Gypsy family may have to quit Burton-in-Lonsdale home

A GYPSY couple and their six children are fighting an eviction notice to quit their Lunesdale home.

Robert Dugdale bought land on the edge of Burton-in-Lonsdale in 2004 and built a chalet-type home, for which he received temporary planning approval.

But the permission ran out on June 1 and Mr Dugdale, who was brought up in nearby Melling, now faces having to move out of the area, taking his children away from their local schools.

He is now applying to Craven District Council to permanently change the use of his field from agricultural land to a caravan site for ‘one Gypsy family’.

If permission is not granted he will have to remove his children from St Wilfrid CofE Primary School, in Melling, and Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale.

Bentham Town Council refused to support his application at their monthly meeting, with councillors describing the issue as a 'frustration' which had been going on too long.The council said the term 'one Gypsy family' was too vague and highlighted worries about an earth closet being too close to the River Greta.They also said Mr Dugdale had ‘a history of non-compliance’.

“I have done everything in line with what the planning authority said I needed to do to get permission,” said Mr Dugdale. “I pay my taxes and have worked on farms in the area, on and off throughout my life. I have never met Bentham town councillors so I have no idea why they say I haven't complied with them.”

Mr Dugdale claims objections have gone beyond the local community.

“People are writing in from London objecting to my application. I feel when people hear the words ‘Gypsy family’ they get worried without having any reason for it. It’s like every group of people, you get the good and the bad within them but I’ve done my best to make sure everything is how the authorities want. I feel I am being persecuted by people who don't know me or my family. It’s a constant worry. All I want is for children to go to school and have a normal life.”