Wednesday 3 July 2013

'Exclusion zone for Travellers' - Lincolnshire

From the Grimsby Telegraph

A ROMANY Gypsy who married a Grimsby man has accused North East Lincolnshire Council of discriminating against her race.

Shay Clipson, 56, of Lambert Road, Grimsby, claims the authority's stance not to have a designated Traveller and Gypsy encampment, has made the borough into an "exclusion zone for the travelling community".

Her remarks came in defence of Travellers currently camping in Weelsby Avenue, close to Grimsby Crematorium, who residents want to see removed.

But North East Lincolnshire Council maintains the reason there is not a camp in the area is because there is not a need for one.

Instead, they will evict the Travellers from the site today – just like they have from Wilton Road, Cleethorpes Country Park, Peaks Top Farm and Taylor's Avenue, over the last five weeks.

Shay, who is a member of the UK Association Of Gypsy Women, said: "North East Lincolnshire is almost like an exclusion zone for travelling people."

She came to Grimsby after marrying a non-Gypsy man and lives a settled life.

"In my opinion, NELC are not handling the situation very well," she added.

"Good practice would be to find a mutual, agreeable place where people can stop over and get the help they need, before they move on.

"I believe the only reason for not having one is pure discrimination.

"When you come into the borough, there is a sign that says 'welcome to North East Lincolnshire' it doesn't say 'except for Gypsies'. They have made it an exclusion zone for Gypsy and travelling people."

Among the families living in about 20 caravans at the site is seven-month-old baby Michael, who needs medical treatment for a hernia.

There are also two young women who are expecting children.

They claim they will move on once they receive medical treatment.

Leader of NELC, Councillor Chris Shaw, disputes the accusations. He said: "If they can get Eric Pickles to give us more money, I would look into it but at the minute I am concentrating on providing services and facilities for the residents who pay their council tax.

"Mrs Clipson's comments are entirely inflammatory. I recognise they have needs and their culture, but I have to work with what is available."

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