Tuesday 7 May 2013

Residents face bill for site clean-up as Travellers come back - Kent

From the Kent and Sussex Courier

SHERWOOD residents have complained after a group of Gypsies parked their caravans on public playing fields.


Eighteen caravans belonging to the Travellers arrived on a football pitch in Colebrook Recreation Grounds, Tunbridge Wells, on Tuesday, sparking fears of another hefty clean-up bill for taxpayers after they move on.

The council had to spend around £1,000 removing waste, including human excrement and asbestos, after Gypsies had spent a week at the same site last July.

Amanda Wells, who lives on Clifton Road, metres from the site, said: "At first there's only a few for a couple of days but then it's like a sea of white with loads more caravans. They can be quite noisy and you can hear them at night."

Margaret Middleton, who walks her dog on the fields where the caravans are parked, said: "It's very annoying – this is supposed to be a public place and there's a children's playground also. They leave a hell of a mess as well – it just isn't on.

"The problem is that a lot of them have quite vicious dogs. It can be a bit dodgy with them just springing out at you.

"I know they have got to go somewhere but there are designated places."

However, other residents told the Courier they had not had any trouble with the Travellers. Sally Parry, who also lives at Clifton Cottages, said: "I don't have a problem with them being here. Live and let live I say."

Nobody from the Gypsy camp was willing to talk, although one woman, who refused to be named, told the Courier they hoped to stay as long as they could.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council began proceedings to force the Gypsies to move on as soon as they arrived.

Diane Brady, property and development manager at the council, said: "Council officers met with police at the site and we are now taking appropriate action to ensure the group moves on as quickly as possible.

"We are very grateful to residents who brought this matter to our attention."

Councillor Bob Backhouse, who represents the area, said a number of people had already contacted him to express concerns over the Travellers' presence.

"Obviously, for the residents, it's terrible," he said. "I've had at least three complaints from neighbours. Someone told me a pony was wandering around.

"It's just very unpleasant. This is a children's play area and if they leave it in a mess or with sharp items the kids can't play anymore.

"If they commit criminal damage they can be got rid of immediately but as they haven't we have to go through getting an eviction order. It's just an occupational hazard for local councils."

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