From Comet 24
THE location of controversial new Gypsy and Traveller sites are due to be earmarked today (Thursday).
A meeting, at the Council Chamber in Chicksands, will discuss plans for 32 sites around Central Bedfordshire.
A site in Langford, two sites in Stotfold and two in Fairfield Park are included in the shortlist, which was published ahead of the meeting.
Stotfold town councillor Barrie Dack, who lives in Fairfield Park, has opposed the plans from the beginning.
He said: “It appears the Central Bedfordshire council officers have chosen the sites without visiting. All of them fail to meet the laid down criteria and should already have been marked as failed.
“If this has been repeated through the area then a lot of time has been wasted and a lot of hot air unnecessarily used.”
Land north of West Drive and east of Arlesey was also shortlisted but has now been discounted.
Hugh Harper, chairman of Arlesey Residents’ Association, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome. It was not the right location for a Gypsy and Traveller site.
“Originally we said that we would accept Hitchin Road as an alternative provided that West Drive was taken off and the council agreed at the time.
“It was right in the middle of Arlesey, the land is also prone to flooding and the access is not suitable.”
The council estimates that 158 pitches and eight travelling show people plots will be needed by 2031 in order to meet the increasing population.
Cllr Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities, said: “We’re still at relatively early stages of a much longer, considered process. At the meeting we’ll be looking at these possible locations against the agreed assessment criteria to determine which sites are most suitable.
“What is absolutely vital to remember is that we have a statutory duty to provide appropriate accommodation to this community, just as we do for other communities.
“We work hard to meet the needs of both the Gypsy and Traveller and the settled communities and we must be equal in addressing need.”
Thursday 28 February 2013
Cheslyn Hay Gypsy site owner in improvements claim - Staffordshire
From the Express and Star
The owner of a controversial Gypsy site in South Staffordshire claims her family taking up residence has improved the site.
Mother-of-four Amy Rodgers, aged 46, says before her family moved on to The Pony Paddock, Hospital Lane, in Cheslyn Hay, was blocked with rubbish and frequently fly-tipped.
There was also criminal activity taking place on the lane, said Mrs Rodgers, which has ceased since they moved in almost eight years ago.
Mrs Rodgers and her family were granted planning permission on Tuesday night to double the size of their site, allowing a further eight pitches there.
“Before we moved in, you couldn’t even get down the lane,” she said. “It was covered in fly-tipping. It was still happening when we came down here, but the police have been really good.
“It’s nice and pleasant down here now. We’ve been here for almost eight years.”
At a heated South Staffordshire District Council planning meeting on Tuesday night, councillors expressed fears that the site would continue to grow, creating ‘a small village on the fringes of Cheslyn Hay’.
Mrs Rodgers disputed these claims, stating the site, which is built on green belt land, is purely for members of her close family.
“Our family’s getting bigger now, with wives and husbands, so they like their own caravan,” she added.
“There’s not enough sites for Travellers around here. If our kids get married there’s nowhere for them to go. Out of my four children, one is married and another one’s getting married.
“I think the people who are worried it will become like a village down here have seen Dale Farm. This is just for the family, those that are close. Gypsies can’t be on the roads today.
Sometimes you’ll have to keep moving on and you won’t even have access to a doctor. Living on the road has faded out now.”
But Cheslyn Hay councillor Mac Harris, who stormed out of the planning meeting in protest, said granting permission for added plots on the site is unfair to other residents.
He said: “If anyone in the village wanted to put two caravans on their drive they wouldn’t be allowed to under planning law. If anyone wanted to develop on green belt, they would have their plans refused.
“It just seems to stick in the throat when things like this happen. There seems to be one law for Travellers and another for residents.”
The owner of a controversial Gypsy site in South Staffordshire claims her family taking up residence has improved the site.
Mother-of-four Amy Rodgers, aged 46, says before her family moved on to The Pony Paddock, Hospital Lane, in Cheslyn Hay, was blocked with rubbish and frequently fly-tipped.
There was also criminal activity taking place on the lane, said Mrs Rodgers, which has ceased since they moved in almost eight years ago.
Mrs Rodgers and her family were granted planning permission on Tuesday night to double the size of their site, allowing a further eight pitches there.
“Before we moved in, you couldn’t even get down the lane,” she said. “It was covered in fly-tipping. It was still happening when we came down here, but the police have been really good.
“It’s nice and pleasant down here now. We’ve been here for almost eight years.”
At a heated South Staffordshire District Council planning meeting on Tuesday night, councillors expressed fears that the site would continue to grow, creating ‘a small village on the fringes of Cheslyn Hay’.
Mrs Rodgers disputed these claims, stating the site, which is built on green belt land, is purely for members of her close family.
“Our family’s getting bigger now, with wives and husbands, so they like their own caravan,” she added.
“There’s not enough sites for Travellers around here. If our kids get married there’s nowhere for them to go. Out of my four children, one is married and another one’s getting married.
“I think the people who are worried it will become like a village down here have seen Dale Farm. This is just for the family, those that are close. Gypsies can’t be on the roads today.
Sometimes you’ll have to keep moving on and you won’t even have access to a doctor. Living on the road has faded out now.”
But Cheslyn Hay councillor Mac Harris, who stormed out of the planning meeting in protest, said granting permission for added plots on the site is unfair to other residents.
He said: “If anyone in the village wanted to put two caravans on their drive they wouldn’t be allowed to under planning law. If anyone wanted to develop on green belt, they would have their plans refused.
“It just seems to stick in the throat when things like this happen. There seems to be one law for Travellers and another for residents.”
Travellers near Newport Stadium promise to move before Half Marathon - Wales
From the South Wales Argus
TRAVELLERS who have set camp in a Newport council car park have indicated they intend to leave by tomorrow.
Four motorhomes were seen at the Newport Stadium car park yesterday afternoon.
Newport council said it was aware of the issue and said it was an unauthorised encampment.
Officers visited the site on Monday and the temporary residents have indicated they intent to leave by Friday, a spokeswoman said.
"Community Safety Wardens are doing regular patrols of the site and officers will continue to monitor the situation," she added.
Its not thought the camp will have any impact on the Newport Half Marathon, which starts at Newport Stadium on Sunday.
TRAVELLERS who have set camp in a Newport council car park have indicated they intend to leave by tomorrow.
Four motorhomes were seen at the Newport Stadium car park yesterday afternoon.
Newport council said it was aware of the issue and said it was an unauthorised encampment.
Officers visited the site on Monday and the temporary residents have indicated they intent to leave by Friday, a spokeswoman said.
"Community Safety Wardens are doing regular patrols of the site and officers will continue to monitor the situation," she added.
Its not thought the camp will have any impact on the Newport Half Marathon, which starts at Newport Stadium on Sunday.
THE MYTH AND REALITY BEHIND GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS' LIVES: A PROFILE ON LEEDS' GYPSY AND TRAVELLER COMMUNITY IN COTTINGLEY SPRINGS - Yorkshire
From JUST Bulletin
In an address to the Conservative Party Council in October 2012, Eric Pickles ascribed new planning powers to local councils allowing them to issue instant stop notices and impose unlimited fines on Travellers setting up homes on disused land.
JUST West Yorkshire wrote to Eric Pickles voicing concern over the new policy as we felt it failed to address the root causes of the problem which stem from the shortage of local authority designated sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
In our letter, we reiterated our belief that Gypsy and Traveller communities are an integral part of UK’s wider community and also criticised the proposed measures as being discriminatory and disproportionate because they will lead to the criminalization of Gypsy and Traveller communities and put them at increased risk by creating a climate of xenophobia.
The office of Eric Pickles wrote back saying:
“The Government’s overarching aim is to ensure fair and equal treatment for Travellers in a way that facilitates their traditional nomadic way of life while respecting the interests of the settled community. Our planning policy for traveller sites returns the right and responsibility to assess and plan to meet traveller need to local councils rather than imposing regional targets, which served to exacerbate community tensions.
Our policy aims to increase the number of Traveller sites in appropriate locations with planning permission in order to address under provision and maintain an appropriate level of supply. It asks local councils to identify sites to meet Traveller needs for five years, and to forecast ahead to fifteen years provision where possible. From 27 March 2013, if a local council cannot demonstrate an up-to-date five-year supply of deliverable sites, this should be a significant material consideration in considering applications for the grant of temporary permission.”
JUST West Yorkshire and the Racial Justice Network will be following the region’s local authorities on their fiver-year plan to meet Gypsy and Traveller housing needs. We will be reporting on our investigation in future publications.
But what does the current state of housing look like for Gypsy and Traveller communities in our region?
Claire Graham, Advocacy and Development Manager at Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE), in conversation with Joanne, a resident of Cottingley Spring provides us with an insightful first hand account:
“You know, people think we live on here for free,” says Joanne, a resident of the Cottingley Springs local authority Gypsy and Traveller site in Leeds, as we sit chatting over a cup of tea.
I’ve worked with the residents of Cottingley Springs for nearly 8 years now, and if there’s one thing I do know, it is that it’s not a cheap place to live.
Fresh faced and keen when I first started I remember thinking “Mmm inexplicably high electricity bills, something I can get my teeth into”.
Eight years on and many letters to MPs, meetings with councillors, meetings with Npower, visits and hours which must accumulate to days on the phone to customer services and we seem to be in exactly the same situation.
“What I don’t understand” I reply, “is if they say its just the ‘Traveller lifestyle’ that burns more electric and gas, then why do people know others on other similar sites that pay half as much?”
Joanne agrees. “And,” she adds, “Why when people move off the site move into a house do they pay a lot less than they did here?”
“I don’t understand the extra cost per caravan either” Joanne says “never mind that bedroom tax people are talking about, it’s like we have been paying it for years”. I smile; a dark sense of humour is a must in this line of work.
Here Joanne is speaking of the additional £25 per week residents have to pay for each extra caravan they bring to their plot, which they already pay £98/week for in rent (£125 if you worked). This means when Gypsy and Traveller kids get old enough to want their own space they not only have to afford them a little caravan but pay extra rent too. “And we couldn’t keep up on the electric to heat that big static we used to hire from a mobile caravan hire shop but that was an extra £50 a week too” Joanne adds.
Rents are higher on Cottingley, and so are gas and electricity bills. Electricity bills come up to £75 a week in winter and bottled gas sometimes reaches £50 a week.
At Leeds GATE we deliver training for workers, for example, in the housing or health sector. Our community trainers introduce the community and look at history, culture and access to services. It surprises people every time we do a little exercise breaking down the cost of living on Cottingley Springs compared to the equivalent local authority house which always proves to be higher.
Added to the high bills the isolation, lack of facilities and nowhere for the kids to play; the 47 families living on 41 plots have something new to keep them awake at night now too. Proposals by Leeds City Council to build and additional 12 pitches much needed by roadside homeless, families were greeted with huge celebration from GATE and the community alike. Plans to tag those additional 12 pitches on to part of the existing Cottingley Springs however were met with less enthusiasm.
Now don't get me wrong, the irony of the NIMBY anti Gypsy brigade alliances has not passed by any of us by but as one of Joanne’s neighbours said to me the other day, “they may as well just build a wall around all the Travellers, stick us in the middle of nowhere and have done with it”. And that seems to be the feeling of many of the residents.
So expansion doesn't come without its benefits; LCC have secured funding from the Homes and Communities Agency to carry out much needed improvements to the existing site. Some residents say that they feel like they are being blackmailed into submission others are still militantly against the expansion as they feel increased traffic will put their children at higher risk of accidents. Promised improvements to services for residents can only be a good thing. A two-mile walk to the nearest pint of milk means that residents are reliant on cars or at least relatives to get their shopping. Historical difficulties in accessing a GP, and other services are better than they have been but there is huge room for improvement so any additional efforts to improve the standard of living for residents can only be beneficial.
As for the roadside families, mostly Leeds born and bred who currently have no access to running water, no safe place to stay will shortly be getting their own homes. Cottingley Springs may not be the cheap paradise that some would have you believe it is - but its a home and its safe, as one resident said to me yesterday “I have been on the roadside myself, I know what its like, its not ideal but who am I to deny someone a home”'.
From Leeds GATE’s point of view we have recently been successful in applying for funding for a portakabin that will be on site in the next few months. It will be a community space for people to meet and activities to take place so things have taken a positive slant in a way as the site has received greater attention.
In the meantime as the community develops and grows residents are aware of the many challenges that lie ahead. Having a roof over their heads will better equip them to respond to the many issues that Gypsy and Traveller communities face across Britain.
Leeds GATE run regular training sessions for staff working with or looking to work with Gypsies and Travellers, we also have information and resources on our website at www.leedsgate.co.uk, please get in touch for more information.
In an address to the Conservative Party Council in October 2012, Eric Pickles ascribed new planning powers to local councils allowing them to issue instant stop notices and impose unlimited fines on Travellers setting up homes on disused land.
JUST West Yorkshire wrote to Eric Pickles voicing concern over the new policy as we felt it failed to address the root causes of the problem which stem from the shortage of local authority designated sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
In our letter, we reiterated our belief that Gypsy and Traveller communities are an integral part of UK’s wider community and also criticised the proposed measures as being discriminatory and disproportionate because they will lead to the criminalization of Gypsy and Traveller communities and put them at increased risk by creating a climate of xenophobia.
The office of Eric Pickles wrote back saying:
“The Government’s overarching aim is to ensure fair and equal treatment for Travellers in a way that facilitates their traditional nomadic way of life while respecting the interests of the settled community. Our planning policy for traveller sites returns the right and responsibility to assess and plan to meet traveller need to local councils rather than imposing regional targets, which served to exacerbate community tensions.
Our policy aims to increase the number of Traveller sites in appropriate locations with planning permission in order to address under provision and maintain an appropriate level of supply. It asks local councils to identify sites to meet Traveller needs for five years, and to forecast ahead to fifteen years provision where possible. From 27 March 2013, if a local council cannot demonstrate an up-to-date five-year supply of deliverable sites, this should be a significant material consideration in considering applications for the grant of temporary permission.”
JUST West Yorkshire and the Racial Justice Network will be following the region’s local authorities on their fiver-year plan to meet Gypsy and Traveller housing needs. We will be reporting on our investigation in future publications.
But what does the current state of housing look like for Gypsy and Traveller communities in our region?
Claire Graham, Advocacy and Development Manager at Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE), in conversation with Joanne, a resident of Cottingley Spring provides us with an insightful first hand account:
“You know, people think we live on here for free,” says Joanne, a resident of the Cottingley Springs local authority Gypsy and Traveller site in Leeds, as we sit chatting over a cup of tea.
I’ve worked with the residents of Cottingley Springs for nearly 8 years now, and if there’s one thing I do know, it is that it’s not a cheap place to live.
Fresh faced and keen when I first started I remember thinking “Mmm inexplicably high electricity bills, something I can get my teeth into”.
Eight years on and many letters to MPs, meetings with councillors, meetings with Npower, visits and hours which must accumulate to days on the phone to customer services and we seem to be in exactly the same situation.
“What I don’t understand” I reply, “is if they say its just the ‘Traveller lifestyle’ that burns more electric and gas, then why do people know others on other similar sites that pay half as much?”
Joanne agrees. “And,” she adds, “Why when people move off the site move into a house do they pay a lot less than they did here?”
“I don’t understand the extra cost per caravan either” Joanne says “never mind that bedroom tax people are talking about, it’s like we have been paying it for years”. I smile; a dark sense of humour is a must in this line of work.
Here Joanne is speaking of the additional £25 per week residents have to pay for each extra caravan they bring to their plot, which they already pay £98/week for in rent (£125 if you worked). This means when Gypsy and Traveller kids get old enough to want their own space they not only have to afford them a little caravan but pay extra rent too. “And we couldn’t keep up on the electric to heat that big static we used to hire from a mobile caravan hire shop but that was an extra £50 a week too” Joanne adds.
Rents are higher on Cottingley, and so are gas and electricity bills. Electricity bills come up to £75 a week in winter and bottled gas sometimes reaches £50 a week.
At Leeds GATE we deliver training for workers, for example, in the housing or health sector. Our community trainers introduce the community and look at history, culture and access to services. It surprises people every time we do a little exercise breaking down the cost of living on Cottingley Springs compared to the equivalent local authority house which always proves to be higher.
Added to the high bills the isolation, lack of facilities and nowhere for the kids to play; the 47 families living on 41 plots have something new to keep them awake at night now too. Proposals by Leeds City Council to build and additional 12 pitches much needed by roadside homeless, families were greeted with huge celebration from GATE and the community alike. Plans to tag those additional 12 pitches on to part of the existing Cottingley Springs however were met with less enthusiasm.
Now don't get me wrong, the irony of the NIMBY anti Gypsy brigade alliances has not passed by any of us by but as one of Joanne’s neighbours said to me the other day, “they may as well just build a wall around all the Travellers, stick us in the middle of nowhere and have done with it”. And that seems to be the feeling of many of the residents.
So expansion doesn't come without its benefits; LCC have secured funding from the Homes and Communities Agency to carry out much needed improvements to the existing site. Some residents say that they feel like they are being blackmailed into submission others are still militantly against the expansion as they feel increased traffic will put their children at higher risk of accidents. Promised improvements to services for residents can only be a good thing. A two-mile walk to the nearest pint of milk means that residents are reliant on cars or at least relatives to get their shopping. Historical difficulties in accessing a GP, and other services are better than they have been but there is huge room for improvement so any additional efforts to improve the standard of living for residents can only be beneficial.
As for the roadside families, mostly Leeds born and bred who currently have no access to running water, no safe place to stay will shortly be getting their own homes. Cottingley Springs may not be the cheap paradise that some would have you believe it is - but its a home and its safe, as one resident said to me yesterday “I have been on the roadside myself, I know what its like, its not ideal but who am I to deny someone a home”'.
From Leeds GATE’s point of view we have recently been successful in applying for funding for a portakabin that will be on site in the next few months. It will be a community space for people to meet and activities to take place so things have taken a positive slant in a way as the site has received greater attention.
In the meantime as the community develops and grows residents are aware of the many challenges that lie ahead. Having a roof over their heads will better equip them to respond to the many issues that Gypsy and Traveller communities face across Britain.
Leeds GATE run regular training sessions for staff working with or looking to work with Gypsies and Travellers, we also have information and resources on our website at www.leedsgate.co.uk, please get in touch for more information.
Travellers reappear at St Andrews car park - Suffolk
From the Bury Free Press
A group of Travellers have moved onto St Andrews car park in Bury St Edmunds.
A spokeswoman from St Edmundsbury Borough Council said seven vehicles were now at the site.
She said: “We have been down there with Environmental Health following complaints about dogs barking and loud music.
“The waste management service make sure they have bin bags and a place where they can be left so the site doesn’t become unhygienic.
“This group appeared on Sunday February 24 - they had previously used that site in November but moved on pretty quickly. “They have said they will be leaving on Sunday.
“We are organising a meeting with Suffolk County Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Liason Officer to look at any other way they can be helped.”
A group of Travellers have moved onto St Andrews car park in Bury St Edmunds.
A spokeswoman from St Edmundsbury Borough Council said seven vehicles were now at the site.
She said: “We have been down there with Environmental Health following complaints about dogs barking and loud music.
“The waste management service make sure they have bin bags and a place where they can be left so the site doesn’t become unhygienic.
“This group appeared on Sunday February 24 - they had previously used that site in November but moved on pretty quickly. “They have said they will be leaving on Sunday.
“We are organising a meeting with Suffolk County Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Liason Officer to look at any other way they can be helped.”
Group leaves £900 bill - Hampshire
From the News
THE cost of evicting a Travellers’ camp and clearing up after they left has cost the taxpayer £900.
Havant Borough Council has had pay out £550 for cleaning up the mess left in a lay-by off the A259 Havant Road, in Emsworth.
As reported, several caravans and vehicles camped out in the lay-by close to the A27 underpass throughout last week.
A total of £350 was spent on legal costs to evict the Travellers.
This will paid for by Hampshire County Council, which owns the land. The authorities plan to secure the site by placing a concrete block in front of a barrier and improving the locks.
THE cost of evicting a Travellers’ camp and clearing up after they left has cost the taxpayer £900.
Havant Borough Council has had pay out £550 for cleaning up the mess left in a lay-by off the A259 Havant Road, in Emsworth.
As reported, several caravans and vehicles camped out in the lay-by close to the A27 underpass throughout last week.
A total of £350 was spent on legal costs to evict the Travellers.
This will paid for by Hampshire County Council, which owns the land. The authorities plan to secure the site by placing a concrete block in front of a barrier and improving the locks.
Footballers’ fears eased as Travellers move off Aberdeen pitches - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Post
FEARS that football fixtures in Aberdeen could be cancelled after Travellers pitched up were today eased.
More than eight caravans were at the car park of Balgownie Playing Fields in Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don.
But today the group of Travellers moved off the site, meaning the threat to the fixtures had been lifted.
The site is used by amateur and youth football teams in the city and Aberdeen FC also use it for training.
FEARS that football fixtures in Aberdeen could be cancelled after Travellers pitched up were today eased.
More than eight caravans were at the car park of Balgownie Playing Fields in Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don.
But today the group of Travellers moved off the site, meaning the threat to the fixtures had been lifted.
The site is used by amateur and youth football teams in the city and Aberdeen FC also use it for training.
Council takes court action to evict Travellers - Fife
From Fife Today
COURT proceedings have begun to legally evict travelling people living at John Smith Business Park.
Fife Council was forced to act on Tuesday after the group set up camp on Beg Way, next to Kirkcaldy’s MGt call centre.
According to local residents, two caravans arrived on Wednesday morning last week and another arrived the following night. The travellers have also pitched up two tents.
A local dog walker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Their very camping there prohibits residents of the area using that entrance to the public land for normal social activities as well as taking a large part of the public land out of their use as they are having to avoid the temporary campsite.”
The 49-year old added: “No doubt they will move on in time, but like in previous years, they will be back in force a number of times during the course of the year.
“At one time last year there were eight different caravans in the car park and up to four caravans on the road.”
Impacts
Management at MGt declined to comment but the Press understands the unauthorised campsite also impacts on a nearby Fife Council building which is currently up for lease.
The resident commented: “Which prospective client is ever going to even view the building never mind lease or buy it knowing that the entrance way to it is a regularly recurring campsite, its carpark is a playground for the children of the campsite and that there will regularly be mess left for them to deal with?”
He added: “It dismays me that Fife Council do very little about it and when they do, it is a temporary solution at best.”
Fife Council declined to comment about the impact of the campsite on nearby buildings and businesses but Peter Farrell, Travelling Persons Site Manager, said the authority was aware of the Travellers currently staying at Beg Way.
“We have talked to them and informed them that we will start court proceedings on Tuesday, February 26, to have the site vacated,” he commented.
“This is the normal procedure for unauthorised encampments.”
COURT proceedings have begun to legally evict travelling people living at John Smith Business Park.
Fife Council was forced to act on Tuesday after the group set up camp on Beg Way, next to Kirkcaldy’s MGt call centre.
According to local residents, two caravans arrived on Wednesday morning last week and another arrived the following night. The travellers have also pitched up two tents.
A local dog walker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Their very camping there prohibits residents of the area using that entrance to the public land for normal social activities as well as taking a large part of the public land out of their use as they are having to avoid the temporary campsite.”
The 49-year old added: “No doubt they will move on in time, but like in previous years, they will be back in force a number of times during the course of the year.
“At one time last year there were eight different caravans in the car park and up to four caravans on the road.”
Impacts
Management at MGt declined to comment but the Press understands the unauthorised campsite also impacts on a nearby Fife Council building which is currently up for lease.
The resident commented: “Which prospective client is ever going to even view the building never mind lease or buy it knowing that the entrance way to it is a regularly recurring campsite, its carpark is a playground for the children of the campsite and that there will regularly be mess left for them to deal with?”
He added: “It dismays me that Fife Council do very little about it and when they do, it is a temporary solution at best.”
Fife Council declined to comment about the impact of the campsite on nearby buildings and businesses but Peter Farrell, Travelling Persons Site Manager, said the authority was aware of the Travellers currently staying at Beg Way.
“We have talked to them and informed them that we will start court proceedings on Tuesday, February 26, to have the site vacated,” he commented.
“This is the normal procedure for unauthorised encampments.”
Plans return for Ewloe travellers site with 13ft fence - Flintshire
From the Leader
PLANS for a Traveller site which have been turned down twice have been resubmitted and now include a fence.
Protesters claim the 13ft fence, intended as a noise barrier, will be even more of an eyesore.
“It really would be a big blot on the landscape,” said one campaigner.
Ewloe Green Action group fought hard against the plans for a site next to Ewloe Barn Wood off Magazine Lane.
But just over a year after the five-caravan site was rejected in a public inquiry, the plans are back.
This time applicant Martin Rooney has included a four-metre fence designed to combat noise pollution.
But a spokeman for the action group said this had made things worse.
“In the view of the action group such a barrier will create an even greater intrusion to the open countryside designated as green barrier between the villages of Ewloe and Northop Hall and brings openness and visual impact into play,” she said.
“These issues and others of concern will be cited in objection letters submitted to Flintshire Council and trust that the latest application is also rejected.
“The stance of the Ewloe Green Action Group remains the same for this latest application, that this is inappropriate development in an area designated as green barrier.”
Ewloe councillors have stuck to their guns since they objected to the plans first submitted in 2010.
Cllr Alison Halford said: “The residents are concerned this is a large development in the open countryside. This could change the whole aspect of the rural part of my ward.”
A decision is expected by March 29. Green Planning Solutions LLP, agents for Mr Rooney, declined to comment.
PLANS for a Traveller site which have been turned down twice have been resubmitted and now include a fence.
Protesters claim the 13ft fence, intended as a noise barrier, will be even more of an eyesore.
“It really would be a big blot on the landscape,” said one campaigner.
Ewloe Green Action group fought hard against the plans for a site next to Ewloe Barn Wood off Magazine Lane.
But just over a year after the five-caravan site was rejected in a public inquiry, the plans are back.
This time applicant Martin Rooney has included a four-metre fence designed to combat noise pollution.
But a spokeman for the action group said this had made things worse.
“In the view of the action group such a barrier will create an even greater intrusion to the open countryside designated as green barrier between the villages of Ewloe and Northop Hall and brings openness and visual impact into play,” she said.
“These issues and others of concern will be cited in objection letters submitted to Flintshire Council and trust that the latest application is also rejected.
“The stance of the Ewloe Green Action Group remains the same for this latest application, that this is inappropriate development in an area designated as green barrier.”
Ewloe councillors have stuck to their guns since they objected to the plans first submitted in 2010.
Cllr Alison Halford said: “The residents are concerned this is a large development in the open countryside. This could change the whole aspect of the rural part of my ward.”
A decision is expected by March 29. Green Planning Solutions LLP, agents for Mr Rooney, declined to comment.
Travellers to be kept at bay by barriers - Derbyshire
From the Ilkestone Advertiser
Barriers have been installed in a Sandiacre car park after neighbours complained about Travellers setting up camp.
Erewash Borough Council spent £2,000 installing two 2.1m bars at the Bridge Street car park in a bid to stop the caravans returning.
But the council said it has ‘no plans’ to install similar barriers at Ilkeston’s Pimlico car park where nuisance Travellers caused problems for neighbours and market traders three times last year.
Cllr Barbara Harrison, lead member for the environment, said: “We listened to the concerns of local residents, particularly those living close to this car park, and decided to take swift action to resolve the issue.
“It is a car park which was suitable for height restriction barriers and we know that all those living nearby and those who regularly use this car park will welcome the work carried out.”
The work also included four bollards.
see also: The Derbyshire Telegraph - More than £2,000 spent on keeping Travellers out of Derbyshire car park
Barriers have been installed in a Sandiacre car park after neighbours complained about Travellers setting up camp.
Erewash Borough Council spent £2,000 installing two 2.1m bars at the Bridge Street car park in a bid to stop the caravans returning.
But the council said it has ‘no plans’ to install similar barriers at Ilkeston’s Pimlico car park where nuisance Travellers caused problems for neighbours and market traders three times last year.
Cllr Barbara Harrison, lead member for the environment, said: “We listened to the concerns of local residents, particularly those living close to this car park, and decided to take swift action to resolve the issue.
“It is a car park which was suitable for height restriction barriers and we know that all those living nearby and those who regularly use this car park will welcome the work carried out.”
The work also included four bollards.
see also: The Derbyshire Telegraph - More than £2,000 spent on keeping Travellers out of Derbyshire car park
Pub shut down after violent brawl involving Travellers from Bradford - Yorkshire
From the Telegraph and Argus
A group of Travellers from Bradford were involved in a “quite atrocious” fight with locals at a village pub in the North-East.
One person had a sawn-off shotgun forced into his mouth during the vicious brawl at The Flintlock Inn, in West Cornforth, County Durham.
The pub was closed down by licensing chiefs yesterday amid fears it could be the scene of further flare-ups.
Police were called to the pub on Monday night after the fight broke out between locals and a group of Travellers from the Bradford area, who described themselves as bare-knuckle fighters.
Sgt Tim Robson described the incident as “a quite atrocious set of violent offences”, which involved people linked to the pub brandishing weapons and inflicting a catalogue of wounds upon patrons.
He told Durham County Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee, which met at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre yesterday, that members of the travelling fraternity had been drinking in the pub after attending a funeral.
A row broke out and associates of those running the pub left the premises only to return wearing ski-masks and carrying weapons. At least one sawn-off shotgun was brandished along with knives and baseball bats.
Injuries sustained included stab and slash wounds, double fractures of the wrist, a wound to the crown of the head and numerous cuts and bruises.
Sgt Robson said: “This was a very serious, nasty heated and protracted assault which took place. Clearly retribution is likely if it continues to stay open and we have serious concerns there will be immediate retaliation and violence.”
He also told councillors the pub CCTV system was switched off for 40 minutes during the violent incident, which he believes was done intentionally by the pub management. And he said designated premises supervisor Nicola Bush, who was not in charge on the night, had shown a ‘lax attitude’ towards the role.
The committee agreed to suspend the Flintlock’s premises licence with immediate effect and remove Nicola Bush as designated premises supervisor.
Durham police confirmed two men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident.
A group of Travellers from Bradford were involved in a “quite atrocious” fight with locals at a village pub in the North-East.
One person had a sawn-off shotgun forced into his mouth during the vicious brawl at The Flintlock Inn, in West Cornforth, County Durham.
The pub was closed down by licensing chiefs yesterday amid fears it could be the scene of further flare-ups.
Police were called to the pub on Monday night after the fight broke out between locals and a group of Travellers from the Bradford area, who described themselves as bare-knuckle fighters.
Sgt Tim Robson described the incident as “a quite atrocious set of violent offences”, which involved people linked to the pub brandishing weapons and inflicting a catalogue of wounds upon patrons.
He told Durham County Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee, which met at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre yesterday, that members of the travelling fraternity had been drinking in the pub after attending a funeral.
A row broke out and associates of those running the pub left the premises only to return wearing ski-masks and carrying weapons. At least one sawn-off shotgun was brandished along with knives and baseball bats.
Injuries sustained included stab and slash wounds, double fractures of the wrist, a wound to the crown of the head and numerous cuts and bruises.
Sgt Robson said: “This was a very serious, nasty heated and protracted assault which took place. Clearly retribution is likely if it continues to stay open and we have serious concerns there will be immediate retaliation and violence.”
He also told councillors the pub CCTV system was switched off for 40 minutes during the violent incident, which he believes was done intentionally by the pub management. And he said designated premises supervisor Nicola Bush, who was not in charge on the night, had shown a ‘lax attitude’ towards the role.
The committee agreed to suspend the Flintlock’s premises licence with immediate effect and remove Nicola Bush as designated premises supervisor.
Durham police confirmed two men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police-free matches move - but Caley Thistle fans warned over derby "Gypsy" chants - Scotland
From the Highland News
FANS have been warned not to chant offensive songs about travelling people at the big Highland derby on Saturday or they will be prosecuted.
But it comes as the idea of police-free football matches is set to be discussed by Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Northern Constabulary – and both are thought to keen to see it become a reality.
Police caused controversy last month before the New Year derby match was postponed when they issued a statement which said: “Singing or chants which could be deemed offensive to groups or communities such as Travellers are deemed an offence under the law in Scotland and therefore anyone caught singing them is liable to criminal prosecution.”
Northern Constabulary issued the warning after consulting the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on the new Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 which outlaws “behaviour likely to lead to public disorder which expresses or incites hatred, is threatening or is otherwise offensive”.
Some insiders believe that television exposure for the games between ICT and Ross County has led to increased scrutiny on fan behaviour, which supporters largely class as friendly banter.
Caley Jags Together spokesman David Balfour said it had talks this week with police and the club on the issue ahead of Saturday’s match in Dingwall.
Mr Balfour added: “Northern Constabulary made it clear the use of ‘Gypsy’ alongside any other word which might, to any reasonable person, portray hatred is unacceptable.
“Caley Jags Together pointed out the historic lack of animosity or disorder in the fixture and maintained that any chanting should be seen in that light.
“However, collectively we are mindful of the fact that matches are being broadcast by TV, radio and online to a wider audience and what is seen as banter to local rival fans might be viewed differently by those watching or listening.
“All parties were clear that none wished to see prosecutions resulting from chanting by either set of fans at this showpiece fixture.”
He added that Caley Jags Together is asking that all fans take these views on board and give consideration to what they chant or sing at future matches between Caley Thistle and County. He said Northern Constabulary were also anxious that fans be aware that throwing smoke bombs at this or any other fixture is unacceptable and will result in prosecution.
But in contrast to the derby warning, talks are to be sought with Northern Constabulary about self-policing at games at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
Mr Balfour said: “The buzz phrase within the ICT support is self-policing. I think there are many games where a police presence is a waste of resources. Matches at home to clubs such as Kilmarnock, Motherwell or Dundee require a police presence.
“I think the police are aware now how little offending happens at Caley Thistle games and matches without the police is something that we would certainly welcome.”
The combined attendance at the three Highland derbies this season – two in Inverness and one in Dingwall, is 15,978 – and there have only been four arrests.
A spokesman for Ross County said: “Obviously as a club we’re behind all efforts to remove offensive behaviour from Scottish football as we want it to be a game that is there for everyone to enjoy.
“We’ve been very fortunate over the years that our fans have largely been a credit to themselves and the club, and we hope this will continue to be the case as the club increasingly finds itself in the spotlight of high-profile fixtures.”
Caley Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron said: “Police-free games were first introduced at Motherwell versus ICT in February 2011 and have been tried and tested at various grounds throughout Scotland including the recent Scotland v Estonia game at Pittordrie, watched by over 16,000 fans.
“In the current climate this is something the club will be looking at in conjunction with the local constabulary in the coming weeks with a view to introducing at certain low-risk games.
“We have had extremely positive feedback from a number of clubs that have had numerous games where there has been no police presence and that must augur well for the introduction of this initiative in Inverness, where the behaviour of both our own and visiting fans has been exemplary.”
A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “We had a meeting with the club, which was both amicable and productive. We offered general advice in relation to acceptable behaviour at football matches.
“We would like to emphasise that we have not had any significant behavioural issues with home supporters. We will continue to work with the club and fan representatives to ensure this continues.”
On the issue of police-free matches, he added: “We will continue to work with the club to provide a safe environment for fans and will look at all the options available to do this taking into account the experiences elsewhere in the country particularly as we move towards a single police service.”
FANS have been warned not to chant offensive songs about travelling people at the big Highland derby on Saturday or they will be prosecuted.
But it comes as the idea of police-free football matches is set to be discussed by Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Northern Constabulary – and both are thought to keen to see it become a reality.
Police caused controversy last month before the New Year derby match was postponed when they issued a statement which said: “Singing or chants which could be deemed offensive to groups or communities such as Travellers are deemed an offence under the law in Scotland and therefore anyone caught singing them is liable to criminal prosecution.”
Northern Constabulary issued the warning after consulting the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on the new Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act 2012 which outlaws “behaviour likely to lead to public disorder which expresses or incites hatred, is threatening or is otherwise offensive”.
Some insiders believe that television exposure for the games between ICT and Ross County has led to increased scrutiny on fan behaviour, which supporters largely class as friendly banter.
Caley Jags Together spokesman David Balfour said it had talks this week with police and the club on the issue ahead of Saturday’s match in Dingwall.
Mr Balfour added: “Northern Constabulary made it clear the use of ‘Gypsy’ alongside any other word which might, to any reasonable person, portray hatred is unacceptable.
“Caley Jags Together pointed out the historic lack of animosity or disorder in the fixture and maintained that any chanting should be seen in that light.
“However, collectively we are mindful of the fact that matches are being broadcast by TV, radio and online to a wider audience and what is seen as banter to local rival fans might be viewed differently by those watching or listening.
“All parties were clear that none wished to see prosecutions resulting from chanting by either set of fans at this showpiece fixture.”
He added that Caley Jags Together is asking that all fans take these views on board and give consideration to what they chant or sing at future matches between Caley Thistle and County. He said Northern Constabulary were also anxious that fans be aware that throwing smoke bombs at this or any other fixture is unacceptable and will result in prosecution.
But in contrast to the derby warning, talks are to be sought with Northern Constabulary about self-policing at games at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.
Mr Balfour said: “The buzz phrase within the ICT support is self-policing. I think there are many games where a police presence is a waste of resources. Matches at home to clubs such as Kilmarnock, Motherwell or Dundee require a police presence.
“I think the police are aware now how little offending happens at Caley Thistle games and matches without the police is something that we would certainly welcome.”
The combined attendance at the three Highland derbies this season – two in Inverness and one in Dingwall, is 15,978 – and there have only been four arrests.
A spokesman for Ross County said: “Obviously as a club we’re behind all efforts to remove offensive behaviour from Scottish football as we want it to be a game that is there for everyone to enjoy.
“We’ve been very fortunate over the years that our fans have largely been a credit to themselves and the club, and we hope this will continue to be the case as the club increasingly finds itself in the spotlight of high-profile fixtures.”
Caley Thistle chairman Kenny Cameron said: “Police-free games were first introduced at Motherwell versus ICT in February 2011 and have been tried and tested at various grounds throughout Scotland including the recent Scotland v Estonia game at Pittordrie, watched by over 16,000 fans.
“In the current climate this is something the club will be looking at in conjunction with the local constabulary in the coming weeks with a view to introducing at certain low-risk games.
“We have had extremely positive feedback from a number of clubs that have had numerous games where there has been no police presence and that must augur well for the introduction of this initiative in Inverness, where the behaviour of both our own and visiting fans has been exemplary.”
A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: “We had a meeting with the club, which was both amicable and productive. We offered general advice in relation to acceptable behaviour at football matches.
“We would like to emphasise that we have not had any significant behavioural issues with home supporters. We will continue to work with the club and fan representatives to ensure this continues.”
On the issue of police-free matches, he added: “We will continue to work with the club to provide a safe environment for fans and will look at all the options available to do this taking into account the experiences elsewhere in the country particularly as we move towards a single police service.”
Gypsy site refused close to Chester Business Park - Cheshire
From the Chester Chronicle
On Monday (February 25) CWaC officers issued a decision notice refusing the application, saying the pitches would be ‘harmful’ to the green belt and the ‘very special circumstances’ did not outweigh the potential harm to the land.
If successful the application would have seen seven holiday pitches changed into homes for Gypsies and Travellers, with each pitch containing a mobile home, a utility room and a touring caravan.
Concerned business owners at the Business Park sent dozens of letters of objection to the authority fearing there would be an increase in ‘disturbances’ if a Gypsy site was created close to their offices.
And dozens of residents living in Dodleston and Lache Lane strongly objected to the site saying it would harm the Green Belt and take away much needed tourism from the local area.
Speaking about the refusal of the site, CWaC councillor for Dodleston and Huntington Mark Williams said: “I am pleased it has been refused.
“A lot of local residents strongly opposed the development and businesses were concerned. Apart from the application being on the Green Belt one of my main concerns was that the pitches were in a holiday resort and the application would take away facilities for people coming in to visit Chester.
“There have been Travellers before in this area and quite a lot of people from as far away as Dodleston were concerned about what a site would mean for the area.”
Court action was taken by firms on the business park in 2007 after years of problems with Gypsies and Travellers.
On Monday (February 25) CWaC officers issued a decision notice refusing the application, saying the pitches would be ‘harmful’ to the green belt and the ‘very special circumstances’ did not outweigh the potential harm to the land.
If successful the application would have seen seven holiday pitches changed into homes for Gypsies and Travellers, with each pitch containing a mobile home, a utility room and a touring caravan.
Concerned business owners at the Business Park sent dozens of letters of objection to the authority fearing there would be an increase in ‘disturbances’ if a Gypsy site was created close to their offices.
And dozens of residents living in Dodleston and Lache Lane strongly objected to the site saying it would harm the Green Belt and take away much needed tourism from the local area.
Speaking about the refusal of the site, CWaC councillor for Dodleston and Huntington Mark Williams said: “I am pleased it has been refused.
“A lot of local residents strongly opposed the development and businesses were concerned. Apart from the application being on the Green Belt one of my main concerns was that the pitches were in a holiday resort and the application would take away facilities for people coming in to visit Chester.
“There have been Travellers before in this area and quite a lot of people from as far away as Dodleston were concerned about what a site would mean for the area.”
Court action was taken by firms on the business park in 2007 after years of problems with Gypsies and Travellers.
Head says big fat 'no' to TV's Gypsy wedding - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
A documentary on Travellers in Cambridgeshire was too ‘cutting edge’ for county council chiefs and a headteacher.
The makers of Channel 4’s My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding approached the headteacher of Cottenham Primary School and Cambridgeshire County Council, asking if they could film Breda Doran, who works for the council in Traveller relations.
A series of emails – revealed using freedom of information laws – shows how the council dealt with the filming request from the Cutting Edge series team.
At first, the reaction was positive from Kim Tolley, the council’s Traveller education community inclusion manager, who wrote: “I’ve been approached by a producer who wants to film with Breda as part of a six-part Channel 4 documentary series.
“This is obviously a great opportunity, not only for Breda, but also for CREDS (Cambridgeshire Race Equality and Diversity Service) to highlight the important work we do around raising the achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people.”
But Jan Wright, who has since retired as headteacher at the school, feared the documentary would damage relations after seeing My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and refused to allow film crews into the school.
She wrote: “I saw that programme and was not happy about the image it portrayed. I think the world of Breda and the wonderful work she does here and will not risk anything tarnishing all the years of work we have put in to improving relationships across our community. I’m afraid the answer is a definitive no.”
After the refusal, Ms Tolley said the council could not go ahead with helping the documentary fearing it would upset relations with the Traveller community.
A spokesman for the council’s press office then replied: “That’s fine. I’m relieved the head feels the same way. And I think the offer of an interview with Breda – albeit wearing a different hat – will appease them. Not that it’s our job to appease them.”
The spokesman told the News: “Breda was approached by the TV production company in her capacity as a member of the Traveller community (not as a council employee) to take part, but she chose not to. It was her decision.
“We did not want any documentary over which we had no editorial control to jeopardise the excellent work being done with Travellers by the school and the Cambridgeshire Race Equality and Diversity Service (CREDS).”
The council was approached about the film in 2010 but the correspondence emerged this month.
A documentary on Travellers in Cambridgeshire was too ‘cutting edge’ for county council chiefs and a headteacher.
The makers of Channel 4’s My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding approached the headteacher of Cottenham Primary School and Cambridgeshire County Council, asking if they could film Breda Doran, who works for the council in Traveller relations.
A series of emails – revealed using freedom of information laws – shows how the council dealt with the filming request from the Cutting Edge series team.
At first, the reaction was positive from Kim Tolley, the council’s Traveller education community inclusion manager, who wrote: “I’ve been approached by a producer who wants to film with Breda as part of a six-part Channel 4 documentary series.
“This is obviously a great opportunity, not only for Breda, but also for CREDS (Cambridgeshire Race Equality and Diversity Service) to highlight the important work we do around raising the achievement of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller children and young people.”
But Jan Wright, who has since retired as headteacher at the school, feared the documentary would damage relations after seeing My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and refused to allow film crews into the school.
She wrote: “I saw that programme and was not happy about the image it portrayed. I think the world of Breda and the wonderful work she does here and will not risk anything tarnishing all the years of work we have put in to improving relationships across our community. I’m afraid the answer is a definitive no.”
After the refusal, Ms Tolley said the council could not go ahead with helping the documentary fearing it would upset relations with the Traveller community.
A spokesman for the council’s press office then replied: “That’s fine. I’m relieved the head feels the same way. And I think the offer of an interview with Breda – albeit wearing a different hat – will appease them. Not that it’s our job to appease them.”
The spokesman told the News: “Breda was approached by the TV production company in her capacity as a member of the Traveller community (not as a council employee) to take part, but she chose not to. It was her decision.
“We did not want any documentary over which we had no editorial control to jeopardise the excellent work being done with Travellers by the school and the Cambridgeshire Race Equality and Diversity Service (CREDS).”
The council was approached about the film in 2010 but the correspondence emerged this month.
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Jury urged not to let Travellers' code effect outcome of Lincoln pensioner Sonny Grey's murder - Lincolnshire
From the Lincolnshire Echo
A jury has been urged not to let the Travellers' code cloud their judgement when deciding the fate of two men suspected of murdering Lincoln pensioner Sonny Grey.
Rocky Curtis, 25, of Newbridge Lane, Wisbech, and Robert Holmes, 24, of Redmoor Lane, Wisbech, are both accused of murdering the 70-year-old grandfather, who died in City Hospital, Nottingham, on October 31, 2011.
He was attacked two days earlier in his home in Westwick Gardens, Lincoln, where he received 46 injuries and had boiling water poured on him from a kettle.
Curtis and Holmes were arrested in connection with the incident along with Curtis' older, now-deceased, brother Tom. All three came from Traveller families and Mr Grey himself was a former traveller.
Making his closing arguments on behalf of the defence counsel for Holmes, Andrew Campbell-Tiech, QC, explained that due to generations of persecution all over the world, Travellers live by their own code of ethics and avoid getting state authorities involved in legal matters within their community.
It is alleged that this is why Holmes and Curtis answered "no comment" to most questions put before them by police when they were first arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mr Campbell-Tiech today urged the jury in Nottingham Crown Court not to let this cloud their judgement when decided the two men's fate.
He said: "We have only touched upon what is called the code as if it is some entirely Traveler based reaction to the police.
"The Traveller community has suffered for years and years, for decade after decade, and have seen persecution after persecution.
"The results of this can be seen in the faces of people in the witness box.
"This community, for historical reasons, simply doesn't trust the home state. It is an expression of distrust in all of us.
"Little wonder that something like this breeds hostility. You saw it in every single Traveller witness."
It was also revealed by Mr Campbell-Tiech that Holmes had lost a child in the months before his arrest with his common-law wife Stephanie Lawrence. He said that up until Holmes' arrest, the pair visited their dead baby's grave every night.
Mr Campbell-Tiech added: "This tells you more about this young man. Would you expect a thug, a torturer, a murderer, to behave like this."
The trial continues.
A jury has been urged not to let the Travellers' code cloud their judgement when deciding the fate of two men suspected of murdering Lincoln pensioner Sonny Grey.
Rocky Curtis, 25, of Newbridge Lane, Wisbech, and Robert Holmes, 24, of Redmoor Lane, Wisbech, are both accused of murdering the 70-year-old grandfather, who died in City Hospital, Nottingham, on October 31, 2011.
He was attacked two days earlier in his home in Westwick Gardens, Lincoln, where he received 46 injuries and had boiling water poured on him from a kettle.
Curtis and Holmes were arrested in connection with the incident along with Curtis' older, now-deceased, brother Tom. All three came from Traveller families and Mr Grey himself was a former traveller.
Making his closing arguments on behalf of the defence counsel for Holmes, Andrew Campbell-Tiech, QC, explained that due to generations of persecution all over the world, Travellers live by their own code of ethics and avoid getting state authorities involved in legal matters within their community.
It is alleged that this is why Holmes and Curtis answered "no comment" to most questions put before them by police when they were first arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mr Campbell-Tiech today urged the jury in Nottingham Crown Court not to let this cloud their judgement when decided the two men's fate.
He said: "We have only touched upon what is called the code as if it is some entirely Traveler based reaction to the police.
"The Traveller community has suffered for years and years, for decade after decade, and have seen persecution after persecution.
"The results of this can be seen in the faces of people in the witness box.
"This community, for historical reasons, simply doesn't trust the home state. It is an expression of distrust in all of us.
"Little wonder that something like this breeds hostility. You saw it in every single Traveller witness."
It was also revealed by Mr Campbell-Tiech that Holmes had lost a child in the months before his arrest with his common-law wife Stephanie Lawrence. He said that up until Holmes' arrest, the pair visited their dead baby's grave every night.
Mr Campbell-Tiech added: "This tells you more about this young man. Would you expect a thug, a torturer, a murderer, to behave like this."
The trial continues.
Gypsy site is on course for new approval - Derbyshire
From the Burton Mail
UNAUTHORISED works on a Gypsy site could be resolved after the plans will be decided by councillors for the fourth time.
Plans for a controversial GYpsy site on land north of Cauldwell Road, Linton, have already been refused by members of South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee three times due to land contamination issues but was then approved at appeal in 2007.
Now, applicant, Nottinghamshire-based John Connors, has applied again for the change of use to a Gypsy caravan site for three caravans – with an amendment to permission given in 2007.
The applicant previously appealed against an enforcement notice in 2009 after unauthorised materials were brought to the site which ‘wraps around’ the land up for discussion. This was dismissed during a public inquiry and now the current application seeks to ‘amend and improve the scheme so that unauthorised and outstanding work can be resolved.’
Amendments include reducing the number of permanent caravans on site from four to three, lowering the front boundary wall and gate piers and deleting a previously approved toilet/shower block.
The site forms part of a former railway cutting that was filled with commercial and non-hazardous waste and asbestos and later capped with clay and covered with top soil.
However, the council’s environmental health manager believes the plan would not have any major impacts with regards to contamination.
Objections and comments raise concerns over the applicant’s chequered history with the site, with the chairman of Linton Parish Council stating that unauthorised waste remains despite a dismissed appeal against its retention.
Other comments cite the misuse of the land by the applicants along with concerns about future developments.
Linton Parish Council also objects saying contraventions include erection of illegal wall, open fires, flytipping, and failure of adhere to enforcement notices.
However, officers have recommended the plans for approval, saying: “In light of the appeal decision and the fact that the current application involves a reduction in number of caravans, and removal of toilet/shower block, it is considered that the principle of the development has been accepted and established.”
UNAUTHORISED works on a Gypsy site could be resolved after the plans will be decided by councillors for the fourth time.
Plans for a controversial GYpsy site on land north of Cauldwell Road, Linton, have already been refused by members of South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee three times due to land contamination issues but was then approved at appeal in 2007.
Now, applicant, Nottinghamshire-based John Connors, has applied again for the change of use to a Gypsy caravan site for three caravans – with an amendment to permission given in 2007.
The applicant previously appealed against an enforcement notice in 2009 after unauthorised materials were brought to the site which ‘wraps around’ the land up for discussion. This was dismissed during a public inquiry and now the current application seeks to ‘amend and improve the scheme so that unauthorised and outstanding work can be resolved.’
Amendments include reducing the number of permanent caravans on site from four to three, lowering the front boundary wall and gate piers and deleting a previously approved toilet/shower block.
The site forms part of a former railway cutting that was filled with commercial and non-hazardous waste and asbestos and later capped with clay and covered with top soil.
However, the council’s environmental health manager believes the plan would not have any major impacts with regards to contamination.
Objections and comments raise concerns over the applicant’s chequered history with the site, with the chairman of Linton Parish Council stating that unauthorised waste remains despite a dismissed appeal against its retention.
Other comments cite the misuse of the land by the applicants along with concerns about future developments.
Linton Parish Council also objects saying contraventions include erection of illegal wall, open fires, flytipping, and failure of adhere to enforcement notices.
However, officers have recommended the plans for approval, saying: “In light of the appeal decision and the fact that the current application involves a reduction in number of caravans, and removal of toilet/shower block, it is considered that the principle of the development has been accepted and established.”
Decision due on Gypsy sites - Bedfordshire
From Luton Today
Councillors are set to decide tomorrow (Thursday) on a shortlist of locations for new Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Last month the News/Gazette revealed Central Bedfordshire Council had compiled a long list of potential sites, including two in Barton, one in Bidwell and one on the outskirts of Harlington.
The authority compiled the list after a call for people to suggest sites last year failed to produce adequate numbers.
It says 130 new pitches are required up to 2031.
Central Beds is expecting a packed council chamber for Thursday’s Overview and Scrutiny meeting, and has written to parish councils to tell them only 180 people can be accommodated at the meeting.
The letter reads: “We are aware that there are likely to be a significant number of people who may wish to attend and we intend to take every measure possible to maintain safe and fair access to the process.
“Such measures include providing additional seating in the council chamber itself. We are also arranging for the meeting to be filmed and broadcast live to the canteen area of the council offices.
“This will allow as many people as possible to attend, within the limits of our capacity for health and safety.”
A full public consultation is expected to take place in late spring once the shortlist is finalised.
Councillors are set to decide tomorrow (Thursday) on a shortlist of locations for new Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Last month the News/Gazette revealed Central Bedfordshire Council had compiled a long list of potential sites, including two in Barton, one in Bidwell and one on the outskirts of Harlington.
The authority compiled the list after a call for people to suggest sites last year failed to produce adequate numbers.
It says 130 new pitches are required up to 2031.
Central Beds is expecting a packed council chamber for Thursday’s Overview and Scrutiny meeting, and has written to parish councils to tell them only 180 people can be accommodated at the meeting.
The letter reads: “We are aware that there are likely to be a significant number of people who may wish to attend and we intend to take every measure possible to maintain safe and fair access to the process.
“Such measures include providing additional seating in the council chamber itself. We are also arranging for the meeting to be filmed and broadcast live to the canteen area of the council offices.
“This will allow as many people as possible to attend, within the limits of our capacity for health and safety.”
A full public consultation is expected to take place in late spring once the shortlist is finalised.
District Council Vow To Fight To Gain Control Of Traveller Site In Burgess Hill - Sussex
From Burgess Hill Uncovered
Local residents met at the Watermill pub on Wednesday morning as Cllr Pru Moore along with District Council leader Gary Marsh, came to address the state of play regarding the Traveller site next to Bedelands Farm nature reserve.
Earlier this month the land went up for auction. The guide price was £15-£20k. There was a condition on the land that it had to be leased back to Mid Sussex District Council for £500p.a
Mid Sussex District Council wanted to buy the land from British Rail before it went to auction. However, British Rail weren't interested as they were of the belief that the land was worth £200k.
The Buyer
The land sold at auction for £147.5k. The buyer is a Traveller. Apparently he didn't really know what he was buying and the conditions on the land. It's believed he purchased the land with the intention of moving his 'family' to the site;.
The buyer and his 'agent' have met with the council to see where they stand legally on what can be done with the land. He's been told to stay away from the Traveller site unless he is accompanied by a member of the council. He's not allowed to make contact with any of the residents or make any demands.
The current residents
The council are fully behind the current residents and will do all they can to help protect them and to ensure they remain untroubled from the new owner. There have been discussions with the police. Gates have been ordered for the Leylands Road entry to the site. The council are determined to take control of the land and keep the site as it is.
Mid Sussex District Council's current lease
The lease that Mid Sussex District Council had with British Rail ran out in 2004. Since then it's just been rolling over each year. Could they have made more of an effort to have got something long term put in place or were they just too complacent?
What happens now?
The buyer has until March 15th to complete his purchase. The auction house could extend this deadline.
If he chooses to bail out, he'd lose his 10% deposit and may end up getting sued by the auctioneers OR the auctioneers could turn to the next highest bidder, which would be Mid Sussex District Council.
The new owner of the land could take the council to court and try to have the lease terminated. However, the District Council lawyers think they'd have a strong case for the lease to stay in place but can't guarantee a victory.
MSDC have not ruled out invoking a compulsory purchase order to obtain the land from the new owner.
It's a case of wait and see why the buyer decides to do.
Councillors In Attendance
For those that wish to know about your local councillors. District councillor Graham Knight (Lib Dem) and town councillor David Andrews (Labour) were both in attendance. 'Publicity' Pru Moore (Conservative) ran the meeting and MSDC leader Gary Wall was also present.
Local residents met at the Watermill pub on Wednesday morning as Cllr Pru Moore along with District Council leader Gary Marsh, came to address the state of play regarding the Traveller site next to Bedelands Farm nature reserve.
Earlier this month the land went up for auction. The guide price was £15-£20k. There was a condition on the land that it had to be leased back to Mid Sussex District Council for £500p.a
Mid Sussex District Council wanted to buy the land from British Rail before it went to auction. However, British Rail weren't interested as they were of the belief that the land was worth £200k.
The Buyer
The land sold at auction for £147.5k. The buyer is a Traveller. Apparently he didn't really know what he was buying and the conditions on the land. It's believed he purchased the land with the intention of moving his 'family' to the site;.
The buyer and his 'agent' have met with the council to see where they stand legally on what can be done with the land. He's been told to stay away from the Traveller site unless he is accompanied by a member of the council. He's not allowed to make contact with any of the residents or make any demands.
The current residents
The council are fully behind the current residents and will do all they can to help protect them and to ensure they remain untroubled from the new owner. There have been discussions with the police. Gates have been ordered for the Leylands Road entry to the site. The council are determined to take control of the land and keep the site as it is.
Mid Sussex District Council's current lease
The lease that Mid Sussex District Council had with British Rail ran out in 2004. Since then it's just been rolling over each year. Could they have made more of an effort to have got something long term put in place or were they just too complacent?
What happens now?
The buyer has until March 15th to complete his purchase. The auction house could extend this deadline.
If he chooses to bail out, he'd lose his 10% deposit and may end up getting sued by the auctioneers OR the auctioneers could turn to the next highest bidder, which would be Mid Sussex District Council.
The new owner of the land could take the council to court and try to have the lease terminated. However, the District Council lawyers think they'd have a strong case for the lease to stay in place but can't guarantee a victory.
MSDC have not ruled out invoking a compulsory purchase order to obtain the land from the new owner.
It's a case of wait and see why the buyer decides to do.
Councillors In Attendance
For those that wish to know about your local councillors. District councillor Graham Knight (Lib Dem) and town councillor David Andrews (Labour) were both in attendance. 'Publicity' Pru Moore (Conservative) ran the meeting and MSDC leader Gary Wall was also present.
Our casual racism against Travellers is one of Ireland's last great shames
From the Irish Times
“Trouble.” “Dirty.” “Disgusting.” “A thorn in the side of society.”
These words look like relics of Ireland’s past; they seem to belong to a time when we whispered about “fallen women”, and “improper acts” between men. Now that we have matured into a society that no longer locks up “bold girls” or criminalises homosexual men, we don’t like to recall that we ever saw the world in such stark terms.
It’s heartwarming how much we’ve all moved on, isn’t it? Let’s give ourselves a big pat on the back – we have matured into an inclusive, humane society; a society capable of acknowledging and even apologising for the wrongs of the past; a society that recognises that “different” doesn’t always mean “inferior”.
Unless, of course, we’re talking about Travellers. Because, unfortunately, these words don’t actually belong to our past – they were all taken from recent internet discussions on Travellers.
The kind of casual, venomous racism that Travellers are still subjected to, even by mild commentators in benign contexts, will prove one of this society’s last great, collective shames.
At school 30 years ago, I don’t remember anyone questioning why the Traveller children always seemed to be seated alone at the “bold desk” or why they were universally referred to by the rest of us as “smelly”.
Since then, the discrimination may have become more subtle, but it hasn’t gone away. I have routinely been met with incredulity when I expressed the view that perhaps all Travellers weren’t bad news – in conversation with friends; in taxis; by members of the public in my role as a journalist; and once, memorably, by a uniformed garda.
If it was just the occasional crude generalisation and the odd anonymous online outburst that Travellers had to contend with, they’d probably consider themselves fortunate. Earlier this month, a house at Ballyshannon in Co Donegal was burnt down, days before the Ward family – Travellers who had lived, they said, without incident in the town for more than four decades – were due to move in.
If this had been the house of an African family, or a Jewish family, or a family headed by a same-sex couple or single parent, it’s likely there would have been mass protests at this KKK-style burning. Instead, what greeted the news was a broad indifference.
Speaking about the incident last week on local radio, Jimmy Ward said that his children were “ashamed on their life to go to school at all” since the incident – despite being the victims of it.
“I can understand people don’t want Travellers living beside them, but I’m not a Traveller living beside them. I’m part of them. This is my town as well as theirs. Ballyshannon is our home town – I’m never leaving here,” he said, perfectly encapsulating what so many settled people fail to understand or refuse to see about Travellers.
It is not about where “we” want “them” to live; Travellers have as much right to a home in a place of their choosing as anyone else.
The arson attack wasn’t the only example of prejudice: it came in the weeks after local Fine Gael councillor Eugene Dolan was reported as saying that Travellers could “be sent to Spike Island for all I care”, and Bundoran Fianna Fáil councillor Sean McEniff suggested Travellers should live in isolation. Their parties distanced themselves for the remarks, describing them as “personal views”, but neither man was asked to resign or to withdraw their comments.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan didn’t see any reason to apologise either over a letter he wrote to his Co Kilkenny constituents last year, assuring them that a Traveller family would not be moved into their area. Neither did District Court Judge Seamus Hughes, who last year called Travellers “Neanderthal men lying in the long grass and living by the law of the jungle”.
In the UK, Irish Travellers have been recognised as a distinct ethnic minority for 13 years.
Many Irish people resist the idea of a distinct ethnicity for Travellers – but it’s not clear that they rate Travellers as full citizens with equal rights, either.
According to the 2011 Census, there are 30,000 Travellers in Ireland. There are problems with feuding and antisocial behaviour with some elements of the community, but as settled people, we’re far too quick to hold the entire community responsible.
Criminality is not, as the playwright Rosaleen McDonagh wrote in this newspaper recently, in Travellers’ culture or in their DNA. Some Travellers are petty criminals, for sure; just as some are celebrated writers and some are Olympic boxers. Some have big dreams for the future; others just want to get through the day. Some are articulate human-rights campaigners; others cannot even write. They are mothers and fathers and aunts and cousins and grandparents and good neighbours and schoolfriends.
In other words, they are just as amorphous and flawed and ugly and beautiful as any other member of society, only with significantly fewer advantages than most.
Healthcare problems
Their nomadic lifestyle makes the provision of appropriate healthcare – along with education and housing – more difficult, with the result that Travellers’ health statistics are similar to those of people living in the developing world. Three per cent live to 65. Their mortality rate is three times the national average; their suicide rate is six times. If their ethnicity was recognised, indices such as these couldn’t be ignored.
Instead, we go on brushing the “Traveller issue” under the same threadbare carpet where we have always tucked away all the societal ills we didn’t want to think about. Earlier this week, it was revealed that since 2007, local councils have failed to draw down more than €50 million allocated to them to provide Traveller housing.
But when the rest of the world points these failings out to us, or suggests that maybe we could be doing more – as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance’s (ECRI) fourth monitoring report on Ireland did only last week – we stick our fingers in our ears, rock on our heels and whistle loudly. Just as we’ve always done.
How much more time will need to pass before it becomes unacceptable to neglect or denigrate an entire section of our society, simply because they don’t conform to our version of “normal”? Another five, 10 or 20 years? Or for Travellers, will that day ever come?
Child-free flights? I'm on board
The debate about children on planes was reignited in the US recently, after a passenger on a Delta flight allegedly slapped the crying child who was seated next to him.
Joe Rickey Hundley turned himself into the authorities last week, although he denies hitting the wailing two-year-old.
It was a horrible incident, not least because of the racist undertones; Hundley allegedly told the child’s mother to “shut that [racial slur] baby up”.
But it does raise the question – would childfree flights be a good idea? Or even childfree sections on planes? I say “yes”.
My children are thankfully past the crying-on-planes stage, but I have been the harassed mother trying to soothe a fractious toddler and an inconsolable baby, while all around me willed themselves not to slap someone.
On another occasion, my children were sleeping quietly when a distraught baby across the aisle incited the air rage of another passenger, who screamed at the airline staff to move him to another seat. They moved him to the row in front of me, and I spent the rest of the flight in abject terror that one of my children would whimper and set him off again.
I would happily be segregated into the ranks of howling babies and sympathetic parents, rather than face the wrath of another air-rage man.
Equally, when I’m travelling without my kids, I don’t want to be anywhere near yours.
Breaking up the boys' club in the Dáil
A new report on women and power in the UK has revealed that only Italy and Ireland have lower rates of female representation in political life.
The report includes a graph showing the number of women MPs in eight western countries. Ireland lurks at the bottom, and, more depressingly still, the line has barely moved in 12 years.
Plans to introduce a mandatory 30 per cent quota for political candidates will go some way to addressing this, but it’s not enough. There are many good reasons why Irish women might not want to pursue a career in politics: the unsocial hours; the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere of the Dáil; the logistical difficulty for women with families in dealing with the demands of spending your evenings knocking on doors in the run-up to election time.
There is no magic wand – we need to begin by tackling the boys’ club atmosphere one step at a time.
“Trouble.” “Dirty.” “Disgusting.” “A thorn in the side of society.”
These words look like relics of Ireland’s past; they seem to belong to a time when we whispered about “fallen women”, and “improper acts” between men. Now that we have matured into a society that no longer locks up “bold girls” or criminalises homosexual men, we don’t like to recall that we ever saw the world in such stark terms.
It’s heartwarming how much we’ve all moved on, isn’t it? Let’s give ourselves a big pat on the back – we have matured into an inclusive, humane society; a society capable of acknowledging and even apologising for the wrongs of the past; a society that recognises that “different” doesn’t always mean “inferior”.
Unless, of course, we’re talking about Travellers. Because, unfortunately, these words don’t actually belong to our past – they were all taken from recent internet discussions on Travellers.
The kind of casual, venomous racism that Travellers are still subjected to, even by mild commentators in benign contexts, will prove one of this society’s last great, collective shames.
At school 30 years ago, I don’t remember anyone questioning why the Traveller children always seemed to be seated alone at the “bold desk” or why they were universally referred to by the rest of us as “smelly”.
Since then, the discrimination may have become more subtle, but it hasn’t gone away. I have routinely been met with incredulity when I expressed the view that perhaps all Travellers weren’t bad news – in conversation with friends; in taxis; by members of the public in my role as a journalist; and once, memorably, by a uniformed garda.
If it was just the occasional crude generalisation and the odd anonymous online outburst that Travellers had to contend with, they’d probably consider themselves fortunate. Earlier this month, a house at Ballyshannon in Co Donegal was burnt down, days before the Ward family – Travellers who had lived, they said, without incident in the town for more than four decades – were due to move in.
If this had been the house of an African family, or a Jewish family, or a family headed by a same-sex couple or single parent, it’s likely there would have been mass protests at this KKK-style burning. Instead, what greeted the news was a broad indifference.
Speaking about the incident last week on local radio, Jimmy Ward said that his children were “ashamed on their life to go to school at all” since the incident – despite being the victims of it.
“I can understand people don’t want Travellers living beside them, but I’m not a Traveller living beside them. I’m part of them. This is my town as well as theirs. Ballyshannon is our home town – I’m never leaving here,” he said, perfectly encapsulating what so many settled people fail to understand or refuse to see about Travellers.
It is not about where “we” want “them” to live; Travellers have as much right to a home in a place of their choosing as anyone else.
The arson attack wasn’t the only example of prejudice: it came in the weeks after local Fine Gael councillor Eugene Dolan was reported as saying that Travellers could “be sent to Spike Island for all I care”, and Bundoran Fianna Fáil councillor Sean McEniff suggested Travellers should live in isolation. Their parties distanced themselves for the remarks, describing them as “personal views”, but neither man was asked to resign or to withdraw their comments.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan didn’t see any reason to apologise either over a letter he wrote to his Co Kilkenny constituents last year, assuring them that a Traveller family would not be moved into their area. Neither did District Court Judge Seamus Hughes, who last year called Travellers “Neanderthal men lying in the long grass and living by the law of the jungle”.
In the UK, Irish Travellers have been recognised as a distinct ethnic minority for 13 years.
Many Irish people resist the idea of a distinct ethnicity for Travellers – but it’s not clear that they rate Travellers as full citizens with equal rights, either.
According to the 2011 Census, there are 30,000 Travellers in Ireland. There are problems with feuding and antisocial behaviour with some elements of the community, but as settled people, we’re far too quick to hold the entire community responsible.
Criminality is not, as the playwright Rosaleen McDonagh wrote in this newspaper recently, in Travellers’ culture or in their DNA. Some Travellers are petty criminals, for sure; just as some are celebrated writers and some are Olympic boxers. Some have big dreams for the future; others just want to get through the day. Some are articulate human-rights campaigners; others cannot even write. They are mothers and fathers and aunts and cousins and grandparents and good neighbours and schoolfriends.
In other words, they are just as amorphous and flawed and ugly and beautiful as any other member of society, only with significantly fewer advantages than most.
Healthcare problems
Their nomadic lifestyle makes the provision of appropriate healthcare – along with education and housing – more difficult, with the result that Travellers’ health statistics are similar to those of people living in the developing world. Three per cent live to 65. Their mortality rate is three times the national average; their suicide rate is six times. If their ethnicity was recognised, indices such as these couldn’t be ignored.
Instead, we go on brushing the “Traveller issue” under the same threadbare carpet where we have always tucked away all the societal ills we didn’t want to think about. Earlier this week, it was revealed that since 2007, local councils have failed to draw down more than €50 million allocated to them to provide Traveller housing.
But when the rest of the world points these failings out to us, or suggests that maybe we could be doing more – as the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance’s (ECRI) fourth monitoring report on Ireland did only last week – we stick our fingers in our ears, rock on our heels and whistle loudly. Just as we’ve always done.
How much more time will need to pass before it becomes unacceptable to neglect or denigrate an entire section of our society, simply because they don’t conform to our version of “normal”? Another five, 10 or 20 years? Or for Travellers, will that day ever come?
Child-free flights? I'm on board
The debate about children on planes was reignited in the US recently, after a passenger on a Delta flight allegedly slapped the crying child who was seated next to him.
Joe Rickey Hundley turned himself into the authorities last week, although he denies hitting the wailing two-year-old.
It was a horrible incident, not least because of the racist undertones; Hundley allegedly told the child’s mother to “shut that [racial slur] baby up”.
But it does raise the question – would childfree flights be a good idea? Or even childfree sections on planes? I say “yes”.
My children are thankfully past the crying-on-planes stage, but I have been the harassed mother trying to soothe a fractious toddler and an inconsolable baby, while all around me willed themselves not to slap someone.
On another occasion, my children were sleeping quietly when a distraught baby across the aisle incited the air rage of another passenger, who screamed at the airline staff to move him to another seat. They moved him to the row in front of me, and I spent the rest of the flight in abject terror that one of my children would whimper and set him off again.
I would happily be segregated into the ranks of howling babies and sympathetic parents, rather than face the wrath of another air-rage man.
Equally, when I’m travelling without my kids, I don’t want to be anywhere near yours.
Breaking up the boys' club in the Dáil
A new report on women and power in the UK has revealed that only Italy and Ireland have lower rates of female representation in political life.
The report includes a graph showing the number of women MPs in eight western countries. Ireland lurks at the bottom, and, more depressingly still, the line has barely moved in 12 years.
Plans to introduce a mandatory 30 per cent quota for political candidates will go some way to addressing this, but it’s not enough. There are many good reasons why Irish women might not want to pursue a career in politics: the unsocial hours; the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere of the Dáil; the logistical difficulty for women with families in dealing with the demands of spending your evenings knocking on doors in the run-up to election time.
There is no magic wand – we need to begin by tackling the boys’ club atmosphere one step at a time.
Residents alarmed by work at proposed Gypsy and Travellers' site - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
Protestors have been assured the construction of a proposed Gypsy and Travellers' camp has not started before being granted planning permission.
Residents were alarmed to see concrete and water valves had been installed in recent weeks at a site earmarked for managed pitches off Red Hill Way, Leicester.
The Leicester City Council-owned site, and another at Greengate Lane, Beaumont Leys, have been controversially selected by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby to be developed as Travellers' plots, but neither have been granted planning permission.
Members of the LE4 Action group, which has campaigned against the development of both sites, noticed the work and contacted the Mercury. They feared the council had jumped the gun by starting work before the planning application for the Red Hill Way site had been considered.
The Mercury contacted water company Severn Trent, which said the valves and the replacement of a damaged fire hydrant, were completely unrelated to any Travellers' pitches.
A Severn Trent spokeswoman said the work followed widespread flooding of streets in Rushey Mead in December after a water main fractured.
She said: "We are carrying out work to raise valves to make access easier to improve our response times.
"I can see how the protesters may have thought it was linked to the proposed travellers' site, but it is entirely coincidental."
The spokeswoman said the council had requested Severn Trent workmen attend the site again tomorrow, but did not say why.
Sir Peter said: "I can assure people any work there has nothing to do with our proposals."
The council's planning committee is set to discuss the plans within the next few months. Ten pitches are planned at Red Hill Way.
Protestors have been assured the construction of a proposed Gypsy and Travellers' camp has not started before being granted planning permission.
Residents were alarmed to see concrete and water valves had been installed in recent weeks at a site earmarked for managed pitches off Red Hill Way, Leicester.
The Leicester City Council-owned site, and another at Greengate Lane, Beaumont Leys, have been controversially selected by city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby to be developed as Travellers' plots, but neither have been granted planning permission.
Members of the LE4 Action group, which has campaigned against the development of both sites, noticed the work and contacted the Mercury. They feared the council had jumped the gun by starting work before the planning application for the Red Hill Way site had been considered.
The Mercury contacted water company Severn Trent, which said the valves and the replacement of a damaged fire hydrant, were completely unrelated to any Travellers' pitches.
A Severn Trent spokeswoman said the work followed widespread flooding of streets in Rushey Mead in December after a water main fractured.
She said: "We are carrying out work to raise valves to make access easier to improve our response times.
"I can see how the protesters may have thought it was linked to the proposed travellers' site, but it is entirely coincidental."
The spokeswoman said the council had requested Severn Trent workmen attend the site again tomorrow, but did not say why.
Sir Peter said: "I can assure people any work there has nothing to do with our proposals."
The council's planning committee is set to discuss the plans within the next few months. Ten pitches are planned at Red Hill Way.
Planning row at Crook Moss Gypsy site - Kinross-shire
From the Courier
Work continues on the creation of a Gypsy/Traveller site at Crook Moss in Kinross-shire, despite councillors having so far failed to grant it permission.
The development has proved hugely controversial with the local community, and council planners have admitted to inaccuracies in reports presented to elected members tasked with deciding its merits.
Plans for the site first went before councillors in July last year and were recommended for approval by planning officers.
Even so, members of the local authority’s development management committee deferred a decision after asking for more information about drainage and ground contamination.
To the anger of opponents, however, a nod was given to the applicants that the committee would consider green-lighting the development in the future – should those issues be addressed.
Months on, it appears that such additional information has yet to be forthcoming and the community is still in the dark about when the issue will be revisited.
A council spokesman admitted to The Courier that he could not specify when the issue would again come before committee.
There has been extensive work carried out on the site, with hard surfaces laid, power supplies introduced and fencing erected.
A number of caravans are already present on the site, including at least one semi-permanent chalet-style caravan. The work has continued without any apparent enforcement action by Perth and Kinross Council.
The Crook of Devon site – a former village tip – had lain unused for some time before its purchase by a member of the travelling community, who asserted that there was a need for additional permanent pitches in the Kinross-shire area and said they were keen to build relationships with the surrounding residents.
Local residents have been vocal in their opposition to the plan, in large part because they believe the applicants have “ridden roughshod” over the community and an obliging council.
They also question whether there is a local need for the site, given the proximity of the Greenacres site, with its 28 residential caravan pitches and Gairneybank, which offers pitches for 15 residential and 25 touring caravans.
Gairneybank also has planning permission for a further 25 residential caravan pitches.
Fossoway Community Council secretary Kevin Borthwick said: “Had it been you or I that was acting in this fashion then it would simply not have been allowed to happen.
“Nonetheless, rather than being at loggerheads with the travelling community, it is with the procedure that we have the real problem. There is a feeling that the community has been dealt a poor hand.
“Even should this development be knocked back now, it will already be well established and you have to question what recourse we as a community and, indeed, the council would have.”
He added: “There appears to be no resolution in sight and it is now simply a case of playing wait and see.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “A number of issues were raised about the application when it came up at committee, and these are being discussed with the applicant.”
Work continues on the creation of a Gypsy/Traveller site at Crook Moss in Kinross-shire, despite councillors having so far failed to grant it permission.
The development has proved hugely controversial with the local community, and council planners have admitted to inaccuracies in reports presented to elected members tasked with deciding its merits.
Plans for the site first went before councillors in July last year and were recommended for approval by planning officers.
Even so, members of the local authority’s development management committee deferred a decision after asking for more information about drainage and ground contamination.
To the anger of opponents, however, a nod was given to the applicants that the committee would consider green-lighting the development in the future – should those issues be addressed.
Months on, it appears that such additional information has yet to be forthcoming and the community is still in the dark about when the issue will be revisited.
A council spokesman admitted to The Courier that he could not specify when the issue would again come before committee.
There has been extensive work carried out on the site, with hard surfaces laid, power supplies introduced and fencing erected.
A number of caravans are already present on the site, including at least one semi-permanent chalet-style caravan. The work has continued without any apparent enforcement action by Perth and Kinross Council.
The Crook of Devon site – a former village tip – had lain unused for some time before its purchase by a member of the travelling community, who asserted that there was a need for additional permanent pitches in the Kinross-shire area and said they were keen to build relationships with the surrounding residents.
Local residents have been vocal in their opposition to the plan, in large part because they believe the applicants have “ridden roughshod” over the community and an obliging council.
They also question whether there is a local need for the site, given the proximity of the Greenacres site, with its 28 residential caravan pitches and Gairneybank, which offers pitches for 15 residential and 25 touring caravans.
Gairneybank also has planning permission for a further 25 residential caravan pitches.
Fossoway Community Council secretary Kevin Borthwick said: “Had it been you or I that was acting in this fashion then it would simply not have been allowed to happen.
“Nonetheless, rather than being at loggerheads with the travelling community, it is with the procedure that we have the real problem. There is a feeling that the community has been dealt a poor hand.
“Even should this development be knocked back now, it will already be well established and you have to question what recourse we as a community and, indeed, the council would have.”
He added: “There appears to be no resolution in sight and it is now simply a case of playing wait and see.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “A number of issues were raised about the application when it came up at committee, and these are being discussed with the applicant.”
Newent Southend Lane Travellers' site inquiry ends - Gloucestershire
From the BBC
A public inquiry into the future of an unauthorised Travellers' site in Gloucestershire has drawn to a close.
The hearing is the latest legal battle to take place since families bought and occupied a meadow on Southend Lane, Newent, in 2009.
Drainage and hard standings were installed at the site but retrospective planning permission was later refused leading to two appeals.
A planning inspector is expected to make a decision within three months.
This second inquiry began in November but was adjourned because of a lack of time.
After an initial planning inquiry in 2010, the families were given two years to stay but that period expired in January last year.
Enforcement notices were then served by Forest of Dean District Council giving the families six months to leave.
However, a second appeal was launched and the families were given a stay of execution pending the results of this latest inquiry.
A public inquiry into the future of an unauthorised Travellers' site in Gloucestershire has drawn to a close.
The hearing is the latest legal battle to take place since families bought and occupied a meadow on Southend Lane, Newent, in 2009.
Drainage and hard standings were installed at the site but retrospective planning permission was later refused leading to two appeals.
A planning inspector is expected to make a decision within three months.
This second inquiry began in November but was adjourned because of a lack of time.
After an initial planning inquiry in 2010, the families were given two years to stay but that period expired in January last year.
Enforcement notices were then served by Forest of Dean District Council giving the families six months to leave.
However, a second appeal was launched and the families were given a stay of execution pending the results of this latest inquiry.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Travellers move onto Springwood car park - Yorkshire
From the Huddersfield Daily Examiner
A BUSY Huddersfield car park has been occupied by Travellers.
Dozens of spaces in the Springwood car park are out of action because Travellers have moved on to the site with caravans and wagons.
It is thought they had earlier occupied a car park at the site of the former Oxfam premises in Beck Road, Huddersfield.
The car park is owned by Kirklees Council and a spokesman said: "We are aware of the Travellers and will be applying for a repossession order through the courts".
A BUSY Huddersfield car park has been occupied by Travellers.
Dozens of spaces in the Springwood car park are out of action because Travellers have moved on to the site with caravans and wagons.
It is thought they had earlier occupied a car park at the site of the former Oxfam premises in Beck Road, Huddersfield.
The car park is owned by Kirklees Council and a spokesman said: "We are aware of the Travellers and will be applying for a repossession order through the courts".
Planning appeal lodged after Moston Gypsy site plans refused - Cheshire
From the Middlewich Guardian
A PLANNING appeal has been lodged after provision for a Gypsy site in Moston was refused by Cheshire East Council.
The scheme to transform farmland in Dragons Lane into four Gypsy pitches was thrown out in June and again in December 2012.
The appeal was to be heard at an informal hearing.
But due to the huge level of opposition and the development’s implications on a small rural area, the Government Planning Inspectorate has decided to hold a formal planning inquiry.
The proposed development includes space eight caravans, four brick buildings and associated hardstanding, parking and waste facilities surrounded by timber fencing.
This also requires the ripping out of roadside hedging to create a new entryway and major construction to bridge the roadside ditch.
David Wright, chairman of residents’ group Action Moston, said: “Cheshire East Council refused these applications on the grounds of sustainability, cumulative adverse effect on the countryside and damage to the environment, wildlife habitats and native hedgerow.
“The development is contrary to Local and National planning policies.
“It is particularly out of line with the new draft Local Plan concerning strategic gaps and safeguarded land.”
“There is considerable public opposition to this proposed development – Action Moston, Moston and Warmingham parish councils, ward councillor John Wray and MP Fiona Bruce.”
A PLANNING appeal has been lodged after provision for a Gypsy site in Moston was refused by Cheshire East Council.
The scheme to transform farmland in Dragons Lane into four Gypsy pitches was thrown out in June and again in December 2012.
The appeal was to be heard at an informal hearing.
But due to the huge level of opposition and the development’s implications on a small rural area, the Government Planning Inspectorate has decided to hold a formal planning inquiry.
The proposed development includes space eight caravans, four brick buildings and associated hardstanding, parking and waste facilities surrounded by timber fencing.
This also requires the ripping out of roadside hedging to create a new entryway and major construction to bridge the roadside ditch.
David Wright, chairman of residents’ group Action Moston, said: “Cheshire East Council refused these applications on the grounds of sustainability, cumulative adverse effect on the countryside and damage to the environment, wildlife habitats and native hedgerow.
“The development is contrary to Local and National planning policies.
“It is particularly out of line with the new draft Local Plan concerning strategic gaps and safeguarded land.”
“There is considerable public opposition to this proposed development – Action Moston, Moston and Warmingham parish councils, ward councillor John Wray and MP Fiona Bruce.”
Colonel Boswell has his horses to thank - Lincolnshire
From he Lincolnshire Free Press
American enthusiasm for Gypsy horses from the UK has catapulted Gordon Boswell of Spalding’s Romany Museum i nto the ranks of the rich and famous.
Gordon (72), who founded the museum next to his home at Clay Lake in tribute to his own people and their culture, is up there with Winston Churchill, Mohammed Ali and Neil Armstrong.
All of them have been commissioned as Kentucky Colonels, an honour conferred by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame is one - he doesn’t owe his title to any military achievements but to his success in spreading the state’s name far and wide.
Gordon said: “Kentucky’s the American state most associated with horses and a few years ago American people started buying our black and white Gypsy horses - they had nothing like them over there.
“They came to the Appleby Horse Fair where I’ve always gone every year and bought the very best Gypsy cobs, 40 mares at a time.
“They’ve actually taken the cream of England, as many as 500 horses have gone over and they’re breeding from them.
“They asked around for a Gypsy man who would travel to the US and talk about the horses and how they were bred - their history - and whoever they asked recommended me.
“While I was there I linked up with the official photographer for the Kentucky Derby who was writing a book about the Gypsy cobs.
“He invited me back to the States to promote the book with him, and I’ve been back several times since, once to open the first Gypsy Cob Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.”
Gordon was presented with his signed and sealed commission certificate as a Kentucky Colonel as a complete surprise.
He and his wife Margaret used to ride to Appleby Horse Fair up to six years ago in a traditional horse-drawn vardo, but since then have made the trip in more 21st century style - but they’ve kept their Gypsy cob horses.
He said: “Gypsy cobs were bred from Clydesdale heavy horses to be smaller and they have a great temperament.
“They should look as though they’ve had a bucket of white paint across them!”
American enthusiasm for Gypsy horses from the UK has catapulted Gordon Boswell of Spalding’s Romany Museum i nto the ranks of the rich and famous.
Gordon (72), who founded the museum next to his home at Clay Lake in tribute to his own people and their culture, is up there with Winston Churchill, Mohammed Ali and Neil Armstrong.
All of them have been commissioned as Kentucky Colonels, an honour conferred by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame is one - he doesn’t owe his title to any military achievements but to his success in spreading the state’s name far and wide.
Gordon said: “Kentucky’s the American state most associated with horses and a few years ago American people started buying our black and white Gypsy horses - they had nothing like them over there.
“They came to the Appleby Horse Fair where I’ve always gone every year and bought the very best Gypsy cobs, 40 mares at a time.
“They’ve actually taken the cream of England, as many as 500 horses have gone over and they’re breeding from them.
“They asked around for a Gypsy man who would travel to the US and talk about the horses and how they were bred - their history - and whoever they asked recommended me.
“While I was there I linked up with the official photographer for the Kentucky Derby who was writing a book about the Gypsy cobs.
“He invited me back to the States to promote the book with him, and I’ve been back several times since, once to open the first Gypsy Cob Show at the Kentucky Horse Park.”
Gordon was presented with his signed and sealed commission certificate as a Kentucky Colonel as a complete surprise.
He and his wife Margaret used to ride to Appleby Horse Fair up to six years ago in a traditional horse-drawn vardo, but since then have made the trip in more 21st century style - but they’ve kept their Gypsy cob horses.
He said: “Gypsy cobs were bred from Clydesdale heavy horses to be smaller and they have a great temperament.
“They should look as though they’ve had a bucket of white paint across them!”
Travellers could be kicked out of their Hockley home - Essex
From the Echo
A GROUP of Travellers could be kicked out of the site it has called home for more than five years.
Families living on the The Pear Tree site, in New Park Road, Hockley, face an uphill battle to save their homes after planning officers recommended they were denied permission to stay.
Three adults and their children were given temporary leave to keep two caravans and a mobile home on the land in 2008.
However, the families now want to allow extra relatives to move in permanently and position another two caravans on the site.
Councillors will make a final decision on Thursday, but the issue has already driven deep divides between the families and their neighbours.
One nearby resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We have had to put up with litter and noise coming from this site for years.
“If the people living there really claim they are homeless, then they should go through the normal process like everyone else, not try to get around the planning system.”
But Hanna Doran, who was one of the original Travellers to move to the site, said they simply wanted a place to call home.
“Some members of my family are very sick, and my children go to school here now,” she said.
“Everyone deserves the right to have a home, and we have one here.
“We hope the councillors will give us permission to stay.”
A GROUP of Travellers could be kicked out of the site it has called home for more than five years.
Families living on the The Pear Tree site, in New Park Road, Hockley, face an uphill battle to save their homes after planning officers recommended they were denied permission to stay.
Three adults and their children were given temporary leave to keep two caravans and a mobile home on the land in 2008.
However, the families now want to allow extra relatives to move in permanently and position another two caravans on the site.
Councillors will make a final decision on Thursday, but the issue has already driven deep divides between the families and their neighbours.
One nearby resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We have had to put up with litter and noise coming from this site for years.
“If the people living there really claim they are homeless, then they should go through the normal process like everyone else, not try to get around the planning system.”
But Hanna Doran, who was one of the original Travellers to move to the site, said they simply wanted a place to call home.
“Some members of my family are very sick, and my children go to school here now,” she said.
“Everyone deserves the right to have a home, and we have one here.
“We hope the councillors will give us permission to stay.”
Travellers at supermarket car park - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Evening Post
A group of 40 Travellers has taken over an entire section of a supermarket car park.
Security guards at Asda in Eastway, Fulwood, called police at noon, after dozens of vehicles arrived overnight and parked up in the far end of the car park, near to the charity collection banks.
Traveller children could be seen riding bikes around the car park around shopper’s cars, several small dogs were roaming free, and some traveller women climbed onto the top of caravans with mops to clean them.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to the supermarket at 11.55am by the security guard who had noticed a lot of horse boxes, caravans and Transit vans descending onto the car park.
“The Travellers have told security staff and police that they are on their way to a funeral in Birmingham and will have left by Wednesday evening.”
As the Travellers are occupying private land, officers are restricted to what action can be taken before Asda’s legal team make a move.
It is the latest in a series of Travellers parking on land across Preston. Five days ago the Evening Post reported that families had set up on the car park of Preston Healthport centre in Vicarage Lane, Fulwood.
About a dozen caravans also stayed for a week on the car park outside the Transcontinental Group in Oliver’s Place, Fulwood.
A group of 40 Travellers has taken over an entire section of a supermarket car park.
Security guards at Asda in Eastway, Fulwood, called police at noon, after dozens of vehicles arrived overnight and parked up in the far end of the car park, near to the charity collection banks.
Traveller children could be seen riding bikes around the car park around shopper’s cars, several small dogs were roaming free, and some traveller women climbed onto the top of caravans with mops to clean them.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to the supermarket at 11.55am by the security guard who had noticed a lot of horse boxes, caravans and Transit vans descending onto the car park.
“The Travellers have told security staff and police that they are on their way to a funeral in Birmingham and will have left by Wednesday evening.”
As the Travellers are occupying private land, officers are restricted to what action can be taken before Asda’s legal team make a move.
It is the latest in a series of Travellers parking on land across Preston. Five days ago the Evening Post reported that families had set up on the car park of Preston Healthport centre in Vicarage Lane, Fulwood.
About a dozen caravans also stayed for a week on the car park outside the Transcontinental Group in Oliver’s Place, Fulwood.
Stanton Wick protesters hold Travellers site exhibitions - Somesrset
From This Is Somerset
Campaigners fighting controversial plans for a Gypsy and Travellers site at a former colliery in Stanton Wick have organised two walk-in exhibitions.
Stanton Wick Action Group, which is opposing the application, has organised the first exhibition at Stanton Drew Village Hall on Wednesday February 27 between 5.30pm and 9.30pm and the second is at Pensford Memorial Hall on Sunday March 3 between 2pm and 6pm.
The application for 12 pitches on a 26 acre former shale waste tip has been submitted by agents, Ruston Planning, on behalf of applicant Tom Smart.
The site, in Wick Lane, Stanton Wick, had been removed from a Bath and North East Somerset Council consultation on travellers sites last year.
Now Stanton Wick Action Group, which is opposing the application, has organised an exhibition of the plans at Pensford Memorial Hall on Sunday March 3 between 2pm and 6pm.
A report from a planning consultant employed by the objectors will also be available at the exhibition and members of the group will be on hand to give their views and discuss the application in detail
Group spokesman, Clarke Osborne, said that the planning consultant would be helping them with a formal letter of objection to the plan.
He said: "The application was not entirely unexpected but it does require a united response. In the absence of the usual consultation arrangements expected from an application we have arranged for own."
The agent has declined to comment.
Campaigners fighting controversial plans for a Gypsy and Travellers site at a former colliery in Stanton Wick have organised two walk-in exhibitions.
Stanton Wick Action Group, which is opposing the application, has organised the first exhibition at Stanton Drew Village Hall on Wednesday February 27 between 5.30pm and 9.30pm and the second is at Pensford Memorial Hall on Sunday March 3 between 2pm and 6pm.
The application for 12 pitches on a 26 acre former shale waste tip has been submitted by agents, Ruston Planning, on behalf of applicant Tom Smart.
The site, in Wick Lane, Stanton Wick, had been removed from a Bath and North East Somerset Council consultation on travellers sites last year.
Now Stanton Wick Action Group, which is opposing the application, has organised an exhibition of the plans at Pensford Memorial Hall on Sunday March 3 between 2pm and 6pm.
A report from a planning consultant employed by the objectors will also be available at the exhibition and members of the group will be on hand to give their views and discuss the application in detail
Group spokesman, Clarke Osborne, said that the planning consultant would be helping them with a formal letter of objection to the plan.
He said: "The application was not entirely unexpected but it does require a united response. In the absence of the usual consultation arrangements expected from an application we have arranged for own."
The agent has declined to comment.
Travellers at site inquiry is resuming - Gloucestershire
From the Citizen
A THIRD attempt is being made to finally wrap up the Newent Travellers inquiry.
It has been dragging on since November and adjourned twice already.
It resumed yesterday at the Community Centre with the inspector hearing from the objectors.
Planning officer Martin Hillier spoke on behalf of Forest of Dean District Council and Peter Tufnell was there representing the residents.
Todaythe sides are due to sum up their cases.
The inspector will then go away to consider the evidence and make a decision on whether the travellers should be allowed to stay on the site.
Residents and the council have been fighting for three years to remove travellers from the Southend Lane site. The inquiry is dealing with two appeals – one against an enforcement notice served by Forest of Dean District Council, and one against the rejection of plans to build a 13-pitch caravan site on the land.
A THIRD attempt is being made to finally wrap up the Newent Travellers inquiry.
It has been dragging on since November and adjourned twice already.
It resumed yesterday at the Community Centre with the inspector hearing from the objectors.
Planning officer Martin Hillier spoke on behalf of Forest of Dean District Council and Peter Tufnell was there representing the residents.
Todaythe sides are due to sum up their cases.
The inspector will then go away to consider the evidence and make a decision on whether the travellers should be allowed to stay on the site.
Residents and the council have been fighting for three years to remove travellers from the Southend Lane site. The inquiry is dealing with two appeals – one against an enforcement notice served by Forest of Dean District Council, and one against the rejection of plans to build a 13-pitch caravan site on the land.
Monday 25 February 2013
Potton: Gypsy and Traveller sites meeting - Bedfordshire
From Biggleswade Today
More than 240 people attended a meeting about potential Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Potton Town Council led the public meeting at the Mill Lane Pavilion on Wednesday evening (February 20).
The aim was to inform local residents of the town council’s actions with regard to the potential Gypsy and Traveller sites in Potton, Sutton, Everton and Dunton.
So many people were present that many had to stand throughout the meeting. They represented both the travelling and settled populations.
Town council chairman Alan Leggatt told everyone that the council’s appointed planning consultants, DLP Consultants, conducted a thorough, impartial and independent assessment of the 12 potential sites in the Potton area. Their report was submitted to Central Beds Council’s officers and councillors.
Central Beds ward councillors Doreen Gurney and Adam Zerny also spoke at the meeting and answered questions.
There was a high level of public concern about the large number of potential sites that are in the Potton area as opposed to the county’s other wards.
The planning consultants’ assessment can be viewed in the Brook End Community Centre tomorrow (Tuesday, February 26) from 9am to 12.30pm and on Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4pm.
Gypsy and Traveller sites will be discussed by Central Beds Council’s sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee at 10am on Thursday (February 28). The meeting is at the council’s headquarters at Priory House, Chicksands.
More than 240 people attended a meeting about potential Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Potton Town Council led the public meeting at the Mill Lane Pavilion on Wednesday evening (February 20).
The aim was to inform local residents of the town council’s actions with regard to the potential Gypsy and Traveller sites in Potton, Sutton, Everton and Dunton.
So many people were present that many had to stand throughout the meeting. They represented both the travelling and settled populations.
Town council chairman Alan Leggatt told everyone that the council’s appointed planning consultants, DLP Consultants, conducted a thorough, impartial and independent assessment of the 12 potential sites in the Potton area. Their report was submitted to Central Beds Council’s officers and councillors.
Central Beds ward councillors Doreen Gurney and Adam Zerny also spoke at the meeting and answered questions.
There was a high level of public concern about the large number of potential sites that are in the Potton area as opposed to the county’s other wards.
The planning consultants’ assessment can be viewed in the Brook End Community Centre tomorrow (Tuesday, February 26) from 9am to 12.30pm and on Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 4pm.
Gypsy and Traveller sites will be discussed by Central Beds Council’s sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee at 10am on Thursday (February 28). The meeting is at the council’s headquarters at Priory House, Chicksands.
UK, Imminent “Forced Eviction” by Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead - Berkshire
From the International Alliance of Inhabitants
In 2009 a group of Romani Gypsies bought some land where they moved their caravans and applied for planning permission. A call to support their struggle against the forced evictions planned by RBWM in about four weeks time.
In 2009 a group of Romani Gypsies bought some land.
Because there was nowhere else available in the district, they moved their caravans onto their land and applied for planning permission.
The families have been living there ever since.
The council refused their application for planning permission, and so they appealed. They lost their appeal.
In 2012 the families applied again for planning permission.
The Royal borough accepted the application, and have now refused to determine their application, choosing instead to evict the families onto the road side in about four weeks time.
The according to a local farmer the Council have asked people living nearby not to sell land to Travellers.
One of the people in the planning department has been pretending to be a Traveller Liaison Officer, and making site visits without even applying for a CRB Certificate.
RBWM admit they don’t have anywhere else for the site residents to move to.
If the Forced Eviction proceeds as planned the Human Rights of the site residents will have been ignored by RBWM, particularly:
• Article 1 - Article 1 of the First Protocol: Protection of Property.
• Article 6. - The HRA refers to a right to a fair hearing.
• Article 8. - Right to respect for private and family life.
• Article 14 - Prohibition of discrimination.
If there is anything you can do to help the site residents please contact us via:
info@gypsy-association.com
If you agree that the Council should considered the new application submitted by the site residents contact RBWM and tell them.
http://www.rbwm.gov.uk
Contacts
Enforcement Tel. 00 44 1628 683810
By Fax: 00 44 1628 685757
Email: customer.service@rbwm.gov.uk
E-mail: planning.maidenhead@rbwm.gov.uk
E-mail: planning.enforcement@rbwm.gov.uk
E-mail: planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk
In 2009 a group of Romani Gypsies bought some land where they moved their caravans and applied for planning permission. A call to support their struggle against the forced evictions planned by RBWM in about four weeks time.
In 2009 a group of Romani Gypsies bought some land.
Because there was nowhere else available in the district, they moved their caravans onto their land and applied for planning permission.
The families have been living there ever since.
The council refused their application for planning permission, and so they appealed. They lost their appeal.
In 2012 the families applied again for planning permission.
The Royal borough accepted the application, and have now refused to determine their application, choosing instead to evict the families onto the road side in about four weeks time.
The according to a local farmer the Council have asked people living nearby not to sell land to Travellers.
One of the people in the planning department has been pretending to be a Traveller Liaison Officer, and making site visits without even applying for a CRB Certificate.
RBWM admit they don’t have anywhere else for the site residents to move to.
If the Forced Eviction proceeds as planned the Human Rights of the site residents will have been ignored by RBWM, particularly:
• Article 1 - Article 1 of the First Protocol: Protection of Property.
• Article 6. - The HRA refers to a right to a fair hearing.
• Article 8. - Right to respect for private and family life.
• Article 14 - Prohibition of discrimination.
If there is anything you can do to help the site residents please contact us via:
info@gypsy-association.com
If you agree that the Council should considered the new application submitted by the site residents contact RBWM and tell them.
http://www.rbwm.gov.uk
Contacts
Enforcement Tel. 00 44 1628 683810
By Fax: 00 44 1628 685757
Email: customer.service@rbwm.gov.uk
E-mail: planning.maidenhead@rbwm.gov.uk
E-mail: planning.enforcement@rbwm.gov.uk
E-mail: planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk
€50m allocated for Traveller housing was never drawn down by councils - Ireland
From the Irish Times
Underspending by local authorities on Traveller accommodation “needs to be addressed”, according to the Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan, as campaigners warn a policy of assimilation is killing off Traveller culture.
Since 2007, local councils drew down more than €50 million less than the Department of the Environment had allocated them to provide Traveller housing.
The worst year for drawing down money was 2010 when local authorities were allocated €35 million but spent just over €16 million. In 2009, €35 million was also allocated and €19.6 million was drawn down.
The budget for Traveller accommodation has been cut back – only €6 million was allocated last year and still there was an underspend of €2 million.
The figures follow a Council of Europe report last week criticising a “lack of political will on the part of local authorities” in delivering Traveller housing. Traveller groups say Travellers are being pushed into standard housing as part of a policy to assimilate them into mainstream culture.
Over two-third of Travellers live in standard housing – a jump from 50 per cent 15 years ago, when the law tasked local authorities with their housing.
Local authorities insist many Travellers want standard housing. Some councils also say violence and feuding among Travellers causes problems when housing them together.
Underspending by local authorities on Traveller accommodation “needs to be addressed”, according to the Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan, as campaigners warn a policy of assimilation is killing off Traveller culture.
Since 2007, local councils drew down more than €50 million less than the Department of the Environment had allocated them to provide Traveller housing.
The worst year for drawing down money was 2010 when local authorities were allocated €35 million but spent just over €16 million. In 2009, €35 million was also allocated and €19.6 million was drawn down.
The budget for Traveller accommodation has been cut back – only €6 million was allocated last year and still there was an underspend of €2 million.
The figures follow a Council of Europe report last week criticising a “lack of political will on the part of local authorities” in delivering Traveller housing. Traveller groups say Travellers are being pushed into standard housing as part of a policy to assimilate them into mainstream culture.
Over two-third of Travellers live in standard housing – a jump from 50 per cent 15 years ago, when the law tasked local authorities with their housing.
Local authorities insist many Travellers want standard housing. Some councils also say violence and feuding among Travellers causes problems when housing them together.
Gypsies and Irish Travellers fight bricks and mortar - London
From East London Lines
Hidden between a set of railways lines in Bow is a small caravan site. Lisa, 25, stands in the door of her caravan:
“Families in tower blocks wouldn’t want their kids growing up on this site. It’s the same with us; we wouldn’t want our kids growing up there”.
Her family will soon have to move out of the site to make way for a Crossrail shaft. But she is lucky. Her family will soon to be able to move to another site.
Thousands of Gypsies and Irish Travellers have been forced to leave caravans and move into bricks and mortar accommodation over the last decades. A minority with a centuries-old London heritage is having its culture silently displaced.
Nobody keeps reliable figures but the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit estimate that there are 30,000 Gypsies and Irish Travellers in London. The population is growing but in the last twenty years the number of caravan sites has reduced by 15 per cent. The London Gypsy and Traveller Unit estimates that four out of five London Travellers now live in bricks and mortar accommodation.
The urgency of the problem has been playing out in court as a result of Hackney Council’s ongoing legal campaign against the McDonagh family. The family was evicted from their caravan pitch in 2009 to make way for the Olympics. Since then, they have moved from park to park in a bid to avoid bricks and mortar. The Council is seeking an injunction to stop them staying on any public land in the borough.
A freedom of information request revealed that the council has spent over £200,000 on eviction-related costs.
The Mayor of London has a duty to impose targets for more Traveller campsite provision on local authorities in his “London Plan”. In 2008, the Greater London Authority identified a need for 768 new caravan pitches in London. Between 53 and 112 were earmarked for ELL boroughs.
But what followed was a two-year abdication of the Mayor’s responsibility towards Travellers by the newly elected Boris Johnson.
In September 2009, the draft London Plan set a target of 538 pitches. In March 2010, a “minor alteration” reduced the target to 238. In September 2010, a second “minor alteration” scrapped the targets altogether.
Fifty members of the community wrote letters to Boris Johnson protesting against the lack of action on housing. A quarter of whom used the word ‘desperation’.
The Mayor defended the alteration, arguing that: “Detailed targets is not the most effective or fair way to deliver real improvements in the provision of pitches.”
Gill Brown, from the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit, argues that the absence of strategic planning across London makes it easy for councils to opt out of building new sites.
She described local councils’ attitude to Traveller accommodation as “extremely piecemeal”. She estimates that a third of councils have functioning waiting lists, a third have unclear processes, while the rest have no process at all.
Lewisham no longer has any caravan site whatsoever.
The biggest problem with waiting lists is that there are no new pitches for families to wait for. In fact, none have been built in London since 2010, according to the LGTU’s latest figures.
In South-East London, a woman takes me into her caravan. Its walls are richly decorated with Catholic iconography. In a thick Irish accent she tells me of the government cuts to an Irish Travellers support group based in Southwark.
“They have a cheek to take it away. It is ridiculous,” she says.
I ask her for her name and she refuses.
“If I give you my name I might regret it”.
Archie, who works at the Southwark Travellers Action Group, an advocacy group for Irish Travellers in South London, explains why the woman was reluctant to trust me.
“Historically, Travellers haven’t been treated well by authorities and find themselves targeted by neighbours and isolated from their families when scattered around in bricks and mortar accommodation.
“Living on sites gives them the family and community support, particularly when it comes to childcare and care for the elderly. It may take generations for trust to build up between Travellers, statutory institutions and settled people.”
“This is a very difficult issue, particularly in this economic and political climate. The realist in me can’t see them building any more sites.”
STAG itself is also struggling from the cuts. Southwark Council has removed their local funding so the group has had to halve its workforce. It is now completely reliant on the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
But in her caravan, the woman keeps hope.
“There’s some good and bad in everyone,” she says. “That’s all nationalities.”
Hidden between a set of railways lines in Bow is a small caravan site. Lisa, 25, stands in the door of her caravan:
“Families in tower blocks wouldn’t want their kids growing up on this site. It’s the same with us; we wouldn’t want our kids growing up there”.
Her family will soon have to move out of the site to make way for a Crossrail shaft. But she is lucky. Her family will soon to be able to move to another site.
Thousands of Gypsies and Irish Travellers have been forced to leave caravans and move into bricks and mortar accommodation over the last decades. A minority with a centuries-old London heritage is having its culture silently displaced.
Nobody keeps reliable figures but the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit estimate that there are 30,000 Gypsies and Irish Travellers in London. The population is growing but in the last twenty years the number of caravan sites has reduced by 15 per cent. The London Gypsy and Traveller Unit estimates that four out of five London Travellers now live in bricks and mortar accommodation.
The urgency of the problem has been playing out in court as a result of Hackney Council’s ongoing legal campaign against the McDonagh family. The family was evicted from their caravan pitch in 2009 to make way for the Olympics. Since then, they have moved from park to park in a bid to avoid bricks and mortar. The Council is seeking an injunction to stop them staying on any public land in the borough.
A freedom of information request revealed that the council has spent over £200,000 on eviction-related costs.
The Mayor of London has a duty to impose targets for more Traveller campsite provision on local authorities in his “London Plan”. In 2008, the Greater London Authority identified a need for 768 new caravan pitches in London. Between 53 and 112 were earmarked for ELL boroughs.
But what followed was a two-year abdication of the Mayor’s responsibility towards Travellers by the newly elected Boris Johnson.
In September 2009, the draft London Plan set a target of 538 pitches. In March 2010, a “minor alteration” reduced the target to 238. In September 2010, a second “minor alteration” scrapped the targets altogether.
Fifty members of the community wrote letters to Boris Johnson protesting against the lack of action on housing. A quarter of whom used the word ‘desperation’.
The Mayor defended the alteration, arguing that: “Detailed targets is not the most effective or fair way to deliver real improvements in the provision of pitches.”
Gill Brown, from the London Gypsy and Traveller Unit, argues that the absence of strategic planning across London makes it easy for councils to opt out of building new sites.
She described local councils’ attitude to Traveller accommodation as “extremely piecemeal”. She estimates that a third of councils have functioning waiting lists, a third have unclear processes, while the rest have no process at all.
Lewisham no longer has any caravan site whatsoever.
The biggest problem with waiting lists is that there are no new pitches for families to wait for. In fact, none have been built in London since 2010, according to the LGTU’s latest figures.
In South-East London, a woman takes me into her caravan. Its walls are richly decorated with Catholic iconography. In a thick Irish accent she tells me of the government cuts to an Irish Travellers support group based in Southwark.
“They have a cheek to take it away. It is ridiculous,” she says.
I ask her for her name and she refuses.
“If I give you my name I might regret it”.
Archie, who works at the Southwark Travellers Action Group, an advocacy group for Irish Travellers in South London, explains why the woman was reluctant to trust me.
“Historically, Travellers haven’t been treated well by authorities and find themselves targeted by neighbours and isolated from their families when scattered around in bricks and mortar accommodation.
“Living on sites gives them the family and community support, particularly when it comes to childcare and care for the elderly. It may take generations for trust to build up between Travellers, statutory institutions and settled people.”
“This is a very difficult issue, particularly in this economic and political climate. The realist in me can’t see them building any more sites.”
STAG itself is also struggling from the cuts. Southwark Council has removed their local funding so the group has had to halve its workforce. It is now completely reliant on the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs.
But in her caravan, the woman keeps hope.
“There’s some good and bad in everyone,” she says. “That’s all nationalities.”
Travellers turn up at Milford Way protest against new site for them - Glamorgan
From the South Wales Evening Post
PROTESTERS against a second Travellers' site in Swansea had a surprise when travellers dropped by to check the rally out.
A couple of members of the Traveller community got out of their vehicle and cast their eyes on leaflets being handed out by Leo's Community Action Group.
The travellers said they had to live somewhere — but took a dim view of the Milford Way site, opposite Penlan common.
It is one of five short-listed potential sites currently put out to consultation by Swansea Council. The large patch of land was formerly home to occupants including Leo's Supermarket and the Penplas Inn — both later destroyed by fire.
Louise Bolam, on behalf of the action group, said: "We want something that will create jobs and benefit the area."
Asked if she had anything against Travellers, she replied: "I have got nothing against them, but it is not the right area for them."
Mrs Bolam said she had not been convinced by an article — entitled Gypsy and Traveller mythbuster — in the January edition of the council's newspaper, Swansea Leader. The article dealt with issues such as fly-tipping, tax and crime.
The article also pointed out that Gypsies and Travellers had fought and died in both world wars.
The action group's leaflet said somewhere suitable was needed for Travellers, but claimed "cultural clashes" might arise if the Milford Way site was chosen, due its proximity to "diverse housing types".
It also claimed there would be a "dramatic loss" in the value of the homes close by.
The action group favoured a new community centre instead, plus commercial and residential development.
The leaflet said: "The council needs to look at the needs of the whole community and look at what would benefit hundreds of people rather than just a few travellers."
Penderry resident Bill Hughes, who was at Saturday's protest, suggested a children's play area.
"This is an expanding community," he said.
The consultation on the potential sites runs until the end of March.
The other four sites are the former greyhound stadium, in Cockett, the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and proposed cemetery, both in Gorseinon, and Swansea Vale, Llansamlet.
Penderry councillor Terry Hennegan said he felt the Milford Way site would suit affordable housing or an amalgamated Portmead and Blaenymaes primary school, should the need ever arise.
He added: "The travellers should have a say in it themselves."
PROTESTERS against a second Travellers' site in Swansea had a surprise when travellers dropped by to check the rally out.
A couple of members of the Traveller community got out of their vehicle and cast their eyes on leaflets being handed out by Leo's Community Action Group.
The travellers said they had to live somewhere — but took a dim view of the Milford Way site, opposite Penlan common.
It is one of five short-listed potential sites currently put out to consultation by Swansea Council. The large patch of land was formerly home to occupants including Leo's Supermarket and the Penplas Inn — both later destroyed by fire.
Louise Bolam, on behalf of the action group, said: "We want something that will create jobs and benefit the area."
Asked if she had anything against Travellers, she replied: "I have got nothing against them, but it is not the right area for them."
Mrs Bolam said she had not been convinced by an article — entitled Gypsy and Traveller mythbuster — in the January edition of the council's newspaper, Swansea Leader. The article dealt with issues such as fly-tipping, tax and crime.
The article also pointed out that Gypsies and Travellers had fought and died in both world wars.
The action group's leaflet said somewhere suitable was needed for Travellers, but claimed "cultural clashes" might arise if the Milford Way site was chosen, due its proximity to "diverse housing types".
It also claimed there would be a "dramatic loss" in the value of the homes close by.
The action group favoured a new community centre instead, plus commercial and residential development.
The leaflet said: "The council needs to look at the needs of the whole community and look at what would benefit hundreds of people rather than just a few travellers."
Penderry resident Bill Hughes, who was at Saturday's protest, suggested a children's play area.
"This is an expanding community," he said.
The consultation on the potential sites runs until the end of March.
The other four sites are the former greyhound stadium, in Cockett, the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and proposed cemetery, both in Gorseinon, and Swansea Vale, Llansamlet.
Penderry councillor Terry Hennegan said he felt the Milford Way site would suit affordable housing or an amalgamated Portmead and Blaenymaes primary school, should the need ever arise.
He added: "The travellers should have a say in it themselves."
Newport Gypsy sites plan to be looked at again - Gwent
From the South Wales Argus
GYPSY sites are set for yet another review by councillors after top Newport council members decided to send the issue back for scrutiny.
Newport cabinet members have decided to send an appraisal of 11 sites by officers back to a committee of councillors to see whether they are workable.
A working group from the community planning and development committee had previously set out their recommendations for Gypsy sites, but cabinet later referred the matter back to officers for further consideration.
That work is nearing completion, and according to council documents Bob Bright suggested to cabinet members that the committee considers the matter again before it is looked at by the cabinet.
A spokeswoman for Newport Council said no further comment was available from on the issue and would not explain the term ‘deliverability’ which was cited as the reason for the review.
The working group, which reported back at the end of last year, recommended that the former road safety centre at Hartridge Farm Road be the preferred residential site, with the former Ringland allotments listed as the second preferred choice for a residential site.
A small-scale site of four pitches at Brickyard Lane was considered acceptable as a contingency for housing need.
A yard next to the A449 is recommended as the preferred transit site while land at Celtic Way, Marshfield, is recommended as a fallback position for a transit site if negotiation to secure the A449 access is not successful.
A consultation into possible gypsy sites in Newport ended on October 4 and attracted 7,000 individual responses raising 40,000 issues.
In November, the cabinet decided for proposals to go back to technical officers for a detailed assessment.
A final decision on whether to amend or replace five sites already identified in the local development plan as Gypsy sites will take place when the council considers a revised local development plan in June.
GYPSY sites are set for yet another review by councillors after top Newport council members decided to send the issue back for scrutiny.
Newport cabinet members have decided to send an appraisal of 11 sites by officers back to a committee of councillors to see whether they are workable.
A working group from the community planning and development committee had previously set out their recommendations for Gypsy sites, but cabinet later referred the matter back to officers for further consideration.
That work is nearing completion, and according to council documents Bob Bright suggested to cabinet members that the committee considers the matter again before it is looked at by the cabinet.
A spokeswoman for Newport Council said no further comment was available from on the issue and would not explain the term ‘deliverability’ which was cited as the reason for the review.
The working group, which reported back at the end of last year, recommended that the former road safety centre at Hartridge Farm Road be the preferred residential site, with the former Ringland allotments listed as the second preferred choice for a residential site.
A small-scale site of four pitches at Brickyard Lane was considered acceptable as a contingency for housing need.
A yard next to the A449 is recommended as the preferred transit site while land at Celtic Way, Marshfield, is recommended as a fallback position for a transit site if negotiation to secure the A449 access is not successful.
A consultation into possible gypsy sites in Newport ended on October 4 and attracted 7,000 individual responses raising 40,000 issues.
In November, the cabinet decided for proposals to go back to technical officers for a detailed assessment.
A final decision on whether to amend or replace five sites already identified in the local development plan as Gypsy sites will take place when the council considers a revised local development plan in June.
Victory for Gypsy couple in dispute over mobile home - Oxfordshire
From the Henley Standard
A GYPSY couple has been granted temporary planning permission to live in a mobile home at North End.
Jamie and Olivia Curtis will be able to live in Platts Lane for three years following the approval of South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee.
Permission was granted despite the couple’s application being contrary to planning policy, doubts about their Gypsy status and objections from North End residents and Watlington Parish Council.
District councillor Rodger Bell said the committee had no option but to grant temporary planning permission as there was a shortfall in sites for Gypsies and Travellers in the district.
Sue Spencer, planning officer for the district council, said: “Officers remain of the opinion that ultimately this site should cease to be used for the stationing of a mobile home. However, the council has to have regard to the applicants’ status as a Gypsy family.
“There is a shortfall in the provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers across the district and in these circumstances the council is encouraged to consider very carefully sites owned by Gypsies and Travellers.
“Although not a site that officers would consider appropriate as a permanent site, we consider that a temporary planning permission granted until such time that we have allocated sites with the appropriate number of pitches would be reasonable.”
The site has had two mobile homes over the last 40 years, although one has been removed and the other should have been after the last occupant moved out in 2008.
Speaking at the committee meeting, Watlington parish councillor Robert Barber said the community had “extremely strong concerns”.
He said: “I firmly believe this is an occasion where the overwhelming weight of policy and local opposition should be heeded and an application relying on a tenuous supposition is rejected.”
North End resident David Macrae said the district council’s failure to remove the second mobile home had caused the problem.
He said: “The planning officer has made it quite clear that mobile homes should not exist on the site because it is contrary to policy and over the last four years enforcement action should have been pursued to remove the existing home, which is unlawful.”
Ronald Perrin, the Curtis’ agent, said the application did not “change anything on the ground” and suggested re-occupation was likely to improve the appearance of the existing site.
He said: “Although the site is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a small site, well-screened and located within the context of the existing settlement. In short, it is not a prominent site and its impact is limited.
“The applicants are pleasant and responsible people who work for their living and are expecting twins. This is a case where there is a clear need in circumstances where there is an acknowledged lack of provision.”
Mr Perrin admitted the couple hoped the temporary permission would be extended in three years’ time and suggested neighbours may have “grown to like them” by then.
Councillor John Cotton said approving the application would amount to “kicking a problem down the track for another three years”.
Councillor Felix Bloomfield said: “Temporary permission, I think, is the right way forward and I believe that in three years’ time, as the agent says, we’ll probably be back here. Until we provide more permanent sites across the district, I am afraid this is the only way forward.”
Councillors voted to grant planning permission by nine votes to four.
A GYPSY couple has been granted temporary planning permission to live in a mobile home at North End.
Jamie and Olivia Curtis will be able to live in Platts Lane for three years following the approval of South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning committee.
Permission was granted despite the couple’s application being contrary to planning policy, doubts about their Gypsy status and objections from North End residents and Watlington Parish Council.
District councillor Rodger Bell said the committee had no option but to grant temporary planning permission as there was a shortfall in sites for Gypsies and Travellers in the district.
Sue Spencer, planning officer for the district council, said: “Officers remain of the opinion that ultimately this site should cease to be used for the stationing of a mobile home. However, the council has to have regard to the applicants’ status as a Gypsy family.
“There is a shortfall in the provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers across the district and in these circumstances the council is encouraged to consider very carefully sites owned by Gypsies and Travellers.
“Although not a site that officers would consider appropriate as a permanent site, we consider that a temporary planning permission granted until such time that we have allocated sites with the appropriate number of pitches would be reasonable.”
The site has had two mobile homes over the last 40 years, although one has been removed and the other should have been after the last occupant moved out in 2008.
Speaking at the committee meeting, Watlington parish councillor Robert Barber said the community had “extremely strong concerns”.
He said: “I firmly believe this is an occasion where the overwhelming weight of policy and local opposition should be heeded and an application relying on a tenuous supposition is rejected.”
North End resident David Macrae said the district council’s failure to remove the second mobile home had caused the problem.
He said: “The planning officer has made it quite clear that mobile homes should not exist on the site because it is contrary to policy and over the last four years enforcement action should have been pursued to remove the existing home, which is unlawful.”
Ronald Perrin, the Curtis’ agent, said the application did not “change anything on the ground” and suggested re-occupation was likely to improve the appearance of the existing site.
He said: “Although the site is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is a small site, well-screened and located within the context of the existing settlement. In short, it is not a prominent site and its impact is limited.
“The applicants are pleasant and responsible people who work for their living and are expecting twins. This is a case where there is a clear need in circumstances where there is an acknowledged lack of provision.”
Mr Perrin admitted the couple hoped the temporary permission would be extended in three years’ time and suggested neighbours may have “grown to like them” by then.
Councillor John Cotton said approving the application would amount to “kicking a problem down the track for another three years”.
Councillor Felix Bloomfield said: “Temporary permission, I think, is the right way forward and I believe that in three years’ time, as the agent says, we’ll probably be back here. Until we provide more permanent sites across the district, I am afraid this is the only way forward.”
Councillors voted to grant planning permission by nine votes to four.
Plan for permanent Gypsy sites outlined - Sussex
From the Bexhill On Sea Observer
PERMANENT sites for Gypsies and Travellers could be coming soon to the Rother area.
Councillors on Rother’s services and overview scrutiny committee met on Monday night to discuss a shortlist of 15 possible sites, which officers narrowed down from a potential 850 sites.
Under governmenet legislation, permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers must be provided by local authorities. Rother’s core strategy allows for three permanent pitches from 2011 to 2016 with a further six pitches from 2016 to 2028. The shortlisted pitches were: • land south of Catsfield Road, • Beeches Brook, Battle, • Greenacres Farm, Battle, • Telegraph Point, Coldharbour Farm, Brightling, • land adjacent to Robertsbridge Travellers’ Site, • Cherry Tree Nursery, Flimwell, • Cripps Corner Highway Depot, • Bramble Farm, Ewhurst, • land north of Bramble Farm, Ewhurst, • Chippings Depot, Rye, • Guestling Green Highways Depot, • land south west of Moor Lane, Westfield, • land east of Down Edge, Westfield, • Actons Farm, Buckholt Lane, Bexhill and •a part of a major allocation in Bexhill (north or west) as opened up by the link road once built.
Cllr Ian Jenkins, who has held Rother’s portfolio for travellers since 2006, told hte committee this was a ‘very, very difficult subject’ and proposed Beeches Brook, Greenacres Farm, Telegraph Point, Cherry Tree Nursery and allocation in Bexhill be chosen.
Battle member Cllr Kathryn Field proposed Beeches Brook be removed from the proposal. She said: “I am not in agreement with site two as it gives out the wrong message - you should just build when you feel like it and put in a retrospective application.” The site on Beeches Farm has a permanent home built retrospectively by a Traveller.
The committee rejected Cllr Field’s proposal and Cllr Jenkins’ motion was carried. This item is to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.
PERMANENT sites for Gypsies and Travellers could be coming soon to the Rother area.
Councillors on Rother’s services and overview scrutiny committee met on Monday night to discuss a shortlist of 15 possible sites, which officers narrowed down from a potential 850 sites.
Under governmenet legislation, permanent pitches for Gypsies and Travellers must be provided by local authorities. Rother’s core strategy allows for three permanent pitches from 2011 to 2016 with a further six pitches from 2016 to 2028. The shortlisted pitches were: • land south of Catsfield Road, • Beeches Brook, Battle, • Greenacres Farm, Battle, • Telegraph Point, Coldharbour Farm, Brightling, • land adjacent to Robertsbridge Travellers’ Site, • Cherry Tree Nursery, Flimwell, • Cripps Corner Highway Depot, • Bramble Farm, Ewhurst, • land north of Bramble Farm, Ewhurst, • Chippings Depot, Rye, • Guestling Green Highways Depot, • land south west of Moor Lane, Westfield, • land east of Down Edge, Westfield, • Actons Farm, Buckholt Lane, Bexhill and •a part of a major allocation in Bexhill (north or west) as opened up by the link road once built.
Cllr Ian Jenkins, who has held Rother’s portfolio for travellers since 2006, told hte committee this was a ‘very, very difficult subject’ and proposed Beeches Brook, Greenacres Farm, Telegraph Point, Cherry Tree Nursery and allocation in Bexhill be chosen.
Battle member Cllr Kathryn Field proposed Beeches Brook be removed from the proposal. She said: “I am not in agreement with site two as it gives out the wrong message - you should just build when you feel like it and put in a retrospective application.” The site on Beeches Farm has a permanent home built retrospectively by a Traveller.
The committee rejected Cllr Field’s proposal and Cllr Jenkins’ motion was carried. This item is to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.
Three councils did not use €24m for Traveller housing - Ireland
From the Irish Times
Local authorities have under spent their budgets for Traveller accommodation by more than €50 million in the last six years, prompting claims from campaigners that many families are being assimilated into the settled community.
Figures released by the Department of the Environment show local authorities spent €119 million out of a €170 million budget allocation between 2007 and 2012. Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Cork County Council were the three councils with the biggest underspend, at over €24 million between them.
Jan O’Sullivan, Minister of State for Housing and Planning at the Department of the Environment, said the budget underspend “is something that needs to be addressed”.
“It is an issue I intend to discuss with officials and I intend to seek the experience of local authorities when examining this issue also,” she said.
Opposition to halting sites
Travellers’ groups blame resistance by local authority officials and elected councils for not prioritising Traveller housing and for opposing halting sites and group housing schemes.
“There is a pattern of assimilation with the move into standard housing. A culture is being killed off and the knock-on effects are huge amounts of mental health issues for Travellers,” says Colette Spears, accommodation worker with the Irish Traveller Movement.
The figures come as a Council of Europe report last week criticised a “lack of political will on the part of local authorities” in delivering Traveller housing. It highlighted “significant challenges” Travellers face on accommodation.
Reticence by local authorities and local residents was “particularly disturbing”, it said. It called on the Government to bring in binding measures to force local authorities to ensure Traveller accommodation was delivered.
“All councils have to do at the moment is publish plans for Traveller accommodation. They don’t have to implement them,” said Ronnie Fay of Pavee Point.
Demand fall-off
Local authorities, however, say there is a fall-off in demand for Traveller accommodation, with many opting for standard housing. Donegal County Council is planning to close the two remaining halting sites in the county because of a lack of demand.
“We haven’t identified a need for that type of accommodation,” said Patrick McLaughlin, senior executive officer of housing in Donegal.
Clare County Council decided in December to stop building Traveller-specific housing because of high vacancy rates due to “inter-Traveller feuding, violence and intimidation”.
Traveller accommodation
South Dublin County Council provides the highest amount of Traveller-specific accommodation in the country but for the most part gets requests from Travellers to move into standard housing, says Hugh Hogan, its senior executive officer of housing.
“More are moving from Traveller-specific housing into social housing. Traveller women in particular are looking for better accommodation where it is easier to heat,” he adds.
But there is evidence that Traveller accommodation is being opposed: last year, plans for a transient site in Donegal were halted after councillors voted against it over concerns for traffic safety in the area.
Over two-thirds of Travellers now live in standard accommodation as opposed to 50 per cent 15 years ago, when a law came in tasking local authorities with providing for Travellers’ needs. Fewer Travellers live on halting sites than they did in 1998.
Traveller groups complain that the accommodation, halting sites and group housing schemes for extended Traveller families, are often built without proper consultation with Travellers.
Local authorities have under spent their budgets for Traveller accommodation by more than €50 million in the last six years, prompting claims from campaigners that many families are being assimilated into the settled community.
Figures released by the Department of the Environment show local authorities spent €119 million out of a €170 million budget allocation between 2007 and 2012. Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Cork County Council were the three councils with the biggest underspend, at over €24 million between them.
Jan O’Sullivan, Minister of State for Housing and Planning at the Department of the Environment, said the budget underspend “is something that needs to be addressed”.
“It is an issue I intend to discuss with officials and I intend to seek the experience of local authorities when examining this issue also,” she said.
Opposition to halting sites
Travellers’ groups blame resistance by local authority officials and elected councils for not prioritising Traveller housing and for opposing halting sites and group housing schemes.
“There is a pattern of assimilation with the move into standard housing. A culture is being killed off and the knock-on effects are huge amounts of mental health issues for Travellers,” says Colette Spears, accommodation worker with the Irish Traveller Movement.
The figures come as a Council of Europe report last week criticised a “lack of political will on the part of local authorities” in delivering Traveller housing. It highlighted “significant challenges” Travellers face on accommodation.
Reticence by local authorities and local residents was “particularly disturbing”, it said. It called on the Government to bring in binding measures to force local authorities to ensure Traveller accommodation was delivered.
“All councils have to do at the moment is publish plans for Traveller accommodation. They don’t have to implement them,” said Ronnie Fay of Pavee Point.
Demand fall-off
Local authorities, however, say there is a fall-off in demand for Traveller accommodation, with many opting for standard housing. Donegal County Council is planning to close the two remaining halting sites in the county because of a lack of demand.
“We haven’t identified a need for that type of accommodation,” said Patrick McLaughlin, senior executive officer of housing in Donegal.
Clare County Council decided in December to stop building Traveller-specific housing because of high vacancy rates due to “inter-Traveller feuding, violence and intimidation”.
Traveller accommodation
South Dublin County Council provides the highest amount of Traveller-specific accommodation in the country but for the most part gets requests from Travellers to move into standard housing, says Hugh Hogan, its senior executive officer of housing.
“More are moving from Traveller-specific housing into social housing. Traveller women in particular are looking for better accommodation where it is easier to heat,” he adds.
But there is evidence that Traveller accommodation is being opposed: last year, plans for a transient site in Donegal were halted after councillors voted against it over concerns for traffic safety in the area.
Over two-thirds of Travellers now live in standard accommodation as opposed to 50 per cent 15 years ago, when a law came in tasking local authorities with providing for Travellers’ needs. Fewer Travellers live on halting sites than they did in 1998.
Traveller groups complain that the accommodation, halting sites and group housing schemes for extended Traveller families, are often built without proper consultation with Travellers.
'For three years we have been sleeping and eating in the one room' - Ireland
From the Irish Times
A broken toy and an abandoned child’s car seat are all that is left to indicate anyone once lived at the Beechpark Traveller group scheme on the outskirts of Ennis. Not that anyone would notice. The scheme of three houses and two caravan bays is hidden behind 9ft-high walls.
Since December the last family – David and Margaret Mongans and their two-year-old son – had been forced to leave after their bay was set on fire. Consisting of a kitchen and bathroom, it was designed to be used with a caravan for sleeping. The family had lived there despite not having a caravan.
“For three years, we have been sleeping and eating in the one room. I’m embarrassed to be living in circumstances like this,” says Mr Mongans.
Off the roadside
Beechpark was built in 2004 for €2.2 million and, despite being vacant, it is costing Clare County Council €3,000 a week because of the 24-hour security at the entrance.
The scheme is one of a number of types of accommodation built around the country since a 1998 law directed local councils to provide for Travellers’ living needs. The big push 15 years ago was to get Travellers off the roadside and more than €400 million has been spent since 2000.
Few Travellers now live on the road but the new accommodation is often built without consultation in isolated areas, with high walls and barriers, say Traveller groups.
The lack of Traveller-specific accommodation, such as halting sites or group housing for their extended families, means most Travellers live in standard housing, either provided by local councils or rented privately. In 1998 half of all Travellers lived in standard housing; today it is more than two-thirds. When the act was envisaged, there were plans for transient sites to allow Travellers to move around the country, but none exist yet. Traveller groups say this is Government policy and is killing the culture.
Beechpark shows how Traveller accommodation can go wrong. Clare County Council says anti-social behaviour by other Travellers is the reason the site is vacant. But letters to the council show local Travellers were opposed to the final plans, pleading with the council to lower the walls and not build it in a hollow far from the road.
One letter from May 2003 states: “We cannot let this site go ahead. We will not live in it. We are still waiting for your response and it is a great source of distress that the council are wasting the government’s money in a way that appears to us gravely irresponsible.”
Feuding families
Housing, such as Beechpark, is designed for extended families. But when Astrid McCarthy moved there in 2005, she says she wasn’t told who her neighbours would be. “The council won’t come out to find out who they’re moving in and if people are feuding with them,” she says.
The final straw came when her partner’s son hanged himself and barriers prevented an ambulance entering the site, she says. “They tried to resuscitate him but he was so long without oxygen,” she says. The following week the family left.
Clare County Council says when allocating housing, it “takes into account family compatibility as well as applicant housing need and the requirement to let available vacancies to address social housing need.The ambulance services have always had access to the barriers at the entrances.”
There is good Traveller accommodation and some councils go to great lengths to consult Travellers. The forum for this is the Local Authority Accommodation Consultative Committee, which each council must set up and which has councillors, Travellers, Traveller groups and council officials.
But Traveller groups say even good examples are often in isolated areas with little access to services.
Then there are the bad examples. At Oldcastle Park halting site in Clondalkin, for example, kitchen and toilet units to be used with caravans are in a severe state of disrepair, some with rat infestations. Other units have no electricity.
There are no children’s play areas and the council is installing surveillance cameras, which residents say is intrusive. “We would be happy living here if they gave us a proper way to live,” said one resident.
Hugh Hogan, a senior executive of housing in South Dublin County Council, says there are plans to modernise the site.
Traveller culture
Concerns persist that Travellers are being put into local authority houses or private rentals because of the lack of Traveller-specific alternatives. “Once they are adequately housed, there is nowhere else to go, therefore they are not getting culturally appropriate accommodation,” says Colette Spears, accommodation worker with the Irish Traveller Movement. This poses cultural problems as families are no longer able to live next to each other, visit regularly or keep animals.
In 1998 just 7 per cent of Travellers were in private rentals; in 2011 the figure was 32 per cent.As bonds are broken, there are concerns over the effects on mental health. The incidence of suicide is six times as high among the community as it is in the rest of the population.
“You are not accepted anywhere you go, no matter how dignified you might be. The racism once people know you are a Traveller is unbearable,” says Spears.
A broken toy and an abandoned child’s car seat are all that is left to indicate anyone once lived at the Beechpark Traveller group scheme on the outskirts of Ennis. Not that anyone would notice. The scheme of three houses and two caravan bays is hidden behind 9ft-high walls.
Since December the last family – David and Margaret Mongans and their two-year-old son – had been forced to leave after their bay was set on fire. Consisting of a kitchen and bathroom, it was designed to be used with a caravan for sleeping. The family had lived there despite not having a caravan.
“For three years, we have been sleeping and eating in the one room. I’m embarrassed to be living in circumstances like this,” says Mr Mongans.
Off the roadside
Beechpark was built in 2004 for €2.2 million and, despite being vacant, it is costing Clare County Council €3,000 a week because of the 24-hour security at the entrance.
The scheme is one of a number of types of accommodation built around the country since a 1998 law directed local councils to provide for Travellers’ living needs. The big push 15 years ago was to get Travellers off the roadside and more than €400 million has been spent since 2000.
Few Travellers now live on the road but the new accommodation is often built without consultation in isolated areas, with high walls and barriers, say Traveller groups.
The lack of Traveller-specific accommodation, such as halting sites or group housing for their extended families, means most Travellers live in standard housing, either provided by local councils or rented privately. In 1998 half of all Travellers lived in standard housing; today it is more than two-thirds. When the act was envisaged, there were plans for transient sites to allow Travellers to move around the country, but none exist yet. Traveller groups say this is Government policy and is killing the culture.
Beechpark shows how Traveller accommodation can go wrong. Clare County Council says anti-social behaviour by other Travellers is the reason the site is vacant. But letters to the council show local Travellers were opposed to the final plans, pleading with the council to lower the walls and not build it in a hollow far from the road.
One letter from May 2003 states: “We cannot let this site go ahead. We will not live in it. We are still waiting for your response and it is a great source of distress that the council are wasting the government’s money in a way that appears to us gravely irresponsible.”
Feuding families
Housing, such as Beechpark, is designed for extended families. But when Astrid McCarthy moved there in 2005, she says she wasn’t told who her neighbours would be. “The council won’t come out to find out who they’re moving in and if people are feuding with them,” she says.
The final straw came when her partner’s son hanged himself and barriers prevented an ambulance entering the site, she says. “They tried to resuscitate him but he was so long without oxygen,” she says. The following week the family left.
Clare County Council says when allocating housing, it “takes into account family compatibility as well as applicant housing need and the requirement to let available vacancies to address social housing need.The ambulance services have always had access to the barriers at the entrances.”
There is good Traveller accommodation and some councils go to great lengths to consult Travellers. The forum for this is the Local Authority Accommodation Consultative Committee, which each council must set up and which has councillors, Travellers, Traveller groups and council officials.
But Traveller groups say even good examples are often in isolated areas with little access to services.
Then there are the bad examples. At Oldcastle Park halting site in Clondalkin, for example, kitchen and toilet units to be used with caravans are in a severe state of disrepair, some with rat infestations. Other units have no electricity.
There are no children’s play areas and the council is installing surveillance cameras, which residents say is intrusive. “We would be happy living here if they gave us a proper way to live,” said one resident.
Hugh Hogan, a senior executive of housing in South Dublin County Council, says there are plans to modernise the site.
Traveller culture
Concerns persist that Travellers are being put into local authority houses or private rentals because of the lack of Traveller-specific alternatives. “Once they are adequately housed, there is nowhere else to go, therefore they are not getting culturally appropriate accommodation,” says Colette Spears, accommodation worker with the Irish Traveller Movement. This poses cultural problems as families are no longer able to live next to each other, visit regularly or keep animals.
In 1998 just 7 per cent of Travellers were in private rentals; in 2011 the figure was 32 per cent.As bonds are broken, there are concerns over the effects on mental health. The incidence of suicide is six times as high among the community as it is in the rest of the population.
“You are not accepted anywhere you go, no matter how dignified you might be. The racism once people know you are a Traveller is unbearable,” says Spears.
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