From the Lancashire Telegraph
A COUNCIL are set to spend up to £15,000 on assessing the level of accommodation provided for Gypsies and Travellers.
Hyndburn Council have drafted proposals to hire consultants to carry out an in-depth assessment to make sure they are in line with national planning guidelines.
New guidelines for councils in the North West have stipulated that Traveller sites should be equally distributed across the region. A report on the issue, which is to go before councillors next week, says the council believe they already offer a high level.
In the report, Chief Planning and Transportation Officer Simon Prideaux said: “A significant number of Traveller sites are located in Hyndburn and the council firmly believes that other authorities do not do enough to share the responsibility of planning for this community.”
Friday 31 May 2013
Travelling community's response to anti-Gypsy comments - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
Hundreds of members of the travelling community descended on Darlington for a four-day gathering last week. Apart from one morning of commuter chaos, the event passed off largely peacefully. Despite this, a string of negative comments have been left on stories on The Northern Echo website. Andy Walker reports
IS there a more widespread anti-Gypsy feeling in Darlington than other places – and if so, why?
Last week’s large-scale gathering, near the A66 Darlington bypass, led to a flurry of activity in the comments section of The Northern Echo’s website.
One story, about the event not costing taxpayers extra, attracted more than 50 responses.
Incendiary words like ‘lawless’ and ‘thieving’ were bandied around, among others.
Last year, a public outcry followed Darlington Borough Council’s suggestion of creating up to seven new Traveller sites around the town, in response to Government-imposed quotas.
The council, which has been asked to provide 35 new Gypsy pitches by 2015, has been accused of ‘dithering’ over plans to expand existing sites in Neasham Road and Honeypot Lane.
Travelling community leader Billy Welch said he accepted long ago that a minority of people simply do not like Gypsies.
He said: “It does not matter how smoothly a Gypsy or Traveller event runs, you still get people complaining, no matter what.
“It is something we are used to and it says more about certain people’s own intelligence, they do not think anyone is entitled to exist, except themselves.
“These people have no respect for different cultures or traditions.
“Whatever happens, some people are just bigoted and you cannot change their minds.
“Usually, the people who are complaining know absolutely nothing about the travelling community and if they went into an event, mixed with people, they would see it in a different light.”
The most controversial element of last week’s gathering was the combination of mud being left on the road by vehicles entering and exiting the site in wet weather, which caused the A66 to be closed for several hours.
But police said they were pleased the gathering had been well-behaved, while the Highways Agency said the cost of cleaning the road would be picked up by an existing service contract.
Mr Welch added: “Don’t get me wrong, we are not perfect, not by a long shot, but sometimes we come in for stick undeservedly.
“If one person does something wrong, that person should absolutely be named and shamed, but it is often put down to ‘the Gypsies’.”
Appleby Horse Fair, one of the country’s largest Gypsy gatherings, runs from June 6 to 12.
Hundreds of members of the travelling community descended on Darlington for a four-day gathering last week. Apart from one morning of commuter chaos, the event passed off largely peacefully. Despite this, a string of negative comments have been left on stories on The Northern Echo website. Andy Walker reports
IS there a more widespread anti-Gypsy feeling in Darlington than other places – and if so, why?
Last week’s large-scale gathering, near the A66 Darlington bypass, led to a flurry of activity in the comments section of The Northern Echo’s website.
One story, about the event not costing taxpayers extra, attracted more than 50 responses.
Incendiary words like ‘lawless’ and ‘thieving’ were bandied around, among others.
Last year, a public outcry followed Darlington Borough Council’s suggestion of creating up to seven new Traveller sites around the town, in response to Government-imposed quotas.
The council, which has been asked to provide 35 new Gypsy pitches by 2015, has been accused of ‘dithering’ over plans to expand existing sites in Neasham Road and Honeypot Lane.
Travelling community leader Billy Welch said he accepted long ago that a minority of people simply do not like Gypsies.
He said: “It does not matter how smoothly a Gypsy or Traveller event runs, you still get people complaining, no matter what.
“It is something we are used to and it says more about certain people’s own intelligence, they do not think anyone is entitled to exist, except themselves.
“These people have no respect for different cultures or traditions.
“Whatever happens, some people are just bigoted and you cannot change their minds.
“Usually, the people who are complaining know absolutely nothing about the travelling community and if they went into an event, mixed with people, they would see it in a different light.”
The most controversial element of last week’s gathering was the combination of mud being left on the road by vehicles entering and exiting the site in wet weather, which caused the A66 to be closed for several hours.
But police said they were pleased the gathering had been well-behaved, while the Highways Agency said the cost of cleaning the road would be picked up by an existing service contract.
Mr Welch added: “Don’t get me wrong, we are not perfect, not by a long shot, but sometimes we come in for stick undeservedly.
“If one person does something wrong, that person should absolutely be named and shamed, but it is often put down to ‘the Gypsies’.”
Appleby Horse Fair, one of the country’s largest Gypsy gatherings, runs from June 6 to 12.
Gypsies await their fate - Buckinghamshire
From the Bucks Free Press
GYPSIES who appealed the council’s decision to reject planning permission on two sites are awaiting the outcome of an inquiry held last week to consider their fate.
Gerard O’Connor and Patrick Murphy, whose families are related by marriage, appealed after Wycombe District Council refused their efforts to make use of land at Walters Ash and Flackwell Heath.
The week-long inquiry heard evidence from the families, who claim special circumstances should grant them use of the Green Belt land, and in the case of the Walters Ash site an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
They claim the educational needs of the O’Connor family must be catered for, and health requirements should recognised as Patrick Murphy Jnr suffers from Cerebral Palsy.
The families are seeking permission to station two mobile homes and touring caravans on each site, as well as the creation of hardstanding and a utility/day room.
Residents near the sites have opposed the plans, with Flackwell Heath villagers setting up the Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) group last year to fight the move.
They argue the application to develop the old plant nursery site on Heath End Road constitutes inappropriate development on Green Belt land Solictor
Alan Masters, acting for the families, submitted his closing comments on Friday after presenting his case to Clive Hughes, the Secretary of State’s nominated planning inspector.
He states that the material considerations of the case "present an overwhelming in favour of granting permissions in respect of each site."
He added that there is a clear and identified need for Gypsy and Traveller sites in the district and that both sites provide a solution to the families’ needs in this case.
Robin Green, representing WDC, concluded the harm to the Green Belt and AONB outweighs the needs of the applicants, though admitted their "health and educational needs are plainly deserving of sympathy."
He added that refusal of the appeal would not constitute a disproportionate interference with their human rights as laid out in the European Convention of Human Rights.
Mr Hughes conducted a visit of both sites to assess the potential impact of building on the land.
He also visited two other sites with similar circumstances previously considered by WDC, including a Gypsy site at Field Farm in Wooburn Moor granted permission in February.
No date has been set for a final decision, but WDC planning officers have suggested a timescale of around seven weeks from the closure of the public inquiry.
GYPSIES who appealed the council’s decision to reject planning permission on two sites are awaiting the outcome of an inquiry held last week to consider their fate.
Gerard O’Connor and Patrick Murphy, whose families are related by marriage, appealed after Wycombe District Council refused their efforts to make use of land at Walters Ash and Flackwell Heath.
The week-long inquiry heard evidence from the families, who claim special circumstances should grant them use of the Green Belt land, and in the case of the Walters Ash site an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
They claim the educational needs of the O’Connor family must be catered for, and health requirements should recognised as Patrick Murphy Jnr suffers from Cerebral Palsy.
The families are seeking permission to station two mobile homes and touring caravans on each site, as well as the creation of hardstanding and a utility/day room.
Residents near the sites have opposed the plans, with Flackwell Heath villagers setting up the Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) group last year to fight the move.
They argue the application to develop the old plant nursery site on Heath End Road constitutes inappropriate development on Green Belt land Solictor
Alan Masters, acting for the families, submitted his closing comments on Friday after presenting his case to Clive Hughes, the Secretary of State’s nominated planning inspector.
He states that the material considerations of the case "present an overwhelming in favour of granting permissions in respect of each site."
He added that there is a clear and identified need for Gypsy and Traveller sites in the district and that both sites provide a solution to the families’ needs in this case.
Robin Green, representing WDC, concluded the harm to the Green Belt and AONB outweighs the needs of the applicants, though admitted their "health and educational needs are plainly deserving of sympathy."
He added that refusal of the appeal would not constitute a disproportionate interference with their human rights as laid out in the European Convention of Human Rights.
Mr Hughes conducted a visit of both sites to assess the potential impact of building on the land.
He also visited two other sites with similar circumstances previously considered by WDC, including a Gypsy site at Field Farm in Wooburn Moor granted permission in February.
No date has been set for a final decision, but WDC planning officers have suggested a timescale of around seven weeks from the closure of the public inquiry.
Kettering Traveller pitches consultation begins - Northamptonshire
From the BBC
A consultation has started into plans for 27 more Traveller pitches in Northamptonshire.
Kettering Borough Council said a large number of suitable sites had been identified but not all would be used.
Nine pitches in Kettering, 15 in Broughton, seven in Burton Latimer, two in both Braybrooke and Rothwell and one in Desborough are being considered.
The council's planning policy unit will choose sites after a report is made at the October committee meeting.
Councillor Derek Zanger said: "This is an opportunity for people to have their say about where Gypsy and Traveller sites should be located.
"Local people have local knowledge and may know some of the sites well. It is important that they get involved and let us know if there are things which they know about the sites and their suitability."
Consultation meeting are being held at Methodist Church, Rothwell, on Wednesday 12 June; 1 Horsemarket, Kettering, on Monday 17 June; Marlow House, Desborough, on Monday 24 June; Civic Centre, Burton Latimer, on Wednesday 26 June.
A consultation has started into plans for 27 more Traveller pitches in Northamptonshire.
Kettering Borough Council said a large number of suitable sites had been identified but not all would be used.
Nine pitches in Kettering, 15 in Broughton, seven in Burton Latimer, two in both Braybrooke and Rothwell and one in Desborough are being considered.
The council's planning policy unit will choose sites after a report is made at the October committee meeting.
Councillor Derek Zanger said: "This is an opportunity for people to have their say about where Gypsy and Traveller sites should be located.
"Local people have local knowledge and may know some of the sites well. It is important that they get involved and let us know if there are things which they know about the sites and their suitability."
Consultation meeting are being held at Methodist Church, Rothwell, on Wednesday 12 June; 1 Horsemarket, Kettering, on Monday 17 June; Marlow House, Desborough, on Monday 24 June; Civic Centre, Burton Latimer, on Wednesday 26 June.
Protesters to stage meetings against plans for Travellers' site - Somerset
From the Somerset Guardian
A new planning application has been submitted for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the green belt.
The application is for 12 permanent residential pitches with day rooms on the Old Colliery in Stanton Wick.
A group objecting to the plans will be organising two public exhibitions to galvanise opposition.
Stanton Wick Action Group (SWAG) was formed last year with the aim of stopping inappropriate development in the Chew Valley hamlet after the site was one of a number suggested by Bath and North East Somerset Council for Travellers.
The site was then taken off the authority's list of possible sites. Although a similar planning application was submitted last year, it was withdrawn before it could be determined.
Group chairman Clarke Osborne said many people were annoyed because they have had to submit their comments before the deadline on June 13 all over again.
He said: "This new application simply makes clear the reality of the overwhelming scale of this proposed development. As B&NES has decided to treat it as a completely new application, it is once again up to the community to make their views known. We need everyone's help to ensure that the message is again received loud and clear by B&NES and their officers: on planning grounds, this site is unsuitable, unsustainable and inappropriate."
The applicant's agent Simon Ruston explained that the council's removal of the site from its list was not relevant to this application because it is being submitted by a private individual rather than a public authority. He added that the site would see the redevelopment of a brownfield site rather than an untouched greenfield one. He said a detailed transport statement would address highways concerns.
The application has the support of Maggie Smith-Bendell, the chair of the UK Association of Gypsy Women, who has spent many years campaigning for the rights of the travelling community.
Somerset-based Mrs Smith-Bendell says the location, access and a historic shortfall in the provision of Gypsy and Traveller sites make it suitable.
The first exhibition will be held at Stanton Drew Village Hall on Monday from 5.30pm where SWAG members will be available. This will be followed by a public meeting at the same venue hosted by Stanton Drew Parish Council at 7.30pm, which is open to everyone including residents from surrounding villages. There will also be another exhibition held at Pensford Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 8 from 4-7pm.
A new planning application has been submitted for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the green belt.
The application is for 12 permanent residential pitches with day rooms on the Old Colliery in Stanton Wick.
A group objecting to the plans will be organising two public exhibitions to galvanise opposition.
Stanton Wick Action Group (SWAG) was formed last year with the aim of stopping inappropriate development in the Chew Valley hamlet after the site was one of a number suggested by Bath and North East Somerset Council for Travellers.
The site was then taken off the authority's list of possible sites. Although a similar planning application was submitted last year, it was withdrawn before it could be determined.
Group chairman Clarke Osborne said many people were annoyed because they have had to submit their comments before the deadline on June 13 all over again.
He said: "This new application simply makes clear the reality of the overwhelming scale of this proposed development. As B&NES has decided to treat it as a completely new application, it is once again up to the community to make their views known. We need everyone's help to ensure that the message is again received loud and clear by B&NES and their officers: on planning grounds, this site is unsuitable, unsustainable and inappropriate."
The applicant's agent Simon Ruston explained that the council's removal of the site from its list was not relevant to this application because it is being submitted by a private individual rather than a public authority. He added that the site would see the redevelopment of a brownfield site rather than an untouched greenfield one. He said a detailed transport statement would address highways concerns.
The application has the support of Maggie Smith-Bendell, the chair of the UK Association of Gypsy Women, who has spent many years campaigning for the rights of the travelling community.
Somerset-based Mrs Smith-Bendell says the location, access and a historic shortfall in the provision of Gypsy and Traveller sites make it suitable.
The first exhibition will be held at Stanton Drew Village Hall on Monday from 5.30pm where SWAG members will be available. This will be followed by a public meeting at the same venue hosted by Stanton Drew Parish Council at 7.30pm, which is open to everyone including residents from surrounding villages. There will also be another exhibition held at Pensford Memorial Hall on Saturday, June 8 from 4-7pm.
Travellers remain near Wilstock Village - Somerset
From the Falmouth Packet
A GROUP of Travellers who arrived on a field near the Wilstock Village estate just outside Bridgwater are still there today.
The Travellers had told residents and police they would be moving on by today, according to a resident of Wilstock Village.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said it would be up to the landowner to obtain an injunction to force the Travellers to move.
The spokesman said: "Trespass is a civil matter, unless there's any criminal damage caused."
A GROUP of Travellers who arrived on a field near the Wilstock Village estate just outside Bridgwater are still there today.
The Travellers had told residents and police they would be moving on by today, according to a resident of Wilstock Village.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said it would be up to the landowner to obtain an injunction to force the Travellers to move.
The spokesman said: "Trespass is a civil matter, unless there's any criminal damage caused."
Council starts legal action in bid to evict Plymstock Travellers - Devon
From the Plymouth Herald
THE council says is has started legal proceedings aimed at turfing a group of Travellers out of Plymstock.
The Herald reported on Monday how a rugby club was forced to rearrange a charity match in aid of a paralysed former player after the group set up camp on the pitch.
Caravans have been on the pitch of Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC in Horsham Fields, Staddiscombe, since Sunday, May 19.
The local authority has now gone to the courts to ask for an eviction notice, which can take as long as a fortnight.
The charity rugby match, which had been planned for last Saturday, had to be moved to King George V's Playing Fields in Elburton.
The game is held annually to raise money for Glynn Evans who was injured 16 years ago while playing for the club, suffering a broken neck and leaving him paralysed from the neck down.
Chairman Nigel Higginson said use of the facilities for the club's 16 teams has had to be suspended until the Travellers move on.
Council workers have already inspected the site and provided bins and toilets.
A Plymouth City Council spokeswoman confirmed: "We are taking legal action through the courts to evict the gypsies and Travellers which can take up to two weeks.
"We are monitoring the site and liaising with the police.
"We are also keeping residents who have contacted us up to date on the eviction proceedings."
THE council says is has started legal proceedings aimed at turfing a group of Travellers out of Plymstock.
The Herald reported on Monday how a rugby club was forced to rearrange a charity match in aid of a paralysed former player after the group set up camp on the pitch.
Caravans have been on the pitch of Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC in Horsham Fields, Staddiscombe, since Sunday, May 19.
The local authority has now gone to the courts to ask for an eviction notice, which can take as long as a fortnight.
The charity rugby match, which had been planned for last Saturday, had to be moved to King George V's Playing Fields in Elburton.
The game is held annually to raise money for Glynn Evans who was injured 16 years ago while playing for the club, suffering a broken neck and leaving him paralysed from the neck down.
Chairman Nigel Higginson said use of the facilities for the club's 16 teams has had to be suspended until the Travellers move on.
Council workers have already inspected the site and provided bins and toilets.
A Plymouth City Council spokeswoman confirmed: "We are taking legal action through the courts to evict the gypsies and Travellers which can take up to two weeks.
"We are monitoring the site and liaising with the police.
"We are also keeping residents who have contacted us up to date on the eviction proceedings."
Four-pitch caravan site for travellers planned in Stourport - Worcestershire
From the Hereford Times
PLANS have been drawn up to build a four-pitch caravan site for travellers in Stourport.
The site in Timber Lane would see the agricultural land changed to a residential caravan site for Romani Gypsies.
The Upper Moor Small Holding site would have four residential pitches each with a mobile home, touring caravan, small amenity building and parking for two cars.
Proposals also show that a play area and paddock would be located on the site for children and the existing access road would be widened and extended.
A previous application for a 15-pitch site at the same location was submitted in April last year but was refused by Wyre Forest District Council.
The plans state that the applicant, Sarah Loveridge, plans to provide accommodation for friends and family members who are currently living in unsuitable accommodation and have nowhere else to go.
A consultation period is underway until Thursday, June 6, and proposals can be viewed at Wyre Forest Customer Service Centre in Kidderminster Town Hall or on the district council’s website.
PLANS have been drawn up to build a four-pitch caravan site for travellers in Stourport.
The site in Timber Lane would see the agricultural land changed to a residential caravan site for Romani Gypsies.
The Upper Moor Small Holding site would have four residential pitches each with a mobile home, touring caravan, small amenity building and parking for two cars.
Proposals also show that a play area and paddock would be located on the site for children and the existing access road would be widened and extended.
A previous application for a 15-pitch site at the same location was submitted in April last year but was refused by Wyre Forest District Council.
The plans state that the applicant, Sarah Loveridge, plans to provide accommodation for friends and family members who are currently living in unsuitable accommodation and have nowhere else to go.
A consultation period is underway until Thursday, June 6, and proposals can be viewed at Wyre Forest Customer Service Centre in Kidderminster Town Hall or on the district council’s website.
Open air event raises awareness of Travellers' lifestyles - Dorset
From the Dorset Echo
AN OUTDOOR event in Dorchester will offer people a unique chance to learn more about Gypsy, Roma and travelling people in Dorset.
The Borough Gardens will be hosting the free annual event, which runs from noon to 4pm on Friday, May 31, and aims to raise awareness and understanding about the lives of Travellers.
There will be hands on activities for all ages as well as displays and the chance to explore two traditional gypsy caravans to find out more about life on the open road.
A range of traditional skills will also be on display including peg making, bender building and willow weaving.
There will be musical accompaniment from Dave Rawlins’ mandolin and a there will be a display of photographs and information about the lives of Travellers.
The South West Dorset Multicultural Network has been coordinating the event in partnership with a range of organisations including community workers from the Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust.
Dorchester Town Council has also supported the event by providing resources and allowing the event to be held in the Borough Gardens.
The event is part of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month, which was started in 2008 to raise awareness of those communities and their valuable contributions to society.
It also aimed to tackle negative stereotyping and prejudices that have led to hate crime, bullying and physical violence towards people identified as belonging to the travelling community.
West Dorset District Council community development officer Emma Scott said: “Gypsy Roma and Travellers are the largest ethnic minority community in the European Union with over 12 million people.
“In the UK, they are recognised ethnic minority communities and number 300,000.
“They are also the most marginalised and continue to suffer extreme levels of prejudice and discrimination.”
For more information about the event contact Mrs Scott on 01305 252204 or email e.scott@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk
AN OUTDOOR event in Dorchester will offer people a unique chance to learn more about Gypsy, Roma and travelling people in Dorset.
The Borough Gardens will be hosting the free annual event, which runs from noon to 4pm on Friday, May 31, and aims to raise awareness and understanding about the lives of Travellers.
There will be hands on activities for all ages as well as displays and the chance to explore two traditional gypsy caravans to find out more about life on the open road.
A range of traditional skills will also be on display including peg making, bender building and willow weaving.
There will be musical accompaniment from Dave Rawlins’ mandolin and a there will be a display of photographs and information about the lives of Travellers.
The South West Dorset Multicultural Network has been coordinating the event in partnership with a range of organisations including community workers from the Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust.
Dorchester Town Council has also supported the event by providing resources and allowing the event to be held in the Borough Gardens.
The event is part of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month, which was started in 2008 to raise awareness of those communities and their valuable contributions to society.
It also aimed to tackle negative stereotyping and prejudices that have led to hate crime, bullying and physical violence towards people identified as belonging to the travelling community.
West Dorset District Council community development officer Emma Scott said: “Gypsy Roma and Travellers are the largest ethnic minority community in the European Union with over 12 million people.
“In the UK, they are recognised ethnic minority communities and number 300,000.
“They are also the most marginalised and continue to suffer extreme levels of prejudice and discrimination.”
For more information about the event contact Mrs Scott on 01305 252204 or email e.scott@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk
Travellers will remain in Wild Park in Brighton until Friday - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers are set to remain in a popular park until at least Friday.
A group moved into Wild Park, Brighton, two weeks ago and set up the unauthorised encampment.
The Argus understands that Brighton and Hove City Council will not have its application for a possession hearing at Brighton County Court until Friday.
A council spokesman said: “We have visited this site with the police. We are now seeking possession of this land.
“We will be applying to the county court for a possession order which will enable us to arrange for an eviction to be carried out, should the families fail to leave the site voluntarily.”
see also: The Argus - No eviction yet for Wild Park Traveller camp
Travellers are set to remain in a popular park until at least Friday.
A group moved into Wild Park, Brighton, two weeks ago and set up the unauthorised encampment.
The Argus understands that Brighton and Hove City Council will not have its application for a possession hearing at Brighton County Court until Friday.
A council spokesman said: “We have visited this site with the police. We are now seeking possession of this land.
“We will be applying to the county court for a possession order which will enable us to arrange for an eviction to be carried out, should the families fail to leave the site voluntarily.”
see also: The Argus - No eviction yet for Wild Park Traveller camp
Travellers arrive at Port Solent Marina - Hampshire
From the News
POLICE in Portsmouth are using legal powers to move on a group of Travellers in Port Solent.
The group arrived yesterday morning in a field and recreation site opposite Port Solent Marina.
Hampshire Constabulary officers visited the scene to assess the situation, and speak to the Travellers, who had six vehicles with them.
Concerns were raised about people nearby not being able to use the recreation site during the half-term school holiday.
Environmental risks were also highlighted as there are no appropriate facilities on the site for toilets, water or waste disposal.
A section 61 notice was served by police, and officers are monitoring the situation to ensure the Travellers comply peacefully and move on safely.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: ‘In using these powers, Hampshire Constabulary will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.
‘We will continue to work closely with partner agencies, private landowners, and the travelling community to manage unauthorised encampments.’
POLICE in Portsmouth are using legal powers to move on a group of Travellers in Port Solent.
The group arrived yesterday morning in a field and recreation site opposite Port Solent Marina.
Hampshire Constabulary officers visited the scene to assess the situation, and speak to the Travellers, who had six vehicles with them.
Concerns were raised about people nearby not being able to use the recreation site during the half-term school holiday.
Environmental risks were also highlighted as there are no appropriate facilities on the site for toilets, water or waste disposal.
A section 61 notice was served by police, and officers are monitoring the situation to ensure the Travellers comply peacefully and move on safely.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: ‘In using these powers, Hampshire Constabulary will always ensure that we balance the needs and rights of all our communities with actions that are proportionate, lawful and necessary.
‘We will continue to work closely with partner agencies, private landowners, and the travelling community to manage unauthorised encampments.’
Loaded sawn-off shotgun seized at Travellers' site - Lancashire
From the Bolton News
A SAWN-OFF shotgun, ammunition and up to £50,000 worth of suspected stolen goods have been seized after a raid at Bolton’s Travellers’ site.
Police raided Crompton Lodge Caravan Park in Hall Lane, Moses Gate, on Thursday, where they found a loaded sawn-off shotgun stashed in the roof of the communal shower block, along with ammunition.
Police also seized up to £50,000 of suspected stolen electrical goods that were found hidden in the communal areas or in ownerless or vacant caravans.
Det Insp Denise Pye said: “What we seized from this park shows it was being used as a criminal hide-out, with thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen goods, caravans and a loaded sawn-off shotgun.
“We have now a lot of evidence which we need to examine in detail to establish where they came from.
“However, what we can say is that the recovery of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition means one less weapon on the streets of Bolton that could be used to seriously injure or even kill someone.
“By seizing this weapon I have no doubt it will save lives.
“As always, what this shows is what can be achieved when police and the community work hand-in-hand and take a stand against organised criminality.”
The raid was carried out by the Farnworth integrated neighbourhood policing team and Bolton’s organised crime unit, with help from Greater Manchester Police’s tactical aid unit.
Two suspected stolen vans and two suspected stolen caravans were also seized by police. Two men were arrested on suspicion of breach of peace during the raids.
Police said all the items seized have now been sent off for forensic analysis.
Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565660 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
A SAWN-OFF shotgun, ammunition and up to £50,000 worth of suspected stolen goods have been seized after a raid at Bolton’s Travellers’ site.
Police raided Crompton Lodge Caravan Park in Hall Lane, Moses Gate, on Thursday, where they found a loaded sawn-off shotgun stashed in the roof of the communal shower block, along with ammunition.
Police also seized up to £50,000 of suspected stolen electrical goods that were found hidden in the communal areas or in ownerless or vacant caravans.
Det Insp Denise Pye said: “What we seized from this park shows it was being used as a criminal hide-out, with thousands of pounds worth of suspected stolen goods, caravans and a loaded sawn-off shotgun.
“We have now a lot of evidence which we need to examine in detail to establish where they came from.
“However, what we can say is that the recovery of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition means one less weapon on the streets of Bolton that could be used to seriously injure or even kill someone.
“By seizing this weapon I have no doubt it will save lives.
“As always, what this shows is what can be achieved when police and the community work hand-in-hand and take a stand against organised criminality.”
The raid was carried out by the Farnworth integrated neighbourhood policing team and Bolton’s organised crime unit, with help from Greater Manchester Police’s tactical aid unit.
Two suspected stolen vans and two suspected stolen caravans were also seized by police. Two men were arrested on suspicion of breach of peace during the raids.
Police said all the items seized have now been sent off for forensic analysis.
Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565660 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Travellers set up illicit camp near Dundee Ice Arena
From the Courier
An illicit Travellers’ camp has been set up in a Dundee leisure park.
Around six caravans arrived at the site, setting up in car parking spaces near the Ice Arena. Dundee City Council officers have already visited the camp, and the police and landowners have also been notified.
The latest unauthorised encampment is the sixth Traveller group to set up in Dundee in recent months.
The Riverside and Claverhouse areas have both been plagued by groups which have left a large amount of litter strewn across several sites, costing thousands of pounds to clear away.
A large group of caravans were present on Charles Bowman Avenue through most of March, before setting up on public land at Jack Martin Way.
Mess left behind on the sites included mountains of building materials and empty caravans, which cost more than £10,000 for the council to clean up. Camps were also set up off Riverside Drive, near Dundee Airport and at Technology Park.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council confirmed that action was being taken against the latest camp.
He said: “Council officers have visited the site and spoken with the Travellers. We have notified the land owners and are working with the police.”
see also: thetele.co.uk - New Traveller site at Dundee leisure park
An illicit Travellers’ camp has been set up in a Dundee leisure park.
Around six caravans arrived at the site, setting up in car parking spaces near the Ice Arena. Dundee City Council officers have already visited the camp, and the police and landowners have also been notified.
The latest unauthorised encampment is the sixth Traveller group to set up in Dundee in recent months.
The Riverside and Claverhouse areas have both been plagued by groups which have left a large amount of litter strewn across several sites, costing thousands of pounds to clear away.
A large group of caravans were present on Charles Bowman Avenue through most of March, before setting up on public land at Jack Martin Way.
Mess left behind on the sites included mountains of building materials and empty caravans, which cost more than £10,000 for the council to clean up. Camps were also set up off Riverside Drive, near Dundee Airport and at Technology Park.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council confirmed that action was being taken against the latest camp.
He said: “Council officers have visited the site and spoken with the Travellers. We have notified the land owners and are working with the police.”
see also: thetele.co.uk - New Traveller site at Dundee leisure park
Travellers leave Blackburn site - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Telegraph
A BUSINESS was forced to close to customers after Travellers set up an illegal camp outside.
A worker, who asked not to be named, said human excrement had been left on a ‘dispatch slope’ used by his company to send goods to customers at the firm on the Glenfield Business Park in Whitebirk, Blackburn.
The 20 caravans were moved on yesterday after a court order was issued, but left bags of rubbish behind.
The worker said the mess had led to parcels being delivered a day late after couriers refused to collect them.
It also led to the online company closing its doors to walk-in trade at the start of this week.
He said: “We shut the customer gates because it wasn’t possible for them to come into our shop without stepping in the mess.”
“I’ve not had a problem when Travellers have used the site before, but the way this group acted was disgusting.
“I don’t understand why they had to use our business as a toilet when there is a field concealed from public view nearby.
“I’m glad they’ve gone because this group were intimidating but I think it will be a while before we can open fully again.”
A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said they had not had any serious problems with the group.
She said: “There are many occasions where the presence of Travellers on private or public land is a civil matter and no offences are committed.
Meanwhile, six caravans have been illegally parked in the council-owned pay and display car park on Canterbury Street in Wensley Fold for several days after moving a barrier to prevent large vehicles from entering the site.
A BUSINESS was forced to close to customers after Travellers set up an illegal camp outside.
A worker, who asked not to be named, said human excrement had been left on a ‘dispatch slope’ used by his company to send goods to customers at the firm on the Glenfield Business Park in Whitebirk, Blackburn.
The 20 caravans were moved on yesterday after a court order was issued, but left bags of rubbish behind.
The worker said the mess had led to parcels being delivered a day late after couriers refused to collect them.
It also led to the online company closing its doors to walk-in trade at the start of this week.
He said: “We shut the customer gates because it wasn’t possible for them to come into our shop without stepping in the mess.”
“I’ve not had a problem when Travellers have used the site before, but the way this group acted was disgusting.
“I don’t understand why they had to use our business as a toilet when there is a field concealed from public view nearby.
“I’m glad they’ve gone because this group were intimidating but I think it will be a while before we can open fully again.”
A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said they had not had any serious problems with the group.
She said: “There are many occasions where the presence of Travellers on private or public land is a civil matter and no offences are committed.
Meanwhile, six caravans have been illegally parked in the council-owned pay and display car park on Canterbury Street in Wensley Fold for several days after moving a barrier to prevent large vehicles from entering the site.
Roborough resident attacks Gypsy and Traveller site plans - Devon
From the Plymouth Herald
PLANS to build a Gypsy and Traveller site on the outskirts of Plymouth are dangerous and will damage businesses, claims a former councillor.
Nicky Barnes, who served on South Hams District Council and lives in Roborough Village, attacked the proposal by Plymouth City Council.
Plymouth wants to put in a 16-pitch transit Gypsy and Traveller site at Broadley Park, in Bickleigh.
The land, part of Broadley Park industrial estate, is owned by Plymouth City Council but is in the South Hams.
South Hams planning committee members decided at their meeting last Wednesday to hold a site visit before making a decision.
They will visit Broadley Park on Monday.
Ms Barnes said: "There have been a lot of objections. The site is in an area that has no transport links, no amenities and no schools. It is off the beaten track and the end of an industrial estate.
"There is a constant stream of articulated lorries going up and down the road. It is going to be dangerous.
"The South Hams economic development officer has put in an objection because it is employment land.
"Local businesses are going to be badly affected."
Plymouth City Council held public consultations on the proposals last autumn.
Cllr Chris Penberthy, the city's Cabinet member for co-operatives and community development, told The Herald at the time that unauthorised encampments were affecting more and more neighbourhoods and the council could not ignore the problems they cause.
"A transit site would mean we expect to see a reduction in the number of unauthorised encampments and we hope to ease community tension."
The new site will help to prevent unauthorised encampments, the local authority said.
PLANS to build a Gypsy and Traveller site on the outskirts of Plymouth are dangerous and will damage businesses, claims a former councillor.
Nicky Barnes, who served on South Hams District Council and lives in Roborough Village, attacked the proposal by Plymouth City Council.
Plymouth wants to put in a 16-pitch transit Gypsy and Traveller site at Broadley Park, in Bickleigh.
The land, part of Broadley Park industrial estate, is owned by Plymouth City Council but is in the South Hams.
South Hams planning committee members decided at their meeting last Wednesday to hold a site visit before making a decision.
They will visit Broadley Park on Monday.
Ms Barnes said: "There have been a lot of objections. The site is in an area that has no transport links, no amenities and no schools. It is off the beaten track and the end of an industrial estate.
"There is a constant stream of articulated lorries going up and down the road. It is going to be dangerous.
"The South Hams economic development officer has put in an objection because it is employment land.
"Local businesses are going to be badly affected."
Plymouth City Council held public consultations on the proposals last autumn.
Cllr Chris Penberthy, the city's Cabinet member for co-operatives and community development, told The Herald at the time that unauthorised encampments were affecting more and more neighbourhoods and the council could not ignore the problems they cause.
"A transit site would mean we expect to see a reduction in the number of unauthorised encampments and we hope to ease community tension."
The new site will help to prevent unauthorised encampments, the local authority said.
Gypsy gathering on Yarm Road prompts complaints from the public - Yorkshire
From the Northern Echo
POLICE say that an organised Gypsy gathering on Yarm Road passed off without major incident, despite complaints from the public.
The event centred around The Wheatsheaf pub on Monday and saw scores of Gypsies descend on the area, with some trotting their horses up and down Yarm Road.
Darlington Police were told of the gathering beforehand and officers were stationed at the pub throughout the afternoon.
No arrests were made but some members of the public have since taken to social networking sites to complain to the police about the event, with one user describing the gathering as a "disgrace".
Darlington’s neighbourhood policing team inspector Dave Barker said that officers worked with the travelling community to ensure that there was no trouble.
He added: “There were a few issues with parking, but there was no racing of horses.
“The travelling community were showing off their horses, whether they were buying and selling I don’t know, but they were showing them off.
“There was some trotting up the road; that isn’t illegal and it is their right to use the highway.
“It was my intention that we should step in if there was blatant disregard for other road users.”
Insp Barker said that officers had to intervene when “a small scuffle” broke out amongst the gypsies and that some residents and businesses had complained to councillors about the gathering.
He added: “There were no arrests made, it was pretty much a successful operation considering we had fairly short notice.
“The travelling community worked with us to make sure that the event was largely self-policed.”
POLICE say that an organised Gypsy gathering on Yarm Road passed off without major incident, despite complaints from the public.
The event centred around The Wheatsheaf pub on Monday and saw scores of Gypsies descend on the area, with some trotting their horses up and down Yarm Road.
Darlington Police were told of the gathering beforehand and officers were stationed at the pub throughout the afternoon.
No arrests were made but some members of the public have since taken to social networking sites to complain to the police about the event, with one user describing the gathering as a "disgrace".
Darlington’s neighbourhood policing team inspector Dave Barker said that officers worked with the travelling community to ensure that there was no trouble.
He added: “There were a few issues with parking, but there was no racing of horses.
“The travelling community were showing off their horses, whether they were buying and selling I don’t know, but they were showing them off.
“There was some trotting up the road; that isn’t illegal and it is their right to use the highway.
“It was my intention that we should step in if there was blatant disregard for other road users.”
Insp Barker said that officers had to intervene when “a small scuffle” broke out amongst the gypsies and that some residents and businesses had complained to councillors about the gathering.
He added: “There were no arrests made, it was pretty much a successful operation considering we had fairly short notice.
“The travelling community worked with us to make sure that the event was largely self-policed.”
Gypsy clean-up will not cost taxpayers extra, Highways Agency insists - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
WORK to clear up mud left on a busy North-East road as a result of a large-scale Gypsy gathering will not cost taxpayers extra money, highways bosses have insisted.
Hundreds of members of the travelling community descended on a farmer’s field near Darlington last week, for what was described as a four-day Christian gathering.
The amount of vehicles using the A66 Darlington bypass to enter and leave the site, combined with heavy rainfall, led to the key route becoming gridlocked last Thursday (May 23) morning.
Many motorists complained that it took them longer than normal to get to work, while one of the event’s organisers said the disruption was typical for a large event coupled with inclement weather.
Fears had been raised that any extra cost for restoring the A66 to normal would have to be picked up by taxpayers.
But a Highways Agency spokeswoman said there would be no extra costs incurred on top of funding that had already been allocated.
She said: “It would not cost the Highways Agency any additional money as the clean-up operation would be carried out by [service provider] Aone+ as part of its contract to maintain the A66.”
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said that because the gathering was a private event, held on private property, it did not need a permit to allow it to take place.
WORK to clear up mud left on a busy North-East road as a result of a large-scale Gypsy gathering will not cost taxpayers extra money, highways bosses have insisted.
Hundreds of members of the travelling community descended on a farmer’s field near Darlington last week, for what was described as a four-day Christian gathering.
The amount of vehicles using the A66 Darlington bypass to enter and leave the site, combined with heavy rainfall, led to the key route becoming gridlocked last Thursday (May 23) morning.
Many motorists complained that it took them longer than normal to get to work, while one of the event’s organisers said the disruption was typical for a large event coupled with inclement weather.
Fears had been raised that any extra cost for restoring the A66 to normal would have to be picked up by taxpayers.
But a Highways Agency spokeswoman said there would be no extra costs incurred on top of funding that had already been allocated.
She said: “It would not cost the Highways Agency any additional money as the clean-up operation would be carried out by [service provider] Aone+ as part of its contract to maintain the A66.”
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said that because the gathering was a private event, held on private property, it did not need a permit to allow it to take place.
Gypsy widow Gertrude Frankham 'died of natural causes'
From the BBC
The widow of a Gypsy rights campaigner, exhumed after her family raised concerns to police, died from natural causes, tests have revealed.
Gertrude Frankham, 75, of Walpole St Andrew, Norfolk, whose late husband Eli campaigned on behalf of the travelling community, died in December last year.
Norfolk Police said: "Early indications from a post-mortem examination show she died from natural causes."
Mrs Frankham had been buried at a cemetery in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
"The post-mortem examination, carried out on behalf of HM Coroner, took place following concerns raised by her family to Norfolk Constabulary in April 2013.
"They have been informed of the initial results," a police spokesman said
see also: The BBC - Gertrude Frankham: Police exhume Gypsy leader's widow
EDP24 - Tests on exhumed body of Gypsy rights campaigner Eli Frankham’s widow suggest natural causes
The widow of a Gypsy rights campaigner, exhumed after her family raised concerns to police, died from natural causes, tests have revealed.
Gertrude Frankham, 75, of Walpole St Andrew, Norfolk, whose late husband Eli campaigned on behalf of the travelling community, died in December last year.
Norfolk Police said: "Early indications from a post-mortem examination show she died from natural causes."
Mrs Frankham had been buried at a cemetery in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.
"The post-mortem examination, carried out on behalf of HM Coroner, took place following concerns raised by her family to Norfolk Constabulary in April 2013.
"They have been informed of the initial results," a police spokesman said
see also: The BBC - Gertrude Frankham: Police exhume Gypsy leader's widow
EDP24 - Tests on exhumed body of Gypsy rights campaigner Eli Frankham’s widow suggest natural causes
Public inquiry called for Horsham Gypsy site - Sussex
From the West Sussex Times
An appeal into a rejected Gypsy and Traveller site in Horsham will be decided by an inquiry after its proximity to a Grade II* listed building was raised on Wednesday.
Horsham District Council rejected the application on Deer Park Farm in Hampers Lane for a caravan for residential purposes, and the building of a dayroom and utility room in October 2012, a decision the applicant appealed.
More than 100 residents packed into Roffey Millenium Hall to hear the appeal, but just as it started the site’s proximity to St Leonard’s Park, which is an English Heritage Grade II* listed building, was raised.
Peter Tufnell, acting on behalf of several residents in Hampers Lane and the surrounding area, said: “This site is located within historic parkland setting of the listed building. That historic parkland is not listed itself but it is listed as a constraint on the council’s website.
“We say it’s clearly part of the existing listed building.”
He thought that the effect should have been advertised, something not done by HDC.
Matthew Green, former Liberal Democrat MP for Ludlow and well-known advocate of gypsies and Travellers, branded the move ‘not clever’.
Representing applicant George Hunt at the appeal, Mr Green railed against the decision to bring up the issue of a Grade II* listed property at this time as ‘essentially an ambush’.
He expressed his dissatisfaction that the matter had not been raised before, but Mr Tufnell said he had contacted Horsham District Council once the matter was brought to his attention.
St Leonard’s Park, listed on the English Heritage’s website as a 19th century mansion, was a nursing home before being sold and converted into high-end flats around a decade ago.
The site’s listed-building status was not considered a factor in the original application, as HDC’s representative at the appeal Mike Bleakley said it was too far away from Deer Park Farm, and therefore English Heritage were not consulted.
However his assertion that it was half a mile away was challenged by residents.
The application was originally rejected because of concerns that the site was in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At the time Godfrey Newman (LDem, Forest) raised the point that the application had taken two-and-a-half years to reach the committee.
Residents maintained the site was an important beauty spot enjoyed by dog walkers.
An appeal into a rejected Gypsy and Traveller site in Horsham will be decided by an inquiry after its proximity to a Grade II* listed building was raised on Wednesday.
Horsham District Council rejected the application on Deer Park Farm in Hampers Lane for a caravan for residential purposes, and the building of a dayroom and utility room in October 2012, a decision the applicant appealed.
More than 100 residents packed into Roffey Millenium Hall to hear the appeal, but just as it started the site’s proximity to St Leonard’s Park, which is an English Heritage Grade II* listed building, was raised.
Peter Tufnell, acting on behalf of several residents in Hampers Lane and the surrounding area, said: “This site is located within historic parkland setting of the listed building. That historic parkland is not listed itself but it is listed as a constraint on the council’s website.
“We say it’s clearly part of the existing listed building.”
He thought that the effect should have been advertised, something not done by HDC.
Matthew Green, former Liberal Democrat MP for Ludlow and well-known advocate of gypsies and Travellers, branded the move ‘not clever’.
Representing applicant George Hunt at the appeal, Mr Green railed against the decision to bring up the issue of a Grade II* listed property at this time as ‘essentially an ambush’.
He expressed his dissatisfaction that the matter had not been raised before, but Mr Tufnell said he had contacted Horsham District Council once the matter was brought to his attention.
St Leonard’s Park, listed on the English Heritage’s website as a 19th century mansion, was a nursing home before being sold and converted into high-end flats around a decade ago.
The site’s listed-building status was not considered a factor in the original application, as HDC’s representative at the appeal Mike Bleakley said it was too far away from Deer Park Farm, and therefore English Heritage were not consulted.
However his assertion that it was half a mile away was challenged by residents.
The application was originally rejected because of concerns that the site was in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At the time Godfrey Newman (LDem, Forest) raised the point that the application had taken two-and-a-half years to reach the committee.
Residents maintained the site was an important beauty spot enjoyed by dog walkers.
Hartlepool Council forced to re-arrange Gypsy site consultation meeting - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
A CONSULTATION meeting to enable people to give their views on several sites in Hartlepool as potential locations for Gypsy and Traveller pitches has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
The meeting was scheduled to take place at Hartlepool Rovers Rugby Club, West View Road on Tuesday, May 28 from 4pm to 7pm.
The rearranged public meeting will now take place at the same venue on Thursday, June 6 from 4pm to 7pm.
The consultation exercise follows the formal examination earlier this year of Hartlepool Borough Council’s proposed new Local Plan by a Government planning inspector.
The Government inspector paused his examination and asked the Council to carry out further work to find an appropriate Gypsy and Traveller site in Hartlepool for inclusion in the Plan.
For more information, contact Tom Britcliffe on 01429-523532.
see also The Hartlepool Mail -Hartlepool Gypsy site council blunder
From the Hartlepool Mail - More views sought over Hartlepool Gypsy site plans
A CONSULTATION meeting to enable people to give their views on several sites in Hartlepool as potential locations for Gypsy and Traveller pitches has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
The meeting was scheduled to take place at Hartlepool Rovers Rugby Club, West View Road on Tuesday, May 28 from 4pm to 7pm.
The rearranged public meeting will now take place at the same venue on Thursday, June 6 from 4pm to 7pm.
The consultation exercise follows the formal examination earlier this year of Hartlepool Borough Council’s proposed new Local Plan by a Government planning inspector.
The Government inspector paused his examination and asked the Council to carry out further work to find an appropriate Gypsy and Traveller site in Hartlepool for inclusion in the Plan.
For more information, contact Tom Britcliffe on 01429-523532.
see also The Hartlepool Mail -Hartlepool Gypsy site council blunder
From the Hartlepool Mail - More views sought over Hartlepool Gypsy site plans
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Month kicks off in Hackney in June - London
From the Hackney Gazette
The history, cultures and languages of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities will be explored in Hackney next month, as part of an annual awareness raising drive.
Britain’s 300,000 Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have lived, worked and travelled throughout Britain for over 500 years, yet little is known about their history and culture.
The result is a widespread ignorance about who they are, which sometimes turns to hatred, fear and misunderstanding.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month will kick-off in Hackney Central Library on Thursday June 6 at 4.30pm with a musical performance the London Gypsy Orchestra followed by Irish dancing.
Other free events throughout the month will include Magic Violin Storytime on Saturday June 29 at 2pm and Crochet Fun on Thursday June 13 at 6.30pm, both in Homerton Library.
Crystal’s Vardo, a play for 7 -12 year olds about a young Gypsy girl who runs away from home takes place at the Hackney Empire on Friday June 21.
There will be the chance to see Reduced to Silence: Roma Holocaust, showing rare film footage with survivors of, and witnesses to, the Roma Holocaust telling their untold stories on Tuesday June 25 at 6.30pm at Homerton Library.
The screening will be followed by a question and answer session with the filmmaker, Roz Mortimer, and local Roma speakers.
For a full programme see www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-whats-on.htm.
The history, cultures and languages of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities will be explored in Hackney next month, as part of an annual awareness raising drive.
Britain’s 300,000 Gypsies, Roma and Travellers have lived, worked and travelled throughout Britain for over 500 years, yet little is known about their history and culture.
The result is a widespread ignorance about who they are, which sometimes turns to hatred, fear and misunderstanding.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month will kick-off in Hackney Central Library on Thursday June 6 at 4.30pm with a musical performance the London Gypsy Orchestra followed by Irish dancing.
Other free events throughout the month will include Magic Violin Storytime on Saturday June 29 at 2pm and Crochet Fun on Thursday June 13 at 6.30pm, both in Homerton Library.
Crystal’s Vardo, a play for 7 -12 year olds about a young Gypsy girl who runs away from home takes place at the Hackney Empire on Friday June 21.
There will be the chance to see Reduced to Silence: Roma Holocaust, showing rare film footage with survivors of, and witnesses to, the Roma Holocaust telling their untold stories on Tuesday June 25 at 6.30pm at Homerton Library.
The screening will be followed by a question and answer session with the filmmaker, Roz Mortimer, and local Roma speakers.
For a full programme see www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-whats-on.htm.
House axe farmer plans Traveller site - Aberdeenshire
From the Scottish Sun
A FARMER is taking revenge on neighbours who ruined his plans for a dream home — by offering to rent the land to GYPSIES.
Bob Ritchie, 59, had his hopes of building the four-bed retirement pad on his property killed off after objections from locals.
He was so furious he has now offered it up to the council to use for a 23-caravan Travellers’ camp.
Potato exporter Mr Ritchie, of King Edward, Aberdeenshire, said: “There comes a time when you’ve had enough. I just wanted to make a nice house in the country.
“The council said they were looking for a place for Travellers. If it’s not going to be used for my house it may as well be used for something.
“If only they’d just let me build my house.”
Mr Ritchie has wanted to build the pad for a decade.
He hoped to move in with wife Dorothy before son Robert, 22, takes over the family business.
But objections over traffic, sewage and a danger to BADGERS sank the project. Mr Richie says Aberdeenshire Council approached him with the new plans. It has already received a dozen objections.
Local councillor Michael Roy said: “There is considerable ill-feeling.” The council refused to comment.
A FARMER is taking revenge on neighbours who ruined his plans for a dream home — by offering to rent the land to GYPSIES.
Bob Ritchie, 59, had his hopes of building the four-bed retirement pad on his property killed off after objections from locals.
He was so furious he has now offered it up to the council to use for a 23-caravan Travellers’ camp.
Potato exporter Mr Ritchie, of King Edward, Aberdeenshire, said: “There comes a time when you’ve had enough. I just wanted to make a nice house in the country.
“The council said they were looking for a place for Travellers. If it’s not going to be used for my house it may as well be used for something.
“If only they’d just let me build my house.”
Mr Ritchie has wanted to build the pad for a decade.
He hoped to move in with wife Dorothy before son Robert, 22, takes over the family business.
But objections over traffic, sewage and a danger to BADGERS sank the project. Mr Richie says Aberdeenshire Council approached him with the new plans. It has already received a dozen objections.
Local councillor Michael Roy said: “There is considerable ill-feeling.” The council refused to comment.
Medway councillor David Carr suspended over Travellers comments - Kent
From the BBC
A councillor has been suspended from Medway's cabinet over comments he made about Travellers in a media interview.
The Conservative group said Councillor David Carr was suspended from the community services portfolio, which includes responsibility for Travellers.
Mr Carr gave the interview to the Medway Messenger shortly after being given the community services post.
The Gypsy Council said it was looking at taking legal action against Mr Carr. Mr Carr has not yet commented.
'Proud of record'
Conservative leader Rodney Chambers said Mr Carr now appreciated that his comments were not acceptable and had been suspended pending a review.
The interview, in which the councillor is reported to have likened Travellers to freeloaders and said they moved on and left pitches like a building site, was also published by Kent Online.
"We do not support the comments Councillor Carr made in the interview," said Mr Chambers.
"We at Medway Council are very proud of its record of working closely with all our communities and we are determined that the excellent relationships we have built up over the years will continue."
Joseph Jones, co-chair of the Gypsy Council, said Mr Carr was not the right man for the community services portfolio.
see also: The Daily Mail - 'They c*** all over the place and p*** over the field': Councillor's rant about gypsies (says the new man in charge of allocating Traveller sites)
Kent Online - Ex-mayor David Carr’s Gypsy views ‘more like Nick Griffin’
The Express - Council boss quits over Gypsy rant
A councillor has been suspended from Medway's cabinet over comments he made about Travellers in a media interview.
The Conservative group said Councillor David Carr was suspended from the community services portfolio, which includes responsibility for Travellers.
Mr Carr gave the interview to the Medway Messenger shortly after being given the community services post.
The Gypsy Council said it was looking at taking legal action against Mr Carr. Mr Carr has not yet commented.
'Proud of record'
Conservative leader Rodney Chambers said Mr Carr now appreciated that his comments were not acceptable and had been suspended pending a review.
The interview, in which the councillor is reported to have likened Travellers to freeloaders and said they moved on and left pitches like a building site, was also published by Kent Online.
"We do not support the comments Councillor Carr made in the interview," said Mr Chambers.
"We at Medway Council are very proud of its record of working closely with all our communities and we are determined that the excellent relationships we have built up over the years will continue."
Joseph Jones, co-chair of the Gypsy Council, said Mr Carr was not the right man for the community services portfolio.
see also: The Daily Mail - 'They c*** all over the place and p*** over the field': Councillor's rant about gypsies (says the new man in charge of allocating Traveller sites)
Kent Online - Ex-mayor David Carr’s Gypsy views ‘more like Nick Griffin’
The Express - Council boss quits over Gypsy rant
Land earmarked for Gypsies and Travellers in Warwick district - Warwickshire
From the Courier
Around 20 sites will be identified today (Friday) as potential areas for Gypsies and Travellers to set up home.
A vast swathe of land stretching from east, west and south of Warwick to the M40 is included in the search for sites.
Land south of M40 junctions 15 and 14 is also part of the search area.
It also stretches from south of Leamington, around Whitnash, through Bishops Tachbrook to the area around M40 junction 13 and east to the boundary of Warwick District Council.
But alarm bells are ringing with people and organisations in the areas identified.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind is worried of any impact on its national dog breeding centre on Banbury Road, Bishops Tachbrook, where more than 1,300 puppies a year are bred.
Centre manager David Hurst said: “The introduction of a Gypsy and Traveller site near Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre would cause us considerable concern.
“This is because of the potential for a new population of pet dogs of unknown health and vaccination status.
“These dogs could carry diseases and therefore bring a serious risk of cross infection to our breeding stock and guide dog puppies.
“Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre represents a significant investment by the charity. The site was carefully chosen to be away from existing built up areas and other dog populations.
“The breeding of our dogs is very strictly controlled to avoid the risk of infection to our pregnant bitches and new born puppies, whose immunity and resistance to disease is low.”
While one person, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was told that Warwick District Council was trying to compulsory purchase one man’s land.”
But the council said compulsory purchase would be “an absolutely last resort” in its recent talks and future negotiations with landowners.
David Barber, the council’s development officer, said government policy requires it to find 31 pitches in the next 15 years and 25 of these must be by 2018.
A recent assessment for the council also found the need for 12 transit pitches.
Mr Barber said official pitches had to be part of its Local Plan and if not found developers may be able to build where they want.
Council figures show that in 2011 there were 26 recorded incidents of illegal camps involving around 200 caravans in the district.
It is also involved in a legal battle to force Gypsies off green belt land near Hatton, where they have lived for three years.
The possible sites were expected to be announced at 1pm today (May 24) on the council’s website www.warwickdc.gov.uk as part of public consultation before a decision by councillors.
Around 20 sites will be identified today (Friday) as potential areas for Gypsies and Travellers to set up home.
A vast swathe of land stretching from east, west and south of Warwick to the M40 is included in the search for sites.
Land south of M40 junctions 15 and 14 is also part of the search area.
It also stretches from south of Leamington, around Whitnash, through Bishops Tachbrook to the area around M40 junction 13 and east to the boundary of Warwick District Council.
But alarm bells are ringing with people and organisations in the areas identified.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind is worried of any impact on its national dog breeding centre on Banbury Road, Bishops Tachbrook, where more than 1,300 puppies a year are bred.
Centre manager David Hurst said: “The introduction of a Gypsy and Traveller site near Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre would cause us considerable concern.
“This is because of the potential for a new population of pet dogs of unknown health and vaccination status.
“These dogs could carry diseases and therefore bring a serious risk of cross infection to our breeding stock and guide dog puppies.
“Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre represents a significant investment by the charity. The site was carefully chosen to be away from existing built up areas and other dog populations.
“The breeding of our dogs is very strictly controlled to avoid the risk of infection to our pregnant bitches and new born puppies, whose immunity and resistance to disease is low.”
While one person, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was told that Warwick District Council was trying to compulsory purchase one man’s land.”
But the council said compulsory purchase would be “an absolutely last resort” in its recent talks and future negotiations with landowners.
David Barber, the council’s development officer, said government policy requires it to find 31 pitches in the next 15 years and 25 of these must be by 2018.
A recent assessment for the council also found the need for 12 transit pitches.
Mr Barber said official pitches had to be part of its Local Plan and if not found developers may be able to build where they want.
Council figures show that in 2011 there were 26 recorded incidents of illegal camps involving around 200 caravans in the district.
It is also involved in a legal battle to force Gypsies off green belt land near Hatton, where they have lived for three years.
The possible sites were expected to be announced at 1pm today (May 24) on the council’s website www.warwickdc.gov.uk as part of public consultation before a decision by councillors.
Carpenders Park Gypsy site plan in Oxhey Lane is thrown out by Three Rivers councillors - Hertfordshire
From the Watford Observer
A controversial application to create a 12-caravan Gypsy site on green belt land in Carpenders Park has been unanimously thrown out by councillors.
The application for a change of use for the Green Acres site in Oxhey Lane was rejected due to harm to the metropolitan green belt with councillors finding no very special circumstances to overrule this.
The packed public gallery at Three Rivers District Council erupted with cheers from residents, many of whom signed petitions and wrote to the council voicing their objection to the site, as the councillor’s vote was passed.
Carpenders Park ward Councillor Pam Hames said: "I was appalled at how much of the land it will take away. It is green belt and it is detrimental."
Councillors voiced their surprise that Hertfordshire County Council’s highways officers did not raise objections to the application - despite the entrance to the site leading onto a busy road.
A controversial application to create a 12-caravan Gypsy site on green belt land in Carpenders Park has been unanimously thrown out by councillors.
The application for a change of use for the Green Acres site in Oxhey Lane was rejected due to harm to the metropolitan green belt with councillors finding no very special circumstances to overrule this.
The packed public gallery at Three Rivers District Council erupted with cheers from residents, many of whom signed petitions and wrote to the council voicing their objection to the site, as the councillor’s vote was passed.
Carpenders Park ward Councillor Pam Hames said: "I was appalled at how much of the land it will take away. It is green belt and it is detrimental."
Councillors voiced their surprise that Hertfordshire County Council’s highways officers did not raise objections to the application - despite the entrance to the site leading onto a busy road.
Renewed plans for six Travellers’ pitches at former Megatron site at Alconbury - Cambridgeshire
From Hunts Post 24
RENEWED plans have been submitted for a Travellers’ site at the former Megatron land at Alconbury.
The Ermine Street plot has been empty since the former flying saucer building was demolished in 2008. An application for six gypsy/Traveller pitches was refused last year by Huntingdonshire District Council on the grounds of concerns about noise from the A1(M)/A14. The applicant – Paul Lang – has returned with revised plans drawn up with the help of sound specialists who have suggested a layout that would move the residential areas into the centre of the land and place a 1.5m-high acoustic screen around the boundaries. However, the plans will again face opposition.
Steve Thorogood, managing director of Admiral Homespace, based next door, has submitted to HDC his company’s objections. He said Admiral had originally had to fight to get planning permission to build his show centre.
“It will be interesting to see how the planning department will view the provision of a Gypsy site when records show that they historically refused permission for an award-winning business seeking to employ local people to occupy the site right next door,” he said.
RENEWED plans have been submitted for a Travellers’ site at the former Megatron land at Alconbury.
The Ermine Street plot has been empty since the former flying saucer building was demolished in 2008. An application for six gypsy/Traveller pitches was refused last year by Huntingdonshire District Council on the grounds of concerns about noise from the A1(M)/A14. The applicant – Paul Lang – has returned with revised plans drawn up with the help of sound specialists who have suggested a layout that would move the residential areas into the centre of the land and place a 1.5m-high acoustic screen around the boundaries. However, the plans will again face opposition.
Steve Thorogood, managing director of Admiral Homespace, based next door, has submitted to HDC his company’s objections. He said Admiral had originally had to fight to get planning permission to build his show centre.
“It will be interesting to see how the planning department will view the provision of a Gypsy site when records show that they historically refused permission for an award-winning business seeking to employ local people to occupy the site right next door,” he said.
'Dragging our feet' over council's Traveller sites decision - Somerset
From the Somerset Guardian
Planning officers have faced criticism that a decision on where Gypsy and Traveller sites should go in the district is taking too long.
Members of a scrutiny panel at Bath and North East Somerset Council are calling on the authority's cabinet to release a list of feasible sites and a timetable of when they plan to adopt the sites, as soon as possible.
Councillor Les Kew (Con, High Littleton) said: "We need to put a timeline on this. I find it rather strange that we seem to be dragging our feet. We're not getting the information I think we should."
The comments were made during a meeting of the Housing and Major Projects Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel where members of the Stanton Wick Action Group criticised the length of time it was taking the council to reveal a shortlist of potential sites.
Last September B&NES Council's cabinet agreed to provide a stock take on its allocation of sites for Gypsy, Travellers and showpeople.
Susan Osborne, from the action group which is fighting a scheme for a site in the village, criticised the lack of information in a report presented to the panel.
She said: "We believe the panel should not accept the recommendation to note progress but should scrutinise the members and officers and question the lamentable lack of progress in this key project."
The meeting was told by senior planning officers that work was currently being done on an assessment of a list of 29 potential sites in the district.
The council's divisional director for planning and transport David Trigwell said work was being done but the authority was not going to make public half-finished work.
He said: "It's very hard to make public something that is incomplete. This council has faced criticism on some of the information it has released and when you've had your hand in the fire you don't do it twice."
The officers said they were also waiting for information from neighbouring authorities.
Planning officers have faced criticism that a decision on where Gypsy and Traveller sites should go in the district is taking too long.
Members of a scrutiny panel at Bath and North East Somerset Council are calling on the authority's cabinet to release a list of feasible sites and a timetable of when they plan to adopt the sites, as soon as possible.
Councillor Les Kew (Con, High Littleton) said: "We need to put a timeline on this. I find it rather strange that we seem to be dragging our feet. We're not getting the information I think we should."
The comments were made during a meeting of the Housing and Major Projects Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel where members of the Stanton Wick Action Group criticised the length of time it was taking the council to reveal a shortlist of potential sites.
Last September B&NES Council's cabinet agreed to provide a stock take on its allocation of sites for Gypsy, Travellers and showpeople.
Susan Osborne, from the action group which is fighting a scheme for a site in the village, criticised the lack of information in a report presented to the panel.
She said: "We believe the panel should not accept the recommendation to note progress but should scrutinise the members and officers and question the lamentable lack of progress in this key project."
The meeting was told by senior planning officers that work was currently being done on an assessment of a list of 29 potential sites in the district.
The council's divisional director for planning and transport David Trigwell said work was being done but the authority was not going to make public half-finished work.
He said: "It's very hard to make public something that is incomplete. This council has faced criticism on some of the information it has released and when you've had your hand in the fire you don't do it twice."
The officers said they were also waiting for information from neighbouring authorities.
Gypsy speaks out following A66 mud chaos in Darlington - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
A GYPSY pastor has responded to complaints after a busy section of the A66 was closed this morning (Thursday, May 23) to rush-hour traffic because of mud on the road.
Debris left by vehicles visiting the huge Christian gathering combined with wet weather meant the section of the A66 Darlington bypass was closed from 12.30am until shortly after 1pm this afternoon.
The Light and Life Mission - involving hundreds of Gypsy families - set up camp in an adjacent field on Monday for a four day gospel meeting.
Drivers had to be diverted and faced severe delays when the A66, between the Great Burdon roundabout and Lingfield Point roundabout, until Highways Agency stay could clear away the debris.
One driver, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s plainly ridiculous that the police had to close off this stretch of the A66 to clear up after what was a private event.
“The land owner and whoever organised this gathering should be charged the costs of the clean-up.
“Questions should also be asked about whether the highways authorities were properly consulted about the amount of traffic that would attend.
“It was dangerous at times with cars parked on both sides of the carriageway and pedestrians dodging between traffic.”
Alex, a Gypsy pastor and member of event organisers the Light and Life Mission, responded to complaints.
“You don’t see this kind of reaction when there has to be a clean up after a bonfire at South Park or after The Hoppings or festivals like Glastonbury," he said.
“This mud was not caused by Gypsies, it is just what happens with a large event and bad weather. It is part of life, we do not live in a perfect world.
“The police have been very complimentary towards us and said they are thankful for our efforts in managing traffic ourselves.
“We have been working with the police and the Highways Agency and doing everything we can and everything has been fantastic. It has been a very successful event with no incidents.
“Mud will come and go but there are dedicated people here helping others to learn Christian ways and if the rest of the world did the same it would be a better place.”
A GYPSY pastor has responded to complaints after a busy section of the A66 was closed this morning (Thursday, May 23) to rush-hour traffic because of mud on the road.
Debris left by vehicles visiting the huge Christian gathering combined with wet weather meant the section of the A66 Darlington bypass was closed from 12.30am until shortly after 1pm this afternoon.
The Light and Life Mission - involving hundreds of Gypsy families - set up camp in an adjacent field on Monday for a four day gospel meeting.
Drivers had to be diverted and faced severe delays when the A66, between the Great Burdon roundabout and Lingfield Point roundabout, until Highways Agency stay could clear away the debris.
One driver, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s plainly ridiculous that the police had to close off this stretch of the A66 to clear up after what was a private event.
“The land owner and whoever organised this gathering should be charged the costs of the clean-up.
“Questions should also be asked about whether the highways authorities were properly consulted about the amount of traffic that would attend.
“It was dangerous at times with cars parked on both sides of the carriageway and pedestrians dodging between traffic.”
Alex, a Gypsy pastor and member of event organisers the Light and Life Mission, responded to complaints.
“You don’t see this kind of reaction when there has to be a clean up after a bonfire at South Park or after The Hoppings or festivals like Glastonbury," he said.
“This mud was not caused by Gypsies, it is just what happens with a large event and bad weather. It is part of life, we do not live in a perfect world.
“The police have been very complimentary towards us and said they are thankful for our efforts in managing traffic ourselves.
“We have been working with the police and the Highways Agency and doing everything we can and everything has been fantastic. It has been a very successful event with no incidents.
“Mud will come and go but there are dedicated people here helping others to learn Christian ways and if the rest of the world did the same it would be a better place.”
Five-year vision aims to bring better life for Traveller groups - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Post
THE first ever strategy is being drawn up to tackle major inequalities faced by Travellers in York in a bid to improve life expectancy and literacy while also providing more land for them to live on in the city.
York Council has pledged to address a range of challenges affecting the Traveller community through a five-year vision which is aimed at improving healthcare, living conditions and employment opportunities.
It is estimated there are about 350 Traveller households living in the city, and senior councillors on the council’s cabinet will consider plans for the York Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Strategy when they meet on June 4.
York Council’s cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, said: “This is the first multi-agency gypsy and Traveller strategy for the city of York and, should it be adopted, marks a significant opportunity for collaboration to improve community cohesion and engagement and improve the lifelong outcomes and opportunities of this distinct community.”
The strategy is aimed at boosting education and raising awareness of the culture and traditions of Travellers through training and communications to front-line service providers, councillors and other key stakeholders.
The proposals also include plans to increase the availability of land for Travellers to develop and improve the condition of the city’s three existing sites.
National research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in 2009 revealed that the life expectancy of both men and women living in Traveller communities is 10 years lower than the national average.
The study also found Traveller mothers are 20 times more likely than the rest of the population to have experienced the death of a child.
In 2003, less than a quarter of Traveller children obtained five GCSEs with A* and C grades, compared to a national average of over half.
see also: The Press - York councillors put focus on Traveller communities
THE first ever strategy is being drawn up to tackle major inequalities faced by Travellers in York in a bid to improve life expectancy and literacy while also providing more land for them to live on in the city.
York Council has pledged to address a range of challenges affecting the Traveller community through a five-year vision which is aimed at improving healthcare, living conditions and employment opportunities.
It is estimated there are about 350 Traveller households living in the city, and senior councillors on the council’s cabinet will consider plans for the York Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Strategy when they meet on June 4.
York Council’s cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, said: “This is the first multi-agency gypsy and Traveller strategy for the city of York and, should it be adopted, marks a significant opportunity for collaboration to improve community cohesion and engagement and improve the lifelong outcomes and opportunities of this distinct community.”
The strategy is aimed at boosting education and raising awareness of the culture and traditions of Travellers through training and communications to front-line service providers, councillors and other key stakeholders.
The proposals also include plans to increase the availability of land for Travellers to develop and improve the condition of the city’s three existing sites.
National research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission in 2009 revealed that the life expectancy of both men and women living in Traveller communities is 10 years lower than the national average.
The study also found Traveller mothers are 20 times more likely than the rest of the population to have experienced the death of a child.
In 2003, less than a quarter of Traveller children obtained five GCSEs with A* and C grades, compared to a national average of over half.
see also: The Press - York councillors put focus on Traveller communities
Families could stay at Gypsy site in Langham despite objections - Rutland
From the Rutland and Stamford Mercury
Two Gypsy families could be given permission to reside at a permanent site in Langham despite objections from some villagers.
The Lee and Price families applied to Rutland County Council for permanent occupation of the land on which they currently live at The Paddocks in Oakham Road.
Planning officers have recommended their application should be approved by councillors at a development control and licensing committee meeting on Tuesday.
The Romany families have eight caravans on four pitches on the site, which they moved into in 2008. They were given temporary permission for the site for five years.
In 2011, the families applied for permanent permission but instead the temporary permission was extended until December 2014.
Their latest application, which was submitted in March this year, was met with strong objections from a group of villagers.
The group submitted plans for a travellers site on the sports field at the former Ashwell Prison site in the hope that the families could move there.
They believed it was a more suitable environment for the Gypsies because it is on brownfield land owned by the council.
Some villagers wrote to the council in support of the Gypsy site.
A decision will be taken at Tuesday’s meeting at the council offices in Catmose. Approval is recommended subject to conditions that the site must be used by the two families only; there should only be four pitches; no commercial activities should take place on the land; and that hedge and tree planting around the site should be maintained at a height of no less than three metres.
To see the application in full, visit the council’s website at rutland.gov.uk
see also: The Rutland Times - Gypsy families given permission to stay at site in Langham
Two Gypsy families could be given permission to reside at a permanent site in Langham despite objections from some villagers.
The Lee and Price families applied to Rutland County Council for permanent occupation of the land on which they currently live at The Paddocks in Oakham Road.
Planning officers have recommended their application should be approved by councillors at a development control and licensing committee meeting on Tuesday.
The Romany families have eight caravans on four pitches on the site, which they moved into in 2008. They were given temporary permission for the site for five years.
In 2011, the families applied for permanent permission but instead the temporary permission was extended until December 2014.
Their latest application, which was submitted in March this year, was met with strong objections from a group of villagers.
The group submitted plans for a travellers site on the sports field at the former Ashwell Prison site in the hope that the families could move there.
They believed it was a more suitable environment for the Gypsies because it is on brownfield land owned by the council.
Some villagers wrote to the council in support of the Gypsy site.
A decision will be taken at Tuesday’s meeting at the council offices in Catmose. Approval is recommended subject to conditions that the site must be used by the two families only; there should only be four pitches; no commercial activities should take place on the land; and that hedge and tree planting around the site should be maintained at a height of no less than three metres.
To see the application in full, visit the council’s website at rutland.gov.uk
see also: The Rutland Times - Gypsy families given permission to stay at site in Langham
Cumbrian council searching for sites for Gypsies and Travellers - Cumbria
From the News and Star
Potential sites are being sought across the Eden area that could be used for as homes by Gypsies and Travellers.
The hunt for the sites has been launched after the county was given more than £1m last year to pay for new caravan pitches for travelling families. The £1.4 million was awarded to help pay for pitches for 40 Traveller families.
The money was part of a £47million package of funding for local authorities and Cumbria’s bid was one of the biggest in scale across the country.
Janet Smith, from not-for-profit company Home Space Accommodation which is overseeing the search nationally, said the money could pay for around eight new Traveller sites in Cumbria, each with up to five pitches.
She said research by Suffolk University identified a need in Cumbria for a further 89 Traveller pitches.
Eden Council chief executive Robin Hooper said the land could be used either as a permanent home or a transit site for those travelling through the area, such as Travellers flocking to the Appleby horse fair.
He said a recent consultation exercise had identified Mile End, on the edge of Penrith, as a potential location.
“However, this site is not being pursued at present,” he added. “If the public wish to suggest other land that could be suitable for a gyspy and Traveller site, we are interested to hear from them and would welcome any expressions of interest.”
The council has commissioned a study into the need for the different types of Gypsy and Traveller sites and the results are expected to be finalised in the next few weeks.
Members of the public wishing to suggest areas of land that could be use on a permanent or temporary basis can should contact Eden District Council’s Planning Policy Team telephone: 01768 817817 or email: loc.plan@eden.gov.uk
Potential sites are being sought across the Eden area that could be used for as homes by Gypsies and Travellers.
The hunt for the sites has been launched after the county was given more than £1m last year to pay for new caravan pitches for travelling families. The £1.4 million was awarded to help pay for pitches for 40 Traveller families.
The money was part of a £47million package of funding for local authorities and Cumbria’s bid was one of the biggest in scale across the country.
Janet Smith, from not-for-profit company Home Space Accommodation which is overseeing the search nationally, said the money could pay for around eight new Traveller sites in Cumbria, each with up to five pitches.
She said research by Suffolk University identified a need in Cumbria for a further 89 Traveller pitches.
Eden Council chief executive Robin Hooper said the land could be used either as a permanent home or a transit site for those travelling through the area, such as Travellers flocking to the Appleby horse fair.
He said a recent consultation exercise had identified Mile End, on the edge of Penrith, as a potential location.
“However, this site is not being pursued at present,” he added. “If the public wish to suggest other land that could be suitable for a gyspy and Traveller site, we are interested to hear from them and would welcome any expressions of interest.”
The council has commissioned a study into the need for the different types of Gypsy and Traveller sites and the results are expected to be finalised in the next few weeks.
Members of the public wishing to suggest areas of land that could be use on a permanent or temporary basis can should contact Eden District Council’s Planning Policy Team telephone: 01768 817817 or email: loc.plan@eden.gov.uk
Gypsy pitches approved for Ash railway site - Surrey
From Get Surrey
A NEW Gypsy site next to a railway line in Ash has been given approval.
Permission has been granted for a field next to Guildford Road to be used for four pitches, each with enough space for a day room, a touring caravan and a mobile home.
More than 130 letters of objection had been sent to Guildford Borough Council over the proposals. Concerns were raised by Ash Parish Council, Ash Residents' Association, Network Rail and South West Trains, but there was also a petition of support with 129 signatures.
A decision on the application had been previously postponed to allow time for planning committee members to visit the site due to concerns with its proximity with the railway line and flooding.
To mitigate against the noise created by trains, a condition was suggested to erect an acoustic fence along the boundary with the railway line, which must be built before any of the mobile homes are lived in.
Planning officer Tara Taylor recognised that the pitches would result in some harm to the openness of the countryside, but the project was recommended to be approved based on the unmet need for Gypsy sites within the borough.
At the planning committee meeting on Tuesday (May 21), council leader Stephen Mansbridge attempted to convince his fellow committee members to go against the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the site.
Cllr Mansbridge said the site would have a profound impact on the openness of the adjacent area and he also raised safety concerns.
“Whilst I accept the acoustic barrier will be a condition, I assert this is not a healthy environment in which to live,” Cllr Mansbridge said.
“We need to respect the Traveller community and a find better place for them to live than this.”
A majority of the committee went against his motion to refuse the application, and decided to approve the site.
Councillor Liz Hogger said: “I have looked at arguments of flooding and drainage. The Environment Agency have no problems. Our own engineers are saying there is no problem.
“I do not think we have any ground whatsoever on refusal on either of those concerns.
“The fact is for years this council has been in need for finding places for Gypsy and Traveller sites, and we have not been able to do so.
“When an application like this comes across from a private applicant, we have to look very carefully to see if it can help us meet the needs for Gypsy and Travellers in the area. I believe it does.
“I welcome the idea of the acoustic fence and having that overcomes new concerns about the noise of the trains and impact of the amenity of people living in the mobile homes.”
Following the meeting, the applicant, Alan Bath, who will be living on the site with his family, said he was "over the moon" with the result.
“The Travellers have been around in Ash for the last 200 years,” he said. “We are the locals. My dad, his dad, his dad’s dad all lived around Ash.
“This is going to be a site which the Ash residents and other people that travel past can look and think what a nice, clean and tidy and well landscaped and well looked-after site.”
A NEW Gypsy site next to a railway line in Ash has been given approval.
Permission has been granted for a field next to Guildford Road to be used for four pitches, each with enough space for a day room, a touring caravan and a mobile home.
More than 130 letters of objection had been sent to Guildford Borough Council over the proposals. Concerns were raised by Ash Parish Council, Ash Residents' Association, Network Rail and South West Trains, but there was also a petition of support with 129 signatures.
A decision on the application had been previously postponed to allow time for planning committee members to visit the site due to concerns with its proximity with the railway line and flooding.
To mitigate against the noise created by trains, a condition was suggested to erect an acoustic fence along the boundary with the railway line, which must be built before any of the mobile homes are lived in.
Planning officer Tara Taylor recognised that the pitches would result in some harm to the openness of the countryside, but the project was recommended to be approved based on the unmet need for Gypsy sites within the borough.
At the planning committee meeting on Tuesday (May 21), council leader Stephen Mansbridge attempted to convince his fellow committee members to go against the planning officer’s recommendation to approve the site.
Cllr Mansbridge said the site would have a profound impact on the openness of the adjacent area and he also raised safety concerns.
“Whilst I accept the acoustic barrier will be a condition, I assert this is not a healthy environment in which to live,” Cllr Mansbridge said.
“We need to respect the Traveller community and a find better place for them to live than this.”
A majority of the committee went against his motion to refuse the application, and decided to approve the site.
Councillor Liz Hogger said: “I have looked at arguments of flooding and drainage. The Environment Agency have no problems. Our own engineers are saying there is no problem.
“I do not think we have any ground whatsoever on refusal on either of those concerns.
“The fact is for years this council has been in need for finding places for Gypsy and Traveller sites, and we have not been able to do so.
“When an application like this comes across from a private applicant, we have to look very carefully to see if it can help us meet the needs for Gypsy and Travellers in the area. I believe it does.
“I welcome the idea of the acoustic fence and having that overcomes new concerns about the noise of the trains and impact of the amenity of people living in the mobile homes.”
Following the meeting, the applicant, Alan Bath, who will be living on the site with his family, said he was "over the moon" with the result.
“The Travellers have been around in Ash for the last 200 years,” he said. “We are the locals. My dad, his dad, his dad’s dad all lived around Ash.
“This is going to be a site which the Ash residents and other people that travel past can look and think what a nice, clean and tidy and well landscaped and well looked-after site.”
Bollards fail to stop Travellers on Goldington Green - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
COUNCIL installed bollards to prevent Gypsies and Travellers have proved ineffective after a family set up camp on Goldington Green last weekend.
Bedford Borough Council put in bollards around the green years ago following a spate of illegal encampments, one of which was collapsable but locked with a key, and that same post was torn out by Travellers, giving them access to the field.
A spokesman for the Borough Council said: “Bollards were installed around Goldington Green in 2011 in order to deter unauthorised vehicular access and Gypsy and Traveller encampments. Bollards were chosen as the most sympathetic way of protecting the open space without damaging the views of the Green.
“It is necessary to allow access for grounds maintenance and emergency services and therefore one of the bollards can be unlocked and collapsed. The locking mechanism of this bollard was smashed and the bollard was ripped out of the ground. The bollard has now been replaced, strengthened and locked. Unfortunately, if persons are willing to cause criminal damage then nothing is fully secure.
“Bedford Borough Council immediately took action to clear the unauthorised encampment and an eviction took place by police on Wednesday morning.
“The bollards establish that the green is a protected area which gives greater weight to the case for moving any unauthorised vehicle or encampment of the site.
“Council staff have since removed several bags of rubbish and further litter from the area as well as removing a substantial amount of human excrement from hedgerows.”
COUNCIL installed bollards to prevent Gypsies and Travellers have proved ineffective after a family set up camp on Goldington Green last weekend.
Bedford Borough Council put in bollards around the green years ago following a spate of illegal encampments, one of which was collapsable but locked with a key, and that same post was torn out by Travellers, giving them access to the field.
A spokesman for the Borough Council said: “Bollards were installed around Goldington Green in 2011 in order to deter unauthorised vehicular access and Gypsy and Traveller encampments. Bollards were chosen as the most sympathetic way of protecting the open space without damaging the views of the Green.
“It is necessary to allow access for grounds maintenance and emergency services and therefore one of the bollards can be unlocked and collapsed. The locking mechanism of this bollard was smashed and the bollard was ripped out of the ground. The bollard has now been replaced, strengthened and locked. Unfortunately, if persons are willing to cause criminal damage then nothing is fully secure.
“Bedford Borough Council immediately took action to clear the unauthorised encampment and an eviction took place by police on Wednesday morning.
“The bollards establish that the green is a protected area which gives greater weight to the case for moving any unauthorised vehicle or encampment of the site.
“Council staff have since removed several bags of rubbish and further litter from the area as well as removing a substantial amount of human excrement from hedgerows.”
Wednesday 22 May 2013
More consultation on Newport Gypsy and Traveller site
From the South Wales Argus
NEWPORT council is carrying out yet more consultation on the Gypsy and Traveller site issue in the city - weeks before councillors are due to vote on them.
A spokeswoman for the authority confirmed that further work is to take place on a list of three sites proposed by a team of councillors, this time with the Gypsy and Traveller community itself.
Views had been sought from the community during the previous process, which had elicited thousands of responses from the general public.
It follows disquiet at a Labour cabinet meeting last week from some senior councillors over the potential loss that could be incurred if the proposal for a residential site at Hartridge Farm Road came to fruition.
It was hoped the site could be sold, potentially for £5 million, to fund the building of Llanwern High School.
Councillors are meeting on June 4 to consider the site list to include them as part of its local development plan (LDP).
It has also emerged that in private session the Newport cabinet last week asked for councillors be issued more “more detailed information” on legal and human rights implications, and potential costs involved with the provision of the recommended sites, to councillors ahead of that meeting.
An authority spokeswoman says the council has already sought the views of the community throughout the previous process, conducted by a council scrutiny committee.
However she said the city's cabinet has requested “there is further consultation with families prior to council considering the recommendations and in light of short-listed sites being identified."
Councillor Matthew Evans, Tory opposition leader, said he found the move “quite bizarre” and asked whether the move is a “Get Out Of Jail Free card” for the cabinet.
“If you are going to go out to further consultation it shouldn't just be with the Gypsy and Traveller community,” Cllr Evans said.
But the accusation was denied by Labour Cllr Paul Cockeram, cabinet member for Social Care and Wellbeing, who said the cabinet just wants to “make sure it’s the right decision”.
“There's lots of implications here. It's not a get out,” he told the Argus.
Emma Corten, Labour backbench councillor for Ringland whose ward includes Hartridge Farm Road, said she is a “little surprised” that further consultation is still being sought at this stage, as she thought the opinions of all parties would have been explored before sites were short-listed.
“At a ward meeting one of the Traveller families, who the residential site is proposed to house, stated that they weren't comfortable with being located at the Hartridge Farm Road site due to its openness - I hope their views will be taken fully into account,” she said.
The scrutiny committee shortlisted sites were Hartridge Farm Road, the former Ringland Allotments as a back-up residential site and land at Celtic Way at Marshfield as a transit site.
NEWPORT council is carrying out yet more consultation on the Gypsy and Traveller site issue in the city - weeks before councillors are due to vote on them.
A spokeswoman for the authority confirmed that further work is to take place on a list of three sites proposed by a team of councillors, this time with the Gypsy and Traveller community itself.
Views had been sought from the community during the previous process, which had elicited thousands of responses from the general public.
It follows disquiet at a Labour cabinet meeting last week from some senior councillors over the potential loss that could be incurred if the proposal for a residential site at Hartridge Farm Road came to fruition.
It was hoped the site could be sold, potentially for £5 million, to fund the building of Llanwern High School.
Councillors are meeting on June 4 to consider the site list to include them as part of its local development plan (LDP).
It has also emerged that in private session the Newport cabinet last week asked for councillors be issued more “more detailed information” on legal and human rights implications, and potential costs involved with the provision of the recommended sites, to councillors ahead of that meeting.
An authority spokeswoman says the council has already sought the views of the community throughout the previous process, conducted by a council scrutiny committee.
However she said the city's cabinet has requested “there is further consultation with families prior to council considering the recommendations and in light of short-listed sites being identified."
Councillor Matthew Evans, Tory opposition leader, said he found the move “quite bizarre” and asked whether the move is a “Get Out Of Jail Free card” for the cabinet.
“If you are going to go out to further consultation it shouldn't just be with the Gypsy and Traveller community,” Cllr Evans said.
But the accusation was denied by Labour Cllr Paul Cockeram, cabinet member for Social Care and Wellbeing, who said the cabinet just wants to “make sure it’s the right decision”.
“There's lots of implications here. It's not a get out,” he told the Argus.
Emma Corten, Labour backbench councillor for Ringland whose ward includes Hartridge Farm Road, said she is a “little surprised” that further consultation is still being sought at this stage, as she thought the opinions of all parties would have been explored before sites were short-listed.
“At a ward meeting one of the Traveller families, who the residential site is proposed to house, stated that they weren't comfortable with being located at the Hartridge Farm Road site due to its openness - I hope their views will be taken fully into account,” she said.
The scrutiny committee shortlisted sites were Hartridge Farm Road, the former Ringland Allotments as a back-up residential site and land at Celtic Way at Marshfield as a transit site.
Flackwell Heath Gypsy site appeal inquiry begins - Buckinghamshire
From the Bucks Free Press
AN INQUIRY into a controversial Gypsy site in Flackwell Heath began this week to decide whether Wycombe District Council’s decision to refuse the application should be upheld.
Plans last year for the stationing of two mobile homes, two touring caravans and the erection of a utility/day room at the site of an old plant nursery on Heath End Road were rejected last year.
Applicant Gerard O’Connor decided to appeal the council’s decision and has since made another application to address the issues raised in the original plans.
The protection of trees at the site was a major objection when the first application was thrown out, and though the revised plans satisfied these concerns, the second proposal was also rejected by councillors in February.
However, these revisions will be taken into consideration during the appeal.
Flackwell Heath villagers vehemently oppose the Gypsy site, and set up the Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) group last year to fight the plans to build on the Green Belt land.
The inquiry will also consider whether to allow an application from Patrick Murphy, related by marriage to the O’Connors, for a site in Walters Ash where the family currently reside.
Solicitor Alan Masters, acting for Mr Murphy, said there was a fundamental need for the families to be granted accommodation, and that permission for either site would be acceptable to them.
Mr Masters cited educational requirements as a major concern for the O’Connors, and claimed the Murphys’ health needs should be taken into consideration since Patrick Murphy Jnr suffers from Cerebral Palsy.
He said: "In this case, material considerations of the case should outweigh the restrictions, and these special circumstances should be taken into account to grant permission."
Robin Green, acting for WDC, stated that although a shortfall of Gypsy and traveller sites had been identified, the special circumstances in this case were not strong enough to warrant permission.
Instead, he argued the council’s refusal should be upheld on the grounds of inappropriate building on the Green Belt, and in the case of the Walters Ash site, on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Clive Hughes, nominated by the Secretary of State to hear the case, said it was "not a beauty contest" between the two sites in terms of deciding which, if any, should be approved.
He maintained both applications can be refused, or both accepted, depending on whether he felt the special circumstances of the Gypsy families outweighed the planning restrictions for the land.
The inquiry is set to finish early next week, with a site visit due to be undertaken before any decision is reached.
AN INQUIRY into a controversial Gypsy site in Flackwell Heath began this week to decide whether Wycombe District Council’s decision to refuse the application should be upheld.
Plans last year for the stationing of two mobile homes, two touring caravans and the erection of a utility/day room at the site of an old plant nursery on Heath End Road were rejected last year.
Applicant Gerard O’Connor decided to appeal the council’s decision and has since made another application to address the issues raised in the original plans.
The protection of trees at the site was a major objection when the first application was thrown out, and though the revised plans satisfied these concerns, the second proposal was also rejected by councillors in February.
However, these revisions will be taken into consideration during the appeal.
Flackwell Heath villagers vehemently oppose the Gypsy site, and set up the Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) group last year to fight the plans to build on the Green Belt land.
The inquiry will also consider whether to allow an application from Patrick Murphy, related by marriage to the O’Connors, for a site in Walters Ash where the family currently reside.
Solicitor Alan Masters, acting for Mr Murphy, said there was a fundamental need for the families to be granted accommodation, and that permission for either site would be acceptable to them.
Mr Masters cited educational requirements as a major concern for the O’Connors, and claimed the Murphys’ health needs should be taken into consideration since Patrick Murphy Jnr suffers from Cerebral Palsy.
He said: "In this case, material considerations of the case should outweigh the restrictions, and these special circumstances should be taken into account to grant permission."
Robin Green, acting for WDC, stated that although a shortfall of Gypsy and traveller sites had been identified, the special circumstances in this case were not strong enough to warrant permission.
Instead, he argued the council’s refusal should be upheld on the grounds of inappropriate building on the Green Belt, and in the case of the Walters Ash site, on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Clive Hughes, nominated by the Secretary of State to hear the case, said it was "not a beauty contest" between the two sites in terms of deciding which, if any, should be approved.
He maintained both applications can be refused, or both accepted, depending on whether he felt the special circumstances of the Gypsy families outweighed the planning restrictions for the land.
The inquiry is set to finish early next week, with a site visit due to be undertaken before any decision is reached.
Darlington Gypsy gathering close to A66 progressing without major problems - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
A LARGE Gypsy gathering in Darlington is progressing without major problems, police confirmed today.
Hundreds of caravans arrived in the town yesterday for a gospel-themed meeting, set to last four days.
A large marquee set up on a field close to the A66 is currently playing host to a number of speakers who are on site to preach the word of the gospel to members of the travelling community.
Inspector Kevin McCarthy of Darlington Police said that the event, organised by the worldwide Light and Life Mission, was not causing concern but was being monitored.
He said: “We have had traffic officers on the scene to make sure everything is safe and to monitor safety. There have been a few problems with vehicles turning right out of the field across traffic.
“It has not caused any danger but it potentially could, so we have spoken to the manager of the field about it and we have also asked people to move their cars from the hard shoulder.”
He added: “As with any large event, we are there to check and make sure everything is safe.”
A LARGE Gypsy gathering in Darlington is progressing without major problems, police confirmed today.
Hundreds of caravans arrived in the town yesterday for a gospel-themed meeting, set to last four days.
A large marquee set up on a field close to the A66 is currently playing host to a number of speakers who are on site to preach the word of the gospel to members of the travelling community.
Inspector Kevin McCarthy of Darlington Police said that the event, organised by the worldwide Light and Life Mission, was not causing concern but was being monitored.
He said: “We have had traffic officers on the scene to make sure everything is safe and to monitor safety. There have been a few problems with vehicles turning right out of the field across traffic.
“It has not caused any danger but it potentially could, so we have spoken to the manager of the field about it and we have also asked people to move their cars from the hard shoulder.”
He added: “As with any large event, we are there to check and make sure everything is safe.”
Eviction bid gets under way - Bedfordshire
From Luton Today
Eviction procedures have started against Travellers who pitched up in Leagrave last week.
But Luton Borough Council says health checks must first be completed before the caravans can be moved on from the car park in Bramingham Road.
Eviction procedures have started against Travellers who pitched up in Leagrave last week.
But Luton Borough Council says health checks must first be completed before the caravans can be moved on from the car park in Bramingham Road.
Travellers move further into Plymouth hotel site - Devon
From the Plymouth Herald
More Travellers arrived at Future Inn hotel in Derriford yesterday, but the group already there moved further into the site.
A gated area behind the hotel has now been occupied, but the road in front of the hotel is strewn with rubbish - including a washing machine, gas canisters, children's toys and bags of waste.
The hotel has complained the camp is costing them business, as people cancel their trips and say they will not come back.
Plymouth City Council has inspected and provided toilets.
More Travellers arrived at Future Inn hotel in Derriford yesterday, but the group already there moved further into the site.
A gated area behind the hotel has now been occupied, but the road in front of the hotel is strewn with rubbish - including a washing machine, gas canisters, children's toys and bags of waste.
The hotel has complained the camp is costing them business, as people cancel their trips and say they will not come back.
Plymouth City Council has inspected and provided toilets.
Hunt for land for Travellers in Eden - Cumbria
From the Westmorland Gazette
EDEN District Council is seeking to identify land that can be used as sites for Gypsies and Travellers either on a permanent or temporary basis.
Members of the public wishing to suggest areas of land should contact the council’s planning policy team on: 01768 817817 or send an email to loc.plan@eden.gov.uk
EDEN District Council is seeking to identify land that can be used as sites for Gypsies and Travellers either on a permanent or temporary basis.
Members of the public wishing to suggest areas of land should contact the council’s planning policy team on: 01768 817817 or send an email to loc.plan@eden.gov.uk
Newborough residents cheered by MP’s vow to fight on - Cambridgeshire
From the Peterborough Telegraph
Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson pledged to villagers in Newborough that he will not give up the fight to stop controversial plans it is feared will bring an eco-energy park and a Travellers’ site to the area.
Scores of people attended the event organised by members of the Newborough Landscape Protection Group (NLPG) at Newborough Village Hall on Friday evening (17 May) to focus views on Peterborough City Council’s plans to build a renewable energy park near Newborough, as well as rumoured proposals for a Travellers site in the same area.
A public consultation is being held over three options for solar and wind farms at Newborough Farm, America Farm and Morris Fen, with the options set to go before the council’s planning committee soon.
Meanwhile, a cross-party group of city councillors is considering the location options for temporary site where Travellers would be able to camp legally for up to a month before they move on elsewhere.
Mr Jackson said: “It was a good meeting and I felt a real buzz about the place.
“The purpose was for me to continue to gauge opinion from residents about these ideas and to let them know that I will carry on fighting.”
He added: “There are many reasons why I’m opposed to the energy park, chiefly that it will not be financially viable.
“In terms of proposals for a Travellers’ site, it’s the secrecy over it which worries me.
“Residents at the meeting said they would prefer a public consultation so they could air their views properly.”
Councillor David Harrington, who spoke at the meeting: “It was a very productive evening and gave the public a chance to get up to date with the matters.
“Again widespread concern was aired about the devastating effects the energy park would have on the local landscape and people.
“With regards to a proposed Traveller site there was also concern from people who live in the village about whether this will happen here.
“It was also beneficial to have Mr Jackson turn up and speak to his constituents about where he stands on these issues. He was very critical of the energy park and I think a lot of people were heartened by this.”
Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson pledged to villagers in Newborough that he will not give up the fight to stop controversial plans it is feared will bring an eco-energy park and a Travellers’ site to the area.
Scores of people attended the event organised by members of the Newborough Landscape Protection Group (NLPG) at Newborough Village Hall on Friday evening (17 May) to focus views on Peterborough City Council’s plans to build a renewable energy park near Newborough, as well as rumoured proposals for a Travellers site in the same area.
A public consultation is being held over three options for solar and wind farms at Newborough Farm, America Farm and Morris Fen, with the options set to go before the council’s planning committee soon.
Meanwhile, a cross-party group of city councillors is considering the location options for temporary site where Travellers would be able to camp legally for up to a month before they move on elsewhere.
Mr Jackson said: “It was a good meeting and I felt a real buzz about the place.
“The purpose was for me to continue to gauge opinion from residents about these ideas and to let them know that I will carry on fighting.”
He added: “There are many reasons why I’m opposed to the energy park, chiefly that it will not be financially viable.
“In terms of proposals for a Travellers’ site, it’s the secrecy over it which worries me.
“Residents at the meeting said they would prefer a public consultation so they could air their views properly.”
Councillor David Harrington, who spoke at the meeting: “It was a very productive evening and gave the public a chance to get up to date with the matters.
“Again widespread concern was aired about the devastating effects the energy park would have on the local landscape and people.
“With regards to a proposed Traveller site there was also concern from people who live in the village about whether this will happen here.
“It was also beneficial to have Mr Jackson turn up and speak to his constituents about where he stands on these issues. He was very critical of the energy park and I think a lot of people were heartened by this.”
Travellers' site at Stokesley set for refusal as residents raise concerns - Yorkshire
From the Gazette Live
Proposals for a one-family Gypsy site in Stokesley look set to be rejected amid concerns from residents.
Hambleton Council has received a planning application for the change of use of a field on Thirsk Road to a site for a Gypsy family.
This would include the siting of a residential caravan, construction of dog kennels, a tree house and sheds as well as a stable block.
The authority has received more than 30 letters of objection - including criticism that the development, which has already commenced, has “gone unhindered for many months”.
Planning officials have now recommended councillors refuse planning permission at a meeting tomorrow.
This is on the grounds that the area is at a high risk of flooding and the “intrusive features” of parts of the development.
Stokesley Parish Council also objects to the application on the grounds there is no “robust” flood risk assessment.
It also said the riverbanks and hedges are not high enough to screen the proposed stable block.
Parish councillors added they support residents’ objections.
The 0.9 acre site has an existing entrance which is jointly used by the Environment Agency to access and service an existing screen within the stream running through the site.
In the planning application, the applicant, Jonathan Stephenson, said: “The stable block will be positioned behind the flood defence embankment and behind the existing boundary hedge to minimise the impact on the landscape.”
He adds that the residential area is also screened by an existing dense hedge with a timber fence adjacent to the caravan.
But “if on inspection it is felt that additional landscaping is required to further screen the caravan then this would be provided to a mutually agreed scheme”.
Mr Stephenson concludes: “We believe that the site being close to the service centre of Stokesley and being well screened and having a small paddock area is ideal for use as a site for one Gypsy family.”
Hambleton Council said only a few neighbours were notified of the application by letter because of the “relatively isolated nature of the site”.
But it added that the observations they had received indicate “wide public knowledge of the application”.
Among locals’ concerns are that more sites could be allowed if the application is approved.
Objectors are say sufficient sites are available nearby.
One neutral comment has also been received by the council on the grounds that the site is for one family only.
Proposals for a one-family Gypsy site in Stokesley look set to be rejected amid concerns from residents.
Hambleton Council has received a planning application for the change of use of a field on Thirsk Road to a site for a Gypsy family.
This would include the siting of a residential caravan, construction of dog kennels, a tree house and sheds as well as a stable block.
The authority has received more than 30 letters of objection - including criticism that the development, which has already commenced, has “gone unhindered for many months”.
Planning officials have now recommended councillors refuse planning permission at a meeting tomorrow.
This is on the grounds that the area is at a high risk of flooding and the “intrusive features” of parts of the development.
Stokesley Parish Council also objects to the application on the grounds there is no “robust” flood risk assessment.
It also said the riverbanks and hedges are not high enough to screen the proposed stable block.
Parish councillors added they support residents’ objections.
The 0.9 acre site has an existing entrance which is jointly used by the Environment Agency to access and service an existing screen within the stream running through the site.
In the planning application, the applicant, Jonathan Stephenson, said: “The stable block will be positioned behind the flood defence embankment and behind the existing boundary hedge to minimise the impact on the landscape.”
He adds that the residential area is also screened by an existing dense hedge with a timber fence adjacent to the caravan.
But “if on inspection it is felt that additional landscaping is required to further screen the caravan then this would be provided to a mutually agreed scheme”.
Mr Stephenson concludes: “We believe that the site being close to the service centre of Stokesley and being well screened and having a small paddock area is ideal for use as a site for one Gypsy family.”
Hambleton Council said only a few neighbours were notified of the application by letter because of the “relatively isolated nature of the site”.
But it added that the observations they had received indicate “wide public knowledge of the application”.
Among locals’ concerns are that more sites could be allowed if the application is approved.
Objectors are say sufficient sites are available nearby.
One neutral comment has also been received by the council on the grounds that the site is for one family only.
Bonjour - Travellers from France set up camp in Swansea - Glamorgan
From the South Wales Evening Post
A GROUP of Travellers, believed to hail from France, have set up camp in Swansea.
The group are at the recreation ground, St Helen’s, Brynmill.
Ward councillor John Bayliss said Swansea Council representatives had spoken to the group, and that they planned to leave on Friday.
Failure to do so, the Post understands, would trigger legal action to remove them.
“They have been told to leave the area in a clean manner,” added Mr Bayliss.
The council remains in the process of finding a second, authorised Travellers’ site in Swansea. The five short-listed sites are: the former greyhound stadium (Cockett); the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach (Gorseinon); proposed cemetery (Gorseinon); Swansea Vale (Llansamlet); and Milford Way (Penderry).
A GROUP of Travellers, believed to hail from France, have set up camp in Swansea.
The group are at the recreation ground, St Helen’s, Brynmill.
Ward councillor John Bayliss said Swansea Council representatives had spoken to the group, and that they planned to leave on Friday.
Failure to do so, the Post understands, would trigger legal action to remove them.
“They have been told to leave the area in a clean manner,” added Mr Bayliss.
The council remains in the process of finding a second, authorised Travellers’ site in Swansea. The five short-listed sites are: the former greyhound stadium (Cockett); the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach (Gorseinon); proposed cemetery (Gorseinon); Swansea Vale (Llansamlet); and Milford Way (Penderry).
Travellers move from Mitcham Common to Three Kings Piece - London
From Your Local Guardian
A group of Travellers who broke through barriers to set up camp on Mitcham Common have moved on to another public green space in the area.
The encampment, made up of 14 caravans and about seven further vehicles, first arrived on Sunday evening at the site near to the Harvester pub.
Today a spokesman from Merton Council said the group had now moved a little further down the road to Three Kings Piece.
He said: “We are working closely with the police to resolve the situation at the earliest opportunity.”
It follows the eviction of a group from Beddington Park in Sutton and Riddlesdown in Croydon.
A group of Travellers who broke through barriers to set up camp on Mitcham Common have moved on to another public green space in the area.
The encampment, made up of 14 caravans and about seven further vehicles, first arrived on Sunday evening at the site near to the Harvester pub.
Today a spokesman from Merton Council said the group had now moved a little further down the road to Three Kings Piece.
He said: “We are working closely with the police to resolve the situation at the earliest opportunity.”
It follows the eviction of a group from Beddington Park in Sutton and Riddlesdown in Croydon.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Local Plan is hit by new delay - Lancashire
From the Chorley Guardian
A masterplan for future development in Chorley has hit a stumbling block because of the need for a new report on Travellers and Gypsies in the area.
Chorley Council had expected a planning inspector to approve the Local Plan, which is a document outlining where new homes should be built, after a two-week public examination at the town hall.
However, leaders at the Market Street authority have been frustrated by a delay as the planning inspector felt a new Gypsy and Traveller Assessment needed to be undertaken, despite the current one being valid until 2016.
She also asked for more flexibility in the number of new homes for the borough over the lifetime of the plan and queried the need for the phasing of land, in effect allowing any site to come forward immediately.
Coun Dennis Edgerley, who oversees planning at Chorley Council said: “We have had two inspectors presiding over public enquiries, and a High Court judgment, both in relation to an illegal Gypsy and Traveller site, which have all agreed that there is no demonstrated need for a Traveller site in the borough.
“And more importantly, the inspector who approved the core strategy only last year was also of the same view that there was no need.
“Our current Gypsy and Traveller Assessment is valid until 2016 and we have given a commitment to the inspector to progress a new needs assessment which will be ready well ahead of the 2016 date but this isn’t deemed good enough.
“We are also extremely disappointed with the inspector questioning the phasing of land for development throughout the plan – we feel this is essential to ensure development takes place in a controlled way and brownfield sites are built on first, thereby protecting our precious green fields.
“A lot of time and effort has been put in by local people to create this plan so in the spirit of localism we will be doing all we can to stand up to the inspector and ask that the plan is approved so we can take back control of developments in our borough.”
The Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Assessment looks into whether there is any need in an area or how many encampments there have been over a period as well as requests for potential sites.
It means the authority has been tasked with commissioning a report with South Ribble and Preston councils to do the assessment in June.
However, leaders at Chorley Council are set to write to the Government demanding a meeting to discuss the inspector’s decision that could leave the borough wide open to developers building on greenfield land.
Leaders of all political groups have agreed to send a letter off demanding a meeting with senior ministers to get the local plan approved before more greenfield land is lost to housing developments.
Coun Edgerley added: “We need some answers from the Government because this decision means we once again risk seeing the development of our borough being taken out of local people’s hands.
“We are extremely puzzled by the inspector’s decision as it is completely at odds with other decisions we’ve been getting from the planning inspectorate.
“Every councillor is unanimous in support of the action we are taking so it shows just how an important issue it is for us.
“By acting swiftly we hope we can get this resolved before we see yet another housing development approved on appeal, ironically by a different central government planning inspector.”
A masterplan for future development in Chorley has hit a stumbling block because of the need for a new report on Travellers and Gypsies in the area.
Chorley Council had expected a planning inspector to approve the Local Plan, which is a document outlining where new homes should be built, after a two-week public examination at the town hall.
However, leaders at the Market Street authority have been frustrated by a delay as the planning inspector felt a new Gypsy and Traveller Assessment needed to be undertaken, despite the current one being valid until 2016.
She also asked for more flexibility in the number of new homes for the borough over the lifetime of the plan and queried the need for the phasing of land, in effect allowing any site to come forward immediately.
Coun Dennis Edgerley, who oversees planning at Chorley Council said: “We have had two inspectors presiding over public enquiries, and a High Court judgment, both in relation to an illegal Gypsy and Traveller site, which have all agreed that there is no demonstrated need for a Traveller site in the borough.
“And more importantly, the inspector who approved the core strategy only last year was also of the same view that there was no need.
“Our current Gypsy and Traveller Assessment is valid until 2016 and we have given a commitment to the inspector to progress a new needs assessment which will be ready well ahead of the 2016 date but this isn’t deemed good enough.
“We are also extremely disappointed with the inspector questioning the phasing of land for development throughout the plan – we feel this is essential to ensure development takes place in a controlled way and brownfield sites are built on first, thereby protecting our precious green fields.
“A lot of time and effort has been put in by local people to create this plan so in the spirit of localism we will be doing all we can to stand up to the inspector and ask that the plan is approved so we can take back control of developments in our borough.”
The Gypsy Traveller Accommodation Assessment looks into whether there is any need in an area or how many encampments there have been over a period as well as requests for potential sites.
It means the authority has been tasked with commissioning a report with South Ribble and Preston councils to do the assessment in June.
However, leaders at Chorley Council are set to write to the Government demanding a meeting to discuss the inspector’s decision that could leave the borough wide open to developers building on greenfield land.
Leaders of all political groups have agreed to send a letter off demanding a meeting with senior ministers to get the local plan approved before more greenfield land is lost to housing developments.
Coun Edgerley added: “We need some answers from the Government because this decision means we once again risk seeing the development of our borough being taken out of local people’s hands.
“We are extremely puzzled by the inspector’s decision as it is completely at odds with other decisions we’ve been getting from the planning inspectorate.
“Every councillor is unanimous in support of the action we are taking so it shows just how an important issue it is for us.
“By acting swiftly we hope we can get this resolved before we see yet another housing development approved on appeal, ironically by a different central government planning inspector.”
Traveller site plan moves forward - Renfrewshire
From the Greenock Telegraph
A PLAN for a new £50,000 official site for Travellers has taken a step forward after a meeting of councillors today.
Members of the policy and resources committee met this afternoon to discuss a recommendation for a 'transit site' in Inverclyde.
Port Glasgow's Kelburn Park has been earmarked for the facility.
Councillors on the committee agreed to release the plans for a full public consultation.
Angry residents from the Port had started a petition calling for the proposal to be immediately shelved.
But municipal buildings bosses believe that establishing a formal site for Travellers could reduce the risk of illegal camps being set up elsewhere in the district.
The £50,000 site would have room for up to 12 pitches.
see aslo: Inverclyde Now - COUNCILLORS Back Travellers Camp Idea
A PLAN for a new £50,000 official site for Travellers has taken a step forward after a meeting of councillors today.
Members of the policy and resources committee met this afternoon to discuss a recommendation for a 'transit site' in Inverclyde.
Port Glasgow's Kelburn Park has been earmarked for the facility.
Councillors on the committee agreed to release the plans for a full public consultation.
Angry residents from the Port had started a petition calling for the proposal to be immediately shelved.
But municipal buildings bosses believe that establishing a formal site for Travellers could reduce the risk of illegal camps being set up elsewhere in the district.
The £50,000 site would have room for up to 12 pitches.
see aslo: Inverclyde Now - COUNCILLORS Back Travellers Camp Idea
Osbaldwick Travellers Site - Public Meeting To Be Held - Yorkshire
From Minster FM
After claims of trouble from the Osbaldwick Travellers' site, a public meeting's going to be held. The meeting will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 22nd May at the Osbaldwick Village Hall.
Police officers, council representatives and the area's MP will be answering people's fears about the site.
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy tells us why he's organised the meeting.
“At a distressing time when the Council are proposing to extend the Osbaldwick Travellers Site and introduce new sites in the villages of Dunnington and Knapton as part of their draft Local Plan, I feel it is vital that, first of all, they must get a grip over their existing sites. For too long local residents have been forced to persevere with constant and incredibly frustrating anti social behaviour in the Osbaldwick area, which predominantly emanates from the Travellers site.
“The Police must do their bit to fight criminal activity in the area. However, if the Council were to bring in a tougher management plan for the Travellers site then I am confident that the anti social behaviour issues in the area would be significantly reduced. I am hopeful that this message will be heard loud and clear on Wednesday evening, when concerned local residents are given the chance to have their say.”
On behalf of the Osbaldwick community, Councillor Mark Warters said:
“I would like to thank the local MP, Julian Sturdy, for this initiative, whereby local residents will be able to air their concerns directly to Police & Crime Commissioner and Senior Council officials.”
The event, will be open for all members of the public to attend. On the panel responding to residents’ concerns will be Mr Sturdy, Superintendent Lisa Winward of the North Yorkshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Julia Muligan, the North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Steve Waddington, the Assistant Director of Housing and Community Safety at the City of York Council.
Osbaldwick ward Councillor, Mark Warters, and members of the Parish Councils in Osbaldwick and Murton are also expected to attend, alongside many local residents.
After claims of trouble from the Osbaldwick Travellers' site, a public meeting's going to be held. The meeting will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 22nd May at the Osbaldwick Village Hall.
Police officers, council representatives and the area's MP will be answering people's fears about the site.
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy tells us why he's organised the meeting.
“At a distressing time when the Council are proposing to extend the Osbaldwick Travellers Site and introduce new sites in the villages of Dunnington and Knapton as part of their draft Local Plan, I feel it is vital that, first of all, they must get a grip over their existing sites. For too long local residents have been forced to persevere with constant and incredibly frustrating anti social behaviour in the Osbaldwick area, which predominantly emanates from the Travellers site.
“The Police must do their bit to fight criminal activity in the area. However, if the Council were to bring in a tougher management plan for the Travellers site then I am confident that the anti social behaviour issues in the area would be significantly reduced. I am hopeful that this message will be heard loud and clear on Wednesday evening, when concerned local residents are given the chance to have their say.”
On behalf of the Osbaldwick community, Councillor Mark Warters said:
“I would like to thank the local MP, Julian Sturdy, for this initiative, whereby local residents will be able to air their concerns directly to Police & Crime Commissioner and Senior Council officials.”
The event, will be open for all members of the public to attend. On the panel responding to residents’ concerns will be Mr Sturdy, Superintendent Lisa Winward of the North Yorkshire Police’s Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Julia Muligan, the North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Steve Waddington, the Assistant Director of Housing and Community Safety at the City of York Council.
Osbaldwick ward Councillor, Mark Warters, and members of the Parish Councils in Osbaldwick and Murton are also expected to attend, alongside many local residents.
Meriden Gypsies launch new legal fight to return - West Midlands
From the Birmingham Mail
Gypsies evicted from an illegal camp following a three-year battle have launched a bid to return to the green belt site – dealing residents a hammer blow.
A new appeal has been launched forcing Meriden campaigners to endure a five-day public inquiry which could see caravans returning to the site. Local people, who have already spent £87,000 on fighting the invasion in the High Court, have launched a desperate bid to raise a further £20,000 to pay legal fees.
Last month residents described feeling deliriously happy after caravans finally left the site – 1,086 days after they arrived.
They have been left furious by the latest twist, which will again see them back in court.
The Travellers, led by Noah Burton , were refused planning permission for two pitches off Eaves Green Lane – which was a stone’s throw from the field they lived on for years.
The group finally left on April 21 following a High Court battle but have launched an appeal which will be heard by a Secretary of State planning inspector at a five-day public inquiry, in Meriden, in August.
Members of Residents Against Inappropriate Development led an all weathers vigil campaign to get the Gypsies to leave the site now face having to spend a total of more than £100,000 in fighting the case.
Doug Bacon, vice chair of RAID, called the inquiry a “waste of public money” and said it would cost the group around £20,000 out of their own pockets to fight.
Mr Bacon said: “This planning inquiry is a waste of public money. In total, it will cost around £20,000 to hire a barrister and planning consultants.
“We are determined that this is the wrong place for any type of development with highway dangers, flooding, accessibility, and sustainability issues, which mirrors all the reasons for the adjacent site being inappropriate as confirmed by the local authority and courts.
“They say they need these two pitches because they have nowhere to go but they are living somewhere right now.”
The planning inspector will listen to arguments from the Gypsies, Solihull Council and RAID and decide if temporary permission should be granted.
Mr Bacon said: “This is the nature of what we are dealing with. Unfortunately what happens is that the developer, Noah Burton, is trying to wear down the system with repeated planning applications.
“It’s the thin end of the wedge because if they get planning permission, they will try to extend it.”
His views were echoed by Trevor Eames from the Solihull Ratepayers Association, who said: “We are certainly going to be making a presentation to the inspector, supporting the council’s case.
“This application is an abuse of the planning process. It’s going to prove costly for the tax payer in defending an application which is just playing games with the planning system.”
Today, also marks the end of the month-long period the Gypsies were given to restore the field back to its original green belt condition, as agreed by the High Court.
Mr Bacon said: “It’s still pretty much as it was, some work has been done. It’s got to be restored by 4pm, should they fail to do so, they will be in breach of the injunction.”
Mr Bacon said the group will be holding events to raise the £20,000 needed to continue their battle.
The inquiry will be held at the Heart of England Social Club, from August 8.
When approached by the Birmingham Mail, Mr Burton said he had no comment to make.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: “Solihull Council can confirm that a public inquiry will open on 8th August 2013, further details regarding the venue and start times will be published within the next few weeks.”
see also The Daily Mail - Villagers who spent 1,088 days on round-the-clock vigil to evict illegal Travellers have to pay £20,000 after group wins right to public inquiry
The Telegraph - Travellers may return to illegal camp after they win right to public inquiry
The Solihull Observer - Meriden Gypsies in fight to return
Gypsies evicted from an illegal camp following a three-year battle have launched a bid to return to the green belt site – dealing residents a hammer blow.
A new appeal has been launched forcing Meriden campaigners to endure a five-day public inquiry which could see caravans returning to the site. Local people, who have already spent £87,000 on fighting the invasion in the High Court, have launched a desperate bid to raise a further £20,000 to pay legal fees.
Last month residents described feeling deliriously happy after caravans finally left the site – 1,086 days after they arrived.
They have been left furious by the latest twist, which will again see them back in court.
The Travellers, led by Noah Burton , were refused planning permission for two pitches off Eaves Green Lane – which was a stone’s throw from the field they lived on for years.
The group finally left on April 21 following a High Court battle but have launched an appeal which will be heard by a Secretary of State planning inspector at a five-day public inquiry, in Meriden, in August.
Members of Residents Against Inappropriate Development led an all weathers vigil campaign to get the Gypsies to leave the site now face having to spend a total of more than £100,000 in fighting the case.
Doug Bacon, vice chair of RAID, called the inquiry a “waste of public money” and said it would cost the group around £20,000 out of their own pockets to fight.
Mr Bacon said: “This planning inquiry is a waste of public money. In total, it will cost around £20,000 to hire a barrister and planning consultants.
“We are determined that this is the wrong place for any type of development with highway dangers, flooding, accessibility, and sustainability issues, which mirrors all the reasons for the adjacent site being inappropriate as confirmed by the local authority and courts.
“They say they need these two pitches because they have nowhere to go but they are living somewhere right now.”
The planning inspector will listen to arguments from the Gypsies, Solihull Council and RAID and decide if temporary permission should be granted.
Mr Bacon said: “This is the nature of what we are dealing with. Unfortunately what happens is that the developer, Noah Burton, is trying to wear down the system with repeated planning applications.
“It’s the thin end of the wedge because if they get planning permission, they will try to extend it.”
His views were echoed by Trevor Eames from the Solihull Ratepayers Association, who said: “We are certainly going to be making a presentation to the inspector, supporting the council’s case.
“This application is an abuse of the planning process. It’s going to prove costly for the tax payer in defending an application which is just playing games with the planning system.”
Today, also marks the end of the month-long period the Gypsies were given to restore the field back to its original green belt condition, as agreed by the High Court.
Mr Bacon said: “It’s still pretty much as it was, some work has been done. It’s got to be restored by 4pm, should they fail to do so, they will be in breach of the injunction.”
Mr Bacon said the group will be holding events to raise the £20,000 needed to continue their battle.
The inquiry will be held at the Heart of England Social Club, from August 8.
When approached by the Birmingham Mail, Mr Burton said he had no comment to make.
A Solihull Council spokesman said: “Solihull Council can confirm that a public inquiry will open on 8th August 2013, further details regarding the venue and start times will be published within the next few weeks.”
see also The Daily Mail - Villagers who spent 1,088 days on round-the-clock vigil to evict illegal Travellers have to pay £20,000 after group wins right to public inquiry
The Telegraph - Travellers may return to illegal camp after they win right to public inquiry
The Solihull Observer - Meriden Gypsies in fight to return
Travellers are losing us business, says Plymouth hotel - Devon
From the Western Morning News
TRAVELLERS who have pitched up on a city business park are discouraging guests, a hotel claims.
A group of Travellers with large caravans and live chickens has set up an encampment just off Tavistock Road in Derriford.
They have been pitched outside the Future Inn on William Prance Road for around two weeks.
Now a hotel manager claims guests have told staff they will not stay there until the group has left.
Janice Carpenter, hotel general manager, said one client had cancelled all bookings until the situation was resolved.
At least 10 caravans turned up two weeks ago on council-owned land next to the approach to the hotel. Management say they believe there are now as many as 18 caravans on the site.
The Travellers have chickens in metal cages, washing hanging up on lines and a series of vans parked up.
"We are losing business," Mrs Carpenter said. "People do not want to come and drive through a Travellers encampment to get to their hotel.
"We have had customer complaints.. One client told us they are cancelling all future bookings until the camp has gone.
"In fairness to the Travellers, they have not done anything wrong but it is the stigma they bring. This situation is upsetting for us."
Plymouth City Council said it had made efforts to move the group on.
A spokeswoman said: "We have served notice to quit in accordance with our procedures. However, the Travellers have not left so we are now considering the legal options available to us."
Hotel staff said it was the third or fourth time Travellers had set up a camp nearby. The hotel wants reassurances that it will not happen again.
"I would like to know what the council will do after they have managed to scatter them," Mrs Carpenter added.
"Previously, the Travellers used to pitch up on the land at the back of the hotel but the council cordoned that off.
"I don't know if they will be able to block off the road they are situated on now."
TRAVELLERS who have pitched up on a city business park are discouraging guests, a hotel claims.
A group of Travellers with large caravans and live chickens has set up an encampment just off Tavistock Road in Derriford.
They have been pitched outside the Future Inn on William Prance Road for around two weeks.
Now a hotel manager claims guests have told staff they will not stay there until the group has left.
Janice Carpenter, hotel general manager, said one client had cancelled all bookings until the situation was resolved.
At least 10 caravans turned up two weeks ago on council-owned land next to the approach to the hotel. Management say they believe there are now as many as 18 caravans on the site.
The Travellers have chickens in metal cages, washing hanging up on lines and a series of vans parked up.
"We are losing business," Mrs Carpenter said. "People do not want to come and drive through a Travellers encampment to get to their hotel.
"We have had customer complaints.. One client told us they are cancelling all future bookings until the camp has gone.
"In fairness to the Travellers, they have not done anything wrong but it is the stigma they bring. This situation is upsetting for us."
Plymouth City Council said it had made efforts to move the group on.
A spokeswoman said: "We have served notice to quit in accordance with our procedures. However, the Travellers have not left so we are now considering the legal options available to us."
Hotel staff said it was the third or fourth time Travellers had set up a camp nearby. The hotel wants reassurances that it will not happen again.
"I would like to know what the council will do after they have managed to scatter them," Mrs Carpenter added.
"Previously, the Travellers used to pitch up on the land at the back of the hotel but the council cordoned that off.
"I don't know if they will be able to block off the road they are situated on now."
Aberdeen Travellers’ site ‘looks like something out of Mad Max’ - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
AN ABERDEEN site being used by Travellers, described as like “something out of Mad Max”, was set to be shut down today.
As many as 29 caravans have been spotted on a lane near Grandholm Village, next to the Apex Tubulars Park in Aberdeen
A court order for the eviction of the Travellers was being called today at 9.30am.
AN ABERDEEN site being used by Travellers, described as like “something out of Mad Max”, was set to be shut down today.
As many as 29 caravans have been spotted on a lane near Grandholm Village, next to the Apex Tubulars Park in Aberdeen
A court order for the eviction of the Travellers was being called today at 9.30am.
Travellers leave council car park - Yorkshire
From the Mirfield Reporter
Travellers who have spent almost two weeks in council car parks in Dewsbury town centre have moved on.
A group of vans and caravans left Cliffe Street car park yesterday (Monday) just as court proceedings were about to begin.
The Travellers occupied the railway station car park for three days before moving on to Cliffe Street.
Kirklees has said previously that it has to chase Travellers through the courts as trespassers if it wants to get them evicted. If it issued parking tickets to the Travellers, that would authorise them staying in the car park and could prevent any eviction.
But at a Chamber of Trade meeting last night, members said council court orders did not go far enough as Travellers were simply able to move on to the next car park.
President Trish Makepeace said: “Why isn’t it for all the car parks in Dewsbury? Or why doesn’t it last for two years? There should be a blanket ban for all the car parks in Kirklees.”
Vice-president Andrew Hutchinson said that restricting access to the car parks with barriers would be the easiest and cheapest solution.
Mrs Makepeace added: “It’s all the time and money spent on tidying up after. It’s a deterrent to the public coming into the town.”
The chamber agreed to write to the council asking why tougher action was not taken against the Travellers.
Travellers who have spent almost two weeks in council car parks in Dewsbury town centre have moved on.
A group of vans and caravans left Cliffe Street car park yesterday (Monday) just as court proceedings were about to begin.
The Travellers occupied the railway station car park for three days before moving on to Cliffe Street.
Kirklees has said previously that it has to chase Travellers through the courts as trespassers if it wants to get them evicted. If it issued parking tickets to the Travellers, that would authorise them staying in the car park and could prevent any eviction.
But at a Chamber of Trade meeting last night, members said council court orders did not go far enough as Travellers were simply able to move on to the next car park.
President Trish Makepeace said: “Why isn’t it for all the car parks in Dewsbury? Or why doesn’t it last for two years? There should be a blanket ban for all the car parks in Kirklees.”
Vice-president Andrew Hutchinson said that restricting access to the car parks with barriers would be the easiest and cheapest solution.
Mrs Makepeace added: “It’s all the time and money spent on tidying up after. It’s a deterrent to the public coming into the town.”
The chamber agreed to write to the council asking why tougher action was not taken against the Travellers.
Monday 20 May 2013
Christian Travellers hold four-day meeting near Darlington - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
HUNDREDS of Gypsy caravans pulled into Darlington today (Monday, May 20) ahead of a large gathering.
For four days, a site close to the A66 will be home to a large group of Christian Travellers as they join a gospel-themed meeting.
The event, hosted by members of the worldwide Light and Life Mission, focuses on spreading the word of the gospel amongst the travelling community.
Gypsies - who have travelled from all over the UK - will join prayer meetings, listen to gospel music and watch speeches given by a number of pastors.
One pastor, who would only give his names as Alex, said the event also represented an opportunity for the wider Darlington community to learn more about the positivity of Gypsies.
He said: “This event is open to everybody. Travelling people are brought up as very religious people and we are trying to reach our people in a way that will have a positive impact on the future of our community.
“People might see this as just a Gypsy get-together and we often receive bad comments but this is a way of proving to people that Gypsies are not bad people.
"We are here with the permission of the land owner, we pay for our own facilities and we keep the field clean.
"Anyone who comes onto this field will feel love. That is what travelling people are about, we are homely, welcoming people.”
Open meetings will be held at a large marquee on the site from 7pm each night until Thursday, May 23.
HUNDREDS of Gypsy caravans pulled into Darlington today (Monday, May 20) ahead of a large gathering.
For four days, a site close to the A66 will be home to a large group of Christian Travellers as they join a gospel-themed meeting.
The event, hosted by members of the worldwide Light and Life Mission, focuses on spreading the word of the gospel amongst the travelling community.
Gypsies - who have travelled from all over the UK - will join prayer meetings, listen to gospel music and watch speeches given by a number of pastors.
One pastor, who would only give his names as Alex, said the event also represented an opportunity for the wider Darlington community to learn more about the positivity of Gypsies.
He said: “This event is open to everybody. Travelling people are brought up as very religious people and we are trying to reach our people in a way that will have a positive impact on the future of our community.
“People might see this as just a Gypsy get-together and we often receive bad comments but this is a way of proving to people that Gypsies are not bad people.
"We are here with the permission of the land owner, we pay for our own facilities and we keep the field clean.
"Anyone who comes onto this field will feel love. That is what travelling people are about, we are homely, welcoming people.”
Open meetings will be held at a large marquee on the site from 7pm each night until Thursday, May 23.
Three more possible Hartlepool Gypsy sites added - County Durham
From the Hartlepool Mail
THREE more sites have been added to an ongoing consultation over plans for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site in Hartlepool.
Hartlepool Borough Council launched the consultation after a public inspection into Hartlepool’s Local Plan was halted by Government inspector Kevin Ward who asked for further work to find an appropriate site.
Officers had short-listed 13 council-owned sites but that will now be extended to 16 after councillors agreed to add three more sites.
Under the new governance arrangements councillors on the finance and policy committee wanted to reassess 27 potential sites previously discounted.
The three added are:
l Land at Huckelhoven Way/Reed Street. It had originally been earmarked as a regeneration area but councillors wanted it including.
l Land at Clarence Road north of Victoria Park football ground. The land had been earmarked as part of the Mill House Master Plan regeneration work but councillors said no firm proposals had come forward yet and as it stands there are no commitments for the land.
l Briarfields field, off Elwick Road. The land is earmarked for sale for a high-quality residential development and has been on the market since 2009.
Leader of the council, Labour group leader Christopher Akers-Belcher, said: “This is an opportunity for residents to consider additional sites.”
The 13 other sites are: land at West View Road, Throston Grange Lane, two areas in Burbank Street, Catcote Road/Macaulay Road, Wiltshire Way, Old Cemetery Road, Lennox Walk/Owton Manor Lane, Masefield Road/Gulliver Road, Hart smallholdings east and west, near Hart village, and Summerhill, off Catcote Road.
The Government insists the council must provide some limited Gypsy and Traveller provision as part of the Local Plan. Only one site or a combination of two small sites will be needed to meet the requirement for between six and 10 Traveller pitches.
Public meetings are scheduled for Owton Manor Community Centre, in Wynyard Road, on Monday, May 20, from 4pm to 7pm, Summerhill Visitor Centre on Tuesday May 21, from 4pm to 7pm, Throston Youth Centre, in Wiltshire Way on Wednesday, May 22, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, Burbank Community Centre, in Burbank Street on Thursday, May 23, from 4pm to 7pm and Throston Primary School, in Flint Walk on Tuesday, June 4, from 4pm to 7pm.
All responses must be in writing to: Planning Policy, Hartlepool Borough Council, Bryan Hanson House, Hanson Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7BT by June 27.
THREE more sites have been added to an ongoing consultation over plans for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site in Hartlepool.
Hartlepool Borough Council launched the consultation after a public inspection into Hartlepool’s Local Plan was halted by Government inspector Kevin Ward who asked for further work to find an appropriate site.
Officers had short-listed 13 council-owned sites but that will now be extended to 16 after councillors agreed to add three more sites.
Under the new governance arrangements councillors on the finance and policy committee wanted to reassess 27 potential sites previously discounted.
The three added are:
l Land at Huckelhoven Way/Reed Street. It had originally been earmarked as a regeneration area but councillors wanted it including.
l Land at Clarence Road north of Victoria Park football ground. The land had been earmarked as part of the Mill House Master Plan regeneration work but councillors said no firm proposals had come forward yet and as it stands there are no commitments for the land.
l Briarfields field, off Elwick Road. The land is earmarked for sale for a high-quality residential development and has been on the market since 2009.
Leader of the council, Labour group leader Christopher Akers-Belcher, said: “This is an opportunity for residents to consider additional sites.”
The 13 other sites are: land at West View Road, Throston Grange Lane, two areas in Burbank Street, Catcote Road/Macaulay Road, Wiltshire Way, Old Cemetery Road, Lennox Walk/Owton Manor Lane, Masefield Road/Gulliver Road, Hart smallholdings east and west, near Hart village, and Summerhill, off Catcote Road.
The Government insists the council must provide some limited Gypsy and Traveller provision as part of the Local Plan. Only one site or a combination of two small sites will be needed to meet the requirement for between six and 10 Traveller pitches.
Public meetings are scheduled for Owton Manor Community Centre, in Wynyard Road, on Monday, May 20, from 4pm to 7pm, Summerhill Visitor Centre on Tuesday May 21, from 4pm to 7pm, Throston Youth Centre, in Wiltshire Way on Wednesday, May 22, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, Burbank Community Centre, in Burbank Street on Thursday, May 23, from 4pm to 7pm and Throston Primary School, in Flint Walk on Tuesday, June 4, from 4pm to 7pm.
All responses must be in writing to: Planning Policy, Hartlepool Borough Council, Bryan Hanson House, Hanson Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7BT by June 27.
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