Halton Borough Council updates Gypsy and Traveller strategy - Cheshire

From the Runcorn and Widnes News

HALTON Council has revised its strategy for the provision of Gypsy and Traveller camps in the borough.

The report gives guidelines on the allocation of accommodation at sites to ensure that those who are in the greatest need are offered pitches when they become available. People with children, health issues and who are at risk of violence will be among those given priority.

The report also offers ‘good practice’ guidelines to ensure Gypsies and Travellers in the borough are offered the same access to services as the settled community.

The council currently owns and manages two residential caravan sites – with 22 permanent pitches for rent at the Riverview site in Widnes, and 13 temporary pitches at the Warrington Road transit site, in Astmoor, Runcorn.

At a Health, Policy And Performance Board meeting at Runcorn Town Hall on Tuesday, councillors were given details of the updated ‘good practice’ guide, which includes plans for all those residing on the Riverview site to be given access to education as appropriate and to register residents with GP and dentist surgeries.

Gypsy and Traveller children currently attend two nursery schools within the borough, 14 primary schools and three high schools.

The report said: “The overall result of this is that Halton’s Gypsy and Traveller residents have the same opportunity as the settled community to access health, education and other services.”