From the Irish Times
INTERVIEW: Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn is to introduce legislation to identify Travellers as an ethnic minority
Legislation will be introduced to the Dáil in the new year to recognise Travellers as an ethnic minority.
The Traveller Ethnicity Recognition Bill will be introduced in private members’ time by the Sinn Féin TD for Donegal North East, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn.
Mac Lochlainn, the first TD from a Traveller background, does not put himself forward as a spokesman for the community but says his upbringing “by two strong, loving Traveller women” gives him a “great insight into the Traveller identity”.
Born in Leeds in 1973, he was brought up in Birmingham by his mother, Mary Mac Lochlainn, and grandmother Lizzy Gavin, both Irish Travellers.
His father, Réamonn Mac Lochlainn, was in the Provisional IRA and imprisoned in England for nine years. The family moved back to Donegal in 1983.
He says a “very practical view” informs his view.
“First, it’s time to actually acknowledge the important role of the Traveller community in Irish culture and history. And then, if we can acknowledge that in legislation, we can move into a straight conversation between the Travellers and settled communities.
“I can see that whenever the settled community has stepped up and provided facilities, like halting sites, there wasn’t always great respect for the facilities. There’s a real sense of a lack of respect from both communities for the other.”
He believes ethnic recognition would be a first step in a process – that may take generations – towards mutual understanding and respect that would benefit both communities.
It would confer on the community certain rights – to culturally appropriate housing, healthcare and positive support in accessing education and employment.
With such rights would come responsibilities, says Government TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin of the Labour Party. Vocal in his support for ethnic recognition, he says if it were afforded to Travellers “they would have to live up to it” just as society would have “live up to” its implications.
“It would be a challenge to the rest of Irish society to come to terms with the community. This is a people with a rich culture, rich traditions, strong faith and hugely strong family loyalties that has been continually ostracised, undermined, marginalised.
“It has a huge lack of self-confidence and self-esteem.”
This lack of confidence and the discrimination, he says, play a “huge part” in negatives such as drunkenness, violence and low life expectancy.
Young Travellers such as Eileen Flynn (23) from Ballyfermot in Dublin, who are better educated than their parents, argue strongly for ethnic recognition. Though proud of her Traveller background she speaks of “hiding the fact that I’m a Traveller, because people judge you immediately and negatively”.
“I think if we can get Travellers recognised we can begin to lobby properly for Traveller culture, housing, for simple things like that. We can start to stop being ashamed of who we are, be proud and take our place.”
She acknowledges problems such as feuding, alcoholism and huge unemployment (83 per cent), but says: “There’s an awful lot more good about us than there is bad.”
The three national Traveller organisations – the Irish Traveller Movement, Pavee Point and the National Traveller Women’s Forum – have campaigned for many years for recognition, and have the support of the United Nations.
In Britain, Irish Travellers have been recognised as an ethnic group since 2000 by virtue of “certain distinct characteristics” apart from their being Irish.
While previous ministers for justice have refused to consider granting Travellers ethnic status, the current Minister, Alan Shatter, says “serious consideration is being given” to it.
Landmark ruling Ethnic minority status
Irish Travellers were recognised as an ethnic minority in Britain in a landmark court judgment in 2000, on the grounds that:
they had a long shared history
they had a distinct cultural tradition that included their nomadism; their preference for self-employment and some traditional occupations; the fact some still practised matchmaking and tended to marry within their community; and their particular attachment to ritual and pilgrimage
they shared a common language – Shelta, Gammon or Cant – even if few spoke it
they had common oral traditions
they had suffered disadvantage, discrimination and prejudice because of their identity.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Travellers lose fight to stay on land at Theale - Somerset
From the Cheddar Valley Gazette
Two Traveller families living in a village without planning permission have lost their court battle to stay on the land - over the risk posed if a garden ever became overgrown.
High Court Judge Denyer, sitting in Bristol, rejected a challenge, brought by one of the Travellers, Marie Hughes, to a Government planning inspector’s decision to uphold Sedgemoor District Council’s refusal of planning permission for them to remain on the land at Yeo Moor Drove, Theale.
The decision was swung over a sightline from a difficult access onto Yeo Moor Drove on the B3139 and what would happen if that sightline became lost if a neighbouring garden become overgrown.
Judge Denyer ruled that the available sightlines relied on by Mrs Hughes are dependent upon views being obtained over a cottage garden to the left of the access, and were dependent on a well-mown lawn.
He said: “The appellant has no control over this area. Although the wall may have been lowered at some time to facilitate this visibility, no evidence has been provided to show that there is an enforceable condition on a planning permission to maintain sightlines over the garden.
“Given the height of the garden if it became unkempt or even fairly low level shrub or flower planting took place, this visibility could be so severely restricted that only minimal sightlines would be available.”
The ruling leaves Mrs Hughes, her husband and two children – one six, the other nine months – and the other family, the Attwells, who have a six year old and another child on the way, at risk of eviction by the council.
In the decision under challenge, taken in August, the inspector found that the development would cause “serious detriment” to the character and appearance of the area, and that another weighty factor against it was the serious deficiency in access from Yeo Moor Drove onto the B3139 as a result of the lack of control over the sightline to the east.
Judge Denyer said he did not dismiss the appeal lightly, not wishing to disrupt family life and the children’s education. But he had to balance such matters against the harm caused if the appeal was allowed.
Mrs Hughes’ solicitors argued that the visibility at the junction was, at its best, a very weak finding, and probably wrong, so it should have been disregarded.
They claimed that it should have been comprehensively outweighed by the need to have regard to the best interests of her children.
Judge Denyer defended the planning inspector’s opinion, saying: “In my view he was entitled to conclude that the local authority did not have sufficient control over the land at the left of the junction to ensure that adequate sightlines would be maintained, by which I mean sightlines which complied with relevant guidance and which are essential for ensuring safety at road junctions. In other words this was not a ‘weak’ finding.”
Rejecting the claim that the inspector should nevertheless have granted a temporary permission, the judge said that the inspector concluded that even a temporary permission of between the three to five years “would potentially expose site users and others on the public highway to hazards over that period and the risk is too great”.
The site in Theale has been occupied by travellers since April 2009 when planning permission was first sought through the Romany Gypsy Advisory Group. The plan was turned down by Sedgemoor, which led to an appeal being lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.
Two Traveller families living in a village without planning permission have lost their court battle to stay on the land - over the risk posed if a garden ever became overgrown.
High Court Judge Denyer, sitting in Bristol, rejected a challenge, brought by one of the Travellers, Marie Hughes, to a Government planning inspector’s decision to uphold Sedgemoor District Council’s refusal of planning permission for them to remain on the land at Yeo Moor Drove, Theale.
The decision was swung over a sightline from a difficult access onto Yeo Moor Drove on the B3139 and what would happen if that sightline became lost if a neighbouring garden become overgrown.
Judge Denyer ruled that the available sightlines relied on by Mrs Hughes are dependent upon views being obtained over a cottage garden to the left of the access, and were dependent on a well-mown lawn.
He said: “The appellant has no control over this area. Although the wall may have been lowered at some time to facilitate this visibility, no evidence has been provided to show that there is an enforceable condition on a planning permission to maintain sightlines over the garden.
“Given the height of the garden if it became unkempt or even fairly low level shrub or flower planting took place, this visibility could be so severely restricted that only minimal sightlines would be available.”
The ruling leaves Mrs Hughes, her husband and two children – one six, the other nine months – and the other family, the Attwells, who have a six year old and another child on the way, at risk of eviction by the council.
In the decision under challenge, taken in August, the inspector found that the development would cause “serious detriment” to the character and appearance of the area, and that another weighty factor against it was the serious deficiency in access from Yeo Moor Drove onto the B3139 as a result of the lack of control over the sightline to the east.
Judge Denyer said he did not dismiss the appeal lightly, not wishing to disrupt family life and the children’s education. But he had to balance such matters against the harm caused if the appeal was allowed.
Mrs Hughes’ solicitors argued that the visibility at the junction was, at its best, a very weak finding, and probably wrong, so it should have been disregarded.
They claimed that it should have been comprehensively outweighed by the need to have regard to the best interests of her children.
Judge Denyer defended the planning inspector’s opinion, saying: “In my view he was entitled to conclude that the local authority did not have sufficient control over the land at the left of the junction to ensure that adequate sightlines would be maintained, by which I mean sightlines which complied with relevant guidance and which are essential for ensuring safety at road junctions. In other words this was not a ‘weak’ finding.”
Rejecting the claim that the inspector should nevertheless have granted a temporary permission, the judge said that the inspector concluded that even a temporary permission of between the three to five years “would potentially expose site users and others on the public highway to hazards over that period and the risk is too great”.
The site in Theale has been occupied by travellers since April 2009 when planning permission was first sought through the Romany Gypsy Advisory Group. The plan was turned down by Sedgemoor, which led to an appeal being lodged with the Planning Inspectorate.
One hundred party Travellers evicted from Stratford pub - London
From the Newham Recorder
A hundred Travellers hoping to throw a party at a pub in Stratford were evicted overnight by police.
The Travellers had brought alcohol and a DJ along to the The Carpenters Arms, according to a police spokesman.
They had already been removed from an area of Chingford, he added, and were moved on again by police from the venue in Carpenters Road.
A hundred Travellers hoping to throw a party at a pub in Stratford were evicted overnight by police.
The Travellers had brought alcohol and a DJ along to the The Carpenters Arms, according to a police spokesman.
They had already been removed from an area of Chingford, he added, and were moved on again by police from the venue in Carpenters Road.
Caravans destroyed as fire breaks out at Travellers site - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
TWO caravans were destroyed after being engulfed in a blaze at a North-east Travellers site.
Three fire engines – two from Aberdeen – and a total of 13 firefighters were called to the incident at Clinterty near Blackburn.
A Grampian Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said of yesterday’s incident: “There was a caravan on fire and then that spread to another caravan.”
There were no injuries.
TWO caravans were destroyed after being engulfed in a blaze at a North-east Travellers site.
Three fire engines – two from Aberdeen – and a total of 13 firefighters were called to the incident at Clinterty near Blackburn.
A Grampian Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said of yesterday’s incident: “There was a caravan on fire and then that spread to another caravan.”
There were no injuries.
We're Travellers And We're Not Moving! - Hertfordshire
From the St.Albans Review
It's now been two weeks since Travellers parked up their caravans on the service road between Tesco's and the Birchwood Playing Fields. Whilst the police were alerted when they arrived, the caravans remain at the spot much favoured by other Travellers over the years.
Despite a bund - a raised soil bank - being installed, access to the wide verge behind is easily gained via the wide gap in the bund for the footpath that crosses the playing fields.
It's now been two weeks since Travellers parked up their caravans on the service road between Tesco's and the Birchwood Playing Fields. Whilst the police were alerted when they arrived, the caravans remain at the spot much favoured by other Travellers over the years.
Despite a bund - a raised soil bank - being installed, access to the wide verge behind is easily gained via the wide gap in the bund for the footpath that crosses the playing fields.
Bid for more Travellers' pitches at Malton - Yorkshire
From the Northern Echo
A TRAVELLERS site could be expanded – in an effort to prevent families illegally occupying other land.
Proposals have been submitted to Ryedale District Council for seven new pitches and seven extra amenity blocks at Tara Park, on York Road, Malton. Permission was granted for seven original pitches in 2000.
Yorkshire Housing, the applicant, said the additional pitches would give families a legal base for their mobile homes near the A64.
And in a planning statement to the council they said available space was limited, but demand was high.
“By making better use of this land, this will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own,” add the statement.
The application is expected to go before local planning councillors for a decision in February.
A TRAVELLERS site could be expanded – in an effort to prevent families illegally occupying other land.
Proposals have been submitted to Ryedale District Council for seven new pitches and seven extra amenity blocks at Tara Park, on York Road, Malton. Permission was granted for seven original pitches in 2000.
Yorkshire Housing, the applicant, said the additional pitches would give families a legal base for their mobile homes near the A64.
And in a planning statement to the council they said available space was limited, but demand was high.
“By making better use of this land, this will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own,” add the statement.
The application is expected to go before local planning councillors for a decision in February.
Gypsy site plans for Baddington turned down - Cheshire
From the Crewe Chronicle
PLANS to build a Gypsy site in Baddington have been refused.
An application had been submitted to build four pitches – housing two caravans each – on land at 2 Railway Bridge Cottage, Baddington Lane, and was discussed at a meeting of Cheshire East Council’s Southern Planning Committee last week.
But the application, which received a mixed response from local residents, was turned down by councillors due to its ‘unsustainable location’ and ‘impact on the countryside’.
The immediate neighbours of the proposed site said they were in ‘total support’ of it.
But the council had received six letters from residents who were opposed to the plans, claiming it would have a ‘detrimental impact’ on the character and appearance of the area and ‘significant detrimental impact’ on the residential amenity.
The local parish council also objected to the plans because of its location in the open countryside.
The application had been recommended for approval, with a temporary consent for four years in order to assess whether more sustainable sites will be allocated in the future.
PLANS to build a Gypsy site in Baddington have been refused.
An application had been submitted to build four pitches – housing two caravans each – on land at 2 Railway Bridge Cottage, Baddington Lane, and was discussed at a meeting of Cheshire East Council’s Southern Planning Committee last week.
But the application, which received a mixed response from local residents, was turned down by councillors due to its ‘unsustainable location’ and ‘impact on the countryside’.
The immediate neighbours of the proposed site said they were in ‘total support’ of it.
But the council had received six letters from residents who were opposed to the plans, claiming it would have a ‘detrimental impact’ on the character and appearance of the area and ‘significant detrimental impact’ on the residential amenity.
The local parish council also objected to the plans because of its location in the open countryside.
The application had been recommended for approval, with a temporary consent for four years in order to assess whether more sustainable sites will be allocated in the future.
Appeal lodged over Stanton Gypsy pitch refusal - Suffolk
From the Bury Free Press
A planning appeal has been lodged over a Gypsy pitch and stable block in Stanton, which was refused planning permission.
The development control committee at St Edmundsbury Borough Council turned down an application by Miss S Oakley back in September.
Neighbours had objected over the application with various highways concerns.
Now Miss Oakley has lodged an appeal which will be heard by an independent planning inspector.
A planning appeal has been lodged over a Gypsy pitch and stable block in Stanton, which was refused planning permission.
The development control committee at St Edmundsbury Borough Council turned down an application by Miss S Oakley back in September.
Neighbours had objected over the application with various highways concerns.
Now Miss Oakley has lodged an appeal which will be heard by an independent planning inspector.
Leicester's Traveller sites 'should go next to mayor's home - Leicestershire'
From the BBC
Gypsy and Traveller sites should be created near the home of Leicester's city mayor, suggestions in a public consultation show.
Results of the survey were released as the city looks at building more legal sites and removing unauthorised ones.
Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he did not think the suggestions were "serious".
In 100 questionnaires, respondents suggested sites should also be located near councillors' homes, council buildings or public spaces.
"I can understand why people do not want these sites near their houses, but I don't think these were ever intended as serious suggestions," Sir Peter said.
"The fact is this is not an issue where we can find a solution that everybody is going to be 100% satisfied with."
Types of Gypsy and Traveller sites
Permanent sites provide residents with a permanent home and operate in a similar way to council housing. Residents are responsible for paying rent, water, electricity and council tax bills.
Transit sites can operate all year round but only provide temporary accommodation for their residents, usually no more than three months. They have more basic facilities. Residents are responsible for paying rent, water and electricity.
Temporary stopping places are usually used for less than 28 days, generally at times of peak demand such as when fairs and cultural celebrations are taking place.
The public consultation was set up to consider three sites - Greengate Lane, Beaumont Way and Red Hill Way - which were chosen by councillors from a shortlist of eight, following an initial officer assessment of nearly 350 council-owned sites.
'Further investigation'
Respondents to the questionnaire suggested more than 50 alternative sites.
The report states there were 100 suggestions for the sites to be located at "New Walk Centre, Town Hall Square, Jubilee Square or near City Mayor or councillors' houses".
New Walk Centre is currently council offices, Town Hall Square is a public space next to the Town Hall, and Jubilee Square is a proposed new £4m public space next to the BBC Leicester offices.
The report recommended two of the other suggestions - Hoods Close and Braunstone Lane East - have "potential and are worthy of further investigation and consultation if additional transit sites/temporary stopping places are required".
The report recommendations say Red Hill Way and Greengate Lane sites are both suitable for either "permanent" or "transit" sites containing up to ten pitches each.
Jane Coltman and Roy Rollings from LE4, with Peter Soulsby The LE4 action group presented Sir Peter with a petition in July
Beaumont Way is "potentially suitable" for a transit site containing up to six pitches, the recommendations state.
Sir Peter said he will consider the report and make a decision on 4 January.
"We have got a major problem with illegal unauthorised Traveller encampments," he said.
"Something has got to be done about it and the only thing to be done about it is to provide some legal encampments and make sure travellers use them."
Terry McGreal, a member of the action group LE4, said he accepted the council needs to find spaces for Gypsies and Travellers, but said the chosen locations were inappropriate.
He said brownfield sites should have been chosen instead.
Gypsy and Traveller sites should be created near the home of Leicester's city mayor, suggestions in a public consultation show.
Results of the survey were released as the city looks at building more legal sites and removing unauthorised ones.
Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he did not think the suggestions were "serious".
In 100 questionnaires, respondents suggested sites should also be located near councillors' homes, council buildings or public spaces.
"I can understand why people do not want these sites near their houses, but I don't think these were ever intended as serious suggestions," Sir Peter said.
"The fact is this is not an issue where we can find a solution that everybody is going to be 100% satisfied with."
Types of Gypsy and Traveller sites
Permanent sites provide residents with a permanent home and operate in a similar way to council housing. Residents are responsible for paying rent, water, electricity and council tax bills.
Transit sites can operate all year round but only provide temporary accommodation for their residents, usually no more than three months. They have more basic facilities. Residents are responsible for paying rent, water and electricity.
Temporary stopping places are usually used for less than 28 days, generally at times of peak demand such as when fairs and cultural celebrations are taking place.
The public consultation was set up to consider three sites - Greengate Lane, Beaumont Way and Red Hill Way - which were chosen by councillors from a shortlist of eight, following an initial officer assessment of nearly 350 council-owned sites.
'Further investigation'
Respondents to the questionnaire suggested more than 50 alternative sites.
The report states there were 100 suggestions for the sites to be located at "New Walk Centre, Town Hall Square, Jubilee Square or near City Mayor or councillors' houses".
New Walk Centre is currently council offices, Town Hall Square is a public space next to the Town Hall, and Jubilee Square is a proposed new £4m public space next to the BBC Leicester offices.
The report recommended two of the other suggestions - Hoods Close and Braunstone Lane East - have "potential and are worthy of further investigation and consultation if additional transit sites/temporary stopping places are required".
The report recommendations say Red Hill Way and Greengate Lane sites are both suitable for either "permanent" or "transit" sites containing up to ten pitches each.
Jane Coltman and Roy Rollings from LE4, with Peter Soulsby The LE4 action group presented Sir Peter with a petition in July
Beaumont Way is "potentially suitable" for a transit site containing up to six pitches, the recommendations state.
Sir Peter said he will consider the report and make a decision on 4 January.
"We have got a major problem with illegal unauthorised Traveller encampments," he said.
"Something has got to be done about it and the only thing to be done about it is to provide some legal encampments and make sure travellers use them."
Terry McGreal, a member of the action group LE4, said he accepted the council needs to find spaces for Gypsies and Travellers, but said the chosen locations were inappropriate.
He said brownfield sites should have been chosen instead.
Monday, 24 December 2012
Gypsy and Traveller Children - Social Work Project
From BAAF
Gypsies and Travellers (including Irish Travellers, Roma, English or Welsh Gypsies, Scottish Travellers, Showmen and Circus People, Boat Dwellers and New Travellers) are recognized under race relations legislation as minority ethnic groups, and under current equality duties statutory service providers have a duty to work with these communities.
Gypsies and Travellers are marginalised and discriminated against in British society, and social work with children from these groups is not exempt from this. There is research to suggest that practice is often culturally insensitive and fails to achieve good long term outcomes.
Department of Education data shows that in 2011 there were 110 looked after children defined as Irish Travellers, Gypsy or Roma, although it is likely that this is a significant under-recording. In addition to looked after children, there will be many more children from these groups who are subject to child protection procedures and who receive local authority services as children in need.
BAAF are working with academics and Travellers and representative organisations like the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB) to look at developing resources that will contribute to more effective work with this client group. We hope that the outcomes from this project will include:
A DVD about Gypsy-Traveller experiences
A Good Practice Guide for Social Workers
An information booklet for the Gypsy-Traveller communities
There is a small project group taking this forward and we are particularly interested in hearing from:
Social workers who are prepared to share information (ideally as case studies) about the challenges and most importantly the successes working with children from this group (withholding all identifying information)
Foster carers or adopters from a Gypsy –Traveller background who are willing to speak with us about their experiences
Gypsies or Travellers who have experience of the care system and are willing to share their stories
For more information please contact either:
Paul Adams
BAAF Fostering Development Consultant
paul.adams@baaf.org.uk
Yvonne MacNamara
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB)
yvonne@irishtraveller.org.uk
Sponsors:
British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB), and Edge Hill University.
Gypsies and Travellers (including Irish Travellers, Roma, English or Welsh Gypsies, Scottish Travellers, Showmen and Circus People, Boat Dwellers and New Travellers) are recognized under race relations legislation as minority ethnic groups, and under current equality duties statutory service providers have a duty to work with these communities.
Gypsies and Travellers are marginalised and discriminated against in British society, and social work with children from these groups is not exempt from this. There is research to suggest that practice is often culturally insensitive and fails to achieve good long term outcomes.
Department of Education data shows that in 2011 there were 110 looked after children defined as Irish Travellers, Gypsy or Roma, although it is likely that this is a significant under-recording. In addition to looked after children, there will be many more children from these groups who are subject to child protection procedures and who receive local authority services as children in need.
BAAF are working with academics and Travellers and representative organisations like the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB) to look at developing resources that will contribute to more effective work with this client group. We hope that the outcomes from this project will include:
A DVD about Gypsy-Traveller experiences
A Good Practice Guide for Social Workers
An information booklet for the Gypsy-Traveller communities
There is a small project group taking this forward and we are particularly interested in hearing from:
Social workers who are prepared to share information (ideally as case studies) about the challenges and most importantly the successes working with children from this group (withholding all identifying information)
Foster carers or adopters from a Gypsy –Traveller background who are willing to speak with us about their experiences
Gypsies or Travellers who have experience of the care system and are willing to share their stories
For more information please contact either:
Paul Adams
BAAF Fostering Development Consultant
paul.adams@baaf.org.uk
Yvonne MacNamara
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB)
yvonne@irishtraveller.org.uk
Sponsors:
British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB), and Edge Hill University.
Fresh delay into probe over planned Travellers’ site - Bedfordshire
From the Leighton Buzzard Observer
A public inquiry into moves to turn scenic Green Belt land into a Travellers’ site in Miletree Road, Heath and Reach, has been adjourned until March 19.
Travellers were contesting the refusal by Central Beds Council to grant planning permission for six mobile homes, touring caravans and facilities, on a field they own on the outskirts of the village.
In April a six-month planning battle came to an end when the authority won legal backing to have the site, which had already been laid with a tarmac access road and rail-and-post pitches.
On Tuesday a three-day inquiry was due to be held in a last ditch attempt by the site’s owners to open up the land for Travellers.
A public inquiry into moves to turn scenic Green Belt land into a Travellers’ site in Miletree Road, Heath and Reach, has been adjourned until March 19.
Travellers were contesting the refusal by Central Beds Council to grant planning permission for six mobile homes, touring caravans and facilities, on a field they own on the outskirts of the village.
In April a six-month planning battle came to an end when the authority won legal backing to have the site, which had already been laid with a tarmac access road and rail-and-post pitches.
On Tuesday a three-day inquiry was due to be held in a last ditch attempt by the site’s owners to open up the land for Travellers.
Bid to enlarge Travellers’ site in Malton - Yorkshire
From the
A TRAVELLERS site in Malton could be expanded to try to prevent families illegally occupying other land.
Proposals have been submitted to Ryedale District Council for seven new pitches and seven extra amenity blocks at Tara Park, in York Road. Permission was granted for seven original pitches in 2000.
Yorkshire Housing, the applicant, said the additional pitches would give families a legal base for mobile homes, near the A64. A planning statement to the council said available space was limited, but demand was high.
“By making better use of this land, this will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own,” said the statement.
A decision on the scheme is expected in February.
A TRAVELLERS site in Malton could be expanded to try to prevent families illegally occupying other land.
Proposals have been submitted to Ryedale District Council for seven new pitches and seven extra amenity blocks at Tara Park, in York Road. Permission was granted for seven original pitches in 2000.
Yorkshire Housing, the applicant, said the additional pitches would give families a legal base for mobile homes, near the A64. A planning statement to the council said available space was limited, but demand was high.
“By making better use of this land, this will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own,” said the statement.
A decision on the scheme is expected in February.
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Controversial Plymouth Traveller and Gypsy site gets go-ahead - Devon
From the Plymouth Herald
WORK is to go ahead on a new permanent Gypsy and Traveller site on the edge of Efford in the Spring.
Plymouth City Council has been awarded £600,000 to build 10 pitches on the permanent residential site at Military Road.
The cash from the Homes and Communities Agency will go some way towards meeting the city's need for 50 Gypsy and Traveller pitches.
Providing permanent sites will also help to control unauthorised developments.
The city earmarked the Military Road for a Gypsy and Traveller site in 2007, but was refused funding by the previous Government.
The Homes and Communities Agency has also awarded the council £550,000 to refurbish the existing site at The Ride near Chelson Meadow.
The programme of work will be developed to take into account recent flooding, a council spokeswoman said.
Some residents at The Ride were badly hit by November's floods.
A council spokeswoman said there had already been extensive public consultation over Military Road.
"Now council officers will meet with residents and local community groups and keep them informed about the progress of the scheme.
"Work is expected to start in late Spring next year."
Cllr Chris Penberthy, the city's Cabinet member for co-operatives and community development, said: "Gypsy and Traveller sites are always going to be a sensitive issue but winning this funding means we can press ahead with work to meet housing needs for our local Gypsy and Traveller community."
Clear procedures will be put in place to manage behaviour expectations, day-to-day issues and collecting rent, council tax and payment for services, the council said.
In 2011 the council also approved a transit site at Broadley Park in Roborough, near Belliver industrial estate.
Earlier this year the Government awarded the council £790,000 for that controversial project to build 15 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers passing through the city.
The council has now submitted a planning application for the transit site.
A third site approved in 2011, at Mowhay Road in St Budeaux, is not part of the latest funding award.
Last year there were 40 illegal encampments in Plymouth compared to an average of between 20 and 25 a year in previous years. Over the past five years there have been 33 unauthorised encampments within about two miles of the site at Broadley Park.
A quarter of the unauthorised encampments managed by Plymouth City Council are on land owned in the South Hams area.
The encampments cost the city council up to £300,000 a year in clean-up costs, and some cause significant problems for local residents.
New national policies could mean that councils will lose planning appeals when Gypsy and Traveller sites are set up on private land if they have not provided sufficient local sites.
WORK is to go ahead on a new permanent Gypsy and Traveller site on the edge of Efford in the Spring.
Plymouth City Council has been awarded £600,000 to build 10 pitches on the permanent residential site at Military Road.
The cash from the Homes and Communities Agency will go some way towards meeting the city's need for 50 Gypsy and Traveller pitches.
Providing permanent sites will also help to control unauthorised developments.
The city earmarked the Military Road for a Gypsy and Traveller site in 2007, but was refused funding by the previous Government.
The Homes and Communities Agency has also awarded the council £550,000 to refurbish the existing site at The Ride near Chelson Meadow.
The programme of work will be developed to take into account recent flooding, a council spokeswoman said.
Some residents at The Ride were badly hit by November's floods.
A council spokeswoman said there had already been extensive public consultation over Military Road.
"Now council officers will meet with residents and local community groups and keep them informed about the progress of the scheme.
"Work is expected to start in late Spring next year."
Cllr Chris Penberthy, the city's Cabinet member for co-operatives and community development, said: "Gypsy and Traveller sites are always going to be a sensitive issue but winning this funding means we can press ahead with work to meet housing needs for our local Gypsy and Traveller community."
Clear procedures will be put in place to manage behaviour expectations, day-to-day issues and collecting rent, council tax and payment for services, the council said.
In 2011 the council also approved a transit site at Broadley Park in Roborough, near Belliver industrial estate.
Earlier this year the Government awarded the council £790,000 for that controversial project to build 15 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers passing through the city.
The council has now submitted a planning application for the transit site.
A third site approved in 2011, at Mowhay Road in St Budeaux, is not part of the latest funding award.
Last year there were 40 illegal encampments in Plymouth compared to an average of between 20 and 25 a year in previous years. Over the past five years there have been 33 unauthorised encampments within about two miles of the site at Broadley Park.
A quarter of the unauthorised encampments managed by Plymouth City Council are on land owned in the South Hams area.
The encampments cost the city council up to £300,000 a year in clean-up costs, and some cause significant problems for local residents.
New national policies could mean that councils will lose planning appeals when Gypsy and Traveller sites are set up on private land if they have not provided sufficient local sites.
Daughter pays tribute to her brave mum - Somerset
From the Western Gazette
A LOVING daughter who shaved her head for charity has paid tribute to her brave mum who passed away last week.
Eileen Hughes, 60, of Stoke-sub-Hamdon, died in Yeovil District Hospital on Friday of pneumonia. She had been battling cancer of the gullet since she was diagnosed in June.
Daughter Polly Worner, 33, of South Petherton, raised £1,400 for Cancer Research UK when she shed her hair during the summer in a show of support for her mum whose hair fell out as a result of cancer treatment.
Mrs Worner said her mum was taken into hospital a week before her death with a bowel infection and picked up a chest infection while in hospital. She said: "She did pick up for a while. The nurses were pleased with her progress then sadly she died.
"It came as a shock. We thought we had her a bit longer. God must have wanted mum sooner. Now she is with her mum and dad. We didn't expect her to go so quick."
Ms Hughes was a Romany Gypsy and born in a wagon at Tinker's Bubble, near Yeovil, Mrs Worner said. She was one of six children.
Mrs Worner added: "She travelled around in the wagon with her mum and dad, brothers and sisters. They stayed in a caravan park at Tintinhull then when we were young she moved into a house.
"She did pea-picking as a job, all the Travellers did. Mum was a hard worker all her life and took great pride in her grandson who she brought up.
"Ever since mum got her diagnosis, she was ever so brave. All the way through she was so strong and brave. We are so proud of her. When she left she took a piece of our hearts with her. We will never forget her."
Ms Hughes is survived by her five children Peter, 34, Mrs Worner, Lisa, 31, Brian, 30, and Annie, 29, and five grandchildren.
Mrs Worner said the funeral service will be at The Parish church of St Peter and St Paul, South Petherton, on Monday, December 31 at 11am. A procession will then walk to South Petherton cemetery at midday.
A LOVING daughter who shaved her head for charity has paid tribute to her brave mum who passed away last week.
Eileen Hughes, 60, of Stoke-sub-Hamdon, died in Yeovil District Hospital on Friday of pneumonia. She had been battling cancer of the gullet since she was diagnosed in June.
Daughter Polly Worner, 33, of South Petherton, raised £1,400 for Cancer Research UK when she shed her hair during the summer in a show of support for her mum whose hair fell out as a result of cancer treatment.
Mrs Worner said her mum was taken into hospital a week before her death with a bowel infection and picked up a chest infection while in hospital. She said: "She did pick up for a while. The nurses were pleased with her progress then sadly she died.
"It came as a shock. We thought we had her a bit longer. God must have wanted mum sooner. Now she is with her mum and dad. We didn't expect her to go so quick."
Ms Hughes was a Romany Gypsy and born in a wagon at Tinker's Bubble, near Yeovil, Mrs Worner said. She was one of six children.
Mrs Worner added: "She travelled around in the wagon with her mum and dad, brothers and sisters. They stayed in a caravan park at Tintinhull then when we were young she moved into a house.
"She did pea-picking as a job, all the Travellers did. Mum was a hard worker all her life and took great pride in her grandson who she brought up.
"Ever since mum got her diagnosis, she was ever so brave. All the way through she was so strong and brave. We are so proud of her. When she left she took a piece of our hearts with her. We will never forget her."
Ms Hughes is survived by her five children Peter, 34, Mrs Worner, Lisa, 31, Brian, 30, and Annie, 29, and five grandchildren.
Mrs Worner said the funeral service will be at The Parish church of St Peter and St Paul, South Petherton, on Monday, December 31 at 11am. A procession will then walk to South Petherton cemetery at midday.
Helping Travellers keep their hearts healthy - Cambridgeshire
From the Fenland Citizen
The British Heart Foundation is working in partnership with Cambridgeshire Traveller Health Team and their volunteers to support Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen families improve their health and well-being.
They are also helping with Medicine Use Reviews (MUR) to make sure people are taking medication correctly and providing help with reading and writing.
If you have a family history of heart disease or have an MUR assessment, you could be entitled to funding for 1:1 help with reading and writing in your own home with a personal tutor
Interested? Please contact: Janet Watkinson for an MUR on 07507446085; Rose Wilson for 1:1 help with reading and writing on 07900678291; Shaynie Larwood-Smith for health advice on 07771896424; Terri-Lee Hawkins for general advice on 07535875316; and Kelly Bath for general advice and guidance on 01354-659988
The British Heart Foundation is working in partnership with Cambridgeshire Traveller Health Team and their volunteers to support Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Showmen families improve their health and well-being.
They are also helping with Medicine Use Reviews (MUR) to make sure people are taking medication correctly and providing help with reading and writing.
If you have a family history of heart disease or have an MUR assessment, you could be entitled to funding for 1:1 help with reading and writing in your own home with a personal tutor
Interested? Please contact: Janet Watkinson for an MUR on 07507446085; Rose Wilson for 1:1 help with reading and writing on 07900678291; Shaynie Larwood-Smith for health advice on 07771896424; Terri-Lee Hawkins for general advice on 07535875316; and Kelly Bath for general advice and guidance on 01354-659988
Friday, 21 December 2012
Plans for Gypsy site on Moston farmland knocked back by council - Cheshire
From the Middlewich Guardian
CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform farmland near Middlewich into a Gypsy site have been thrown out by Cheshire East Council.
Two proposals for a total of six Gypsy pitches in Dragons Lane, Moston, were refused by the authority’s southern planning committee.
The applications included space for 12 caravans and associated brick buildings, parking, hardstanding and waste disposal facilities.
Opposition group Action Moston and community leaders warned of the cumulative effect it would have on the greenfield site.
“There would be an immense impact and desecreation of prime agricultural land,” said David Wright, chairman of Action Moston.
The decision also came after Council Leader Michael Jones spoke at the meeting with a pledge to find sustainable sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
He added: “Nothing is more emotive than Gypsy and Traveller site provision.
“As leader of the council I am committed to finding suitable sites where sustainability is guaranteed and they will be supported by the developers and community.
“Within a year we will have 28 pitches coming forward for planning permission.
“We will have enough Gypsy and Traveller sites for the whole of Cheshire East in applications next year.”
Plans for one family to live on Thimswarra Farm - bordering Dragons Lane and Plant Lane - were approved by appeal in September.
This has prompted Gypsy site applications that were previously refused to be resubmitted saying there has been a change in circumstances.
“It’s now being used as a precedent,” said Clr Andrew Thwaite.
“And I don’t think we should be swayed in any way and treat each application on its own merit.”
Mr Wright said the application that was approved by appeal had led to numerous planning proposals amounting to 19 units.
Clr John Wray, ward member for Moston, said: “We don’t want the open countryside blighted with inappropriate, unplanned developments in unsustainable locations.
“The whole site consists of 11 acres which is apparently for sale piecemeal.
“If these applications are approved we will see future applications. It could turn into quite a large site.”
Moston resident Alan Holder said: “I believe this current application is simply a Trojan horse.”
Clr William Scragg, of Moston Parish Council, added: “The feeling is we are thought to be the dumping ground of Cheshire East for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
“We feel enough is enough. We already have the lion’s share of pitches in the borough.”
The committee also heard that the site was a long way from amenities such as doctors, schools and shops and prone to flooding.
Committee chairman Gill Merry said: “In the last two or three weeks, the water has been running like a river.
“It’s completely flooded. I seriously question how healthy it would be to live in that area.”
The first application, which was for two Gypsy families, was also refused as it is on land designated for the grazing of horses.
No alternative provision for the horses had been planned.
CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform farmland near Middlewich into a Gypsy site have been thrown out by Cheshire East Council.
Two proposals for a total of six Gypsy pitches in Dragons Lane, Moston, were refused by the authority’s southern planning committee.
The applications included space for 12 caravans and associated brick buildings, parking, hardstanding and waste disposal facilities.
Opposition group Action Moston and community leaders warned of the cumulative effect it would have on the greenfield site.
“There would be an immense impact and desecreation of prime agricultural land,” said David Wright, chairman of Action Moston.
The decision also came after Council Leader Michael Jones spoke at the meeting with a pledge to find sustainable sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
He added: “Nothing is more emotive than Gypsy and Traveller site provision.
“As leader of the council I am committed to finding suitable sites where sustainability is guaranteed and they will be supported by the developers and community.
“Within a year we will have 28 pitches coming forward for planning permission.
“We will have enough Gypsy and Traveller sites for the whole of Cheshire East in applications next year.”
Plans for one family to live on Thimswarra Farm - bordering Dragons Lane and Plant Lane - were approved by appeal in September.
This has prompted Gypsy site applications that were previously refused to be resubmitted saying there has been a change in circumstances.
“It’s now being used as a precedent,” said Clr Andrew Thwaite.
“And I don’t think we should be swayed in any way and treat each application on its own merit.”
Mr Wright said the application that was approved by appeal had led to numerous planning proposals amounting to 19 units.
Clr John Wray, ward member for Moston, said: “We don’t want the open countryside blighted with inappropriate, unplanned developments in unsustainable locations.
“The whole site consists of 11 acres which is apparently for sale piecemeal.
“If these applications are approved we will see future applications. It could turn into quite a large site.”
Moston resident Alan Holder said: “I believe this current application is simply a Trojan horse.”
Clr William Scragg, of Moston Parish Council, added: “The feeling is we are thought to be the dumping ground of Cheshire East for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
“We feel enough is enough. We already have the lion’s share of pitches in the borough.”
The committee also heard that the site was a long way from amenities such as doctors, schools and shops and prone to flooding.
Committee chairman Gill Merry said: “In the last two or three weeks, the water has been running like a river.
“It’s completely flooded. I seriously question how healthy it would be to live in that area.”
The first application, which was for two Gypsy families, was also refused as it is on land designated for the grazing of horses.
No alternative provision for the horses had been planned.
Site expanding - Yorkshire
From the Goole Howden Courier
CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend an existing Travellers’ site at Burn were pushed further ahead by Selby District Council last week.
And the move has been met with outrage from campaigning parties.
The proposals would see the current site of seven pitches, which have been in place for 25 years, expanded by a further 15 at an estimated cost of £188,000 to SDC.
Burn Parish Council leader Councillor Chris Phillipson said: “I’m disgusted at the majority of district councillors that voted this through.
“It was clearly a done deal before it even went to council. It’s disgusting, they were following the pied piper. There’s conflicts of interests all around and the council are riding rough shod over us again.
“We will go back to our legal team now and see what else we can do.”
Independent councillor Mary McCartney added: “The council have already spent money on preparing the planning application and producing the tender for the construction of the new site and on Tuesday they agreed that even if their grant application to the Homes and Communities Agency fails then they will push ahead with the scheme with other partners.
“In their own Preferred Options Document they stated that they would not force a Traveller site upon a community yet they are now clearly doing that.
“The entire Gypsy and Traveller site search has been a complete and utter shambles from start to finish and it is residents of Burn who will now suffer from that shambles.”
An SDC spokesman said: “The council has a legal responsibility to provide suitable accommodation for the Gypsy and Traveller community; failure to do so leaves the authority unable to robustly defend any unauthorised encampments anywhere in the district.
“The proposal currently being worked on is to develop the site at Burn. Any proposal will be subject to the full and robust planning process, during which further consultation will take place.”
The total cost of the development is £940,000 with an 80 per cent grant being sought from the HCA towards this.
CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend an existing Travellers’ site at Burn were pushed further ahead by Selby District Council last week.
And the move has been met with outrage from campaigning parties.
The proposals would see the current site of seven pitches, which have been in place for 25 years, expanded by a further 15 at an estimated cost of £188,000 to SDC.
Burn Parish Council leader Councillor Chris Phillipson said: “I’m disgusted at the majority of district councillors that voted this through.
“It was clearly a done deal before it even went to council. It’s disgusting, they were following the pied piper. There’s conflicts of interests all around and the council are riding rough shod over us again.
“We will go back to our legal team now and see what else we can do.”
Independent councillor Mary McCartney added: “The council have already spent money on preparing the planning application and producing the tender for the construction of the new site and on Tuesday they agreed that even if their grant application to the Homes and Communities Agency fails then they will push ahead with the scheme with other partners.
“In their own Preferred Options Document they stated that they would not force a Traveller site upon a community yet they are now clearly doing that.
“The entire Gypsy and Traveller site search has been a complete and utter shambles from start to finish and it is residents of Burn who will now suffer from that shambles.”
An SDC spokesman said: “The council has a legal responsibility to provide suitable accommodation for the Gypsy and Traveller community; failure to do so leaves the authority unable to robustly defend any unauthorised encampments anywhere in the district.
“The proposal currently being worked on is to develop the site at Burn. Any proposal will be subject to the full and robust planning process, during which further consultation will take place.”
The total cost of the development is £940,000 with an 80 per cent grant being sought from the HCA towards this.
Swansea Council makes commenting on Gypsy Traveller site short-list easier - Glamorgan
From the South Wales Evening Post
SWANSEA Council says it is making it easier for residents to give their views on the five short- listed Gypsy Traveller sites.
It follows complaints to the Evening Post that it was too difficult for certain members of the public to contribute to the consultation.
Tom Jenkins said the elderly, disabled and computer illiterate would "lose out on having their say" because the large portion of the feedback was done online, with online a week in January where hard copies would be available.
Louise Bolam, a spokeswoman for Leo's Community Action Group, which is campaigning against a site on the old greyhound track in Penplas, said there was concern some people in the area would not have access to the documents.
"You've only got to look at the demographic for the Penderry ward to see that's not a fair way to consult with them," she said.
"Local people here are socially excluded and there are low educational groups with none or low educational qualifications and if you read the documents they are extremely complex.
"We spent hours studying them. It is not advertised very well. Lots of people are relying on the Evening Post to know what's going on."
However, she added she was pleased the council was inviting the public to get involved.
On the short list are: the former greyhound stadium (Cockett); the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach (Gorseinon); proposed cemetery (Gorseinon); Swansea Vale (Llansamlet); and Milford Way (Penderry).
All the council's documents relating to how the short-list was drawn up will be online until March 2013.
A hard copy of all the information on the website is also now available at the Civic Centre and can be viewed on request, along with hard copies of the consultation document.
Libraries across the city are also available for residents who may not have access to a computer at home.
Visitors to the civic centre can also view an exhibition which will be on display from January 21 to 25, February 25 to March 1 and from March 18 to 28.
The council is mailing consultation forms to residents who may have difficulties getting to a library or the Civic Centre.
David Phillips, council leader, said: "The council wants the public to play a full part in this process and people will have until the end of March to give us their views.
"No decisions have been made about any site and none will be until after the public consultation has been completed."
SWANSEA Council says it is making it easier for residents to give their views on the five short- listed Gypsy Traveller sites.
It follows complaints to the Evening Post that it was too difficult for certain members of the public to contribute to the consultation.
Tom Jenkins said the elderly, disabled and computer illiterate would "lose out on having their say" because the large portion of the feedback was done online, with online a week in January where hard copies would be available.
Louise Bolam, a spokeswoman for Leo's Community Action Group, which is campaigning against a site on the old greyhound track in Penplas, said there was concern some people in the area would not have access to the documents.
"You've only got to look at the demographic for the Penderry ward to see that's not a fair way to consult with them," she said.
"Local people here are socially excluded and there are low educational groups with none or low educational qualifications and if you read the documents they are extremely complex.
"We spent hours studying them. It is not advertised very well. Lots of people are relying on the Evening Post to know what's going on."
However, she added she was pleased the council was inviting the public to get involved.
On the short list are: the former greyhound stadium (Cockett); the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach (Gorseinon); proposed cemetery (Gorseinon); Swansea Vale (Llansamlet); and Milford Way (Penderry).
All the council's documents relating to how the short-list was drawn up will be online until March 2013.
A hard copy of all the information on the website is also now available at the Civic Centre and can be viewed on request, along with hard copies of the consultation document.
Libraries across the city are also available for residents who may not have access to a computer at home.
Visitors to the civic centre can also view an exhibition which will be on display from January 21 to 25, February 25 to March 1 and from March 18 to 28.
The council is mailing consultation forms to residents who may have difficulties getting to a library or the Civic Centre.
David Phillips, council leader, said: "The council wants the public to play a full part in this process and people will have until the end of March to give us their views.
"No decisions have been made about any site and none will be until after the public consultation has been completed."
Council to fight Travellers' plan - Cheshire
From Warrington Worldwide
PLANNING bosses at Warrington want to fight a bid by Travellers to expand an existing Green Belt camp site.
The borough council's development management committee will be asked to throw out an application to extend the site at Cartridge Lane, Grappenhall when it meets in the New Year..
Traveller John Smith is seeking a retrospective change of use of part of the site to enable two mobile homes and 10 touring caravans to be sited there. Utility blocks, a septic tanks and additional hard standing is also included in the application.
Temporary permission to use the site was granted after an appeal in 2008 and despite furious opposition from nearby residents and parish councils. This consent expired in October 2011 so the current development is unauthorised, the officers say.
New objections have been lodged by Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, Appleton Parish Council, borough councillor Ted Finnegan, South Warrington MP David Mowat and 34 nearby residents.
Planners say unlike the proposals put forward in 2008, the new application would represent a "major" development if it were for conventional housing.
Approval of the application would facilitate the evolution of the site into a significant base for the applicants, their various businesses, their vehicles and animals
In a report to the committee, officers say: "Given the lack of quantitative need and the absence of a robust case showing how the applicants may have sought to secure an alternative site, it is the concluded that the impact of the proposal on the Green Belt would be harmful by way of inappropriateness - and that such harm is not outweighed by exceptional circumstances.
Officers are recommending the application be refused.
PLANNING bosses at Warrington want to fight a bid by Travellers to expand an existing Green Belt camp site.
The borough council's development management committee will be asked to throw out an application to extend the site at Cartridge Lane, Grappenhall when it meets in the New Year..
Traveller John Smith is seeking a retrospective change of use of part of the site to enable two mobile homes and 10 touring caravans to be sited there. Utility blocks, a septic tanks and additional hard standing is also included in the application.
Temporary permission to use the site was granted after an appeal in 2008 and despite furious opposition from nearby residents and parish councils. This consent expired in October 2011 so the current development is unauthorised, the officers say.
New objections have been lodged by Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council, Appleton Parish Council, borough councillor Ted Finnegan, South Warrington MP David Mowat and 34 nearby residents.
Planners say unlike the proposals put forward in 2008, the new application would represent a "major" development if it were for conventional housing.
Approval of the application would facilitate the evolution of the site into a significant base for the applicants, their various businesses, their vehicles and animals
In a report to the committee, officers say: "Given the lack of quantitative need and the absence of a robust case showing how the applicants may have sought to secure an alternative site, it is the concluded that the impact of the proposal on the Green Belt would be harmful by way of inappropriateness - and that such harm is not outweighed by exceptional circumstances.
Officers are recommending the application be refused.
Three men stabbed at wake at Midday Sun - London
From the Croydon and Purley Advertiser
A "VENDETTA" within two warring Traveller communities led to three men being stabbed after a brawl during a wake at a pub.
The huge fight broke out, involving about 20 people, at the Midday Sun – described on its sign as a "family pub" – on Tuesday night, at about 7pm.
Three men, who all received hospital treatment for stab wounds, were arrested after the fight in the pub, on the Coulsdon-Chipstead border.
The pub is located within a few minutes' walk of two camps of local Travellers, who are the subject of a long-running feud.
One bar worker, who wished not to be named, said: "There was a big group of them [Travellers] already here and then some other men came in and that's when it kicked off.
"Some of them are regulars. It's a vendetta. There are two Gypsy camps round here who don't get on. But I suppose you don't really expect it in your local."
Another witness told the Advertiser there may have been as many as 30 or 40 people involved.
Ambulance crews, including three paramedics, and police were called to the scene just before 7pm to reports of a fight, involving multiple stabbings, between several men.
The pub, situated where Chipstead Valley Road becomes Outwood Lane on the B2032, was cordoned off throughout Wednesday morning but reopened by the evening. However, a strong police presence remained throughout Wednesday night, when the Advertiser witnessed around eight officers in two police cars escorting a man from one of the traveller camps on Rectory Lane.
A spokesman for Greene King, who own and manage the pub, said: "We are extremely upset about what happened and are doing everything we can to help police investigate the incident."
A Surrey Police spokesman said: "The incident took place just before 7pm following a wake at the location. Officers were called to the pub following a report of an altercation between a group of men but the suspects had left the scene on police arrival.
"Three men matching the description of the suspects were located.
"All three received hospital treatment to what are believed to be stab wounds before being arrested on suspicion of affray."
The three have been released on bail, to return to police in February.
A "VENDETTA" within two warring Traveller communities led to three men being stabbed after a brawl during a wake at a pub.
The huge fight broke out, involving about 20 people, at the Midday Sun – described on its sign as a "family pub" – on Tuesday night, at about 7pm.
Three men, who all received hospital treatment for stab wounds, were arrested after the fight in the pub, on the Coulsdon-Chipstead border.
The pub is located within a few minutes' walk of two camps of local Travellers, who are the subject of a long-running feud.
One bar worker, who wished not to be named, said: "There was a big group of them [Travellers] already here and then some other men came in and that's when it kicked off.
"Some of them are regulars. It's a vendetta. There are two Gypsy camps round here who don't get on. But I suppose you don't really expect it in your local."
Another witness told the Advertiser there may have been as many as 30 or 40 people involved.
Ambulance crews, including three paramedics, and police were called to the scene just before 7pm to reports of a fight, involving multiple stabbings, between several men.
The pub, situated where Chipstead Valley Road becomes Outwood Lane on the B2032, was cordoned off throughout Wednesday morning but reopened by the evening. However, a strong police presence remained throughout Wednesday night, when the Advertiser witnessed around eight officers in two police cars escorting a man from one of the traveller camps on Rectory Lane.
A spokesman for Greene King, who own and manage the pub, said: "We are extremely upset about what happened and are doing everything we can to help police investigate the incident."
A Surrey Police spokesman said: "The incident took place just before 7pm following a wake at the location. Officers were called to the pub following a report of an altercation between a group of men but the suspects had left the scene on police arrival.
"Three men matching the description of the suspects were located.
"All three received hospital treatment to what are believed to be stab wounds before being arrested on suspicion of affray."
The three have been released on bail, to return to police in February.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Musician Paddy Pecker Dunne dies - Ireland
From the Belfast Telegraph
Gifted musician, storyteller and activist Paddy Pecker Dunne has died.
In a statement, the Temple Bar Company said it regretted to announce his death at the age of 80.
"We were honoured to work with Farcry productions to facilitate a gala benefit concert for Pecker Dunne during the 2012 Temple Bar Tradfestival," it said. "Our thoughts are now with his wife and family at this sad time."
Artistic director of the Tradfestival Kieran Hanrahan praised Dunne's musical abilities.
"The Pecker mastered the art and craft of many an instrument, the mandolin, the fiddle and the banjo," he said.
"He was distinctively known for his most precious of gifts, his voice, and what that voice could deliver. It was the envy of some of the world's most renowned rock, pop, folk and traditional singers."
Dunne, a Traveller, wrote songs and music to describe injustices and prejudices he and his community faced.
He busked nationwide and played with The Dubliners, who covered his song Sullivans John, and he also played with Christy Moore and The Fureys.
Some of the exploits and anecdotes he was renowned for telling were his meeting Woody Guthrie in Boston, his friendship and work with Richard Harris and playing New York's Carnegie Hall.
His music career was marked with a gala benefit night at Dublin City Hall last January.
Gifted musician, storyteller and activist Paddy Pecker Dunne has died.
In a statement, the Temple Bar Company said it regretted to announce his death at the age of 80.
"We were honoured to work with Farcry productions to facilitate a gala benefit concert for Pecker Dunne during the 2012 Temple Bar Tradfestival," it said. "Our thoughts are now with his wife and family at this sad time."
Artistic director of the Tradfestival Kieran Hanrahan praised Dunne's musical abilities.
"The Pecker mastered the art and craft of many an instrument, the mandolin, the fiddle and the banjo," he said.
"He was distinctively known for his most precious of gifts, his voice, and what that voice could deliver. It was the envy of some of the world's most renowned rock, pop, folk and traditional singers."
Dunne, a Traveller, wrote songs and music to describe injustices and prejudices he and his community faced.
He busked nationwide and played with The Dubliners, who covered his song Sullivans John, and he also played with Christy Moore and The Fureys.
Some of the exploits and anecdotes he was renowned for telling were his meeting Woody Guthrie in Boston, his friendship and work with Richard Harris and playing New York's Carnegie Hall.
His music career was marked with a gala benefit night at Dublin City Hall last January.
Funding for new Travellers’ site at Burn Airfield - Yorkshire
From the Press
FUNDING has been allocated to create a new Gypsy and Traveller site in a Selby village despite protests of the local parish council.
The controversial bid to build a new 15-pitch site on about ten acres of land at Burn Airfield could cost up to £940,000, and would be paid for by Selby District Council with some Government assistance, but an open letter to the council meeting claimed the scheme went against the council’s own core strategy.
The letter, from Burn Parish Council, said: “At no point have the existing residents been consulted. This proposal ignores the soon to be signed off Core Strategy, which clearly states that the Site Allocation Development Plan Document (SADPD), which was created 18 months ago, should be used to identify potential sites within the district.
“This SADPD has been bypassed. Not only have these two documents been ignored, but national policy that gives strict guidelines to how these sites are designed and planned has also been discarded.”
The council meeting heard council leader Mark Crane had visited meetings of the parish council, and the district council believed the Burn site was necessary to meet legal requirements for Gypsy and Traveller housing, set by central Government.
Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright was at the meeting, and said: “It was a very acrimonious meeting, and there was no-one there from Burn to respond.
“We are going with the Burn site, and made the application for funding from the HCA, but with the added extra condition that if we do not get the grant, to work with our partners to secure the money for the site anyway.”
FUNDING has been allocated to create a new Gypsy and Traveller site in a Selby village despite protests of the local parish council.
The controversial bid to build a new 15-pitch site on about ten acres of land at Burn Airfield could cost up to £940,000, and would be paid for by Selby District Council with some Government assistance, but an open letter to the council meeting claimed the scheme went against the council’s own core strategy.
The letter, from Burn Parish Council, said: “At no point have the existing residents been consulted. This proposal ignores the soon to be signed off Core Strategy, which clearly states that the Site Allocation Development Plan Document (SADPD), which was created 18 months ago, should be used to identify potential sites within the district.
“This SADPD has been bypassed. Not only have these two documents been ignored, but national policy that gives strict guidelines to how these sites are designed and planned has also been discarded.”
The council meeting heard council leader Mark Crane had visited meetings of the parish council, and the district council believed the Burn site was necessary to meet legal requirements for Gypsy and Traveller housing, set by central Government.
Councillor Steve Shaw-Wright was at the meeting, and said: “It was a very acrimonious meeting, and there was no-one there from Burn to respond.
“We are going with the Burn site, and made the application for funding from the HCA, but with the added extra condition that if we do not get the grant, to work with our partners to secure the money for the site anyway.”
MP meets Drax residents to discuss Travellers’ site - Yorkshire
From the Press
RESIDENTS of a village near Selby have held a meeting with their MP to raise concerns about an illegal Travellers site.
Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, met a group of villagers from Drax after receiving a letter from a resident expressing his concern over the situation.
The resident called for the meeting, which was chaired by Ian Fenton of the parish council, and the main issue raised was the concern about the way in which a small travellers site had been set up close to the power station, without planning permission being granted.
The Press understands a family has lived on the site for at least 18 months, and a similar site had been founded in neighbouring Long Drax.
Coun Fenton said: “There were about a dozen residents there with their own concerns about the site, and they expressed their views.” Mr Adams also expressed his view that Travellers and residents should abide by the law.
“We’re just calling for some consistency from the planning authority. We don’t have a problem with the people on that site, just the enforcement of the council.”
Mr Adams said: “From what I have heard, it sounds as if the site near Drax has developed along almost identical lines to other sites in Selby District. The trick of moving onto a site like the one near Drax over a bank holiday weekend seems to be a common theme.
“The common perception that Travellers are able to get around planning procedures is easy to understand. I have been involved in a number of these cases now and will be making a strong case within Government that legislation and enforcement must be tightened.”
The meeting also discussed future projects for Drax Power Station, including the announced carbon capture and storage scheme, community policing in the area, and Selby District Council’s Community Engagement Forum.
Mr Adams said: “From my point of view, holding a meeting such as this is an excellent first step in tackling any problem which affects a group of residents. It gives everybody an opportunity to explain the problem from their personal point of view.”
RESIDENTS of a village near Selby have held a meeting with their MP to raise concerns about an illegal Travellers site.
Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, met a group of villagers from Drax after receiving a letter from a resident expressing his concern over the situation.
The resident called for the meeting, which was chaired by Ian Fenton of the parish council, and the main issue raised was the concern about the way in which a small travellers site had been set up close to the power station, without planning permission being granted.
The Press understands a family has lived on the site for at least 18 months, and a similar site had been founded in neighbouring Long Drax.
Coun Fenton said: “There were about a dozen residents there with their own concerns about the site, and they expressed their views.” Mr Adams also expressed his view that Travellers and residents should abide by the law.
“We’re just calling for some consistency from the planning authority. We don’t have a problem with the people on that site, just the enforcement of the council.”
Mr Adams said: “From what I have heard, it sounds as if the site near Drax has developed along almost identical lines to other sites in Selby District. The trick of moving onto a site like the one near Drax over a bank holiday weekend seems to be a common theme.
“The common perception that Travellers are able to get around planning procedures is easy to understand. I have been involved in a number of these cases now and will be making a strong case within Government that legislation and enforcement must be tightened.”
The meeting also discussed future projects for Drax Power Station, including the announced carbon capture and storage scheme, community policing in the area, and Selby District Council’s Community Engagement Forum.
Mr Adams said: “From my point of view, holding a meeting such as this is an excellent first step in tackling any problem which affects a group of residents. It gives everybody an opportunity to explain the problem from their personal point of view.”
Travellers' site purchase costs villagers £10 a year - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
The sale of a former Travellers’ site to a parish council has been agreed in a deal which will put about £10 on villagers’ annual tax bills.
Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to sell the once notorious plots at Mettle Hill to Meldreth Parish Council, subject to contract, for a price thought to be around £122,500 – confirming residents’ victory in their campaign to stop the site reopening for Travellers.
South Cambridgeshire District Council withdrew its bid to buy the site earlier this month when the parish council made its offer and after 4,000 signed a petition against the plans, fearing a return of the crime and vandalism which blighted Mettle Hill before it closed in 1996.
The parish council has agreed to take out a loan to bankroll the purchase, and this will be repaid over 25 years, putting about £10 on the annual council tax bill for the average band D household in Meldreth.
Cllr Rob Searles, vice-chairman of the parish council, argued this was a small price to pay.
He said: “We are very pleased with the outcome – common sense has prevailed. I think people will be very pleased that don’t have to worry about the threat of the site reopening.
“We had been saying we would be prepared to buy the land and find an alternative use and we will be starting that process in the new year.”
Villagers were worried about the impact of a reopened Travellers’ site on the travelling Showpeople who live opposite Mettle Hill, and one option will explore whether the land should provide more space for them.
Meanwhile, it has emerged the district council has been deluged with complaints about its handling of the deal, with more than 150 standards complaints being lodged against Cllr Mark Howell, the cabinet member for housing.
Last night he said: “I will defend my position robustly, but at this stage I cannot comment any further as all cases are subject to confidentiality until they have been fully looked into independently.”
A county council spokesman said: “We have written to the parish council confirming we have accepted their offer for Mettle Hill, and are in the process of selling it to them.”
The sale of a former Travellers’ site to a parish council has been agreed in a deal which will put about £10 on villagers’ annual tax bills.
Cambridgeshire County Council has agreed to sell the once notorious plots at Mettle Hill to Meldreth Parish Council, subject to contract, for a price thought to be around £122,500 – confirming residents’ victory in their campaign to stop the site reopening for Travellers.
South Cambridgeshire District Council withdrew its bid to buy the site earlier this month when the parish council made its offer and after 4,000 signed a petition against the plans, fearing a return of the crime and vandalism which blighted Mettle Hill before it closed in 1996.
The parish council has agreed to take out a loan to bankroll the purchase, and this will be repaid over 25 years, putting about £10 on the annual council tax bill for the average band D household in Meldreth.
Cllr Rob Searles, vice-chairman of the parish council, argued this was a small price to pay.
He said: “We are very pleased with the outcome – common sense has prevailed. I think people will be very pleased that don’t have to worry about the threat of the site reopening.
“We had been saying we would be prepared to buy the land and find an alternative use and we will be starting that process in the new year.”
Villagers were worried about the impact of a reopened Travellers’ site on the travelling Showpeople who live opposite Mettle Hill, and one option will explore whether the land should provide more space for them.
Meanwhile, it has emerged the district council has been deluged with complaints about its handling of the deal, with more than 150 standards complaints being lodged against Cllr Mark Howell, the cabinet member for housing.
Last night he said: “I will defend my position robustly, but at this stage I cannot comment any further as all cases are subject to confidentiality until they have been fully looked into independently.”
A county council spokesman said: “We have written to the parish council confirming we have accepted their offer for Mettle Hill, and are in the process of selling it to them.”
Gypsy site plans for Baddington turned down - Cheshire
From the Crewe Chronicle
PLANS to build a Gypsy site in Baddington have been refused.
An application had been submitted to build four pitches – housing two caravans each – on land at 2 Railway Bridge Cottage, Baddington Lane, and was discussed at a meeting of Cheshire East Council’s Southern Planning Committee last week.
But the application, which received a mixed response from local residents, was turned down by councillors due to its ‘unsustainable location’ and ‘impact on the countryside’.
The immediate neighbours of the proposed site said they were in ‘total support’ of it.
But the council had received six letters from residents who were opposed to the plans, claiming it would have a ‘detrimental impact’ on the character and appearance of the area and ‘significant detrimental impact’ on the residential amenity.
The local parish council also objected to the plans because of its location in the open countryside.
The application had been recommended for approval, with a temporary consent for four years in order to assess whether more sustainable sites will be allocated in the future.
PLANS to build a Gypsy site in Baddington have been refused.
An application had been submitted to build four pitches – housing two caravans each – on land at 2 Railway Bridge Cottage, Baddington Lane, and was discussed at a meeting of Cheshire East Council’s Southern Planning Committee last week.
But the application, which received a mixed response from local residents, was turned down by councillors due to its ‘unsustainable location’ and ‘impact on the countryside’.
The immediate neighbours of the proposed site said they were in ‘total support’ of it.
But the council had received six letters from residents who were opposed to the plans, claiming it would have a ‘detrimental impact’ on the character and appearance of the area and ‘significant detrimental impact’ on the residential amenity.
The local parish council also objected to the plans because of its location in the open countryside.
The application had been recommended for approval, with a temporary consent for four years in order to assess whether more sustainable sites will be allocated in the future.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Time running out for Horse Fair site planning remarks - Yorkshire
From the Scarborough News
Time is running out to comment on a recent planning application regarding the Seamer Horse Fair site.
An application has been made to Scarborough Council for the removal of condition 2 to allow for continuing use of the site on an annual basis.
The site is located on the north side of the B1261 in Seamer.
Scarborough’s mayor and ward councillor Helen Mallory has already submitted a comment, which states: “I wish to formally oppose the permanent granting of planning permission for the Travellers’ site.
“I would ask that the permission is again restricted to either one or two years.
“This is to give a degree of comfort and assurance to the residents that the Police, NYCC and SBC will maintain a strict control of the event and will continue to reduce the duration of the Travellers’ fair.”
The closing date for any representations regarding this application is December 24.
Any representations should be made to Case Officer, Mr N Read, Planning Services, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough YO11 2HG. Alternatively please email nick.read@scarborough.gov.uk
Time is running out to comment on a recent planning application regarding the Seamer Horse Fair site.
An application has been made to Scarborough Council for the removal of condition 2 to allow for continuing use of the site on an annual basis.
The site is located on the north side of the B1261 in Seamer.
Scarborough’s mayor and ward councillor Helen Mallory has already submitted a comment, which states: “I wish to formally oppose the permanent granting of planning permission for the Travellers’ site.
“I would ask that the permission is again restricted to either one or two years.
“This is to give a degree of comfort and assurance to the residents that the Police, NYCC and SBC will maintain a strict control of the event and will continue to reduce the duration of the Travellers’ fair.”
The closing date for any representations regarding this application is December 24.
Any representations should be made to Case Officer, Mr N Read, Planning Services, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough YO11 2HG. Alternatively please email nick.read@scarborough.gov.uk
Travellers could stay in Dagenham park until New Year - Essex
From the Barking and Dagenham Post
Council chiefs expressed disappointment yesterday after renewed attempts to evict Travellers from a public park were pushed back to the New Year.
The group arrived at Eastbrookend Cemetery in Dagenham on November 1, moved to Central Park in Dagenham two weeks later after being served an eviction notice and are now back at Eastbrookend in the country park car park near Dagenham Road.
Cllr Mick McCarthy, the environment cabinet member at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “This is a very disappointing decision, which means that one of our most beautiful areas of green space will be blighted over the festive period.”
A council spokesman said the local authority had worked “extremely hard” to have the Travellers removed from the Millennium Centre in the country park but legal hearing was adjourned until January 4.
Council chiefs expressed disappointment yesterday after renewed attempts to evict Travellers from a public park were pushed back to the New Year.
The group arrived at Eastbrookend Cemetery in Dagenham on November 1, moved to Central Park in Dagenham two weeks later after being served an eviction notice and are now back at Eastbrookend in the country park car park near Dagenham Road.
Cllr Mick McCarthy, the environment cabinet member at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “This is a very disappointing decision, which means that one of our most beautiful areas of green space will be blighted over the festive period.”
A council spokesman said the local authority had worked “extremely hard” to have the Travellers removed from the Millennium Centre in the country park but legal hearing was adjourned until January 4.
Anger as cricket pitch off Braunstone Lane East in Aylestone joins list of possible Traveller camps - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
Concerns have been raised about a new site that has emerged as a potential authorised camp for Travellers and Gypsies.
A plot of land on the edge of a Leicester City Council-owned cricket pitch off Braunstone Lane East, Aylestone, has been revealed as a possible location for a short-term stopping-off point for Travellers.
The council is looking to increase the number of managed pitches in the city because it wants to prevent illegal camps springing up on roundabouts and verges.
There have been 115 illegal camps in Leicester since 2009, costing the city council hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby this week confirmed a number of sites in the north of the city were believed to be suitable for permanent camps, joining the existing Meynells Gorse site, which has a long waiting list.
Those sites – Greengate Lane and Beaumont Way, in Beaumont Leys, and Red Hill Way, in Mowmacre Hill – have been subject to a long-running consultation and attracted fierce opposition.
This week, the mayor added the Braunstone Lane East site to the list, saying it could be used as a temporary, seasonal "stopping-off place" should the need arise.
Aylestone ward councillor Nigel Porter said he was angry that the site now suggested was not one of 350 originally considered by the council and consulted on.
He said: "Where was the consultation on this?
"This site has never been on the list before but suddenly here it is.
"Only one site in Aylestone was suggested and that was in Montrose Road.
"That got a lot of opposition and was dropped. This new idea will be just as unpopular.
"It's unfair this site has not been consulted on like the others.
"It is a sensitive site on the edge of Aylestone Meadows."
Sir Peter has said he will make a decision on whether to develop any of the three main sites early in the new year.
He said: "If – and it is a big if – a site such as Braunstone Lane East was to be considered there would be a fresh round of consultation.
"There is no question that I would try to slip in any new site without consultation."
The site is prone to flooding but Sir Peter said it would be used in good weather if the need arose and families would stay for up to 28 days.
Aylestone resident John Hayto said: "If it is such a short-term thing, I wouldn't object to but experience tells us that Travellers sometimes stay at a place longer than they say they were going to. Then it becomes a problem.
"I think it will be very unpopular with people around here, though."
A similar short-stay site is being considered in Hoods Close, Beaumont Leys.
The LE4 Action Group collected 2,700 signatures on a petition against the sites in the north of the city, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living the other side of the city boundary in places such as Birstall.
Group spokesman Roy Rollings said: "We are not surprised the mayor has confirmed the sites as suitable.
"He hasn't really listened to the reasons we don't think they are right. We will fight them when they go up for planning permission."
Concerns have been raised about a new site that has emerged as a potential authorised camp for Travellers and Gypsies.
A plot of land on the edge of a Leicester City Council-owned cricket pitch off Braunstone Lane East, Aylestone, has been revealed as a possible location for a short-term stopping-off point for Travellers.
The council is looking to increase the number of managed pitches in the city because it wants to prevent illegal camps springing up on roundabouts and verges.
There have been 115 illegal camps in Leicester since 2009, costing the city council hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby this week confirmed a number of sites in the north of the city were believed to be suitable for permanent camps, joining the existing Meynells Gorse site, which has a long waiting list.
Those sites – Greengate Lane and Beaumont Way, in Beaumont Leys, and Red Hill Way, in Mowmacre Hill – have been subject to a long-running consultation and attracted fierce opposition.
This week, the mayor added the Braunstone Lane East site to the list, saying it could be used as a temporary, seasonal "stopping-off place" should the need arise.
Aylestone ward councillor Nigel Porter said he was angry that the site now suggested was not one of 350 originally considered by the council and consulted on.
He said: "Where was the consultation on this?
"This site has never been on the list before but suddenly here it is.
"Only one site in Aylestone was suggested and that was in Montrose Road.
"That got a lot of opposition and was dropped. This new idea will be just as unpopular.
"It's unfair this site has not been consulted on like the others.
"It is a sensitive site on the edge of Aylestone Meadows."
Sir Peter has said he will make a decision on whether to develop any of the three main sites early in the new year.
He said: "If – and it is a big if – a site such as Braunstone Lane East was to be considered there would be a fresh round of consultation.
"There is no question that I would try to slip in any new site without consultation."
The site is prone to flooding but Sir Peter said it would be used in good weather if the need arose and families would stay for up to 28 days.
Aylestone resident John Hayto said: "If it is such a short-term thing, I wouldn't object to but experience tells us that Travellers sometimes stay at a place longer than they say they were going to. Then it becomes a problem.
"I think it will be very unpopular with people around here, though."
A similar short-stay site is being considered in Hoods Close, Beaumont Leys.
The LE4 Action Group collected 2,700 signatures on a petition against the sites in the north of the city, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living the other side of the city boundary in places such as Birstall.
Group spokesman Roy Rollings said: "We are not surprised the mayor has confirmed the sites as suitable.
"He hasn't really listened to the reasons we don't think they are right. We will fight them when they go up for planning permission."
'Offensive' emails over Travellers' site plan in Datchet - Berkshire
From the Ascot Windsor and Eton Express
Angry opponents of plans for a new Travellers' site in Datchet may have shot themselves in the foot by sending 'offensive' emails to the Royal Borough.
At a public question and answer session held in Datchet Village Hall on Monday the borough's head of planning Simon Hurrell revealed that 89 letters and emails of objection to the plan had been received. Only 18 have been in favour.
But he said: "Unfortunately half of these replies were offensive, which puts the Royal Borough in a difficult position.
"If we receive material that could give rise to unlawful harassment or victimisation we have to take that fact into account.
"The emails I regard as offensive are based on ignorance."
Mr Hurrell was talking at a meeting of Datchet Parish Council, which had invited him to take part in the public Q and A session.
Villagers who packed the hall seemed overwhelmingly opposed to the plan to establish a second Travellers' site in Datchet by putting up to 10 mobile homes for Travellers on a field behind homes in Horton Road. But the session was polite and well-ordered. 'Offensive' opponents of the plan had clearly stayed away.
The site is greenbelt and on the flood plain which would normally render it unusable for homes, except in 'exceptional grounds'.
But Mr Hurrell said that the fact there were an estimated 82 Traveller families in the Royal Borough needing homes could count as 'exceptional grounds', as more than three quarters of them are based in the area of Datchet, Wraysbury and Horton.
But he emphasised that the idea for the new Travellers' site was still only in the consultation stage. Members of the Royal Borough's ruling cabinet will decide on January 24 whether to take it one stage further by putting in a formal planning application.
Meanwhile a petition against the plan which will be presented to councillors has been signed already by 600 people in the village.
Angry opponents of plans for a new Travellers' site in Datchet may have shot themselves in the foot by sending 'offensive' emails to the Royal Borough.
At a public question and answer session held in Datchet Village Hall on Monday the borough's head of planning Simon Hurrell revealed that 89 letters and emails of objection to the plan had been received. Only 18 have been in favour.
But he said: "Unfortunately half of these replies were offensive, which puts the Royal Borough in a difficult position.
"If we receive material that could give rise to unlawful harassment or victimisation we have to take that fact into account.
"The emails I regard as offensive are based on ignorance."
Mr Hurrell was talking at a meeting of Datchet Parish Council, which had invited him to take part in the public Q and A session.
Villagers who packed the hall seemed overwhelmingly opposed to the plan to establish a second Travellers' site in Datchet by putting up to 10 mobile homes for Travellers on a field behind homes in Horton Road. But the session was polite and well-ordered. 'Offensive' opponents of the plan had clearly stayed away.
The site is greenbelt and on the flood plain which would normally render it unusable for homes, except in 'exceptional grounds'.
But Mr Hurrell said that the fact there were an estimated 82 Traveller families in the Royal Borough needing homes could count as 'exceptional grounds', as more than three quarters of them are based in the area of Datchet, Wraysbury and Horton.
But he emphasised that the idea for the new Travellers' site was still only in the consultation stage. Members of the Royal Borough's ruling cabinet will decide on January 24 whether to take it one stage further by putting in a formal planning application.
Meanwhile a petition against the plan which will be presented to councillors has been signed already by 600 people in the village.
Dale Farm Travellers face eviction again - Essex
From the Guardian
Travellers living at the side of the road by the former Dale Farm site are set to be evicted for a second time after Basildon council in Essex voted to take "direct action" to remove the families who remain.
About 20 families, many with children, have been living in squalid conditions with no running water or mains electricity since the high-profile £7m eviction in October.
Councillors voted for the action on Tuesday evening, but steps will not be taken until a judicial review lodged by Travellers over earlier enforcement notices is resolved.
Tony Ball, leader of the council, said the decision was in line with the council's determination to uphold the law. "Nothing has changed in our attitude to dealing with illegal development or protecting the green belt, and we remain a local authority that will continue to deal with law-breaking and serious breaches of planning control," he said.
The Dale Farm site, which housed about 80 families for 10 years, has been reduced to rubble, with rubbish strewn across the six-acre area next to a legal Travellers' site.
After a 10-year legal battle, police and bailiffs moved on to the site at dawn on 19 October. Travellers and protesters put up scaffolding and barricades and there were violent scenes as police used Tasers on protesters and rocks were hurled at police. Protesters who chained themselves to barricades were forcibly removed and several arrests were made.
Many of the Travellers dispersed but others pulled their caravans on to the legal Oak Lane site, which is now over capacity, or on to the road that leads to Dale Farm, because they said they had nowhere else to go.
Mary Flynn, a former Dale Farm resident, said a shortage of Traveller sites meant there was little choice for those evicted from Dale Farm.
"The way we're treated, it's like we're not human beings – we're seen as a problem that they need to get rid of," she said. "There are more Travellers than there are sites, so where do they expect us to live? It's so hard to tell my children that we're never going to get to go home."
Ball said: "Local residents expect us to be consistent and treat everyone the same, and that it is exactly what we are doing at Oak Lane."
Earlier this month, after many years of requests for new sites to house Travellers, Basildon council's planning committee passed a planning application for 15 pitches to accommodate some of the most vulnerable homeless Traveller families in Basildon at a new, smaller site at nearby Gardiners Way.
According to the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB), which made the application, it is the first site approved by the council since official planning needs assessments in 2006 stated the need for between 157 and 163 pitches for Gypsy and Traveller families in Basildon by 2011. Ball said it could take two years to develop the new site.
see aslo: The Telegraph - Second bid to evict Dale Farm Travellers
ITV - Council in bid to evict Travellers
London Evening Standard - Council vows 'direct action' to evict displaced Travellers
Loughborough Echo - New bid to evict Travellers planned
Irish Times - Essex council to move Travellers
Independent.ie - Council plans new push to evict Travellers who moved on from massive Dale Farm site
Liverpool Echo - New bid to evict Travellers planned
The BBC - Basildon Council plans Traveller removal next to Dale Farm
The Morning Star - Dale Farm travellers face more evictions
Travellers living at the side of the road by the former Dale Farm site are set to be evicted for a second time after Basildon council in Essex voted to take "direct action" to remove the families who remain.
About 20 families, many with children, have been living in squalid conditions with no running water or mains electricity since the high-profile £7m eviction in October.
Councillors voted for the action on Tuesday evening, but steps will not be taken until a judicial review lodged by Travellers over earlier enforcement notices is resolved.
Tony Ball, leader of the council, said the decision was in line with the council's determination to uphold the law. "Nothing has changed in our attitude to dealing with illegal development or protecting the green belt, and we remain a local authority that will continue to deal with law-breaking and serious breaches of planning control," he said.
The Dale Farm site, which housed about 80 families for 10 years, has been reduced to rubble, with rubbish strewn across the six-acre area next to a legal Travellers' site.
After a 10-year legal battle, police and bailiffs moved on to the site at dawn on 19 October. Travellers and protesters put up scaffolding and barricades and there were violent scenes as police used Tasers on protesters and rocks were hurled at police. Protesters who chained themselves to barricades were forcibly removed and several arrests were made.
Many of the Travellers dispersed but others pulled their caravans on to the legal Oak Lane site, which is now over capacity, or on to the road that leads to Dale Farm, because they said they had nowhere else to go.
Mary Flynn, a former Dale Farm resident, said a shortage of Traveller sites meant there was little choice for those evicted from Dale Farm.
"The way we're treated, it's like we're not human beings – we're seen as a problem that they need to get rid of," she said. "There are more Travellers than there are sites, so where do they expect us to live? It's so hard to tell my children that we're never going to get to go home."
Ball said: "Local residents expect us to be consistent and treat everyone the same, and that it is exactly what we are doing at Oak Lane."
Earlier this month, after many years of requests for new sites to house Travellers, Basildon council's planning committee passed a planning application for 15 pitches to accommodate some of the most vulnerable homeless Traveller families in Basildon at a new, smaller site at nearby Gardiners Way.
According to the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain (ITMB), which made the application, it is the first site approved by the council since official planning needs assessments in 2006 stated the need for between 157 and 163 pitches for Gypsy and Traveller families in Basildon by 2011. Ball said it could take two years to develop the new site.
see aslo: The Telegraph - Second bid to evict Dale Farm Travellers
ITV - Council in bid to evict Travellers
London Evening Standard - Council vows 'direct action' to evict displaced Travellers
Loughborough Echo - New bid to evict Travellers planned
Irish Times - Essex council to move Travellers
Independent.ie - Council plans new push to evict Travellers who moved on from massive Dale Farm site
Liverpool Echo - New bid to evict Travellers planned
The BBC - Basildon Council plans Traveller removal next to Dale Farm
The Morning Star - Dale Farm travellers face more evictions
Travellers jailed over forced labour charges - Gloucestershire
From the Telegraph
William Connors, 52, was jailed for six and a half years and his wife Mary, 48, received a sentence of two years and three months.
The couple's son, John, 29, was jailed for four years. Their other son James, 20, got three years detention in a young offender institution.
Son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, received a three year prison sentence.
They were all convicted last week at Bristol Crown Court of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011 following a three-month trial.
They had also faced a second charge of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude but the trial judge Michael Longman ordered the jury to find the defendants not guilty of that offence.
The prosecution was brought under Section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
The Connors enjoyed top-of-the-range cars and expensive holidays and, to live the high life, the family picked up men - often homeless drifters or addicts - to work for them as labourers.
The victims lived in squalid caravans on Traveller sites as they moved around the country working in the Connors' paving and patio businesses.
Some were also ordered to perform humiliating tasks, such as emptying the buckets used as toilets by their bosses.
Their work was monotonous, arduous and unrelenting, and they were controlled by discipline and violence.
Some of the men - called ''dossers'' by the Connors - had worked for the family for nearly two decades.
Many were beaten, hit with broom handles, belts, a rake and shovel, and punched and kicked by the Connors.
The men were paid as little as £5 for a day's hard labour on jobs which would earn the family several thousands pounds.
They were given so little food that they resorted to scavenging from rubbish bins at supermarkets.
In contrast, the Connors grew fat on the spoils of their hard labour and lived in large and well-appointed caravans fitted with luxury kitchens and flat-screen televisions.
William and Mary, known as Billy and Brida, enjoyed exotic holidays, including Dubai and a 10-day cruise around the Caribbean on the Cunard flagship liner Queen Mary 2.
The family also spent the spoils of their enterprise on breaks to Tenerife and Cancun in Mexico.
As well as holidays, they drove around in top-of-the-range cars, including a silver A-Class Mercedes saloon, a Rolls-Royce, a red Mini convertible, a Toyota Hilux pick-up, a Ford Ranger and a Mercedes van, and had built up a mounting property portfolio potentially now worth millions of pounds.
This included one house with a hot tub and accompanying flat-screen television.
Their bank accounts contained more than £500,000.
Also working on the family business were sons John and James - known as Johnny and Jimmy - and Miles Connors, known as Miley, who is married to William and Mary's daughter Bridget.
Police began investigating the Connors following the discovery of the body of worker Christopher Nicholls, 40, in 2008.
The introduction of the Coroners and Justice Act in April 2010 created offences of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude and conspiracy to require a person to carry out forced or compulsory labour.
The Connors were placed under covert surveillance in August 2010 and police recorded evidence of the men being assaulted.
The enterprise came to an end when police raided sites in Staverton, Enderby in Leicestershire and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire on March 22 2011.
The Connors maintained the men were ''free agents'' able to come and go as they please and William and Mary suggested they acted as ''good Samaritans'' by providing them with food, work and accommodation.
see also: Wales Online - Travellers jailed for forced labour
Loughborough Echo - Travellers jailed for forced labour
The Daily Express - TRAVELLERS JAILED FOR FORCED LABOUR
The Yorkshire Post - Jail for ‘sofisticated’ Travellers with their own slave workforce
ITV - Travellers jailed for forced labour
William Connors, 52, was jailed for six and a half years and his wife Mary, 48, received a sentence of two years and three months.
The couple's son, John, 29, was jailed for four years. Their other son James, 20, got three years detention in a young offender institution.
Son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, received a three year prison sentence.
They were all convicted last week at Bristol Crown Court of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011 following a three-month trial.
They had also faced a second charge of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude but the trial judge Michael Longman ordered the jury to find the defendants not guilty of that offence.
The prosecution was brought under Section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
The Connors enjoyed top-of-the-range cars and expensive holidays and, to live the high life, the family picked up men - often homeless drifters or addicts - to work for them as labourers.
The victims lived in squalid caravans on Traveller sites as they moved around the country working in the Connors' paving and patio businesses.
Some were also ordered to perform humiliating tasks, such as emptying the buckets used as toilets by their bosses.
Their work was monotonous, arduous and unrelenting, and they were controlled by discipline and violence.
Some of the men - called ''dossers'' by the Connors - had worked for the family for nearly two decades.
Many were beaten, hit with broom handles, belts, a rake and shovel, and punched and kicked by the Connors.
The men were paid as little as £5 for a day's hard labour on jobs which would earn the family several thousands pounds.
They were given so little food that they resorted to scavenging from rubbish bins at supermarkets.
In contrast, the Connors grew fat on the spoils of their hard labour and lived in large and well-appointed caravans fitted with luxury kitchens and flat-screen televisions.
William and Mary, known as Billy and Brida, enjoyed exotic holidays, including Dubai and a 10-day cruise around the Caribbean on the Cunard flagship liner Queen Mary 2.
The family also spent the spoils of their enterprise on breaks to Tenerife and Cancun in Mexico.
As well as holidays, they drove around in top-of-the-range cars, including a silver A-Class Mercedes saloon, a Rolls-Royce, a red Mini convertible, a Toyota Hilux pick-up, a Ford Ranger and a Mercedes van, and had built up a mounting property portfolio potentially now worth millions of pounds.
This included one house with a hot tub and accompanying flat-screen television.
Their bank accounts contained more than £500,000.
Also working on the family business were sons John and James - known as Johnny and Jimmy - and Miles Connors, known as Miley, who is married to William and Mary's daughter Bridget.
Police began investigating the Connors following the discovery of the body of worker Christopher Nicholls, 40, in 2008.
The introduction of the Coroners and Justice Act in April 2010 created offences of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude and conspiracy to require a person to carry out forced or compulsory labour.
The Connors were placed under covert surveillance in August 2010 and police recorded evidence of the men being assaulted.
The enterprise came to an end when police raided sites in Staverton, Enderby in Leicestershire and Mansfield in Nottinghamshire on March 22 2011.
The Connors maintained the men were ''free agents'' able to come and go as they please and William and Mary suggested they acted as ''good Samaritans'' by providing them with food, work and accommodation.
see also: Wales Online - Travellers jailed for forced labour
Loughborough Echo - Travellers jailed for forced labour
The Daily Express - TRAVELLERS JAILED FOR FORCED LABOUR
The Yorkshire Post - Jail for ‘sofisticated’ Travellers with their own slave workforce
ITV - Travellers jailed for forced labour
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Results of Gypsy and Traveller site consultation announced - Leicestershire
From ITV
Results of consultations into plans for Gypsy and Traveller sites in Leicester have been announced.
The consultation was launched back in February for three new sites to try and help stop the problem of illegal sites in the city.
The City Mayor Peter Soulsby will now consider the options - which include Beaumont Way which would house six pitches, along with several other sites.
He's due to announced his decision on January the 4th.
Results of consultations into plans for Gypsy and Traveller sites in Leicester have been announced.
The consultation was launched back in February for three new sites to try and help stop the problem of illegal sites in the city.
The City Mayor Peter Soulsby will now consider the options - which include Beaumont Way which would house six pitches, along with several other sites.
He's due to announced his decision on January the 4th.
Council expresses 'Disappointment' over continued illegal Traveller occupation - Essex
From the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
The Council has been working extremely hard to have Travellers removed from their illegal occupation at the Millennium Centre in the country park - to the extent that a legal hearing was set up to seek an Order for eviction late last week. However, the Travellers brought evidence to the Court that one of their members was unwell and - following presentation of that evidence - the Magistrates decided to adjourn the Hearing until after the Christmas break.
Councillor Mick McCarthy, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “This is a very disappointing decision which means that one of our most beautiful areas of green space will be blighted over the festive period.
“This particular group of Travellers has previously set up in various parts of the borough over the last few weeks - and each time the Council and other agencies have taken urgent action to have them evicted from where they illegally camp but now we must wait a fortnight before the Hearing can continue.
“This is all very frustrating especially when scare resources have to be deployed in order to safeguard our green spaces for residents of Barking and Dagenham - we will be making a representation to the Government.
“I want our award-winning parks to be somewhere people want to visit and spend their leisure time. Parks should not be blighted by illegal encampments like this. It is simply unacceptable - I look forward to the Hearing resuming in the New Year and the Travellers eviction soon after.”
The Council has been working extremely hard to have Travellers removed from their illegal occupation at the Millennium Centre in the country park - to the extent that a legal hearing was set up to seek an Order for eviction late last week. However, the Travellers brought evidence to the Court that one of their members was unwell and - following presentation of that evidence - the Magistrates decided to adjourn the Hearing until after the Christmas break.
Councillor Mick McCarthy, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “This is a very disappointing decision which means that one of our most beautiful areas of green space will be blighted over the festive period.
“This particular group of Travellers has previously set up in various parts of the borough over the last few weeks - and each time the Council and other agencies have taken urgent action to have them evicted from where they illegally camp but now we must wait a fortnight before the Hearing can continue.
“This is all very frustrating especially when scare resources have to be deployed in order to safeguard our green spaces for residents of Barking and Dagenham - we will be making a representation to the Government.
“I want our award-winning parks to be somewhere people want to visit and spend their leisure time. Parks should not be blighted by illegal encampments like this. It is simply unacceptable - I look forward to the Hearing resuming in the New Year and the Travellers eviction soon after.”
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Residents living near five shortlisted Travellers sites in Swansea say we don't want it here
From the South Wales Evening Post
RESIDENTS living close to five potential sites for Travellers have greeted the news unanimously saying: "We don't want it here."
Swansea Council has unveiled a long-awaited shortlist of sites it is considering to make a home for Travellers, as it is obliged to by law.
The five sites have been identified after a process which began with 1,006 being considered, and is the same final five which were revealed in the Evening Post earlier this year.
The public are being asked for their views on the sites as part of a consultation exercise which lasts until the end of March, but already opposition has been expressed by people living in each area.
The sites are the former greyhound stadium in Cockett ward, the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and the proposed cemetery site, both in Gorseinon, and Milford Way in Penderry.
Also on the list is Swansea Vale in Llansamlet, where residents have fiercely fought against a site, as one already exists at Pantyblawd Road. Their claim that an agreement was made by the old West Glamorgan County Council not to place a second site in the area was dismissed, after Swansea Council said that, following legal reviews, no such agreement existed.
Opponents staged a demonstration outside the Civic Centre, as councillors revealed details of the process. One said: "We have had a lot of concerns about another site in this area for a long time.
"We weren't allowed into the building to listen to councillors, which makes you think transparency does not exist.
"I don't know where those councillors live, but they have no idea what they impact will be on the community.
"Travellers do not pay any tax, and yet the council will be expected to pay thousands of pounds to create a site".
Bob Clay, a member of campaign group Llansamlet Against a 2nd Traveller Site, added: "If the West Glamorgan agreement is invalid, then the people of Llansamlet were deceived in 1986".
In Gorseinon, town councillor Malcolm Curtice said: "People do not want a Traveller site in Gorseinon. We had one twenty years ago, and there were a lot of issues then."
Many residents were happy to comment, as long as their names were not revealed. In Waunarlwydd, close to the former greyhound racing site, one said: "It is not a practical site.."
And a resident of Penderry ward, close lives close to Milford Way, added: "I question the whole philosophy of providing space for different cultures. What if the Chinese, or Africans, or Welsh, or any other cultural group demanded their own area?"
To take part in the consultation visit: www.swansea.gov.uk
RESIDENTS living close to five potential sites for Travellers have greeted the news unanimously saying: "We don't want it here."
Swansea Council has unveiled a long-awaited shortlist of sites it is considering to make a home for Travellers, as it is obliged to by law.
The five sites have been identified after a process which began with 1,006 being considered, and is the same final five which were revealed in the Evening Post earlier this year.
The public are being asked for their views on the sites as part of a consultation exercise which lasts until the end of March, but already opposition has been expressed by people living in each area.
The sites are the former greyhound stadium in Cockett ward, the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and the proposed cemetery site, both in Gorseinon, and Milford Way in Penderry.
Also on the list is Swansea Vale in Llansamlet, where residents have fiercely fought against a site, as one already exists at Pantyblawd Road. Their claim that an agreement was made by the old West Glamorgan County Council not to place a second site in the area was dismissed, after Swansea Council said that, following legal reviews, no such agreement existed.
Opponents staged a demonstration outside the Civic Centre, as councillors revealed details of the process. One said: "We have had a lot of concerns about another site in this area for a long time.
"We weren't allowed into the building to listen to councillors, which makes you think transparency does not exist.
"I don't know where those councillors live, but they have no idea what they impact will be on the community.
"Travellers do not pay any tax, and yet the council will be expected to pay thousands of pounds to create a site".
Bob Clay, a member of campaign group Llansamlet Against a 2nd Traveller Site, added: "If the West Glamorgan agreement is invalid, then the people of Llansamlet were deceived in 1986".
In Gorseinon, town councillor Malcolm Curtice said: "People do not want a Traveller site in Gorseinon. We had one twenty years ago, and there were a lot of issues then."
Many residents were happy to comment, as long as their names were not revealed. In Waunarlwydd, close to the former greyhound racing site, one said: "It is not a practical site.."
And a resident of Penderry ward, close lives close to Milford Way, added: "I question the whole philosophy of providing space for different cultures. What if the Chinese, or Africans, or Welsh, or any other cultural group demanded their own area?"
To take part in the consultation visit: www.swansea.gov.uk
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Gypsy family overturn planning rulings - Pembrokeshire
From the Western Telegraph
Two members of the same Romany Gypsy family in south Pembrokeshire have had planning rulings overturned relating to the use of land for caravans.
In July, a Welsh Government Planning Inspector upheld the refusal of planning permission for land at Clayford Road, near Kilgetty, following an appeal made by Mrs J. Jones. Welsh ministers have now quashed that decision, following the threat of judicial review.
Meanwhile, her son, Matthew Jones, was recently granted permission for five years after a re-hearing following the quashing of a former Inspector’s decision over land off Clay Lane, Maidenwells.
The decision of the ministers to quash July’s Clayford Road appeal decision has been described as “outrageous” by the area’s county councillor, Jacob Williams.
“If ministers get so much as a whiff of legal action, they back down,” he said.
“So much is at stake, and my community and I feel very let down.”
Another public inquiry could be heard to re-determine the appeal, something Councillor Williams said that he wanted to avoid.
“I was hoping the ministers would have defended their Inspector’s decision in the High Court”.
“Recent history suggests that the quashing of a former Inspector’s decision results in a prejudiced rehearing.” he said.
Two members of the same Romany Gypsy family in south Pembrokeshire have had planning rulings overturned relating to the use of land for caravans.
In July, a Welsh Government Planning Inspector upheld the refusal of planning permission for land at Clayford Road, near Kilgetty, following an appeal made by Mrs J. Jones. Welsh ministers have now quashed that decision, following the threat of judicial review.
Meanwhile, her son, Matthew Jones, was recently granted permission for five years after a re-hearing following the quashing of a former Inspector’s decision over land off Clay Lane, Maidenwells.
The decision of the ministers to quash July’s Clayford Road appeal decision has been described as “outrageous” by the area’s county councillor, Jacob Williams.
“If ministers get so much as a whiff of legal action, they back down,” he said.
“So much is at stake, and my community and I feel very let down.”
Another public inquiry could be heard to re-determine the appeal, something Councillor Williams said that he wanted to avoid.
“I was hoping the ministers would have defended their Inspector’s decision in the High Court”.
“Recent history suggests that the quashing of a former Inspector’s decision results in a prejudiced rehearing.” he said.
Gypsies launch bid for permanent site - Warwickshire.
From the Cotswold Journal
GYPSIES who illegally moved on to a site near Shipston almost five years ago may finally get permanent planning permission.
An application for the use of the land for 16 stationary caravans at the Crossroads Caravan Park, with utility rooms and washing facilities as well as the retention of existing access and boundaries, has been submitted to Stratford District Council.
About 100 Romany Gypsies caused uproar when they moved on to the two-and half acre site off the Fosseway at Darlingscott crossroads over the Bank Holiday weekend in March 2008.
They cut down hedges, put up fences, brought in diggers to lay hardcore and installed water and electricity supplies, all without planning permission.
Stratford District Council refused to grant planning permission, but temporary permission was won on appeal for a four-year period at a public inquiry in December 2008.
Discussing the application at the recent Shipston Town Council planning meeting, councillors were largely in favour of supporting the plans and put forward no representation with comments on drainage and the treatment centre.
Town councillor Philip Vial said: “There’s a significant minority of people in Shipston who don’t like having Gypsies there for whatever reason.
“I think we do need to provide provision for these people.
So far they have run a pretty good site.”
Coun Adrian Jelf said: “I ordinarily would support them. When I was at school I had a lot of Travellers I was friends with. I wouldn’t want to object to it. They haven’t caused any trouble in the last few years that I’m aware of. I think we should just leave them be. You can’t see it from the road.”
But Coun Brian Healey raised concerns about the drainage.
“They are trying to build a soakaway in high clay soil.
It’s got nowhere to soak away to. This used to be a field so it will take longer than it does at the moment to get across the field and into a drain.”
The application is now being considered by Stratford District Council and is expected to be discussed in the new year. For details, visit stratford.gov.uk
GYPSIES who illegally moved on to a site near Shipston almost five years ago may finally get permanent planning permission.
An application for the use of the land for 16 stationary caravans at the Crossroads Caravan Park, with utility rooms and washing facilities as well as the retention of existing access and boundaries, has been submitted to Stratford District Council.
About 100 Romany Gypsies caused uproar when they moved on to the two-and half acre site off the Fosseway at Darlingscott crossroads over the Bank Holiday weekend in March 2008.
They cut down hedges, put up fences, brought in diggers to lay hardcore and installed water and electricity supplies, all without planning permission.
Stratford District Council refused to grant planning permission, but temporary permission was won on appeal for a four-year period at a public inquiry in December 2008.
Discussing the application at the recent Shipston Town Council planning meeting, councillors were largely in favour of supporting the plans and put forward no representation with comments on drainage and the treatment centre.
Town councillor Philip Vial said: “There’s a significant minority of people in Shipston who don’t like having Gypsies there for whatever reason.
“I think we do need to provide provision for these people.
So far they have run a pretty good site.”
Coun Adrian Jelf said: “I ordinarily would support them. When I was at school I had a lot of Travellers I was friends with. I wouldn’t want to object to it. They haven’t caused any trouble in the last few years that I’m aware of. I think we should just leave them be. You can’t see it from the road.”
But Coun Brian Healey raised concerns about the drainage.
“They are trying to build a soakaway in high clay soil.
It’s got nowhere to soak away to. This used to be a field so it will take longer than it does at the moment to get across the field and into a drain.”
The application is now being considered by Stratford District Council and is expected to be discussed in the new year. For details, visit stratford.gov.uk
Friday, 14 December 2012
Connors trial: All five family members guilty of forced labour - Gloucestershire
From the Citizen
ALL FIVE members of the Connors family of Irish Travellers have been found guilty of forced labour at Bristol Crown Court.
Unanimous verdicts were read out one by one by the jury foreman before they were sent down by His Honour Judge Michael Longman.
William (Billy) Connors, 52, his wife Mary (known as Breda), 48, their sons John, 29, and James, 20, all formerly of Gloucester Road in Staverton, and their son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, formerly of Bowling Back Lane in Bradford, were all convicted of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011.
They had also faced a second charge of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude but the trial judge ordered the jury to find the defendants not guilty of that offence.
All four defendants except head of the family Billy Connors wept in the dock as they heard the verdict.
The decision created pandemonium in court six as security staff struggled to maintain order while the verdicts were read out.
Family members jumped to their feet and extra security guards came into court to physically remove relatives.
John Connors' wife was carried from the court after trying to climb out of the public gallery into the dock.
As she left, she wailed: "Please, please, I'm asking you no. Don't do this."
Mary Connors screamed uncontrollably as the first verdict – on her husband - was returned by the foreman.
The foreman continued to return unanimous verdicts on James Connors, John Connors and Miles Connors and, following wild outbursts, Judge Longman ordered the public gallery to be cleared.
Gloucestershire Police officers, who had been sitting in the front row of the public gallery, helped security staff clear the court.
As the jury foreman returned the verdict on Mary Connors, she wept and shouted: "Oh, daddy, daddy, why are you doing this to me? I've never done no wrong to anyone in my whole life."
Noise could still be heard from outside the courtroom as the five defendants were led away to the cells.
Judge Longman said he will hear mitigation this afternoon from the defence before sentencing on Monday.
He thanked the jury for their efforts. "I thank you for your enormous persistence over the last three months," he said. "I know you have given the evidence your direct attention."
During the course of the trial, many of the victims were housed in squalid conditions in caravans at sites including Beggars Roost in Gloucestershire. When paid they received only a pittance and were subject to assaults, theft of benefits, ill-treatment and exploitation.
A year-long investigation including a five month surveillance operation by Gloucestershire Constabulary culminated in March 2011 when officers carried out warrants at sites in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire and 19 vulnerable people were rescued.
Lead officer for Operation Tundra David Sellwood said: "This was the first investigation of its kind nationally and we faced unique challenges. The rescued men had been victims of the Connors family for up to 30 years; many were 'institutionalised' and did not recognise themselves as being victims.
"The family generated significant wealth off the backs of some of the most vulnerable in society and we are delighted that they have finally been held to account".
Ann Reddrop, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service South West Complex Casework Unit said: "The jury's verdicts conclude a lengthy investigation into the criminal activities of the Connors family and their punitive relationship with those whom they forced to work for them.
"CPS has worked closely with DCI Sellwood and his team at Gloucestershire Constabulary since March 2011 when the Police were about to arrest the offenders.
"The five members of the Connors family who stood trial were charged with offences involving the serious mistreatment of people who, because of their personal circumstances, had little option but to continue to remain with the offenders. The defendants used violence to prevent the victims leaving them or from alerting the authorities to their treatment. They forced them to undertake physically demanding work for long periods. They did not pay them for their work and took advantage of their vulnerable situations.
"There was a very stark contrast in living conditions between offender and victim and the way in which the offenders materially benefited from their criminal activities will be the subject of further applications for confiscation by the Crown under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2003
"This case illustrates the way the CPS and police work together to secure justice in even the most difficult circumstances."
The prosecution was brought under Section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
see also The BBC - Traveller family 'wanted my past life over', says victim
The Times - Irish Travellers preyed on vulnerable to live like millionaires
The Daily Mail - Guilty of 'slave trading': Family of Travellers lived in luxury while beating and starving homeless men into state of servitude
Channel 4 - Travellers convicted in homeless forced labour case
ALL FIVE members of the Connors family of Irish Travellers have been found guilty of forced labour at Bristol Crown Court.
Unanimous verdicts were read out one by one by the jury foreman before they were sent down by His Honour Judge Michael Longman.
William (Billy) Connors, 52, his wife Mary (known as Breda), 48, their sons John, 29, and James, 20, all formerly of Gloucester Road in Staverton, and their son-in-law Miles Connors, 24, formerly of Bowling Back Lane in Bradford, were all convicted of conspiracy to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between April 2010 and March 2011.
They had also faced a second charge of conspiracy to hold another person in servitude but the trial judge ordered the jury to find the defendants not guilty of that offence.
All four defendants except head of the family Billy Connors wept in the dock as they heard the verdict.
The decision created pandemonium in court six as security staff struggled to maintain order while the verdicts were read out.
Family members jumped to their feet and extra security guards came into court to physically remove relatives.
John Connors' wife was carried from the court after trying to climb out of the public gallery into the dock.
As she left, she wailed: "Please, please, I'm asking you no. Don't do this."
Mary Connors screamed uncontrollably as the first verdict – on her husband - was returned by the foreman.
The foreman continued to return unanimous verdicts on James Connors, John Connors and Miles Connors and, following wild outbursts, Judge Longman ordered the public gallery to be cleared.
Gloucestershire Police officers, who had been sitting in the front row of the public gallery, helped security staff clear the court.
As the jury foreman returned the verdict on Mary Connors, she wept and shouted: "Oh, daddy, daddy, why are you doing this to me? I've never done no wrong to anyone in my whole life."
Noise could still be heard from outside the courtroom as the five defendants were led away to the cells.
Judge Longman said he will hear mitigation this afternoon from the defence before sentencing on Monday.
He thanked the jury for their efforts. "I thank you for your enormous persistence over the last three months," he said. "I know you have given the evidence your direct attention."
During the course of the trial, many of the victims were housed in squalid conditions in caravans at sites including Beggars Roost in Gloucestershire. When paid they received only a pittance and were subject to assaults, theft of benefits, ill-treatment and exploitation.
A year-long investigation including a five month surveillance operation by Gloucestershire Constabulary culminated in March 2011 when officers carried out warrants at sites in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire and 19 vulnerable people were rescued.
Lead officer for Operation Tundra David Sellwood said: "This was the first investigation of its kind nationally and we faced unique challenges. The rescued men had been victims of the Connors family for up to 30 years; many were 'institutionalised' and did not recognise themselves as being victims.
"The family generated significant wealth off the backs of some of the most vulnerable in society and we are delighted that they have finally been held to account".
Ann Reddrop, Head of the Crown Prosecution Service South West Complex Casework Unit said: "The jury's verdicts conclude a lengthy investigation into the criminal activities of the Connors family and their punitive relationship with those whom they forced to work for them.
"CPS has worked closely with DCI Sellwood and his team at Gloucestershire Constabulary since March 2011 when the Police were about to arrest the offenders.
"The five members of the Connors family who stood trial were charged with offences involving the serious mistreatment of people who, because of their personal circumstances, had little option but to continue to remain with the offenders. The defendants used violence to prevent the victims leaving them or from alerting the authorities to their treatment. They forced them to undertake physically demanding work for long periods. They did not pay them for their work and took advantage of their vulnerable situations.
"There was a very stark contrast in living conditions between offender and victim and the way in which the offenders materially benefited from their criminal activities will be the subject of further applications for confiscation by the Crown under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2003
"This case illustrates the way the CPS and police work together to secure justice in even the most difficult circumstances."
The prosecution was brought under Section 71 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
see also The BBC - Traveller family 'wanted my past life over', says victim
The Times - Irish Travellers preyed on vulnerable to live like millionaires
The Daily Mail - Guilty of 'slave trading': Family of Travellers lived in luxury while beating and starving homeless men into state of servitude
Channel 4 - Travellers convicted in homeless forced labour case
'Travellers' site should be sensitive to environment' - Berkshire
From the Ascot Windsor and Eton Express
The thorny problem of finding extra sites for Travellers was discussed by Royal Borough cabinet members last night.
Members approved a general policy of finding sites that would enable Travellers to integrate easily with residents, while being sensitive to the environment and prioritising people who had links to the area through family or long term residency.
But no decision was made over the controversial question of whether or not to go ahead with plans to place up to 10 mobile homes on a field behind Horton Road, Datchet.
This would directly contradict councillors' avowed belief that greenbelt land is unsuitable for Traveller sites and has caused uproar in the village. Cabinet members will not discuss this particular site until their next meeting in January.
They were warned at last night's meeting by Datchet resident Andrew Brett that they could face legal proceedings if they did go ahead. Mr Brett, who lives in nearby Cobb Close, said: "If you go down this particular path you could be opening yourselves up to a judicial review which I believe you would lose."
But councillors are under pressure. The government is insisting they come up with a five-year list of deliverable sites by the end of March, as well as identifying a further 10-year supply.
This is forcing them to rush, instead of taking time to come up with a policy that can be included in the forthcoming new borough plan.
The thorny problem of finding extra sites for Travellers was discussed by Royal Borough cabinet members last night.
Members approved a general policy of finding sites that would enable Travellers to integrate easily with residents, while being sensitive to the environment and prioritising people who had links to the area through family or long term residency.
But no decision was made over the controversial question of whether or not to go ahead with plans to place up to 10 mobile homes on a field behind Horton Road, Datchet.
This would directly contradict councillors' avowed belief that greenbelt land is unsuitable for Traveller sites and has caused uproar in the village. Cabinet members will not discuss this particular site until their next meeting in January.
They were warned at last night's meeting by Datchet resident Andrew Brett that they could face legal proceedings if they did go ahead. Mr Brett, who lives in nearby Cobb Close, said: "If you go down this particular path you could be opening yourselves up to a judicial review which I believe you would lose."
But councillors are under pressure. The government is insisting they come up with a five-year list of deliverable sites by the end of March, as well as identifying a further 10-year supply.
This is forcing them to rush, instead of taking time to come up with a policy that can be included in the forthcoming new borough plan.
More traveller sites for Basildon? - Essex
From the Echo
MORE Travellers sites could be built across the borough after council bosses hired consultants to work out where to put them.
The news comes just days after councillors gave the green light to plans for a new 15-pitch Traveller site on land off Gardiners Way, Basildon, which could house some of the families evicted from Dale Farm last October.
More than a year after the £7million eviction, boffins from Swansea University are being paid £40,000 to assess the need for new sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople across the borough over the next 20 years.
Opinion Research Services, a spin off company from the university, will carry out surveys until June next year before a report goes to councillors and it is decided how many more sites are needed and where they should go.
Tony Ball, council leader, said: “The results of this will feed into our core strategy for our local development framework in the same way we need to assess the level of housing needed in the area.”
Under regional targets set by the for Government Office of the East of England, the council had to provide at least 62 new pitches.
However, these targets will be officially scrapped on January 3. A council report about the decision to employ the firm said: “The issue of Gypsy and Travellers accommodation is a high priority for the council and has attracted a significant amount of media attention.
The High Court has also recommended that the Council actively progress a consideration of accommodation need to demonstrate that we are having regard to the travelling community requirements.
“In order to demonstrate the impartiality of the Council and have a study conducted with specialist knowledge external consultants need to be commissioned.”
The study is happening despite the fact the Essex Planning Officers Association is preparing a county-wide study.
The report said this would not be completed in time to keep up with Basildon’s timetable and will not be to the same level of detail. Stuart Hardwick-Carruthers, a campaigner for Travellers, said: “This is something the council should have tackled several years ago, and it may even have avoided the need for the evictions.”
MORE Travellers sites could be built across the borough after council bosses hired consultants to work out where to put them.
The news comes just days after councillors gave the green light to plans for a new 15-pitch Traveller site on land off Gardiners Way, Basildon, which could house some of the families evicted from Dale Farm last October.
More than a year after the £7million eviction, boffins from Swansea University are being paid £40,000 to assess the need for new sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople across the borough over the next 20 years.
Opinion Research Services, a spin off company from the university, will carry out surveys until June next year before a report goes to councillors and it is decided how many more sites are needed and where they should go.
Tony Ball, council leader, said: “The results of this will feed into our core strategy for our local development framework in the same way we need to assess the level of housing needed in the area.”
Under regional targets set by the for Government Office of the East of England, the council had to provide at least 62 new pitches.
However, these targets will be officially scrapped on January 3. A council report about the decision to employ the firm said: “The issue of Gypsy and Travellers accommodation is a high priority for the council and has attracted a significant amount of media attention.
The High Court has also recommended that the Council actively progress a consideration of accommodation need to demonstrate that we are having regard to the travelling community requirements.
“In order to demonstrate the impartiality of the Council and have a study conducted with specialist knowledge external consultants need to be commissioned.”
The study is happening despite the fact the Essex Planning Officers Association is preparing a county-wide study.
The report said this would not be completed in time to keep up with Basildon’s timetable and will not be to the same level of detail. Stuart Hardwick-Carruthers, a campaigner for Travellers, said: “This is something the council should have tackled several years ago, and it may even have avoided the need for the evictions.”
Swansea's second Gypsy sites short-list goes online — public to give views
From the South Wales Evening Post
EVERYTHING Swansea Council has discussed about creating a second Gypsy Traveller site goes online today
All documents from the process to whittle 1,006 sites down to a shortlist of five will be available to the public over the next three months.
The final five shortlisted are identical to a list revealed in the Evening Post in April this year.
Council leader David Phillips said: "The council wants the public to play a full part in this process and people will have until the end of March to give us their views."
The publication of the documents follows an internal and external review of the process through which a short-list was created. Councillors were briefed last night and as they entered the Civic Centre they were greeted by campaigners protesting against a second site in Llansamlet.
Separate legal reviews of claims that an agreement was made by the old West Glamorgan County Council to not place a second site in Llansamlet were carried out by the council's monitoring officer and one of the UK's leading barristers in constitutional matters. They concluded no such agreement had taken place.
Mr Phillips added: "The council is committed to making this an open and transparent process.
"People will be able to see the details of all 1,006 sites, the criteria used to assess each site and how those sites were filtered down to 19 and then five.
"The public have access to the documents so that they play a full part in the process.
"No decisions have been made on a second site and it is vital that people give us their views so that we can take them into account during the next stage of the process to identify a second permanent site."
People can give feedback online. There will be computer access at the authority's libraries and feedback forms for residents. Anyone without computer access can view hard copies and fill out consultation forms in the Civic Centre between January 21 and 25.
www.swansea.gov.uk/sgts
THE five sites are:
1. Former Greyhound
Stadium (Cockett)
2. Rear of Parc Melyn
Mynach (Gorseinon)
3. Proposed Cemetery
(Gorseinon)
4. Swansea Vale
(Llansamlet)
5. Milford Way
(Penderry)
EVERYTHING Swansea Council has discussed about creating a second Gypsy Traveller site goes online today
All documents from the process to whittle 1,006 sites down to a shortlist of five will be available to the public over the next three months.
The final five shortlisted are identical to a list revealed in the Evening Post in April this year.
Council leader David Phillips said: "The council wants the public to play a full part in this process and people will have until the end of March to give us their views."
The publication of the documents follows an internal and external review of the process through which a short-list was created. Councillors were briefed last night and as they entered the Civic Centre they were greeted by campaigners protesting against a second site in Llansamlet.
Separate legal reviews of claims that an agreement was made by the old West Glamorgan County Council to not place a second site in Llansamlet were carried out by the council's monitoring officer and one of the UK's leading barristers in constitutional matters. They concluded no such agreement had taken place.
Mr Phillips added: "The council is committed to making this an open and transparent process.
"People will be able to see the details of all 1,006 sites, the criteria used to assess each site and how those sites were filtered down to 19 and then five.
"The public have access to the documents so that they play a full part in the process.
"No decisions have been made on a second site and it is vital that people give us their views so that we can take them into account during the next stage of the process to identify a second permanent site."
People can give feedback online. There will be computer access at the authority's libraries and feedback forms for residents. Anyone without computer access can view hard copies and fill out consultation forms in the Civic Centre between January 21 and 25.
www.swansea.gov.uk/sgts
THE five sites are:
1. Former Greyhound
Stadium (Cockett)
2. Rear of Parc Melyn
Mynach (Gorseinon)
3. Proposed Cemetery
(Gorseinon)
4. Swansea Vale
(Llansamlet)
5. Milford Way
(Penderry)
Views sought on ways to improve lives of Travellers - Yorkshire
From the Press
A WIDE-RANGING series of consultations is being held across York in a bid to improve the lives of Gypsies and Travellers.
The exercise will look at issues including education, health, accommodation, policing and justice from the point of view of people in the traveller community.
City of York Council has launched the consultations with the community, professional partners and the wider public, to aid work “to improve opportunities and outcomes for this significant and distinct ethnic group”.
The authority has carried out research with the above groups, using evidence from the Equality and Human Rights Commission report 2009, in addition to the findings of the council-driven Fairness Commission, the joint strategic needs assessment and its health and wellbeing strategy.
The research indicates the community’s most pressing needs are to improve:
• the educational outcomes of Gypsy Roma and Traveller children and young people
• the health and wellbeing of Gypsies and Travellers
• the standards and supply of accommodation
• the policing and the criminal justice system
• access to employment and financial inclusion services
• the development of partnerships and customer-focused services.
The consultation will seek to confirm these priorities and ask how best to address them in the light of the council’s recently-launched equality scheme.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council’s cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, said: “Working in partnership with all agencies and communities will help us improve lifelong outcomes and opportunities for York’s Gypsies and Travellers using a co-ordinated approach.” She urged everyone to contribute constructively to the consultation.
To participate, go to the consultation for Gypsies, Travellers and the wider public at york.gov.uk/consultation/ and respond before January 11.
see also oneandother.com - Time For York's Travellers To Have Their Say
A WIDE-RANGING series of consultations is being held across York in a bid to improve the lives of Gypsies and Travellers.
The exercise will look at issues including education, health, accommodation, policing and justice from the point of view of people in the traveller community.
City of York Council has launched the consultations with the community, professional partners and the wider public, to aid work “to improve opportunities and outcomes for this significant and distinct ethnic group”.
The authority has carried out research with the above groups, using evidence from the Equality and Human Rights Commission report 2009, in addition to the findings of the council-driven Fairness Commission, the joint strategic needs assessment and its health and wellbeing strategy.
The research indicates the community’s most pressing needs are to improve:
• the educational outcomes of Gypsy Roma and Traveller children and young people
• the health and wellbeing of Gypsies and Travellers
• the standards and supply of accommodation
• the policing and the criminal justice system
• access to employment and financial inclusion services
• the development of partnerships and customer-focused services.
The consultation will seek to confirm these priorities and ask how best to address them in the light of the council’s recently-launched equality scheme.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council’s cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, said: “Working in partnership with all agencies and communities will help us improve lifelong outcomes and opportunities for York’s Gypsies and Travellers using a co-ordinated approach.” She urged everyone to contribute constructively to the consultation.
To participate, go to the consultation for Gypsies, Travellers and the wider public at york.gov.uk/consultation/ and respond before January 11.
see also oneandother.com - Time For York's Travellers To Have Their Say
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Bid to build Gypsy site and thousands of new homes on St Albans’ doorstep - Hertfordshire
From the Herts Advertiser
GREEN fields separating St Albans from Hatfield are under threat of being turned into a new Gypsy and Travellers’ site, along with a major housing development for thousands of homes.
Welwyn Hatfield borough council (WHBC) hopes to pave the way for 175 homes to be built on a 10.4 hectare area off Wilkin’s Green Lane and, off Coopers Green Lane, 2,000 homes and a gypsy and traveller pitch on a 131.4ha site.
The green buffer between Hatfield and St Albans would be compromised as a result according to St Albans district councillor for Colney Heath Chris Brazier.
Hatfield’s urban footprint looks set to sprawl closer to the St Albans district after WHBC released its planning blueprint, the Emerging Core Strategy, outlining its hopes for 7,200 new homes by 2029.
St Albans Civic Society has warned that the document, released for public consultation at the same time there has been a furore locally over plans to build up to 350 homes on Green Belt land at Oaklands College, “will bring little or no benefit to St Albans”.
While WHBC also highlights a 14.8ha Green Belt location next to Alban Way, near Nast Hyde Farm, it said the land, with capacity for 370 homes, is not suitable for development.
The council is updating its 2005 district plan and will conduct a Green Belt boundary review around both Welwyn and Hatfield to identify a supply of land for the next 17 years.
There is more than one landowner involved in putting forward a large chunk of land currently used for agriculture, horse grazing and light industry off Coopers Green Lane for possible development.
The council said while there were concerns about coalescence and sewerage and transport capacity for 2,000 additional homes the land, between Astwick Manor Cottages on Hatfield Avenue and Stanborough, was considered suitable for growth.
Cllr Brazier warned: “They are looking at extending the former airfield site. It is going to lead to Hatfield becoming part of St Albans. It’s a no-goer.”
In its recent newsletter the Civic Society exhorted St Albans’ residents to “wake up” to the threat of expansion.
The organisation said: “It seems that we are sleep-walking towards the greater St Albans-Hatfield-Welwyn linear city. Wake up!”
The owner of a 10.4ha Green Belt site around Great Nast Hyde House, near Notcutts in Smallford, proposed 230 homes, but WBHC said 175 was “more realistic”.
Just over seven hectares of that site is within the Welwyn/Hatfield area, with the remainder in St Albans district.
The council said there was capacity for 115 homes within WBHC’s boundary so land within St Albans’ jurisdiction would need to be identified and brought forward as part of the district council’s Local Plan for the other 60.
Cllr Brazier asked what schools children would attend if the housing schemes came to fruition, and how infrastructure in east St Albans would cope.
Consultation on the borough council’s strategy ends on Thursday January 31. There is a public exhibition on the blueprint at Green Lanes Primary School, Hatfield, from 2-8.30pm on Tuesday January 15.
GREEN fields separating St Albans from Hatfield are under threat of being turned into a new Gypsy and Travellers’ site, along with a major housing development for thousands of homes.
Welwyn Hatfield borough council (WHBC) hopes to pave the way for 175 homes to be built on a 10.4 hectare area off Wilkin’s Green Lane and, off Coopers Green Lane, 2,000 homes and a gypsy and traveller pitch on a 131.4ha site.
The green buffer between Hatfield and St Albans would be compromised as a result according to St Albans district councillor for Colney Heath Chris Brazier.
Hatfield’s urban footprint looks set to sprawl closer to the St Albans district after WHBC released its planning blueprint, the Emerging Core Strategy, outlining its hopes for 7,200 new homes by 2029.
St Albans Civic Society has warned that the document, released for public consultation at the same time there has been a furore locally over plans to build up to 350 homes on Green Belt land at Oaklands College, “will bring little or no benefit to St Albans”.
While WHBC also highlights a 14.8ha Green Belt location next to Alban Way, near Nast Hyde Farm, it said the land, with capacity for 370 homes, is not suitable for development.
The council is updating its 2005 district plan and will conduct a Green Belt boundary review around both Welwyn and Hatfield to identify a supply of land for the next 17 years.
There is more than one landowner involved in putting forward a large chunk of land currently used for agriculture, horse grazing and light industry off Coopers Green Lane for possible development.
The council said while there were concerns about coalescence and sewerage and transport capacity for 2,000 additional homes the land, between Astwick Manor Cottages on Hatfield Avenue and Stanborough, was considered suitable for growth.
Cllr Brazier warned: “They are looking at extending the former airfield site. It is going to lead to Hatfield becoming part of St Albans. It’s a no-goer.”
In its recent newsletter the Civic Society exhorted St Albans’ residents to “wake up” to the threat of expansion.
The organisation said: “It seems that we are sleep-walking towards the greater St Albans-Hatfield-Welwyn linear city. Wake up!”
The owner of a 10.4ha Green Belt site around Great Nast Hyde House, near Notcutts in Smallford, proposed 230 homes, but WBHC said 175 was “more realistic”.
Just over seven hectares of that site is within the Welwyn/Hatfield area, with the remainder in St Albans district.
The council said there was capacity for 115 homes within WBHC’s boundary so land within St Albans’ jurisdiction would need to be identified and brought forward as part of the district council’s Local Plan for the other 60.
Cllr Brazier asked what schools children would attend if the housing schemes came to fruition, and how infrastructure in east St Albans would cope.
Consultation on the borough council’s strategy ends on Thursday January 31. There is a public exhibition on the blueprint at Green Lanes Primary School, Hatfield, from 2-8.30pm on Tuesday January 15.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Why is anti-Traveller abuse not seen as racism?
From Left Foot Forward
After enjoying catching up with all the boxing results last weekend, and looking ahead to Britain’s Amir Khan taking the stage against Carlos Molina this coming Saturday, I wondered what Manchester heavyweight star contender Tyson Fury was up to on Twitter.
Tyson-Fur I had heard of his prolific tweeting before and some of the more unsavoury things he has said about his likely future opponent, David Price.
I spent just half an hour taking a cursory glance at Fury’s own twitter comments. Depending on your taste and point of view, they ranged from funny, to offensive.
But what struck me more than his swipes at boxing promoter Frank Maloney, was the amount of anti–Traveller (Gypsy) abuse Fury received.
Fury has made no secret of the fact he is from a Traveller family and has every right to express how proud he is of where he comes from. But tweet after tweet directed at him ranged from overt racism to references about potatoes, and who was going to drive his caravan while he was in the ring.
One tweet was in response to Fury asking for topless pics as it was Christmas. Tasteless maybe, but it hardly justifies somebody posting themselves with their top off holding a sign saying “Pikey C**t” and tweeting that back at Fury.
Now you might say, Fury is a big guy and he can handle it; he seems to give as good as he gets on the Twittersphere anyhow.
But is that really the point?
The exchanges show anti-Traveller rhetoric is still seen as acceptable in Britain.
Media reporting of the mass eviction of the Dale Farm site in Essex this year showed the prejudice that still exists not just amongst sections of the press, but also amongst the public at large. And programmes like my “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” with its offensive posters which were criticised by regulators in October, help to make this kind of racism acceptable.
Words like “Gypo” and “Pikey” have been in common usage since I was at school in the mid 90s, and remain standard terms of abuse today.
Statistics for Irish Travellers in the UK do not exist, although in 2011, for the first time, the census categorised Romanies (including Roma) and Irish Travellers as distinct ethnic groups.
Recent estimates of Travellers living in Great Britain range between 15,000 and 300,000, and, according to the Gypsy Roma Traveller Achievement Service:
“Sadly, racism and discrimination have gone hand in hand with Gypsies and Travellers.
“Many Gypsy, Roma and Travellers are subject to racist attacks and name-calling, the withdrawal of services and refusal of admission to shops and pubs and so on. This is despite the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, which has made all these things illegal.”
They go on to point out:
“Roma, Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are now all recognised to have protection under the Race Relations Act as they have been finally recognised as minority ethnic communities in law.”
So if Travellers are a race, why have the Tyson tweeters not been arrested for these racist tweets?
If Fury was a black boxer, and equivalent offensive language was being dished out to him in a public forum, there would rightly be outcry and the perpetrators arrested. But that is only down to the fact of massive anti-racism campaigns run over many decades.
Arrests have been made this last week over racist tweets towards professional footballers, and the whole Suarez/Evra racism saga has put racial and cultural prejudice into the sporting spotlight.
But at the moment I don’t see any police cars on the horizon coming to take the anti-gypsy brigade away – yet…
After enjoying catching up with all the boxing results last weekend, and looking ahead to Britain’s Amir Khan taking the stage against Carlos Molina this coming Saturday, I wondered what Manchester heavyweight star contender Tyson Fury was up to on Twitter.
Tyson-Fur I had heard of his prolific tweeting before and some of the more unsavoury things he has said about his likely future opponent, David Price.
I spent just half an hour taking a cursory glance at Fury’s own twitter comments. Depending on your taste and point of view, they ranged from funny, to offensive.
But what struck me more than his swipes at boxing promoter Frank Maloney, was the amount of anti–Traveller (Gypsy) abuse Fury received.
Fury has made no secret of the fact he is from a Traveller family and has every right to express how proud he is of where he comes from. But tweet after tweet directed at him ranged from overt racism to references about potatoes, and who was going to drive his caravan while he was in the ring.
One tweet was in response to Fury asking for topless pics as it was Christmas. Tasteless maybe, but it hardly justifies somebody posting themselves with their top off holding a sign saying “Pikey C**t” and tweeting that back at Fury.
Now you might say, Fury is a big guy and he can handle it; he seems to give as good as he gets on the Twittersphere anyhow.
But is that really the point?
The exchanges show anti-Traveller rhetoric is still seen as acceptable in Britain.
Media reporting of the mass eviction of the Dale Farm site in Essex this year showed the prejudice that still exists not just amongst sections of the press, but also amongst the public at large. And programmes like my “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” with its offensive posters which were criticised by regulators in October, help to make this kind of racism acceptable.
Words like “Gypo” and “Pikey” have been in common usage since I was at school in the mid 90s, and remain standard terms of abuse today.
Statistics for Irish Travellers in the UK do not exist, although in 2011, for the first time, the census categorised Romanies (including Roma) and Irish Travellers as distinct ethnic groups.
Recent estimates of Travellers living in Great Britain range between 15,000 and 300,000, and, according to the Gypsy Roma Traveller Achievement Service:
“Sadly, racism and discrimination have gone hand in hand with Gypsies and Travellers.
“Many Gypsy, Roma and Travellers are subject to racist attacks and name-calling, the withdrawal of services and refusal of admission to shops and pubs and so on. This is despite the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, which has made all these things illegal.”
They go on to point out:
“Roma, Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are now all recognised to have protection under the Race Relations Act as they have been finally recognised as minority ethnic communities in law.”
So if Travellers are a race, why have the Tyson tweeters not been arrested for these racist tweets?
If Fury was a black boxer, and equivalent offensive language was being dished out to him in a public forum, there would rightly be outcry and the perpetrators arrested. But that is only down to the fact of massive anti-racism campaigns run over many decades.
Arrests have been made this last week over racist tweets towards professional footballers, and the whole Suarez/Evra racism saga has put racial and cultural prejudice into the sporting spotlight.
But at the moment I don’t see any police cars on the horizon coming to take the anti-gypsy brigade away – yet…
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