted the “peaceful, rural backwater” in which they live.
'No justification' for rejecting Shenleybury Gypsy camp application, Hertsmere planner admits
A SENIOR Hertsmere planner has admitted temporary planning permission should have been granted to a Gypsy camp in Shenleybury.
Andrew Smith was grilled today at the Shenleybury Cottages planning inquiry, and asked to justify the decisions taken in the case by Hertsmere Borough Council.Alan Masters, representing the site’s occupier Sarah Price, pointed out councillors had agreed the case fell into “very special circumstances” because there were no available Gypsy sites in the borough, but shortly afterwards an enforcement notice was issued on Ms Price, in March this year.
Mr Smith admitted there is “no planning policy that support that approach”, but he later insisted the enforcement notice was an expedient course of action to take.
When Mr Masters argued there was no planning justification for not granting the application, the senior planner agreed - “for a temporary period”.
And when pressed further on the enforcement notice served on Ms Price, Mr Smith said: “Perhaps the answer is that it possibly could be not expedient to issue an enforcement notice at the time.”
A Gypsy Life For Me
If you hated Big Fat Gypsy Weddings, watch this response from the Gypsy and Traveller community starting next week for the next 8 weeks on TV...
Whether they are avoiding eviction in Celebrity Big Brother or being ejected from Dale Farm, Gypsies and Travellers continue to fascinate the British media.
In a brand new series BIO goes beyond the headlines to meet key figures in the travelling community to understand the colourful and often controversial Gypsy world. Commissioned exclusively for BIO comes a brand new look at real people who live extraordinary lives in A GYPSY LIFE FOR ME.
Following news stories and stereotyping, accused by some of the Gypsy community as being biased and exploitative, Jake Bowers, a Romany Gypsy journalist for The Travellers’ Times and Tracy Nedic who are both co-promoters of “Traveller’s Got Talent” are on a mission to improve the portrayal of the Gypsy people in the British media.
The pair intends to improve the Gypsy image by showcasing the history, culture, and most importantly the talents of the Traveller’s community through a national talent competition.
We follow Jake and Tracy as they plan the contest with their select team of gifted judges through the tears, tantrums and tiaras as they whittle down the cream of the travelling community from the length and breadth of the British Isles in their search for the next Gypsy star.
Tracy Nedic says: “This is the third year for this competition and it has continued to grow year on year to become a big success. By showcasing the talent of my people we are able to offer an insight into our lives, our culture and heritage to the rest of the world.”
Jake Bowers, promoter of “Travellers Got Talent” says: “The Gypsy and Traveller community is considered to be guilty of many things but capable of nothing, so this series will bypass the crude stereotypes and reveal a nation that has survived for over a thousand years. By throwing open the doors on the Gypsy and Travellers’ own annual talent contest we will be revealing the tales and talents of those determined to follow in the footsteps of other famous performers with Gypsy heritage such as Charlie Chaplin, Cher Lloyd and the Gypsy Kings.”
There will be singing, dancing, fashion statements and surprising performances along the way with the colourful members of the Gypsy world before the national road-show reaches its climax in the London final.
With access to Jake’s hunt for stories to fill his newspaper, we also explore Travellers’ rights and Travellers’ wrongs, lifestyles and evictions as well as learning about Gypsy history and culture.
Starts on Bio (Sky 156 & Virgin 242) on 15 November at 9pm.
Starts on Bio (Sky 156 & Virgin 242) on 15 November at 9pm.
Cardenden Gypsy plan: ‘people feel side-lined by SNP council’ says Lindsay Roy MP - Fife
Fife Council’s plan to create a stop-over site for Travelling people near Cardenden has angered the community and now the local MP has expressed frustration,
Local MP Lindsay Roy has urged Fife Council to ensure that there is “full consultation” with the local community over proposals to develop the stop-over site at Pitcairn.
He made the call following a meeting at which residents expressed anger and frustration at lack of consultation and what they felt was a fait accompli.
Said Mr Roy: “I have supported the Gypsy Traveller Working group in their attempts to identify stop-over sites in Fife to try to prevent illegal encampments and all the costs and aggravation that often occur.
“However, I was surprised to discover that the council’s proposals for Pitcairn had been very poorly managed.
“Indeed, the turnout of over 60 at this special meeting highlighted the real concerns of the local community.”
The MP said that at the meeting, residents had raised concerns about: site access and road health and safety, seasonal flooding of the River Ore and waterlogging on the site and the enforcement of site rules if planning permission was granted.
Local MP Lindsay Roy has urged Fife Council to ensure that there is “full consultation” with the local community over proposals to develop the stop-over site at Pitcairn.
He made the call following a meeting at which residents expressed anger and frustration at lack of consultation and what they felt was a fait accompli.
Said Mr Roy: “I have supported the Gypsy Traveller Working group in their attempts to identify stop-over sites in Fife to try to prevent illegal encampments and all the costs and aggravation that often occur.
“However, I was surprised to discover that the council’s proposals for Pitcairn had been very poorly managed.
“Indeed, the turnout of over 60 at this special meeting highlighted the real concerns of the local community.”
The MP said that at the meeting, residents had raised concerns about: site access and road health and safety, seasonal flooding of the River Ore and waterlogging on the site and the enforcement of site rules if planning permission was granted.
Monday, 7 November 2011
Council seeks more sites for Gypsies and travelling Showmen - Northwich
FURTHER sites to provide accommodation for Gypsies and travelling Showpeople in the borough will be considered by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).
Members of the Executive board met on November 2 to discuss proposals to provide six sets of plots for gipsies, travellers and travelling showpeople in Winsford, Ellesmere Port, Chester, Saughall and Neston.
They agreed not to submit planning applications for a site at Oakwood Farm, in Saughall, after survey work identified several species of bat and a second site at Long Acres Road, in Neston, was rejected after it was discovered a purchaser was in negotiations about the site.
This means that council officers will now be exploring other potential sites in the borough, which could include those in Northwich and Winsford.
Members of the Executive board met on November 2 to discuss proposals to provide six sets of plots for gipsies, travellers and travelling showpeople in Winsford, Ellesmere Port, Chester, Saughall and Neston.
They agreed not to submit planning applications for a site at Oakwood Farm, in Saughall, after survey work identified several species of bat and a second site at Long Acres Road, in Neston, was rejected after it was discovered a purchaser was in negotiations about the site.
This means that council officers will now be exploring other potential sites in the borough, which could include those in Northwich and Winsford.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Dale Farm Evictees Metres Away From Site
Traveller families forced to leave Dale Farm have towed their trailers only a few metres along the lane and parked on the neighbouring legal site.
Now they are waiting to receive notice to move on within 28 days but say they will fight any order in the courts."They are all here because they have nowhere else to go," said Candy Sheridan of the Gypsy Council.
"They are homeless and Basildon will make them homeless so we will challenge it."
It is estimated around 35 extra families have packed into the legal site. Others have left and are said to be visiting relatives elsewhere but will return.
Basildon Council has fought to clear the site since it was bought by the travellers 10 years ago but developed without planning permission.
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