From Business Line
What do the Roma, the Gypsy people of modern Europe, and the Dalits of north-western India have in common? You will be surprised to know, that they share a common ancestry.
The origin and migration of the Roma Gypsy as well as their lineage have been subjects of curiosity for anthropologists. There is no archaeological evidence of the early Romanis and historical documentation of these populations is scarce.
Genetic studies done by an international team of scientists led by Kumarasamy Thangaraj of the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology has thrown some light on the subject. The study concluded that the aboriginal scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population of north-western India, traditionally referred to as Doma and also Dalits, are the most likely ancestral population of the modern European Roma.
The conclusion was made after screening of about 10,000 males around the world, including 7,000 from 205 ethnic population of India, to discern a precise ancestral source of the European Romani population. Based on the genetic signatures existing on the Y chromosome, every male could be assigned to a specific group (haplogroup), hence the paternal lineage can be traced, using these signatures.
In human populations, the Y chromosome is passed on from father to son. Therefore, all the males of a family or a population evolved from a single founder male will possess the same Y chromosome. The study, by matching the haplogroups of the Roma and the India tribes, found similarity and contiguity that led to the conclusion that the Domas or dalits are the ancestral population, explained Thangaraj.
Another significant conclusion was that the early Romanis migrated from India to Europe around 1,405 years ago.
The findings establish similarities between Roma and Doma ethnicities, and lay to rest the theory of inhabitants from Indo-Gangetic plain and Punjab being the ancestors of the Roma Gypsies, said George van Driem, a linguist from the University of Berne, Switzerland, in the study published in PLoS, a open source journal.
Ch. Mohan Rao, Director, CCMB, said the study provides DNA-based evidence that support the idea that north-western part of India might be the original place for Roma populations. Similar studies from the lab have provided information about the population structure of India, African origin of Siddi populations, etc.
see also the Deccan Chronicle - Europe Gypsy Roma carry Indian genes
Friday, 30 November 2012
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Traveller families blame Plymouth city council after evacuation from site - Devon
From the Plymouth Herald
Traveller families have blamed Plymouth City Council for a devastating flood that forced them out of their homes.
Firefighters using an inflatable boat plucked 11 children and 16 adults to safety as floodwaters overwhelmed their homes at The Ride, near Laira Bridge, late on Saturday.
Water is thought to have poured down the hillsides from Saltram and the neighbouring waste tip.
But the Travellers, many of whom have lived on the site next to the River Plym for a decade or more, said it was the third time in a week that there was flooding on the site.
As they began cleaning up yesterday, they said they had been warning the council for years that the drains in the area were blocked.
Eric Blackburn, 77, who was evacuated with his wife Betty, said: “The council was told. We rang them last week and told them to do the drains.
“We are sick and tired of telling them these drains want sucking.”
Mrs Blackburn said the water was “higher than a man’s waist” when she was rescued by firemen.
She said she had been asking the council to deal with the drains for the past two years. After floods on Thursday and Friday last week, she called them again.
“They promised us faithfully that they would come and fix the drains, but no one came,” she said.
All the carpets in Mrs Blackburn’s mobile home were soaked as the water came in through the door.
She said she feared the flooring would also be ruined, adding: “I can’t pay for it, I’m a pensioner.
“The police moved us because of the contamination. They reckoned the water came off the tip.”
The couple’s son Brian said: “The council won’t do anything for us.
“Plymouth doesn’t care about anyone on this site.”
Many of the 14 families who live at The Ride had left of their own accord before the worst of the floods.
Carl Robson, 38, who lives on the site with his nine-year-old son Brandon, said: “I came back in the middle of the night and everyone had been evacuated. I had to wade through the water to get my dog.”
Mr Robson pointed out streaks of black pollution all around his mobile home, which he believed was oil that had come up through the drains.
Those evacuated were taken in Citybus coaches, initially to the Salvation Army hostel in Devonport. Plymouth City Council later found them temporary accommodation.
Simon Kerr, watch manager at Camels Head, said: “We got to The Ride at about 8.45pm, and it was completely under water.
“The water was up to door level and on the verge of flooding the caravans.
Steve Hill, watch manager at Plymstock, said: “It was a dire situation. The residents were obviously devastated and upset.
“We attempted to pump the water out but quickly realised we were on a losing wicket. The water probably rose by a foot while we were there.
“We were concerned because we didn't know what effect the high tide at 3am would have.”
Electricity to the caravans was switched off by Western Power as the floodwaters rose, and was not reconnected until late yesterday morning.
A council spokeswoman said: “Like any flooding, there is always a risk of contamination of some sort, most often from the sewerage systems.
“We would need to analyse samples before we would be in a position to say what it is. We have had our staff checking the site at Chelson Meadow and there is no evidence to suggest that there has been a failure in the leachate treatment system.”
She said council workers were using gully suckers and jet hoses, adding: “We would hope that people would take sensible precautions which include not allowing young children to play on affected paved or concreted areas, or other contaminated materials from within homes, until they have been cleaned or removed.”
Traveller families have blamed Plymouth City Council for a devastating flood that forced them out of their homes.
Firefighters using an inflatable boat plucked 11 children and 16 adults to safety as floodwaters overwhelmed their homes at The Ride, near Laira Bridge, late on Saturday.
Water is thought to have poured down the hillsides from Saltram and the neighbouring waste tip.
But the Travellers, many of whom have lived on the site next to the River Plym for a decade or more, said it was the third time in a week that there was flooding on the site.
As they began cleaning up yesterday, they said they had been warning the council for years that the drains in the area were blocked.
Eric Blackburn, 77, who was evacuated with his wife Betty, said: “The council was told. We rang them last week and told them to do the drains.
“We are sick and tired of telling them these drains want sucking.”
Mrs Blackburn said the water was “higher than a man’s waist” when she was rescued by firemen.
She said she had been asking the council to deal with the drains for the past two years. After floods on Thursday and Friday last week, she called them again.
“They promised us faithfully that they would come and fix the drains, but no one came,” she said.
All the carpets in Mrs Blackburn’s mobile home were soaked as the water came in through the door.
She said she feared the flooring would also be ruined, adding: “I can’t pay for it, I’m a pensioner.
“The police moved us because of the contamination. They reckoned the water came off the tip.”
The couple’s son Brian said: “The council won’t do anything for us.
“Plymouth doesn’t care about anyone on this site.”
Many of the 14 families who live at The Ride had left of their own accord before the worst of the floods.
Carl Robson, 38, who lives on the site with his nine-year-old son Brandon, said: “I came back in the middle of the night and everyone had been evacuated. I had to wade through the water to get my dog.”
Mr Robson pointed out streaks of black pollution all around his mobile home, which he believed was oil that had come up through the drains.
Those evacuated were taken in Citybus coaches, initially to the Salvation Army hostel in Devonport. Plymouth City Council later found them temporary accommodation.
Simon Kerr, watch manager at Camels Head, said: “We got to The Ride at about 8.45pm, and it was completely under water.
“The water was up to door level and on the verge of flooding the caravans.
Steve Hill, watch manager at Plymstock, said: “It was a dire situation. The residents were obviously devastated and upset.
“We attempted to pump the water out but quickly realised we were on a losing wicket. The water probably rose by a foot while we were there.
“We were concerned because we didn't know what effect the high tide at 3am would have.”
Electricity to the caravans was switched off by Western Power as the floodwaters rose, and was not reconnected until late yesterday morning.
A council spokeswoman said: “Like any flooding, there is always a risk of contamination of some sort, most often from the sewerage systems.
“We would need to analyse samples before we would be in a position to say what it is. We have had our staff checking the site at Chelson Meadow and there is no evidence to suggest that there has been a failure in the leachate treatment system.”
She said council workers were using gully suckers and jet hoses, adding: “We would hope that people would take sensible precautions which include not allowing young children to play on affected paved or concreted areas, or other contaminated materials from within homes, until they have been cleaned or removed.”
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Documenting The Irish Travellers: A Nomadic Culture of Yore
From the npr.org
Throughout my life I have regularly travelled to my mother's home city of Dublin. During these trips I would regularly see groups of people living in caravans on the sides of the road, and I always wondered who they were, and what their lives were like.
I later found out they belonged to a small ethnic minority called "Travellers" – nomads who spend most of their life, literally, on the road. While their history has been hard to document – they have no written records — they are thought to have separated from the settled Irish community at least 1000 years ago.
The Travellers – until recently also called "tinkers" or "Gypsies" – often live in ad-hoc encampments, in direct contrast to "settled" people in Ireland. They are thought to be descended from a group of nomadic craftsman, with the name "tinker" a reference to the sound of a hammer hitting an anvil. (The reference is now considered derogatory.)
In 1965 Dublin-born photographer Alen MacWeeney stumbled across a Travellers' encampment and became fascinated with their way of life. He spent the next six years making photographs, and recording their stories and music. Despite shooting the photos in the late '60s, it wasn't until 2007 that he found a publisher for his work.
Bernie Ward, Cherry Orchard Enlarge image
In his book, "Irish Travellers: Tinkers No More," — which also comes with a CD of Traveller music recordings — MacWeeny shows us a gritty, intimate portrait of the people that he eventually came to call friends. He compares the Travellers to the migrant farmers of the American depression: "poor, white, and dispossessed."
"Theirs was a bigger way of life than mine, with its daily struggle for survival, compared to my struggle to find images symbolic and representative of that life," he said in his book.
MacWeeney got his start at age 20 as an assistant for Richard Avedon in Paris, and has since made a career as a portrait and fashion photographer. But his images of the Travellers reveal a raw and intimate side to his work.
"Traveller families have always been very close-knit, held together in a tight unspoken knot, with lifelong bonds and sometimes varying a lifelong set of troubles," he said.
Today, however, the Traveller lifestyle has changed dramatically from even a few decades ago. Many have embraced modern culture, and become "settled," no longer living apart from the mainstream. There is even a reality TV show – "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" – which showcases Traveller girls and their theatrical, over-the-top weddings.
But MacWeeney believes that the Travellers are "reluctant as settled and envy the other life of travelling." His book stands as a document of an era, and a way of life that is slowly fading into the past.
Throughout my life I have regularly travelled to my mother's home city of Dublin. During these trips I would regularly see groups of people living in caravans on the sides of the road, and I always wondered who they were, and what their lives were like.
I later found out they belonged to a small ethnic minority called "Travellers" – nomads who spend most of their life, literally, on the road. While their history has been hard to document – they have no written records — they are thought to have separated from the settled Irish community at least 1000 years ago.
The Travellers – until recently also called "tinkers" or "Gypsies" – often live in ad-hoc encampments, in direct contrast to "settled" people in Ireland. They are thought to be descended from a group of nomadic craftsman, with the name "tinker" a reference to the sound of a hammer hitting an anvil. (The reference is now considered derogatory.)
In 1965 Dublin-born photographer Alen MacWeeney stumbled across a Travellers' encampment and became fascinated with their way of life. He spent the next six years making photographs, and recording their stories and music. Despite shooting the photos in the late '60s, it wasn't until 2007 that he found a publisher for his work.
Bernie Ward, Cherry Orchard Enlarge image
In his book, "Irish Travellers: Tinkers No More," — which also comes with a CD of Traveller music recordings — MacWeeny shows us a gritty, intimate portrait of the people that he eventually came to call friends. He compares the Travellers to the migrant farmers of the American depression: "poor, white, and dispossessed."
"Theirs was a bigger way of life than mine, with its daily struggle for survival, compared to my struggle to find images symbolic and representative of that life," he said in his book.
MacWeeney got his start at age 20 as an assistant for Richard Avedon in Paris, and has since made a career as a portrait and fashion photographer. But his images of the Travellers reveal a raw and intimate side to his work.
"Traveller families have always been very close-knit, held together in a tight unspoken knot, with lifelong bonds and sometimes varying a lifelong set of troubles," he said.
Today, however, the Traveller lifestyle has changed dramatically from even a few decades ago. Many have embraced modern culture, and become "settled," no longer living apart from the mainstream. There is even a reality TV show – "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" – which showcases Traveller girls and their theatrical, over-the-top weddings.
But MacWeeney believes that the Travellers are "reluctant as settled and envy the other life of travelling." His book stands as a document of an era, and a way of life that is slowly fading into the past.
Green fortress is protecting land from Travellers in Swindon - Wiltshire
From the Swindon Advertiser
THE problem of Travellers setting up camp on green spaces in Eldene and Liden could be a thing of the past now a fortress of trees and bushes planted as blockades have grown to maturity.
In the late 1990s, large groups of Travellers would often move on to the grassy areas on either side of Dorcan Way between the two estates, as well as Elmore Park alongside Eldene Drive, sometimes causing noise and leaving behind waste.
Then between 1998 and 2004, Swindon Council put in place a number of measures, including small mounding and a concrete barrier along Dorcan Way behind Okebourne Park, as well as small wooden barriers into a field on the Eldene side of Dorcan Way.
There were also wooden blocks installed and scores of trees and bushes planted at Elmore Park, as well as further greenery planted beside part of Liden Drive, behind Oakbourne Park. these have now grown to maturity.
Swindon Council says there have been no encampments in the Eldene and Liden area since 2007, when only one caravan was recorded.
Pete Brown, 62, who was a labour councillor for the Dorcan area from 1979 to 1991, and again from 1995 to 2004, was involved in installing the measures, which he says has saved the council thousands in legal and clean-up costs.
He said: “Throughout the 1990s from 1995 and thereafter it was quite horrendous for seven years. And one particular year we had eight incursions.
“The planting has come off well since we had it laid, probably 10 years ago, so it has done quite well.
“And the longer it stays here, the bigger it will get and the stronger it will get, so it will make the area more difficult to get onto.
“I think all the work was done and it’s now come to fruition. And I’m really pleased with what we have done with the council.
“The Labour group obviously did a great job by providing the money, £60,000 a year for five years, and it helped me resolve the problem in Dorcan and other areas. ”
THE problem of Travellers setting up camp on green spaces in Eldene and Liden could be a thing of the past now a fortress of trees and bushes planted as blockades have grown to maturity.
In the late 1990s, large groups of Travellers would often move on to the grassy areas on either side of Dorcan Way between the two estates, as well as Elmore Park alongside Eldene Drive, sometimes causing noise and leaving behind waste.
Then between 1998 and 2004, Swindon Council put in place a number of measures, including small mounding and a concrete barrier along Dorcan Way behind Okebourne Park, as well as small wooden barriers into a field on the Eldene side of Dorcan Way.
There were also wooden blocks installed and scores of trees and bushes planted at Elmore Park, as well as further greenery planted beside part of Liden Drive, behind Oakbourne Park. these have now grown to maturity.
Swindon Council says there have been no encampments in the Eldene and Liden area since 2007, when only one caravan was recorded.
Pete Brown, 62, who was a labour councillor for the Dorcan area from 1979 to 1991, and again from 1995 to 2004, was involved in installing the measures, which he says has saved the council thousands in legal and clean-up costs.
He said: “Throughout the 1990s from 1995 and thereafter it was quite horrendous for seven years. And one particular year we had eight incursions.
“The planting has come off well since we had it laid, probably 10 years ago, so it has done quite well.
“And the longer it stays here, the bigger it will get and the stronger it will get, so it will make the area more difficult to get onto.
“I think all the work was done and it’s now come to fruition. And I’m really pleased with what we have done with the council.
“The Labour group obviously did a great job by providing the money, £60,000 a year for five years, and it helped me resolve the problem in Dorcan and other areas. ”
Complaints down thanks to new Bridlington Gypsy site - Yorkshire
From the Bridlington Free Press
THE number of complaints over unauthorised Gypsy encampments has reduced in the past year.
A report by Nigel Leighton, director of environment and neighbourhood services at East Riding Council, shows a slight decrease in the number of complaints received in the October 2011 to October 2012 period.
Figures show 96 complaints, a reduction from 103 the previous year.
This follows the opening of the £1.4 million refurbished Gypsy site earlier this year, which offers a 22-pitch site with a site office and site-based support assistant.
Mr Leighton said: “Within those figures there has been a significant reduction in encampments in the East Wolds and Coastal Ward since the refurbishment of the Woldgate site.”
The new site, which is across Woldgate from the previous site, was built after the former location became unusable due to fundamental problems with the land on which it was built.
Paul Bellotti, head of housing and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council has seen a reduction in the number of reports of unauthorised encampments in the East Riding. This is, in part, because of the development of a new site at Woldgate, Bridlington, and the council using its powers, as far as it is able, to bring to an end unauthorised encampments, which cause nuisance to local communities.
“The purpose-built site has allowed the council to allocate a number of families, who had previously been occupying the roadside, a permanent pitch at Woldgate.
“The new site at Woldgate forms part of a programme to improve all of the council’s traveller sites, using national funding ring-fenced from the Homes and Communities Agency. Work has also concluded at the Eppleworth Road site, near Cottingham, and is scheduled to commence at the Woodhall Way site.”
Bridlington Town Mayor Councillor Charlesworth said: “I think the council has provided facilities for them which they should use and not infringe on public land, because while they are on it nobody else can use it.”
An unauthorised encampment had been set up earlier this year on Bessingby Road close to the McDonald’s restaurant on the Bessingby Retail Park.
THE number of complaints over unauthorised Gypsy encampments has reduced in the past year.
A report by Nigel Leighton, director of environment and neighbourhood services at East Riding Council, shows a slight decrease in the number of complaints received in the October 2011 to October 2012 period.
Figures show 96 complaints, a reduction from 103 the previous year.
This follows the opening of the £1.4 million refurbished Gypsy site earlier this year, which offers a 22-pitch site with a site office and site-based support assistant.
Mr Leighton said: “Within those figures there has been a significant reduction in encampments in the East Wolds and Coastal Ward since the refurbishment of the Woldgate site.”
The new site, which is across Woldgate from the previous site, was built after the former location became unusable due to fundamental problems with the land on which it was built.
Paul Bellotti, head of housing and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council has seen a reduction in the number of reports of unauthorised encampments in the East Riding. This is, in part, because of the development of a new site at Woldgate, Bridlington, and the council using its powers, as far as it is able, to bring to an end unauthorised encampments, which cause nuisance to local communities.
“The purpose-built site has allowed the council to allocate a number of families, who had previously been occupying the roadside, a permanent pitch at Woldgate.
“The new site at Woldgate forms part of a programme to improve all of the council’s traveller sites, using national funding ring-fenced from the Homes and Communities Agency. Work has also concluded at the Eppleworth Road site, near Cottingham, and is scheduled to commence at the Woodhall Way site.”
Bridlington Town Mayor Councillor Charlesworth said: “I think the council has provided facilities for them which they should use and not infringe on public land, because while they are on it nobody else can use it.”
An unauthorised encampment had been set up earlier this year on Bessingby Road close to the McDonald’s restaurant on the Bessingby Retail Park.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Traveller turned RSPCA inspector speaks out
From Horse and Country
Chief RSPCA inspector John Grant, has spoken out about the travelling community and their horses, at the World Horse Welfare conference 2012.
Raised as a traveller, John gave an audience of more than 250 guests from across the horse world, including the charity’s president HRH The Princess Royal, an insight into travellers' culture and values. He also spoke about their special relationship with horses, for which Travellers have a 'mystical' fascination.
Important work
The overbreeding and welfare problems among horses in these communities as a result of their attitudes were explored, as were suggestions for reducing these problems.
For many people John's talk was the highlight of the conference and offered a glimpse into the important work being done by the RSPCA to help tackle the growing problem of travelling ponies.
Chief RSPCA inspector John Grant, has spoken out about the travelling community and their horses, at the World Horse Welfare conference 2012.
Raised as a traveller, John gave an audience of more than 250 guests from across the horse world, including the charity’s president HRH The Princess Royal, an insight into travellers' culture and values. He also spoke about their special relationship with horses, for which Travellers have a 'mystical' fascination.
Important work
The overbreeding and welfare problems among horses in these communities as a result of their attitudes were explored, as were suggestions for reducing these problems.
For many people John's talk was the highlight of the conference and offered a glimpse into the important work being done by the RSPCA to help tackle the growing problem of travelling ponies.
Extra time given to listen to concerns on former Travellers’ site - Cambridgeshire
From the Haverhill Echo
A meeting to debate the purchase and reopening of a former Travellers’ site near Meldreth has been postponed by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) until January so there is more time to listen to residents’ concerns.
Government funding for the purchase and refurbishment of the 8-10 pitch site has already been secured by SCDC housing chiefs, but a meeting of Full Council will be held to debate the purchase before any decision is made.
SCDC’s intention to purchase the site was published at the end of October and Cabinet members recommended that proposals should be presented to a meeting of Full Council to see if councillors believe it is the best option to meet the future needs of growing Traveller families currently living in South Cambridgeshire.
An independent report accepted by SCDC in June established the need for 20 extra pitches in the district up until 2031 to meet the Council’s legal obligation to provide sufficient housing for Travellers.
The proposal for purchasing the former Mettle Hill site near Meldreth was due to be presented to a Full Council meeting later this month, but in light of the number of concerns and questions being raised by residents the chairman of SCDC has decided to hold an extra Full Council meeting about the plans on January 10 at 6.30pm so there is more time for them to be considered.
Cllr Tony Orgee, chairman of SCDC, said: “The intention to purchase the site has raised a significant volume of questions and concerns from local residents and it is only right we give more time to consider all the views before any decisions are made by councillors.
“All items relating to this decision have been removed from the agenda for the Full Council meeting and the separate meeting focussing solely on this matter will give the proper time needed to consider all the points.”
If the proposals to purchase the site were agreed by councillors in January, Cabinet Members have already committed to holding a further consultation so the local community can have a say on the layout, design and future management of the site. This is to make sure it works well for future residents living there as well as their neighbours.
All public questions received by the Council for the meeting scheduled for next week will be deferred to January.
SCDC also plans to purchase two existing Traveller sites in the district at Whaddon and Blackwell – a site off the A14 near Milton.
Both sites are currently managed by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Financial approval for the purchase of these sites will also be deferred to the meeting in January.
Cllr Mark Howell, SCDC cabinet member for housing, said: “Plans for any new development frequently cause local concern, and as we have had so many people getting in touch with SCDC about this proposal I fully support the chairman’s decision to give extra time so we can consider all the points of view before any decision is made.
“We have a legal obligation to look for new pitches to provide sufficient accommodation for growing Traveller families currently living in the district, but we have already made it clear we want to work with the local community to deliver a site that is well managed and of the highest quality.”
=Questions and answers that have frequently been asked since the intention to purchase the land was published will be posted on the Council’s website later this week.
Anyone wanting to comment on proposals can do so by emailing mettlehill@scambs.gov.uk.
All comments will form part of the report being submitted to councillors in January.
A meeting to debate the purchase and reopening of a former Travellers’ site near Meldreth has been postponed by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) until January so there is more time to listen to residents’ concerns.
Government funding for the purchase and refurbishment of the 8-10 pitch site has already been secured by SCDC housing chiefs, but a meeting of Full Council will be held to debate the purchase before any decision is made.
SCDC’s intention to purchase the site was published at the end of October and Cabinet members recommended that proposals should be presented to a meeting of Full Council to see if councillors believe it is the best option to meet the future needs of growing Traveller families currently living in South Cambridgeshire.
An independent report accepted by SCDC in June established the need for 20 extra pitches in the district up until 2031 to meet the Council’s legal obligation to provide sufficient housing for Travellers.
The proposal for purchasing the former Mettle Hill site near Meldreth was due to be presented to a Full Council meeting later this month, but in light of the number of concerns and questions being raised by residents the chairman of SCDC has decided to hold an extra Full Council meeting about the plans on January 10 at 6.30pm so there is more time for them to be considered.
Cllr Tony Orgee, chairman of SCDC, said: “The intention to purchase the site has raised a significant volume of questions and concerns from local residents and it is only right we give more time to consider all the views before any decisions are made by councillors.
“All items relating to this decision have been removed from the agenda for the Full Council meeting and the separate meeting focussing solely on this matter will give the proper time needed to consider all the points.”
If the proposals to purchase the site were agreed by councillors in January, Cabinet Members have already committed to holding a further consultation so the local community can have a say on the layout, design and future management of the site. This is to make sure it works well for future residents living there as well as their neighbours.
All public questions received by the Council for the meeting scheduled for next week will be deferred to January.
SCDC also plans to purchase two existing Traveller sites in the district at Whaddon and Blackwell – a site off the A14 near Milton.
Both sites are currently managed by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Financial approval for the purchase of these sites will also be deferred to the meeting in January.
Cllr Mark Howell, SCDC cabinet member for housing, said: “Plans for any new development frequently cause local concern, and as we have had so many people getting in touch with SCDC about this proposal I fully support the chairman’s decision to give extra time so we can consider all the points of view before any decision is made.
“We have a legal obligation to look for new pitches to provide sufficient accommodation for growing Traveller families currently living in the district, but we have already made it clear we want to work with the local community to deliver a site that is well managed and of the highest quality.”
=Questions and answers that have frequently been asked since the intention to purchase the land was published will be posted on the Council’s website later this week.
Anyone wanting to comment on proposals can do so by emailing mettlehill@scambs.gov.uk.
All comments will form part of the report being submitted to councillors in January.
Gypsies set up illegal camp in Bettws, Newport
From the South Wales Argus
GYPSIES have set up an illegal camp at a council-owned car park in Newport.
The group, who moved 12 caravans near Morgan’s Pond, Bettws Lane, last Thursday have upset members of Newport Angling Association who park there when fishing on the canal.
Chairman of the Association Dennis Ballat said he received 23 calls on Friday from members concerned they had nowhere to park.
Mr Ballat said the group’s presence could cause problems on Sundays when the club hosts regular competitions attracting up to 40 cars.
Bettws councillor Noel Trigg said he had talked to the Travellers, who told him they intended to stay for a week before heading home to Ireland for Christmas. He said: “They are very nice people and they are paying their way – they said when I was there that anything to be paid they would pay.
“They don’t mean to cause any upset to anybody. I know the fishermen might be upset, but they can still park and get in there.”
Newport council said encampments such as this demonstrate why Newport needs official Gypsy and Traveller sites.
They said a well-managed transit site, where temporary residents would pay for services and can stay for a specified period, would help the council tackle the continuing problem of illegal camps.
The council is also seeking to establish a residential site for families who are longer term residents of Newport or who have strong links with Newport.
They, too, will pay for services and council tax like other city residents.
A preferred site for a permanent camp at the former road safety centre on Hartridge Farm Road has been identified along with a preferred transit site in a yard off the A449.
Smaller residential sites on the former Ringland allotments and Brickyard Lane in Allt-yryn could be built if the need arose in future, while land on Celtic Way, Marshfield, was chosen as an alternative transit site if the preferred option could not be developed.
A final decision will be made in the new year by full council.
ARGUS COMMENT: Angling for a solution
THERE are few subjects that enrage readers of this newspaper more than illegal Gipsy and traveller camps.
The long-running saga of where in Newport new legal sites for the fraternity will be placed is controversial enough. But when Gypsies and Travellers set up illegal camps the frustrations of many council taxpayers tend to boil over.
There are 12 caravans on Bettws Lane in Newport, meaning members of the Newport Angling Association have nowhere to park for their regular Sunday competitions.
Interestingly, one local councillor says Travellers at the illegal site say they will be gone within a week and are willing to ‘pay their way’.
Meanwhile, Newport council says the illegal camp highlights the reasons for official sites in the city.
We do not argue with either point. What will puzzle many readers, however, is why an illegal camp is allowed to remain in place for any length of time.
The Bettws Lane camp has been in place since before the weekend. Surely if those who have set up camp on the site are breaking the law then they should be moved on?
The camp may be temporary and the people living there may have every intention of leaving the site as they found it. We hope so.
The alternative will do nothing other than fuel the anger of many Newport council taxpayers.
GYPSIES have set up an illegal camp at a council-owned car park in Newport.
The group, who moved 12 caravans near Morgan’s Pond, Bettws Lane, last Thursday have upset members of Newport Angling Association who park there when fishing on the canal.
Chairman of the Association Dennis Ballat said he received 23 calls on Friday from members concerned they had nowhere to park.
Mr Ballat said the group’s presence could cause problems on Sundays when the club hosts regular competitions attracting up to 40 cars.
Bettws councillor Noel Trigg said he had talked to the Travellers, who told him they intended to stay for a week before heading home to Ireland for Christmas. He said: “They are very nice people and they are paying their way – they said when I was there that anything to be paid they would pay.
“They don’t mean to cause any upset to anybody. I know the fishermen might be upset, but they can still park and get in there.”
Newport council said encampments such as this demonstrate why Newport needs official Gypsy and Traveller sites.
They said a well-managed transit site, where temporary residents would pay for services and can stay for a specified period, would help the council tackle the continuing problem of illegal camps.
The council is also seeking to establish a residential site for families who are longer term residents of Newport or who have strong links with Newport.
They, too, will pay for services and council tax like other city residents.
A preferred site for a permanent camp at the former road safety centre on Hartridge Farm Road has been identified along with a preferred transit site in a yard off the A449.
Smaller residential sites on the former Ringland allotments and Brickyard Lane in Allt-yryn could be built if the need arose in future, while land on Celtic Way, Marshfield, was chosen as an alternative transit site if the preferred option could not be developed.
A final decision will be made in the new year by full council.
ARGUS COMMENT: Angling for a solution
THERE are few subjects that enrage readers of this newspaper more than illegal Gipsy and traveller camps.
The long-running saga of where in Newport new legal sites for the fraternity will be placed is controversial enough. But when Gypsies and Travellers set up illegal camps the frustrations of many council taxpayers tend to boil over.
There are 12 caravans on Bettws Lane in Newport, meaning members of the Newport Angling Association have nowhere to park for their regular Sunday competitions.
Interestingly, one local councillor says Travellers at the illegal site say they will be gone within a week and are willing to ‘pay their way’.
Meanwhile, Newport council says the illegal camp highlights the reasons for official sites in the city.
We do not argue with either point. What will puzzle many readers, however, is why an illegal camp is allowed to remain in place for any length of time.
The Bettws Lane camp has been in place since before the weekend. Surely if those who have set up camp on the site are breaking the law then they should be moved on?
The camp may be temporary and the people living there may have every intention of leaving the site as they found it. We hope so.
The alternative will do nothing other than fuel the anger of many Newport council taxpayers.
Residents out in force against plans for Moor Lane Gypsy site - Cheshire
From wilmslow.co.uk
It was standing room only at last night's meeting of Wilmslow Town Council's Planning Committee.
Local residents filled the hall and corridor at Wilmslow Methodist Church on Monday, 26th November, to hear councillors discuss a second planning application to build a Gypsy site on green belt land to the north west of Moor Lane.
The new application is a resubmission of controversial plans which were refused in July, for one residential family pitch, a touring caravan and a utility/day room to provide facilities for stationed caravans and additional hard standing.
At last night's meeting the Planning Committee of Wilmslow Town Council recommended refusal of application 12/4247M on the following grounds:
The development represents inappropriate use of the green belt with no appropriate special circumstances identified.
The concerns as to the ecological impact of the development.
The potential increase in traffic and access problems on an already inappropriate road.
The lack of detail and ambiguous nature of the application.
The danger of setting a precedent for further green belt development.
The planning application, reference 12/4247M, can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website.
The last date for submitting comments is 12th December and the application is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Northern Planning Committee on Wednesday 19th December. A decision should be made by 1st January 2013.
The Council received over 600 letters objecting to the initial proposal (reference 12/1144M) and to date over 150 letters have been submitted regarding planning application 12/4247M.
It was standing room only at last night's meeting of Wilmslow Town Council's Planning Committee.
Local residents filled the hall and corridor at Wilmslow Methodist Church on Monday, 26th November, to hear councillors discuss a second planning application to build a Gypsy site on green belt land to the north west of Moor Lane.
The new application is a resubmission of controversial plans which were refused in July, for one residential family pitch, a touring caravan and a utility/day room to provide facilities for stationed caravans and additional hard standing.
At last night's meeting the Planning Committee of Wilmslow Town Council recommended refusal of application 12/4247M on the following grounds:
The development represents inappropriate use of the green belt with no appropriate special circumstances identified.
The concerns as to the ecological impact of the development.
The potential increase in traffic and access problems on an already inappropriate road.
The lack of detail and ambiguous nature of the application.
The danger of setting a precedent for further green belt development.
The planning application, reference 12/4247M, can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website.
The last date for submitting comments is 12th December and the application is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Northern Planning Committee on Wednesday 19th December. A decision should be made by 1st January 2013.
The Council received over 600 letters objecting to the initial proposal (reference 12/1144M) and to date over 150 letters have been submitted regarding planning application 12/4247M.
Travellers update - Derbyshire
From Derbyshire Dales District Council
Derbyshire Dales District Council is committing to explore all available options to accommodate the needs of a Traveller family currently at Bakewell Showground.
In addition to a meeting this Thursday (29 November) when members of the District Council's Environment Committee will consider the provision of a temporary site for the family at Rowsley, options for a more permanent site will be detailed to the council's Corporate Committee on 13 December.
It means a planning application for the stationing of five caravans for a temporary period of three years on land at Watery Lane in Ashbourne will not be taken forward until councillors have considered a full list of potential site options. The Ashbourne site is not on the agenda for discussion at this Thursday's meeting.
District Council Chief Executive Dorcas Bunton said:
"The first thing to say is that while we absolutely understand the sensitivities that surround this issue, the District Council has a legal responsibility to discharge its duty with regard to Traveller families. We cannot simply ignore an application for assistance.
"The Traveller family have refused an offer from us of a bricks and mortar home on the grounds that this would not suit their lifestyle. We are obliged to consider this. The District Council also has a duty to consider a list of 11 possible sites presented to us by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) - sites they believe would be most suitable for this Traveller family.
"While not all the proposed sites are owned by the District Council - and that is significant - we have listened to the representations from local people. Councillors will have the opportunity on 13 December to consider all available options, including Watery Lane.
"Should councillors decide any of the options are worthy of further exploration, full public consultation would take place, followed by an application for planning approval."
Derbyshire Dales District Council is committing to explore all available options to accommodate the needs of a Traveller family currently at Bakewell Showground.
In addition to a meeting this Thursday (29 November) when members of the District Council's Environment Committee will consider the provision of a temporary site for the family at Rowsley, options for a more permanent site will be detailed to the council's Corporate Committee on 13 December.
It means a planning application for the stationing of five caravans for a temporary period of three years on land at Watery Lane in Ashbourne will not be taken forward until councillors have considered a full list of potential site options. The Ashbourne site is not on the agenda for discussion at this Thursday's meeting.
District Council Chief Executive Dorcas Bunton said:
"The first thing to say is that while we absolutely understand the sensitivities that surround this issue, the District Council has a legal responsibility to discharge its duty with regard to Traveller families. We cannot simply ignore an application for assistance.
"The Traveller family have refused an offer from us of a bricks and mortar home on the grounds that this would not suit their lifestyle. We are obliged to consider this. The District Council also has a duty to consider a list of 11 possible sites presented to us by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) - sites they believe would be most suitable for this Traveller family.
"While not all the proposed sites are owned by the District Council - and that is significant - we have listened to the representations from local people. Councillors will have the opportunity on 13 December to consider all available options, including Watery Lane.
"Should councillors decide any of the options are worthy of further exploration, full public consultation would take place, followed by an application for planning approval."
Genetic drift and the population history of the Irish Travellers
From the American Journal of Physical Anthropology
The Irish Travellers are an itinerant group in Ireland that has been socially isolated. Two hypotheses have been proposed concerning the genetic origin of the Travellers: (1) they are genetically related to Roma populations in Europe that share a nomadic lifestyle or (2) they are of Irish origin, and genetic differences from the rest of Ireland reflect genetic drift. These hypotheses were tested using data on 33 alleles from 12 red blood cell polymorphism loci.
Comparison with other European, Roma, and Indian populations shows that the Travellers are genetically distinct from the Roma and Indian populations and most genetically similar to Ireland, in agreement with earlier genetic analyses of the Travellers. However, the Travellers are still genetically distinct from other Irish populations, which could reflect some external gene flow and/or the action of genetic drift in a small group that was descended from a small number of founders.
In order to test the drift hypothesis, we analyzed genetic distances comparing the Travellers to four geographic regions in Ireland. These distances were then compared with adjusted distances that account for differential genetic drift using a method developed by Relethford (Hum Biol 68 (1996) 29–44). The unadjusted distances show the genetic distinctiveness of the Travellers. After adjustment for the expected effects of genetic drift, the Travellers are equidistant from the other Irish samples, showing their Irish origins and population history. The observed genetic differences are thus a reflection of genetic drift, and there is no evidence of any external gene flow.
Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Irish Travellers are an itinerant group in Ireland that has been socially isolated. Two hypotheses have been proposed concerning the genetic origin of the Travellers: (1) they are genetically related to Roma populations in Europe that share a nomadic lifestyle or (2) they are of Irish origin, and genetic differences from the rest of Ireland reflect genetic drift. These hypotheses were tested using data on 33 alleles from 12 red blood cell polymorphism loci.
Comparison with other European, Roma, and Indian populations shows that the Travellers are genetically distinct from the Roma and Indian populations and most genetically similar to Ireland, in agreement with earlier genetic analyses of the Travellers. However, the Travellers are still genetically distinct from other Irish populations, which could reflect some external gene flow and/or the action of genetic drift in a small group that was descended from a small number of founders.
In order to test the drift hypothesis, we analyzed genetic distances comparing the Travellers to four geographic regions in Ireland. These distances were then compared with adjusted distances that account for differential genetic drift using a method developed by Relethford (Hum Biol 68 (1996) 29–44). The unadjusted distances show the genetic distinctiveness of the Travellers. After adjustment for the expected effects of genetic drift, the Travellers are equidistant from the other Irish samples, showing their Irish origins and population history. The observed genetic differences are thus a reflection of genetic drift, and there is no evidence of any external gene flow.
Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peterborough Travellers' site shooting: Second charge - Cambridgeshire
From the BBC
A 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting a Peterborough Travellers' site.
John Smith, of Edgerley Drain Road, Peterborough, has been charged with three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent after the shooting at Oxney Road in the city in September.
Three men suffered gunshot wounds, with two being treated for serious injuries.
Mr Smith, also known as Fred, was due to appear at Peterborough Magistrates' Court.
Another Fred Smith, 46, also of Edgerley Drain Road, was charged last month with possession of a firearm and three counts of wounding with intent.
Thomas Holmes, James Holmes and Tony Draper were injured in the alleged shooting.
A 23-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting a Peterborough Travellers' site.
John Smith, of Edgerley Drain Road, Peterborough, has been charged with three counts of grievous bodily harm with intent after the shooting at Oxney Road in the city in September.
Three men suffered gunshot wounds, with two being treated for serious injuries.
Mr Smith, also known as Fred, was due to appear at Peterborough Magistrates' Court.
Another Fred Smith, 46, also of Edgerley Drain Road, was charged last month with possession of a firearm and three counts of wounding with intent.
Thomas Holmes, James Holmes and Tony Draper were injured in the alleged shooting.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Anger over plans for new Gypsy site - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
RESIDENTS are up in arms after a council gave the go-ahead for a second Gypsy site in their town, despite there being an empty site available in the south of the county.
On Wednesday, Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee gave permission for five static caravans at Twinacres in Hitchin Road, Arlesey, although there is already another six-pitch site in the town and an empty one at Timberlands in Pepperstock.
Although nine members of the committee voted not to grant the second site in Arlesey, 10 voted it favour of the plans giving it the go-ahead and meeting fierce criticism from residents that it would ruin their pleasant rural community.
Chairman of the Town Council, Nick Daniels, said: “We are bitterly opposed to it and will do everything we can to argue against it. There is already one site in the town and now there is an application for another four pitches.
“People are asking if we already have one site in the town, why should we have two when some areas of Central Bedfordshire don’t have any?”
“At the end of the day the cost of this site is being provided by the owner so the council wouldn’t pay to put it elsewhere as this will cost them nothing.”
Cllr Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The Development Management Committee has approved the planning application for five static caravans to be sited at the Gypsy and Traveller site at Twinacres in Hitchin Road Arlesey.
“The site originally had permission for one pitch but that has now been increased to replace the original caravan and add four additional pitches with an amenity block as associated parking and hard standing.
Timberlands is a local authority site which is not “disused” but is being refurbished. When the refurbishment is complete it will provide six pitches.”
RESIDENTS are up in arms after a council gave the go-ahead for a second Gypsy site in their town, despite there being an empty site available in the south of the county.
On Wednesday, Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee gave permission for five static caravans at Twinacres in Hitchin Road, Arlesey, although there is already another six-pitch site in the town and an empty one at Timberlands in Pepperstock.
Although nine members of the committee voted not to grant the second site in Arlesey, 10 voted it favour of the plans giving it the go-ahead and meeting fierce criticism from residents that it would ruin their pleasant rural community.
Chairman of the Town Council, Nick Daniels, said: “We are bitterly opposed to it and will do everything we can to argue against it. There is already one site in the town and now there is an application for another four pitches.
“People are asking if we already have one site in the town, why should we have two when some areas of Central Bedfordshire don’t have any?”
“At the end of the day the cost of this site is being provided by the owner so the council wouldn’t pay to put it elsewhere as this will cost them nothing.”
Cllr Nigel Young, executive member for sustainable communities at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The Development Management Committee has approved the planning application for five static caravans to be sited at the Gypsy and Traveller site at Twinacres in Hitchin Road Arlesey.
“The site originally had permission for one pitch but that has now been increased to replace the original caravan and add four additional pitches with an amenity block as associated parking and hard standing.
Timberlands is a local authority site which is not “disused” but is being refurbished. When the refurbishment is complete it will provide six pitches.”
Forum for Gypsies and Travellers re-launched - Leicestershire
From leicestershirechairman.wordpress.com
Last week I attended the relaunch of the Gypsy Council Liaison Group recently, as part of the County Council’s Equality & Diversity Week.
Romany Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers have been part of the cultural scene for hundreds of years, together with Roma from Eastern Europe – part of the many communities that make up the fabric of peoples in our countries.
But we all know how very difficult issues over accommodation, education, health and welfare can be. Too often these reveal themselves in the news media when conflicts and sometimes violence arise. Fear and misunderstanding on all sides can abound. Conflicting traditions and ways of life clash in a perceived need to preserve.
These can prove a barrier to genuine dialogue and I believe this group makes an important contribution, based on frankness, honesty and reality rather than bigotry and fantasy – the old adage: “Jaw-jaw is better than war-war.”
At the Forum for Gypsies and Travellers with some community representatives.
The forum has been active over seven years. Its members contribute their time in a voluntary capacity to meet with planners, councillors, organise conferences and meetings, listen as well as speak – in fact always striving together to build trust.
Our Adult Learning Service at County Hall and several of our departments have always offered support – change may seem slow, but relationships of any depth and trust take time and proof that you genuinely mean what you say and keep your promises.
On this particular evening we discussed 2013 plans to involve more agencies and representatives. One key initiative is to create the new Youth Forum – a series of activities aimed at involving more young people from the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
If anyone reading this would like to come along and get involved, contact verity.nelson@leics.gov.uk
Last week I attended the relaunch of the Gypsy Council Liaison Group recently, as part of the County Council’s Equality & Diversity Week.
Romany Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers have been part of the cultural scene for hundreds of years, together with Roma from Eastern Europe – part of the many communities that make up the fabric of peoples in our countries.
But we all know how very difficult issues over accommodation, education, health and welfare can be. Too often these reveal themselves in the news media when conflicts and sometimes violence arise. Fear and misunderstanding on all sides can abound. Conflicting traditions and ways of life clash in a perceived need to preserve.
These can prove a barrier to genuine dialogue and I believe this group makes an important contribution, based on frankness, honesty and reality rather than bigotry and fantasy – the old adage: “Jaw-jaw is better than war-war.”
At the Forum for Gypsies and Travellers with some community representatives.
The forum has been active over seven years. Its members contribute their time in a voluntary capacity to meet with planners, councillors, organise conferences and meetings, listen as well as speak – in fact always striving together to build trust.
Our Adult Learning Service at County Hall and several of our departments have always offered support – change may seem slow, but relationships of any depth and trust take time and proof that you genuinely mean what you say and keep your promises.
On this particular evening we discussed 2013 plans to involve more agencies and representatives. One key initiative is to create the new Youth Forum – a series of activities aimed at involving more young people from the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
If anyone reading this would like to come along and get involved, contact verity.nelson@leics.gov.uk
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Letters from Dale Farm families highlights discrimination in the system - Essex
From the Travellers' Solidarity Network
In October, Basildon Council’s ‘Traveller Project Team‘ sent letters to the families living on Oak Lane, requesting for a considerable amount of information on their circumstances. No support was offered to provide this by a Traveller Project Team who have never even visited Dale Farm to speak to anyone. This is the families’ response to the letters…
Dear Traveller Project Team,
Subject:
Your letter dated 26th October, entitled ‘TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990
BREACH OF PLANNING CONTROL – TRACKSIDE ENCAMPMENT OFF OAK
LANE CRAYS HILL BILLERICAY ESSEX’.
What you have asked us to do:
- You have asked us to give you information about our families, including information about our health, and our children’s education.
- You have asked us to send letters to our GPs and to our children’s schools, asking them to provide you with personal information about our health care needs, and about how often our children attend school, how well they do at school and about their special educational needs.
- You have asked us to return all this information to you, including information to be supplied by our doctors, and by the school, by the 23rd November, 2012.
Your letters say that you want to consider this information before deciding what, if any, action to take to enforce compliance with planning notices.
Consideration of our health and educational needs
We are very keen for you to consider our health care needs and the educational needs of our children before you decide what action to take. All the families who live temporarily at Oak Lane were made homeless by Basildon Council in October 2011 following the forced eviction at Dale Farm. We stay here so that our children can remain at their local school, and so that we can continue to access medical care. Many of us have acute and/or chronic diseases and need regular support from local specialist health care teams.
Difficulties completing the form
As you know, most of the adults in our community are unable to read or write. This means we have had to find help to read the letters you sent, and we need help also to complete the forms. There is not enough support locally available to us to complete the forms you have sent us by the deadline you have given of 23rd November, 2012. Some of us have tried, but most people have not had enough support to fully understand what is required, or by when, or to complete the forms and send off letters. We have not had time to cooperate as we would wish.
What the council suggested
The Council suggests that we try to get support to complete the questionnaires from either our solicitor, the SOS bus, or from the Project Traveller Team. The SOS visits on one day each week, and is there to give much needed health checks. There is not enough time during these visits for all the families on Oak Lane to get support from the SOS bus to complete the forms you have sent us. It is also impossible for a single solicitor to assist all the families by telephone.
What we need
We very much need support from the Traveller Project Team to complete these forms. Since we cannot read or write we need this support to be in person. As there are so many of us, and because there are many mothers with young children, and elderly and infirm relatives who need constant support, we need people from the Team Project Team to visit us at Oak Lane so that we can go through these forms in person, without having to make complicated, difficult, and for some quite impossible, child and adult care arrangements. Without this help we cannot complete these forms and certainly not by the deadline of 23rd November.
So far no one from the Traveller Project Team has visited us at Oak Lane. We do not know who is in the Traveller Project Team. Unfortunately our only knowledge of the Traveller Project Team is that this is the signature used on all the enforcement notices we have received. Some people who have rung the council and asked to speak with the Traveller Project Team have been put through to the Enforcement Team. This will make it hard for us to provide sensitive personal information, because it is hard to trust that it will be properly recorded and acted on, or properly considered by people who clearly want to evict us, but regardless, we very much need the council’s help in order to provide the information you have asked for.
We would be grateful if the Traveller Project Team could arrange to visit the site in order to support families with this process.
Responses from doctors and schools
We do not think it is reasonable to expect doctors and schools to complete the information you have asked for by the deadline you have given. There are very many of us who have the same local doctors and with children at the same local schools and you have asked for complex information, which means they will have to provide a lot of different information in a very short time.
The letters you asked us to give to our doctors and to our children’s schools
Many of us did not feel comfortable sending the letters you gave us to give to our doctors and our children’s schools because you say that we are ‘in breach of criminal law’. As you know we suffer a great deal of prejudice locally. Sending letters saying we are breaking criminal law is likely to increase bad feeling towards us, when we need greater understanding of our history, culture, and current circumstances. Without this understanding, we cannot begin to overcome the prejudice and inequality we experience. We have not been found guilty of breaching criminal law in a court and this is an unpalatable allegation.
Current circumstances
We are at Oak Lane because we have nowhere else to go. Preventing us from settling and placing us under constant threat of eviction causes us great stress and makes it impossible for us to improve our communities’ life circumstances. Constant accommodation insecurity is an enormous emotional strain. The conditions we are now living in, without proper washing or toilet facilities, or access to a stable electricity supply, increase our stress and ill health. Evictions and poor living conditions which increase the level of physical sickness and stress also interferes with our children’s education; the children at Oak Lane have experienced very many illnesses since living on Oak Lane after the eviction from Dale Farm last year.
The council has duties of care towards us as citizens with equal rights to health and educational support, and also as an ethnic minority community which experiences racism and suffers disproportionately from ill health and poor educational attainment.
More time
Completing the forms provided by the council is going to take us more time. Can you please confirm that in light of these issues, the deadline will be extended, and additional support provided to us on site to help us complete this process.
Yours faithfully,
on behalf of the Oak Lane Families
In October, Basildon Council’s ‘Traveller Project Team‘ sent letters to the families living on Oak Lane, requesting for a considerable amount of information on their circumstances. No support was offered to provide this by a Traveller Project Team who have never even visited Dale Farm to speak to anyone. This is the families’ response to the letters…
Dear Traveller Project Team,
Subject:
Your letter dated 26th October, entitled ‘TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990
BREACH OF PLANNING CONTROL – TRACKSIDE ENCAMPMENT OFF OAK
LANE CRAYS HILL BILLERICAY ESSEX’.
What you have asked us to do:
- You have asked us to give you information about our families, including information about our health, and our children’s education.
- You have asked us to send letters to our GPs and to our children’s schools, asking them to provide you with personal information about our health care needs, and about how often our children attend school, how well they do at school and about their special educational needs.
- You have asked us to return all this information to you, including information to be supplied by our doctors, and by the school, by the 23rd November, 2012.
Your letters say that you want to consider this information before deciding what, if any, action to take to enforce compliance with planning notices.
Consideration of our health and educational needs
We are very keen for you to consider our health care needs and the educational needs of our children before you decide what action to take. All the families who live temporarily at Oak Lane were made homeless by Basildon Council in October 2011 following the forced eviction at Dale Farm. We stay here so that our children can remain at their local school, and so that we can continue to access medical care. Many of us have acute and/or chronic diseases and need regular support from local specialist health care teams.
Difficulties completing the form
As you know, most of the adults in our community are unable to read or write. This means we have had to find help to read the letters you sent, and we need help also to complete the forms. There is not enough support locally available to us to complete the forms you have sent us by the deadline you have given of 23rd November, 2012. Some of us have tried, but most people have not had enough support to fully understand what is required, or by when, or to complete the forms and send off letters. We have not had time to cooperate as we would wish.
What the council suggested
The Council suggests that we try to get support to complete the questionnaires from either our solicitor, the SOS bus, or from the Project Traveller Team. The SOS visits on one day each week, and is there to give much needed health checks. There is not enough time during these visits for all the families on Oak Lane to get support from the SOS bus to complete the forms you have sent us. It is also impossible for a single solicitor to assist all the families by telephone.
What we need
We very much need support from the Traveller Project Team to complete these forms. Since we cannot read or write we need this support to be in person. As there are so many of us, and because there are many mothers with young children, and elderly and infirm relatives who need constant support, we need people from the Team Project Team to visit us at Oak Lane so that we can go through these forms in person, without having to make complicated, difficult, and for some quite impossible, child and adult care arrangements. Without this help we cannot complete these forms and certainly not by the deadline of 23rd November.
So far no one from the Traveller Project Team has visited us at Oak Lane. We do not know who is in the Traveller Project Team. Unfortunately our only knowledge of the Traveller Project Team is that this is the signature used on all the enforcement notices we have received. Some people who have rung the council and asked to speak with the Traveller Project Team have been put through to the Enforcement Team. This will make it hard for us to provide sensitive personal information, because it is hard to trust that it will be properly recorded and acted on, or properly considered by people who clearly want to evict us, but regardless, we very much need the council’s help in order to provide the information you have asked for.
We would be grateful if the Traveller Project Team could arrange to visit the site in order to support families with this process.
Responses from doctors and schools
We do not think it is reasonable to expect doctors and schools to complete the information you have asked for by the deadline you have given. There are very many of us who have the same local doctors and with children at the same local schools and you have asked for complex information, which means they will have to provide a lot of different information in a very short time.
The letters you asked us to give to our doctors and to our children’s schools
Many of us did not feel comfortable sending the letters you gave us to give to our doctors and our children’s schools because you say that we are ‘in breach of criminal law’. As you know we suffer a great deal of prejudice locally. Sending letters saying we are breaking criminal law is likely to increase bad feeling towards us, when we need greater understanding of our history, culture, and current circumstances. Without this understanding, we cannot begin to overcome the prejudice and inequality we experience. We have not been found guilty of breaching criminal law in a court and this is an unpalatable allegation.
Current circumstances
We are at Oak Lane because we have nowhere else to go. Preventing us from settling and placing us under constant threat of eviction causes us great stress and makes it impossible for us to improve our communities’ life circumstances. Constant accommodation insecurity is an enormous emotional strain. The conditions we are now living in, without proper washing or toilet facilities, or access to a stable electricity supply, increase our stress and ill health. Evictions and poor living conditions which increase the level of physical sickness and stress also interferes with our children’s education; the children at Oak Lane have experienced very many illnesses since living on Oak Lane after the eviction from Dale Farm last year.
The council has duties of care towards us as citizens with equal rights to health and educational support, and also as an ethnic minority community which experiences racism and suffers disproportionately from ill health and poor educational attainment.
More time
Completing the forms provided by the council is going to take us more time. Can you please confirm that in light of these issues, the deadline will be extended, and additional support provided to us on site to help us complete this process.
Yours faithfully,
on behalf of the Oak Lane Families
Funding for reopening of former Travellers’ site near Meldreth recommended to South Cambridgeshire District Council
From the Haverhill Echo
Senior councillors have recommended that South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) purchase and reopen a former Traveller site near Meldreth to meet the future needs of growing families currently living in South Cambridgeshire.
The recommendation to fund the purchase of the land, using £500,000 already secured from Government as part of SCDC’s proposed financial strategy, will now be presented to a meeting of full SCDC before any decision is made.
An independent report established in June this year that 20 extra pitches would be needed in the district up until 2031 to meet SCDC’s legal responsibility to provide sufficient housing for Travellers.
Enforcement officers from public bodies covering the area currently deal with almost one case every week where Travellers set up illegally on private land or by the roadside, and the proposed site will help alleviate some of the problem.
After hearing the views of Meldreth Parish Council at the Cabinet meeting, SCDC leaders reiterated their commitment to work with the local community to make sure a high quality and well-managed SCDC run site can be delivered.
If the land purchase is agreed, the SCDC would carry out a detailed consultation so concerns from all parts of the community can be discussed and local people can help also make sure the layout, design and future management of the site works well for future residents living there as well as their neighbours.
In a report presented to full SCDC on Thursday (November 22), financial approval for the purchase of two existing traveller sites in the district at Whaddon and Blackwell – a site off the A14 near Milton – will also be sought.
Both sites are already managed by SCDC.
If purchases are agreed, the SCDC aims to secure further government funding specifically available to address traveller accommodation issues from the homes and communities agency.
This would be used to improve the site at Whaddon while also adding two further pitches through better use of the land.
Travellers living on SCDC run sites – which the proposed Mettle Hill site would be – are charged rent that covers the cost of a site manager as well as maintaining facilities to a high standard.
Government funding earmarked to develop Mettle Hill was secured in a joint bid with Cambridge City Council and at least one of the 8-10 pitches at the proposed site would be offered to them to meet their identified need.
Cllr Mark Howell, SCDC cabinet member for housing, said: “Before any decision is made on whether to fund the purchase of the site all councillors will debate the proposals at a meeting.
“We recognise residents are concerned when any type of development is proposed and if the land is purchased we are very committed to working with everyone locally to deliver the best possible high quality site for residents living there in the future and their neighbours.
“Delivering a new site anywhere in South Cambridgeshire is never going to be easy, but Mettle Hill has been used as a Travellers’ site in the past and we believe it is the best option to meet our legal obligations to provide sufficient accommodation for travellers currently living in the district.
“Residents are frequently frustrated when Travellers pitch up illegally on public and privately owned land around the district and this site aims to alleviate some of this costly problem.”
For all the latest news see Thursday’s (November 29) Echo.
Senior councillors have recommended that South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) purchase and reopen a former Traveller site near Meldreth to meet the future needs of growing families currently living in South Cambridgeshire.
The recommendation to fund the purchase of the land, using £500,000 already secured from Government as part of SCDC’s proposed financial strategy, will now be presented to a meeting of full SCDC before any decision is made.
An independent report established in June this year that 20 extra pitches would be needed in the district up until 2031 to meet SCDC’s legal responsibility to provide sufficient housing for Travellers.
Enforcement officers from public bodies covering the area currently deal with almost one case every week where Travellers set up illegally on private land or by the roadside, and the proposed site will help alleviate some of the problem.
After hearing the views of Meldreth Parish Council at the Cabinet meeting, SCDC leaders reiterated their commitment to work with the local community to make sure a high quality and well-managed SCDC run site can be delivered.
If the land purchase is agreed, the SCDC would carry out a detailed consultation so concerns from all parts of the community can be discussed and local people can help also make sure the layout, design and future management of the site works well for future residents living there as well as their neighbours.
In a report presented to full SCDC on Thursday (November 22), financial approval for the purchase of two existing traveller sites in the district at Whaddon and Blackwell – a site off the A14 near Milton – will also be sought.
Both sites are already managed by SCDC.
If purchases are agreed, the SCDC aims to secure further government funding specifically available to address traveller accommodation issues from the homes and communities agency.
This would be used to improve the site at Whaddon while also adding two further pitches through better use of the land.
Travellers living on SCDC run sites – which the proposed Mettle Hill site would be – are charged rent that covers the cost of a site manager as well as maintaining facilities to a high standard.
Government funding earmarked to develop Mettle Hill was secured in a joint bid with Cambridge City Council and at least one of the 8-10 pitches at the proposed site would be offered to them to meet their identified need.
Cllr Mark Howell, SCDC cabinet member for housing, said: “Before any decision is made on whether to fund the purchase of the site all councillors will debate the proposals at a meeting.
“We recognise residents are concerned when any type of development is proposed and if the land is purchased we are very committed to working with everyone locally to deliver the best possible high quality site for residents living there in the future and their neighbours.
“Delivering a new site anywhere in South Cambridgeshire is never going to be easy, but Mettle Hill has been used as a Travellers’ site in the past and we believe it is the best option to meet our legal obligations to provide sufficient accommodation for travellers currently living in the district.
“Residents are frequently frustrated when Travellers pitch up illegally on public and privately owned land around the district and this site aims to alleviate some of this costly problem.”
For all the latest news see Thursday’s (November 29) Echo.
Flooded Travellers' site evacuated - Devon
From the Plymouth Herald
A Traveller site had to be evacuated last night after it was hit be floodwaters.
Police and council workers moved about 20 people from the site at the Ride in Plymouth.
They were taken to temporary accommodation after floodwaters poured down from the hillside on to the encampment near the River Plym.
The evacuation came after a day of rain which turned torrential during the evening.
A council spokeswoman said the approach of high tide at 1am was a factor in the decision to evacuate the families.
A Traveller site had to be evacuated last night after it was hit be floodwaters.
Police and council workers moved about 20 people from the site at the Ride in Plymouth.
They were taken to temporary accommodation after floodwaters poured down from the hillside on to the encampment near the River Plym.
The evacuation came after a day of rain which turned torrential during the evening.
A council spokeswoman said the approach of high tide at 1am was a factor in the decision to evacuate the families.
YOUNG GYPSY TRAVELLERS’ LIVES PROJECT FREELANCE DEVELOPMENT WORKER: CAMPAIGNS AND TRAINING - job advert - Scotland
From Article 12 Scotland
YOUNG GYPSY TRAVELLERS’ LIVES PROJECT
FREELANCE DEVELOPMENT WORKER: CAMPAIGNS AND TRAINING
Part-time [4 days per week equivalent] (pdf)
About Article 12 in Scotland
Article 12 in Scotland believes that governments, professionals, and the wider community all have a role to play in building an environment that respects, values and validates the contributions of young people.
We work to achieve this by supporting some of the most marginalised young people, such as young Gypsy/Travellers, young people looked after by the state and young people experiencing mental ill-health, to have their voices heard at all levels of society.
About this position
Affected by racism and often having to face discrimination on a daily basis, Gypsy/Travellers are, arguably, one of the most socially excluded and isolated minority ethnic groups within Scottish society. This ‘isolation’ has led to much supposition and suspicion, often inflamed by inaccurate and voyeuristic style reportage [such as the Channel 4 series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding] about the Gypsy/Traveller way of life, which in turn has led to a belief that the negative stereotyping of this community is fact rather than fiction - thus further isolating the community from mainstream society. We are working to address this in a number of ways, including working with young Gypsy/Travellers to empower them to have their voice heard, and given due weight and attention, at local, national and international levels.
Terms
Responsible to: Article 12 in Scotland’s Young Gypsy Travellers’ Lives Project Co-ordinator.
Duration: February 2013 – March 2015.
Fees: the fees are equivalent to £22,396 per annum. Fees are payable in regular installments on receipt of an invoice.
All Article 12 in Scotland workers are registered as self-employed and are expected to deal with their own Tax and National Insurance matters. You will be expected to register as selfemployed with HM Revenues & Customs and to provide a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number for our records.
Location
Due to the nature of the organisation, all Article 12 in Scotland workers are based at home. To complete your tasks you will require a PC and internet connection.
Article 12 in Scotland works with young people, communities and organisations across Scotland – our work is often delivered in remote areas. Occasionally you may be required to take part in residential training, usually at weekends. You will be required to travel to these locations, which when possible should be by public transport, and you will receive expenses to cover any travel costs incurred. Please be aware that some unsociable working hours are to be expected; there is no unsociable or residential working allowance available.
Application
Please send your CV listing all relevant professional skills and work experience, a personal statement [minimum 1, maximum 3 A4 pages] outlining why you are interested in this post and the name and contact details of two referees. Application via email is preferred; postal applications are also accepted.
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted by 5 pm, Monday 10th December 2012. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on Friday 11th January 2013. We will acknowledge receipt of application, however, only those selected for interview will be further contacted.
Contact
Please send your application to:
lynne@article12.org
Or
Lynne Tammi
National Co-ordinator
Article 12 in Scotland
Burnbank
Ogilvie Terrace
Ferryden
Montrose
DD10 9RG
Job Description
Job Title: Freelance Development Worker: Campaigns and Training
Responsible to: Young Gypsy Travellers’ Lives Project Co-ordinator
Job Purpose Statement
To support young Gypsy/Travellers and other marginalised young people to have their voice heard, and given due weight and attention, at local, national and international levels. The role has two key strands:
1. Campaigns – The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child [UN CRC] Reporting Process
Utilising a variety of participatory tools and techniques, and working in collaboration with young people, other Article 12 in Scotland staff and staff from our partner organisations, the post holder will gather and present data reflective of the views of young people in relation to their experiences of human rights as set out in the UN CRC. Two reports will be produced. One report will be Gypsy/Traveller specific: this will include an overview of the state of human rights for young Gypsy/Travellers from across the UK and will involve collaboration with our Gypsy/Traveller organisation partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The second report will focus on marginalised groups of young people from Scotland [looked after young people, young people experiencing mental ill health, young homeless people and so on, and will include a more in-depth analysis of Scottish Gypsy/Travellers]. Both reports will be submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child late 2014, in advance of the next UK ‘hearing’ which is due to take place early 2015. A Task Plan for the period February – December 2013 is in place and the successful candidate will be expected to work to this. Further information on the UN CRC Reporting Process and Article 12 in Scotland’s involvement therein can be found on our website.
2. Training
The post holder will: assist in the design and co-delivery of participatory training to young Gypsy/Travellers and other marginalised young people as appropriate, and support the young people to monitor and evaluate their learning and development, and the learning and development of their peers [including identifying opportunities for using their learning and development to influence decision makers]. This strand will also involve supporting young Gypsy/Travellers in the delivery of ‘cultural awareness raising workshops’ in schools and other venues/events, when requested.
4. PERSON SPECIFICATION Criteria Essential Desirable How Assessed
Skills/Abilities
• Ability to work in a participative way with young people from all backgrounds,
• Ability to gather and analyse complex data,
• Strong networking and relationship building skills,
• Computer literacy,
• Full clean UK driving license.
• Volunteer management skills.
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Knowledge
• Understanding of the Gypsy/Traveller community,
• Knowledge of current Rights and Equalities policy at national and international levels,
• Understanding of the principle of free participation,
• Understanding of the principles of Peer
Mentoring/Peer Education.
• Understanding of the UN CRC Reporting Process.
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Education & Qualifications
• Recognised, relevant professional qualification [e.g. Human Rights Law, Community Development].
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Experience
• Considerable experience of working with marginalised young people,
• Experience of designing and delivering action- learning based training programmes,
• Experience of report writing and presentation
of results in an accessible manner.
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
YOUNG GYPSY TRAVELLERS’ LIVES PROJECT
FREELANCE DEVELOPMENT WORKER: CAMPAIGNS AND TRAINING
Part-time [4 days per week equivalent] (pdf)
About Article 12 in Scotland
Article 12 in Scotland believes that governments, professionals, and the wider community all have a role to play in building an environment that respects, values and validates the contributions of young people.
We work to achieve this by supporting some of the most marginalised young people, such as young Gypsy/Travellers, young people looked after by the state and young people experiencing mental ill-health, to have their voices heard at all levels of society.
About this position
Affected by racism and often having to face discrimination on a daily basis, Gypsy/Travellers are, arguably, one of the most socially excluded and isolated minority ethnic groups within Scottish society. This ‘isolation’ has led to much supposition and suspicion, often inflamed by inaccurate and voyeuristic style reportage [such as the Channel 4 series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding] about the Gypsy/Traveller way of life, which in turn has led to a belief that the negative stereotyping of this community is fact rather than fiction - thus further isolating the community from mainstream society. We are working to address this in a number of ways, including working with young Gypsy/Travellers to empower them to have their voice heard, and given due weight and attention, at local, national and international levels.
Terms
Responsible to: Article 12 in Scotland’s Young Gypsy Travellers’ Lives Project Co-ordinator.
Duration: February 2013 – March 2015.
Fees: the fees are equivalent to £22,396 per annum. Fees are payable in regular installments on receipt of an invoice.
All Article 12 in Scotland workers are registered as self-employed and are expected to deal with their own Tax and National Insurance matters. You will be expected to register as selfemployed with HM Revenues & Customs and to provide a Unique Tax Reference (UTR) number for our records.
Location
Due to the nature of the organisation, all Article 12 in Scotland workers are based at home. To complete your tasks you will require a PC and internet connection.
Article 12 in Scotland works with young people, communities and organisations across Scotland – our work is often delivered in remote areas. Occasionally you may be required to take part in residential training, usually at weekends. You will be required to travel to these locations, which when possible should be by public transport, and you will receive expenses to cover any travel costs incurred. Please be aware that some unsociable working hours are to be expected; there is no unsociable or residential working allowance available.
Application
Please send your CV listing all relevant professional skills and work experience, a personal statement [minimum 1, maximum 3 A4 pages] outlining why you are interested in this post and the name and contact details of two referees. Application via email is preferred; postal applications are also accepted.
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted by 5 pm, Monday 10th December 2012. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on Friday 11th January 2013. We will acknowledge receipt of application, however, only those selected for interview will be further contacted.
Contact
Please send your application to:
lynne@article12.org
Or
Lynne Tammi
National Co-ordinator
Article 12 in Scotland
Burnbank
Ogilvie Terrace
Ferryden
Montrose
DD10 9RG
Job Description
Job Title: Freelance Development Worker: Campaigns and Training
Responsible to: Young Gypsy Travellers’ Lives Project Co-ordinator
Job Purpose Statement
To support young Gypsy/Travellers and other marginalised young people to have their voice heard, and given due weight and attention, at local, national and international levels. The role has two key strands:
1. Campaigns – The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child [UN CRC] Reporting Process
Utilising a variety of participatory tools and techniques, and working in collaboration with young people, other Article 12 in Scotland staff and staff from our partner organisations, the post holder will gather and present data reflective of the views of young people in relation to their experiences of human rights as set out in the UN CRC. Two reports will be produced. One report will be Gypsy/Traveller specific: this will include an overview of the state of human rights for young Gypsy/Travellers from across the UK and will involve collaboration with our Gypsy/Traveller organisation partners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The second report will focus on marginalised groups of young people from Scotland [looked after young people, young people experiencing mental ill health, young homeless people and so on, and will include a more in-depth analysis of Scottish Gypsy/Travellers]. Both reports will be submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child late 2014, in advance of the next UK ‘hearing’ which is due to take place early 2015. A Task Plan for the period February – December 2013 is in place and the successful candidate will be expected to work to this. Further information on the UN CRC Reporting Process and Article 12 in Scotland’s involvement therein can be found on our website.
2. Training
The post holder will: assist in the design and co-delivery of participatory training to young Gypsy/Travellers and other marginalised young people as appropriate, and support the young people to monitor and evaluate their learning and development, and the learning and development of their peers [including identifying opportunities for using their learning and development to influence decision makers]. This strand will also involve supporting young Gypsy/Travellers in the delivery of ‘cultural awareness raising workshops’ in schools and other venues/events, when requested.
4. PERSON SPECIFICATION Criteria Essential Desirable How Assessed
Skills/Abilities
• Ability to work in a participative way with young people from all backgrounds,
• Ability to gather and analyse complex data,
• Strong networking and relationship building skills,
• Computer literacy,
• Full clean UK driving license.
• Volunteer management skills.
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Knowledge
• Understanding of the Gypsy/Traveller community,
• Knowledge of current Rights and Equalities policy at national and international levels,
• Understanding of the principle of free participation,
• Understanding of the principles of Peer
Mentoring/Peer Education.
• Understanding of the UN CRC Reporting Process.
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Education & Qualifications
• Recognised, relevant professional qualification [e.g. Human Rights Law, Community Development].
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Experience
• Considerable experience of working with marginalised young people,
• Experience of designing and delivering action- learning based training programmes,
• Experience of report writing and presentation
of results in an accessible manner.
• CV/Statement,
• Interview.
Land in Datchet earmarked for Travellers' site - Berkshire
From the Slough and South Bucks Observer
A PLOT to house Travellers has been named as a council seeks residents' views.
Letters were sent out to households in Datchet proposing a consultation on using land in Mill Place, Datchet, as the home for additional pitches needed in the Royal Borough to provide accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers.
The letter states that the land, which backs onto houses in Cobb Close and Horton Road, is owned by the Loveridge family, although access is via Mill Place which is owned by the borough.
Residents have until December 14 to express their views.
The letter prompted villagers to form an action group in a bid to discuss the potential impact the site would have.
The Datchet Common Community Group was set to meet last night (Thursday) to discuss the letter and action in commenting on the consultation.
There will be a public meeting, chaired by cllr Christine Bateson, lead member for planning and partnerships, on Thursday, December 6 at St Mary's CE Primary Academy, The Green, Datchet, at 7pm.
The council will decide in January whether to proceed with the scheme and seek planning permission.
Other sites in Pool Lane, Waltham St Lawrence and Pickins Piece, Horton were dropped as potential plots last month.
Cllr Ewan Larcombe, vice-chairman of Datchet Parish Council, said it was "absolutely disgusting" the site in Mill Lane was being considered due to it being Green Belt land and on the flood plain.
A PLOT to house Travellers has been named as a council seeks residents' views.
Letters were sent out to households in Datchet proposing a consultation on using land in Mill Place, Datchet, as the home for additional pitches needed in the Royal Borough to provide accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers.
The letter states that the land, which backs onto houses in Cobb Close and Horton Road, is owned by the Loveridge family, although access is via Mill Place which is owned by the borough.
Residents have until December 14 to express their views.
The letter prompted villagers to form an action group in a bid to discuss the potential impact the site would have.
The Datchet Common Community Group was set to meet last night (Thursday) to discuss the letter and action in commenting on the consultation.
There will be a public meeting, chaired by cllr Christine Bateson, lead member for planning and partnerships, on Thursday, December 6 at St Mary's CE Primary Academy, The Green, Datchet, at 7pm.
The council will decide in January whether to proceed with the scheme and seek planning permission.
Other sites in Pool Lane, Waltham St Lawrence and Pickins Piece, Horton were dropped as potential plots last month.
Cllr Ewan Larcombe, vice-chairman of Datchet Parish Council, said it was "absolutely disgusting" the site in Mill Lane was being considered due to it being Green Belt land and on the flood plain.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Opinion: Forced marriage claims 'another stick to beat Travellers with'
From worldirish.com
The Irish travelling community at home and abroad has always faced discrimination. Here, Mike Doherty from the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain shares his views on a recent furore over the claim that young traveller women were being forced into marriage – something which, he says, there's really no evidence of.
By Mike Doherty
Communications Officer
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain
As Thomas McCarthy, an Irish Traveller activist and singer says; 'It’s always about dirty Travellers, dishonest Travellers, violent Travellers and thieving Travellers. Once the statement is made it leaves a stain.'
The UK’s Irish Travellers are often derided for being a drain on society amongst other things. However, even their many detractors must admit that Travellers do play at least one vital social role; that of a useful folk devil for anyone who needs to whip up a bit of populist political capital.
One particularly ripe example of a moral panic – that of Travellers and forced marriage – was finally exposed twitching and quivering into the cold light of day at this week’s Irish Traveller Movement in Britain’s annual conference.
The story starts in May when Mr Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North-West and the guy who banged up the Rochdale pedophile gang, told the Independent and the Daily Mail, 'I have become aware of massive issues of forced marriage in the Traveller community. It is widespread.'
Lack of evidence
This was news to us at the ITMB, but just to make sure that we had missed something, we held a meeting with our community advisory group and contacted other Gypsy/Traveller organisations. Nothing.
Katharine Quarmby, an investigative journalist who has worked on forced marriage and is now researching a book on Gypsies and Travellers, was also baffled by the claims. She contacted an expert in forced marriage and a Scottish Traveller who has written several books on the different Traveller communities.
She received similar feedback to the ITMB’s: arranged marriages with the consent of both bride and bride-groom, young marriages and, apart from one isolated case, no forced marriages.
'This doesn’t mean that "forced marriage" doesn’t ever happen, but it would be foolish to extrapolate from that it is widespread,' she says.
When the ITMB approached Nazir Afzal asking for his evidence, he replied that he had seen a presentation on forced marriage by a domestic violence worker who works in Traveller communities.
Afzal also revealed another research method. 'A quick search of the internet via my search engine will bring up other articles and case studies in Traveller communities,' he said. In other words he googled it.
The domestic violence worker cited by Nazir Afzal was at the ITMB conference. When pressed by the many Irish Traveller women present, she claimed to have been misrepresented and misquoted and was not happy with how her presentation was reported.
At the same conference, Father Gerard Barry said that he had never come across any evidence of anything but the sometimes over-enthusiastic consent of the prospective bride and bride-groom in the twenty years he has been conducting Traveller marriages.
The Traveller scapegoat
All this would be farcical, but for the fact that it creates yet another stick to beat Travellers with. It also has serious implications for the future criminalisation of Travellers.
Just before Nazir Afzal’s remarks, the government's Forced Marriage Unit offered funding to NGO’s who were 'tackling forced marriage in the Traveller community.' Soon after, David Cameron announced that he was going to stamp out forced marriages by strengthening the law.
To their credit, the Forced Marriage Unit also came to the ITMB conference and have now taken their post down from their website without allocating any funding.
Why Mr Afzhal chose to make those remarks remains a mystery. However, a report by the Children’s Commissioner, published this week, refused to ascribe the practice of grooming of young girls by gangs to the Asian community. An ethnic breakdown revealed that both perpetrators and victims came from almost all the ethnicities currently living in multi-cultural UK, including white British.
This says to me that violence against women of any age, including that of forced marriage, cannot be ascribed to a particular culture; it must be more systemic and embedded within the dominant culture and cannot be blamed on the ‘other’. Patriarchy anyone?
The Irish travelling community at home and abroad has always faced discrimination. Here, Mike Doherty from the Irish Traveller Movement in Britain shares his views on a recent furore over the claim that young traveller women were being forced into marriage – something which, he says, there's really no evidence of.
By Mike Doherty
Communications Officer
Irish Traveller Movement in Britain
As Thomas McCarthy, an Irish Traveller activist and singer says; 'It’s always about dirty Travellers, dishonest Travellers, violent Travellers and thieving Travellers. Once the statement is made it leaves a stain.'
The UK’s Irish Travellers are often derided for being a drain on society amongst other things. However, even their many detractors must admit that Travellers do play at least one vital social role; that of a useful folk devil for anyone who needs to whip up a bit of populist political capital.
One particularly ripe example of a moral panic – that of Travellers and forced marriage – was finally exposed twitching and quivering into the cold light of day at this week’s Irish Traveller Movement in Britain’s annual conference.
The story starts in May when Mr Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North-West and the guy who banged up the Rochdale pedophile gang, told the Independent and the Daily Mail, 'I have become aware of massive issues of forced marriage in the Traveller community. It is widespread.'
Lack of evidence
This was news to us at the ITMB, but just to make sure that we had missed something, we held a meeting with our community advisory group and contacted other Gypsy/Traveller organisations. Nothing.
Katharine Quarmby, an investigative journalist who has worked on forced marriage and is now researching a book on Gypsies and Travellers, was also baffled by the claims. She contacted an expert in forced marriage and a Scottish Traveller who has written several books on the different Traveller communities.
She received similar feedback to the ITMB’s: arranged marriages with the consent of both bride and bride-groom, young marriages and, apart from one isolated case, no forced marriages.
'This doesn’t mean that "forced marriage" doesn’t ever happen, but it would be foolish to extrapolate from that it is widespread,' she says.
When the ITMB approached Nazir Afzal asking for his evidence, he replied that he had seen a presentation on forced marriage by a domestic violence worker who works in Traveller communities.
Afzal also revealed another research method. 'A quick search of the internet via my search engine will bring up other articles and case studies in Traveller communities,' he said. In other words he googled it.
The domestic violence worker cited by Nazir Afzal was at the ITMB conference. When pressed by the many Irish Traveller women present, she claimed to have been misrepresented and misquoted and was not happy with how her presentation was reported.
At the same conference, Father Gerard Barry said that he had never come across any evidence of anything but the sometimes over-enthusiastic consent of the prospective bride and bride-groom in the twenty years he has been conducting Traveller marriages.
The Traveller scapegoat
All this would be farcical, but for the fact that it creates yet another stick to beat Travellers with. It also has serious implications for the future criminalisation of Travellers.
Just before Nazir Afzal’s remarks, the government's Forced Marriage Unit offered funding to NGO’s who were 'tackling forced marriage in the Traveller community.' Soon after, David Cameron announced that he was going to stamp out forced marriages by strengthening the law.
To their credit, the Forced Marriage Unit also came to the ITMB conference and have now taken their post down from their website without allocating any funding.
Why Mr Afzhal chose to make those remarks remains a mystery. However, a report by the Children’s Commissioner, published this week, refused to ascribe the practice of grooming of young girls by gangs to the Asian community. An ethnic breakdown revealed that both perpetrators and victims came from almost all the ethnicities currently living in multi-cultural UK, including white British.
This says to me that violence against women of any age, including that of forced marriage, cannot be ascribed to a particular culture; it must be more systemic and embedded within the dominant culture and cannot be blamed on the ‘other’. Patriarchy anyone?
Second Gypsy site in Arlesey given the green light - Bedfordshire
From Comet24
Residents in a town have been left disappointed and angered after a contentious planning permission for a permanent Gypsy site was granted, despite opposition from residents’ association and a town council.
Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee met on Wednesday to determine the controversial application for the Twin Acres site in Hitchin Road, Arlesey.
More than 50 residents turned out against the plan with some jeering from the public gallery when the chairman, Cllr Alan Shadbolt announced the decision.
Consent was given for replacing an existing static caravan and the siting of four additional static caravans, an amenity block and parking.
The site, on the western side of Hitchin Road, is the second Gypsy and Traveller site in the town. The other is at 197 Hitchin Road.
Councillors granted planning permission following a report from council officers despite the council’s highways department stating the “existing access to the site is hazardous and presents a risk to the safety of the occupiers at the site and drivers using Hitchin Road”.
Speaking after the meeting, chairman of Arlesey Town Council Nick Daniels said: “I’m more than disappointed for the community of Arlesey that it has been approved.
“I think the site is over and above the approved amount of Gypsy and Traveller sites for Arlesey in accordance with the Local Development Framework.”
Arlesey Residents’ Association received more than 600 signatures objecting to the application.
Its chairman Hugh Harper said: “We feel we had good grounds for refusal especially on the safety of pedestrian way.”
Mr Harper said he feared this application would open doors for further pitches in the area.
Residents in a town have been left disappointed and angered after a contentious planning permission for a permanent Gypsy site was granted, despite opposition from residents’ association and a town council.
Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee met on Wednesday to determine the controversial application for the Twin Acres site in Hitchin Road, Arlesey.
More than 50 residents turned out against the plan with some jeering from the public gallery when the chairman, Cllr Alan Shadbolt announced the decision.
Consent was given for replacing an existing static caravan and the siting of four additional static caravans, an amenity block and parking.
The site, on the western side of Hitchin Road, is the second Gypsy and Traveller site in the town. The other is at 197 Hitchin Road.
Councillors granted planning permission following a report from council officers despite the council’s highways department stating the “existing access to the site is hazardous and presents a risk to the safety of the occupiers at the site and drivers using Hitchin Road”.
Speaking after the meeting, chairman of Arlesey Town Council Nick Daniels said: “I’m more than disappointed for the community of Arlesey that it has been approved.
“I think the site is over and above the approved amount of Gypsy and Traveller sites for Arlesey in accordance with the Local Development Framework.”
Arlesey Residents’ Association received more than 600 signatures objecting to the application.
Its chairman Hugh Harper said: “We feel we had good grounds for refusal especially on the safety of pedestrian way.”
Mr Harper said he feared this application would open doors for further pitches in the area.
Travellers in Beckenham gym car park moved on - London
From the News Shopper
A GROUP of Gypsies who had been living in the car park of a Beckenham health club has moved on.
They were parked at the back of the car park outside the gym where their children were seen playing on scooters and even set up electrical generators to power their homes.
Staff from the club, in Stanhope Grove, told News Shopper on November 23 the gipsies had moved on November 9.
A spokesman for David Lloyd Leisure Group said they had asked the travellers to leave and were taking legal action.
A Bromley police spokesman said: “We were informed by the club that three caravans arrived at 5:47pm on November 4 and the club took action to remove them.
“As it is private property this is a matter for the club and not the police.”
A GROUP of Gypsies who had been living in the car park of a Beckenham health club has moved on.
They were parked at the back of the car park outside the gym where their children were seen playing on scooters and even set up electrical generators to power their homes.
Staff from the club, in Stanhope Grove, told News Shopper on November 23 the gipsies had moved on November 9.
A spokesman for David Lloyd Leisure Group said they had asked the travellers to leave and were taking legal action.
A Bromley police spokesman said: “We were informed by the club that three caravans arrived at 5:47pm on November 4 and the club took action to remove them.
“As it is private property this is a matter for the club and not the police.”
Friday, 23 November 2012
Council attempting to evict Travellers from Central Park, Dagenham - Essex
From the Barking and Dagenham Post
The council says it is making attempts to evict Travellers who have been staying in Dagenham’s Central Park for a week.
A number of caravans have been parked next to the tennis courts since last Friday (November 16.)
A council spokesman said: “On the day of their arrival we began the process of securing an eviction.
“We are currently following this process through the court system and hope to obtain an eviction as soon as possible.”
The council says it is making attempts to evict Travellers who have been staying in Dagenham’s Central Park for a week.
A number of caravans have been parked next to the tennis courts since last Friday (November 16.)
A council spokesman said: “On the day of their arrival we began the process of securing an eviction.
“We are currently following this process through the court system and hope to obtain an eviction as soon as possible.”
Arlesey Gypsy site to grow despite town’s fears - Bedfordshire
From the Biggleswade Chronicle
A Gypsy and Traveller site can officially expand despite fierce opposition.
Mr L Connors’ planning application to add four more static caravans to the Twin Acres site off Arlesey’s Hitchin Road was discussed at Central Beds Council’s development management committee meeting on Wednesday (November 21).
The site had permission for one caravan but the extra caravans were installed before Wednesday’s decision. Central Beds Council had served enforcement notices for their removal but these were appealed.
Arlesey residents thronged the council chamber’s public seating area.
Hugh Harper, chairman of Arlesey Residents Association, said: “This application is beyond what’s reasonable for our community.
“The area is becoming overdeveloped. We are very concerned about the highway condition in this area. There are blind spots in the road.”
Nick Daniels, Arlesey Town Council chairman, was met with public applause as he urged the committee to listen to local views and refuse the application. Protesters said that Arlesey already has its fair share of Gypsy and Traveller pitches.
Central Beds ward councillor Ian Dalgarno said: “The community have galvanised themselves against what they consider to be excessive pitches.
“There have been nearly 600 objections.”
But Councillor Nigel Young said there are more pitches in the south of the county than in the north.
Arlesey ward councillor Rita Drinkwater said the application should be refused due to over-development, unsafe pedestrian and highway access plus lack of school places and because there is already Gypsy and Traveller provision in the town.
But many councillors felt these arguments would not stand up to an appeal. Planning officers had recommended approval, stating improving site access would be a condition.
Councillor Raymond Berry did not feel there were valid reasons for refusing the application and requested a recorded vote.
The vote was tied and committee chairman, Councillor Alan Shadbolt, gave his casting vote in favour of approval.
He said: “I do sympathise with the residents but we have to look at planning reasons.”
A Gypsy and Traveller site can officially expand despite fierce opposition.
Mr L Connors’ planning application to add four more static caravans to the Twin Acres site off Arlesey’s Hitchin Road was discussed at Central Beds Council’s development management committee meeting on Wednesday (November 21).
The site had permission for one caravan but the extra caravans were installed before Wednesday’s decision. Central Beds Council had served enforcement notices for their removal but these were appealed.
Arlesey residents thronged the council chamber’s public seating area.
Hugh Harper, chairman of Arlesey Residents Association, said: “This application is beyond what’s reasonable for our community.
“The area is becoming overdeveloped. We are very concerned about the highway condition in this area. There are blind spots in the road.”
Nick Daniels, Arlesey Town Council chairman, was met with public applause as he urged the committee to listen to local views and refuse the application. Protesters said that Arlesey already has its fair share of Gypsy and Traveller pitches.
Central Beds ward councillor Ian Dalgarno said: “The community have galvanised themselves against what they consider to be excessive pitches.
“There have been nearly 600 objections.”
But Councillor Nigel Young said there are more pitches in the south of the county than in the north.
Arlesey ward councillor Rita Drinkwater said the application should be refused due to over-development, unsafe pedestrian and highway access plus lack of school places and because there is already Gypsy and Traveller provision in the town.
But many councillors felt these arguments would not stand up to an appeal. Planning officers had recommended approval, stating improving site access would be a condition.
Councillor Raymond Berry did not feel there were valid reasons for refusing the application and requested a recorded vote.
The vote was tied and committee chairman, Councillor Alan Shadbolt, gave his casting vote in favour of approval.
He said: “I do sympathise with the residents but we have to look at planning reasons.”
Coachloads of villagers oppose Travellers' site - Cambridgeshire
From the Royston Weekly News
More than 100 villagers delivered a petition bearing 3,000 signatures opposing reopening of a Travellers’ site to a council leader yesterday.
Residents from Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth, Kneesworth and Whaddon travelled to South Cambs District Council’s offices in Cambourne by coach to present their case against reopening of the Mettle Hill site in Meldreth, which was linked to a spate of crime and vandalism before it closed in 1996.
Lead petitioner and county councillor Susan van de Ven urged the council not to ruin the “successful community cohesion” in the village.
Kenny Smith, of the Mettle Hill Working Group, said: “We expect to reach 4,000 signatures soon, which we believe would be a record for a petition to South Cambridgeshire.”
The council postponed a decision on the plans until January so it can fully consider residents’ concerns.
More than 100 villagers delivered a petition bearing 3,000 signatures opposing reopening of a Travellers’ site to a council leader yesterday.
Residents from Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth, Kneesworth and Whaddon travelled to South Cambs District Council’s offices in Cambourne by coach to present their case against reopening of the Mettle Hill site in Meldreth, which was linked to a spate of crime and vandalism before it closed in 1996.
Lead petitioner and county councillor Susan van de Ven urged the council not to ruin the “successful community cohesion” in the village.
Kenny Smith, of the Mettle Hill Working Group, said: “We expect to reach 4,000 signatures soon, which we believe would be a record for a petition to South Cambridgeshire.”
The council postponed a decision on the plans until January so it can fully consider residents’ concerns.
Fitting tribute to woman at heart of Gypsy community - Hampshire
From the Southern Daily Echo
IT could not have been a more fitting send off for the woman at the heart of Hampshire’s Gypsy community.
Totton town centre ground to a halt as a large funeral cortege marked the passing of 87-year-old Louisa Wells, known as Louie, who was the head of five generations of one gypsy family.
And for a woman who loved nothing more than a trip to the bookies, even in her eighties, her daughter Sheila had to stop at Coral bookmakers to place the very last bet on her behalf.
The mother of five, grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 38, who died of natural causes, was buried with the betting slip along with other favourite items, including a posy, dozens of photographs of her family – and a cigarette in her right hand.
Her hearse was followed by cars filled with family members while half a dozen flatbed trucks covered in bright flowers brought up the rear.
The elaborate wreaths were in the shape of hearts and the gates to heaven while the more unusual arrangements included a handbag, a bed, a card table scene and a cigarette with a cup of coffee.
Members of the public watched as the impressive cortege passed through Totton and the New Forest to Minstead church.
Hundreds of mourners – including members of the traveller community who made their way from across the UK – turned out to pay their respects to the family woman, who was one of the last Gypsies to leave the Shave Green compound in the New Forest in the 1960s.
Despite moving into homes in Totton, Mrs Wells, who enjoyed bingo, horse racing, dog racing and playing cards, carried on the Gypsy lifestyle.
Her daughter Sheila Wells said: “She will be so dearly missed. She was a traditional English Gypsy through and through and very well respected.
“She was a strong lady who worked very hard but was at the heart of our family.”
see also: The Daily Mail - My Big Fat Gypsy Funeral: Amazing floral tributes for Traveller grandmother-of-38 who was buried with a betting slip and cigarette in her hand
IT could not have been a more fitting send off for the woman at the heart of Hampshire’s Gypsy community.
Totton town centre ground to a halt as a large funeral cortege marked the passing of 87-year-old Louisa Wells, known as Louie, who was the head of five generations of one gypsy family.
And for a woman who loved nothing more than a trip to the bookies, even in her eighties, her daughter Sheila had to stop at Coral bookmakers to place the very last bet on her behalf.
The mother of five, grandmother of 14 and great grandmother of 38, who died of natural causes, was buried with the betting slip along with other favourite items, including a posy, dozens of photographs of her family – and a cigarette in her right hand.
Her hearse was followed by cars filled with family members while half a dozen flatbed trucks covered in bright flowers brought up the rear.
The elaborate wreaths were in the shape of hearts and the gates to heaven while the more unusual arrangements included a handbag, a bed, a card table scene and a cigarette with a cup of coffee.
Members of the public watched as the impressive cortege passed through Totton and the New Forest to Minstead church.
Hundreds of mourners – including members of the traveller community who made their way from across the UK – turned out to pay their respects to the family woman, who was one of the last Gypsies to leave the Shave Green compound in the New Forest in the 1960s.
Despite moving into homes in Totton, Mrs Wells, who enjoyed bingo, horse racing, dog racing and playing cards, carried on the Gypsy lifestyle.
Her daughter Sheila Wells said: “She will be so dearly missed. She was a traditional English Gypsy through and through and very well respected.
“She was a strong lady who worked very hard but was at the heart of our family.”
see also: The Daily Mail - My Big Fat Gypsy Funeral: Amazing floral tributes for Traveller grandmother-of-38 who was buried with a betting slip and cigarette in her hand
Thursday, 22 November 2012
'Police' claim over visit to Travellers site - Glamorgan
From the South Wales Evening Post
CAMPAIGNERS opposing a second Traveller site in Llansamlet have claimed a Swansea Council officer phoned the police after they visited a family of Travellers about the proposal.
Bob Clay, secretary of the Llansamlet Against a Second Travellers Site group, claimed the phone call was made by Reena Owen, director of environment, to police officers regarding a meeting between him and his partner, Councillor Uta Clay, and the Gilheaney family.
He told a 250-strong audience at a public meeting in Manor Park Country House Hotel in Clydach that the matter was not pursued by the police.
The council said it contacted the police because of concerns raised with it by the Traveller families.
But Mr Clay rejected suggestions they had in any way made the family feel intimidated.
He said at the meeting: "I was amazed to learn from a very senior police officer that Reena Owen had phoned the police."
The Peniel Green Road, Llansamlet, site was one of five considered earlier this year by the council for a second Travellers site. The others were the old greyhound stadium, Cockett; the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and the proposed cemetery, both Gorseinon; and Milford Way in Penderry.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: "The council did contact the police. This was because families at the official site had contacted our officers alleging Councillor Clay and Mr Clay had suggested to them that they might not be safe.
"They also handed our officers the draft of a letter they claim was given to them by Councillor Clay which they were asked to sign. The letter said that it would be better if a second site was not located in Llansamlet but, for example in Felindre or Fforestfach."
Mr Clay claimed the letter was actually the idea of the Travellers.
The spokesman continued: "A public consultation will be launched in the near future that will provide residents with all of the information related to the process for identifying a second site and this will include an opportunity to give their views."
CAMPAIGNERS opposing a second Traveller site in Llansamlet have claimed a Swansea Council officer phoned the police after they visited a family of Travellers about the proposal.
Bob Clay, secretary of the Llansamlet Against a Second Travellers Site group, claimed the phone call was made by Reena Owen, director of environment, to police officers regarding a meeting between him and his partner, Councillor Uta Clay, and the Gilheaney family.
He told a 250-strong audience at a public meeting in Manor Park Country House Hotel in Clydach that the matter was not pursued by the police.
The council said it contacted the police because of concerns raised with it by the Traveller families.
But Mr Clay rejected suggestions they had in any way made the family feel intimidated.
He said at the meeting: "I was amazed to learn from a very senior police officer that Reena Owen had phoned the police."
The Peniel Green Road, Llansamlet, site was one of five considered earlier this year by the council for a second Travellers site. The others were the old greyhound stadium, Cockett; the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and the proposed cemetery, both Gorseinon; and Milford Way in Penderry.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: "The council did contact the police. This was because families at the official site had contacted our officers alleging Councillor Clay and Mr Clay had suggested to them that they might not be safe.
"They also handed our officers the draft of a letter they claim was given to them by Councillor Clay which they were asked to sign. The letter said that it would be better if a second site was not located in Llansamlet but, for example in Felindre or Fforestfach."
Mr Clay claimed the letter was actually the idea of the Travellers.
The spokesman continued: "A public consultation will be launched in the near future that will provide residents with all of the information related to the process for identifying a second site and this will include an opportunity to give their views."
Travellers' site plan opposed - Cornwall
From the West Briton
A PACKED parish council meeting has recommended refusal of an application to make a Travellers' site permanent, citing fears that it would attract more residents.
It was standing room only at the St Agnes Parish Council planning committee meeting on Monday evening.
The application to create three permanent pitches for existing Traveller families and for the erection of two compost toilets and a utility shed on farmland near Mount Hawke Youth Club was recommended for refusal by the parish council on the grounds that it would cause undue pressure on local infrastructure.
Most of those who attended said they opposed Cornwall Council giving permission since doing so would attract more Travellers, as had happened at sites in other parts of the country.
One of the objectors, Graham Hill, said he welcomed the parish council's recommendation but felt it had been unprepared for the dozens of people who turned out to question the planning committee and hear its members' deliberations.
"My main concern was that the council room wasn't big enough and they hadn't thought about relocating for such a big issue," he said.
"I understand that this has happened before, when the meeting was abandoned."
The council will now forward its recommendation to Cornwall Council, which will make the final decision.
The recommendation for refusal states that Cornwall Council should "strictly limit new Traveller site developments in open countryside that is away from existing settlements or outside areas allocated in the development plan."
It also urges the unitary authority "to ensure that sites in rural areas reflect the scale of or do not dominate the nearest settlement community and avoid undue pressure on local infrastructure".
A PACKED parish council meeting has recommended refusal of an application to make a Travellers' site permanent, citing fears that it would attract more residents.
It was standing room only at the St Agnes Parish Council planning committee meeting on Monday evening.
The application to create three permanent pitches for existing Traveller families and for the erection of two compost toilets and a utility shed on farmland near Mount Hawke Youth Club was recommended for refusal by the parish council on the grounds that it would cause undue pressure on local infrastructure.
Most of those who attended said they opposed Cornwall Council giving permission since doing so would attract more Travellers, as had happened at sites in other parts of the country.
One of the objectors, Graham Hill, said he welcomed the parish council's recommendation but felt it had been unprepared for the dozens of people who turned out to question the planning committee and hear its members' deliberations.
"My main concern was that the council room wasn't big enough and they hadn't thought about relocating for such a big issue," he said.
"I understand that this has happened before, when the meeting was abandoned."
The council will now forward its recommendation to Cornwall Council, which will make the final decision.
The recommendation for refusal states that Cornwall Council should "strictly limit new Traveller site developments in open countryside that is away from existing settlements or outside areas allocated in the development plan."
It also urges the unitary authority "to ensure that sites in rural areas reflect the scale of or do not dominate the nearest settlement community and avoid undue pressure on local infrastructure".
Petition signed by 3,000 opposes Travellers' site - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
Angry villagers were to deliver a petition bearing more than 3,000 signatures opposing the reopening of a Travellers’ site to a council leader today.
Residents from Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth, Kneesworth and Whaddon planned to rally together to witness the event when they arrive at South Cambridgeshire District Council’s offices in Cambourne by coach.
The petition against the reopening of the Mettle Hill site in Meldreth – which was linked to crime and vandalism until it was closed in 1996 – has now been signed by double the adult population of the village.
Lead petitioner and county councillor, Susan van de Ven, said: “This is a phenomenal number in less than three weeks and reflects the very deep concern about SCDC’s ill thought-out plans.
“Meldreth’s successfully integrated community of travelling people, including one small Romany site and two large Showmen’s sites, is a valued part of the village which should be nurtured, not undermined.”
The recently formed Mettle Hill Working Group plan to hand the petition to the leader of the council at 1.15pm – before a full council meeting begins at 2pm.
Cllr van de Ven said: “South Cambs has always held the view that Mettle Hill is unsuitable as a Traveller site, and emphasised the importance of working carefully through official planning and democratic structures.
“This bizarre plan was made in secret with no consultation whatsoever. Public trust in South Cambs has been devastated.”
Last week, the council announced it was postponing a decision on the plans – just days after cabinet members backed the scheme at a meeting attended by hundreds of Meldreth residents.
The council said the delay would allow it to fully consider residents’ concerns and there are also hopes that an alternative site might be located in the meantime.
Steve Hawkins, chairman of Meldreth Parish Council, said: “We welcome the postponement of a full council decision on the future of Mettle Hill, and hope this will provide each district councillor the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the views of the travelling and settled people of Meldreth, and to realise the shortcomings of the initial plan.
“We don’t think reopening the closed site is the right move in the current situation and have the full support of our district and county councillors as well as our MP.”
Cllr Mark Howell, the district council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Due to the number of people who have contacted us since our intention to purchase the land was published we have delayed making any decision so we have extra time to listen to residents’ concerns.
“We have always been very clear we will consult fully on how to deliver a well-managed and high-quality site and no one wants to go back to how the site operated more than 15 years ago.
“The reality is delivering a site anywhere in the district is always going to be met with opposition. But we have a legal duty to provide sufficient housing for travellers and as this site has planning permission we believe it is a viable option.”
Angry villagers were to deliver a petition bearing more than 3,000 signatures opposing the reopening of a Travellers’ site to a council leader today.
Residents from Meldreth, Melbourn, Shepreth, Kneesworth and Whaddon planned to rally together to witness the event when they arrive at South Cambridgeshire District Council’s offices in Cambourne by coach.
The petition against the reopening of the Mettle Hill site in Meldreth – which was linked to crime and vandalism until it was closed in 1996 – has now been signed by double the adult population of the village.
Lead petitioner and county councillor, Susan van de Ven, said: “This is a phenomenal number in less than three weeks and reflects the very deep concern about SCDC’s ill thought-out plans.
“Meldreth’s successfully integrated community of travelling people, including one small Romany site and two large Showmen’s sites, is a valued part of the village which should be nurtured, not undermined.”
The recently formed Mettle Hill Working Group plan to hand the petition to the leader of the council at 1.15pm – before a full council meeting begins at 2pm.
Cllr van de Ven said: “South Cambs has always held the view that Mettle Hill is unsuitable as a Traveller site, and emphasised the importance of working carefully through official planning and democratic structures.
“This bizarre plan was made in secret with no consultation whatsoever. Public trust in South Cambs has been devastated.”
Last week, the council announced it was postponing a decision on the plans – just days after cabinet members backed the scheme at a meeting attended by hundreds of Meldreth residents.
The council said the delay would allow it to fully consider residents’ concerns and there are also hopes that an alternative site might be located in the meantime.
Steve Hawkins, chairman of Meldreth Parish Council, said: “We welcome the postponement of a full council decision on the future of Mettle Hill, and hope this will provide each district councillor the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the views of the travelling and settled people of Meldreth, and to realise the shortcomings of the initial plan.
“We don’t think reopening the closed site is the right move in the current situation and have the full support of our district and county councillors as well as our MP.”
Cllr Mark Howell, the district council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Due to the number of people who have contacted us since our intention to purchase the land was published we have delayed making any decision so we have extra time to listen to residents’ concerns.
“We have always been very clear we will consult fully on how to deliver a well-managed and high-quality site and no one wants to go back to how the site operated more than 15 years ago.
“The reality is delivering a site anywhere in the district is always going to be met with opposition. But we have a legal duty to provide sufficient housing for travellers and as this site has planning permission we believe it is a viable option.”
Council accused of "appalling" behaviour over communication with residents about Travellers camp - Worcestershire
From the Redditch Advertiser
REDDITCH Council has been accused of “appalling” behaviour after failing to respond to people concerned about a group of Travellers’ which had set up camp in the area.
The Travellers moved to the site on Hunt End Lane - a nature reserve - on about November 2, and after discussions with Redditch Council, a spokesman for the travellers, Peter Delaney, agreed they would vacate on November 12.
But as that date came and went, residents became increasingly frustrated with new horses and 4x4 vehicles arriving, and the “mess” being caused, and were angry at Redditch Council for, as one resident said: “not bothering to give residents proper answers, despite being repeatedly asked”.
The council served notice to the Travellers to move on, which they eventually did, but not before the council had angered several residents.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I have to say how unimpressed I have been with Redditch Council.
“You may well say that you have been working hard behind the scenes to get a satisfactory resolution. However, you have to remember that you are representatives of the neighbourhood and as such part of your responsibility is to communicate. This has been woefully inadequate with glib emails sent and telephone calls not returned. It was noticeable that apart from an automated reply from Karen Lumley MP to an email I sent, not one response was received from the council.
“This is quite frankly appalling.”
Sue Hanley, the council’s executive director for leisure, environment & community services, said: “Following Mr Delaney’s failure to leave by the agreed date of November 12, he was given formal notice to vacate the site by 4pm on November 16, which notice he fully complied with.
“As there was a possibility here that formal legal proceedings would be required to remove Mr Delaney, it was considered inappropriate to provide specific details of the action being taken by the council due to the risk of those proceedings being prejudiced.
“We have received several compliments from residents about how we handled this sensitive and complex situation.”
But she added that they would be getting in touch with one resident who contacted the council directly over its handling of the situation.
REDDITCH Council has been accused of “appalling” behaviour after failing to respond to people concerned about a group of Travellers’ which had set up camp in the area.
The Travellers moved to the site on Hunt End Lane - a nature reserve - on about November 2, and after discussions with Redditch Council, a spokesman for the travellers, Peter Delaney, agreed they would vacate on November 12.
But as that date came and went, residents became increasingly frustrated with new horses and 4x4 vehicles arriving, and the “mess” being caused, and were angry at Redditch Council for, as one resident said: “not bothering to give residents proper answers, despite being repeatedly asked”.
The council served notice to the Travellers to move on, which they eventually did, but not before the council had angered several residents.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I have to say how unimpressed I have been with Redditch Council.
“You may well say that you have been working hard behind the scenes to get a satisfactory resolution. However, you have to remember that you are representatives of the neighbourhood and as such part of your responsibility is to communicate. This has been woefully inadequate with glib emails sent and telephone calls not returned. It was noticeable that apart from an automated reply from Karen Lumley MP to an email I sent, not one response was received from the council.
“This is quite frankly appalling.”
Sue Hanley, the council’s executive director for leisure, environment & community services, said: “Following Mr Delaney’s failure to leave by the agreed date of November 12, he was given formal notice to vacate the site by 4pm on November 16, which notice he fully complied with.
“As there was a possibility here that formal legal proceedings would be required to remove Mr Delaney, it was considered inappropriate to provide specific details of the action being taken by the council due to the risk of those proceedings being prejudiced.
“We have received several compliments from residents about how we handled this sensitive and complex situation.”
But she added that they would be getting in touch with one resident who contacted the council directly over its handling of the situation.
Disabled Gypsy wins court fight to remain on land at Cudham - Kent
From the Westerham Chronicle
A DISABLED Gypsy has won victory in the High Court.
Charmaine Moore, who lives as a Romani Gypsy in Cudham, has been fighting a battle to remain on land there
She moved to the site at Archies Stables, in Cudham Lane North, in July 2010, after being ordered to remove her caravan and horse box from the Housing Association property in Orpington which she lived in at the time.
Ms Moore, who suffers from joint laxity, meaning her bones can be dislocated very easily, came to Cudham with her three children, now aged 14, 13, and seven, despite having no planning permission to stay .
She was refused permission, first by the London Borough of Bromley, then by a government planning inspector.
But now she has won a ruling from Mrs Justice Cox at London's High Court, who said the inspector's decision to refuse her temporary permission to stay in order to give time for a lawful alternative to be found, was "irrational".
The judge ordered the case be and added that the probability that the family would have to leave and face a roadside existence, which would have a negative impact on Ms Moore's health, constituted "very special circumstances".
She added that Ms Moore, who also suffers from depression, has an "aversion to living in bricks and mortar."
Ms Moore had argued that the harm to the character and appearance of the area could be overcome by landscaping, if her caravan site was given time to blend in.
A DISABLED Gypsy has won victory in the High Court.
Charmaine Moore, who lives as a Romani Gypsy in Cudham, has been fighting a battle to remain on land there
She moved to the site at Archies Stables, in Cudham Lane North, in July 2010, after being ordered to remove her caravan and horse box from the Housing Association property in Orpington which she lived in at the time.
Ms Moore, who suffers from joint laxity, meaning her bones can be dislocated very easily, came to Cudham with her three children, now aged 14, 13, and seven, despite having no planning permission to stay .
She was refused permission, first by the London Borough of Bromley, then by a government planning inspector.
But now she has won a ruling from Mrs Justice Cox at London's High Court, who said the inspector's decision to refuse her temporary permission to stay in order to give time for a lawful alternative to be found, was "irrational".
The judge ordered the case be and added that the probability that the family would have to leave and face a roadside existence, which would have a negative impact on Ms Moore's health, constituted "very special circumstances".
She added that Ms Moore, who also suffers from depression, has an "aversion to living in bricks and mortar."
Ms Moore had argued that the harm to the character and appearance of the area could be overcome by landscaping, if her caravan site was given time to blend in.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Campaigners want 10,000 to oppose Travellers site bid
From the South Wales Evening Post
CAMPAIGNERS are looking to raise a 10,000-name petition in the fight to block a second Travellers' site in Llansamlet.
They are rallying residents to go out and collect as many signatures as they can in opposition to what they believe is a new Travellers' site being considered for Peniel Green Road.
Llansamlet already has one permanent site along with one family camped temporarily on the Swansea Vale park and ride.
Earlier this year it was revealed Swansea Council was looking at five potential sites to meet its legal obligation to offer "adequate provision" for travellers.
The other sites are the old greyhound stadium, Cockett; the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and the proposed cemetery, both in Gorseinon; and Milford Way in Penderry.
James Myles, from the Llansamlet Against a Second Traveller Site campaign group, said he hoped people would rally around to help the campaign result in a successful conclusion.
He made the call at the Manor Park Country House Hotel meeting in Clydach, which was attended by 250 people.
Mr Myles said: "We need the help of everyone across the Llansamlet ward. The people of Penlan have put together a 1,000 name petition opposing the Travellers site in Penderry.
"We want to blow that petition out of the water — we want to send a message to our rival wards that whatever petition we put together will have a demoralising effect on our rival wards."
He said it was important to get people out in force collecting names towards the mammoth petition.
"If most of us in this room were prepared to get involved we could easily bring in a petition of 10,000."
They have been leafleting homes in the Llansamlet area for the last eight weeks to raise awareness of the campaign.
But Labour Party member Bob Clay said he did not believe there should be a conflict between different wards, although it was important to raise as many signatures as possible. He said: "We need to have a massive petition — but I don't think it's a competition with Penderry."
During the meeting claims were further made that the former West Glamorgan County Council had formulised what became known as the West Glamorgan Agreement, meaning there would not be another Travellers' site in the Llansamlet area. But a Swansea Council meeting was previously told there was no record of the agreement.
A total of £600 was raised towards the campaign before the two hour meeting was over.
Llansamlet Councillor Uta Clay said: "This campaign is not an anti-Traveller campaign, it's a campaign against a second traveller site in Llansamlet."
CAMPAIGNERS are looking to raise a 10,000-name petition in the fight to block a second Travellers' site in Llansamlet.
They are rallying residents to go out and collect as many signatures as they can in opposition to what they believe is a new Travellers' site being considered for Peniel Green Road.
Llansamlet already has one permanent site along with one family camped temporarily on the Swansea Vale park and ride.
Earlier this year it was revealed Swansea Council was looking at five potential sites to meet its legal obligation to offer "adequate provision" for travellers.
The other sites are the old greyhound stadium, Cockett; the rear of Parc Melyn Mynach and the proposed cemetery, both in Gorseinon; and Milford Way in Penderry.
James Myles, from the Llansamlet Against a Second Traveller Site campaign group, said he hoped people would rally around to help the campaign result in a successful conclusion.
He made the call at the Manor Park Country House Hotel meeting in Clydach, which was attended by 250 people.
Mr Myles said: "We need the help of everyone across the Llansamlet ward. The people of Penlan have put together a 1,000 name petition opposing the Travellers site in Penderry.
"We want to blow that petition out of the water — we want to send a message to our rival wards that whatever petition we put together will have a demoralising effect on our rival wards."
He said it was important to get people out in force collecting names towards the mammoth petition.
"If most of us in this room were prepared to get involved we could easily bring in a petition of 10,000."
They have been leafleting homes in the Llansamlet area for the last eight weeks to raise awareness of the campaign.
But Labour Party member Bob Clay said he did not believe there should be a conflict between different wards, although it was important to raise as many signatures as possible. He said: "We need to have a massive petition — but I don't think it's a competition with Penderry."
During the meeting claims were further made that the former West Glamorgan County Council had formulised what became known as the West Glamorgan Agreement, meaning there would not be another Travellers' site in the Llansamlet area. But a Swansea Council meeting was previously told there was no record of the agreement.
A total of £600 was raised towards the campaign before the two hour meeting was over.
Llansamlet Councillor Uta Clay said: "This campaign is not an anti-Traveller campaign, it's a campaign against a second traveller site in Llansamlet."
Five-year search for a Gypsy camp - Derbyshire
From the Ashbourne News Telegraph
A TRAVELLER family has been waiting five years for a site in the southern Derbyshire Dales, the News Telegraph can reveal.
The family has previously tried to buy land in the area to provide their own site, but high prices for a suitable plot thwarted their attempts.
Siobhan Spencer is the co-ordinator of the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group, a pro-active service which helps Traveller families to open communications with councils and other authorities.
She said: “This site in Ashbourne is essentially for this particular family, it is not a site where people will be moving on and off.
“The district council consulted with us because technically each district council is supposed to have a five-year supply of land for sites.
“This family was very much identified as there was a need for a small site in south Derbyshire Dales in 2008 under the Housing Act.
“The family do want it in the south of the Derbyshire Dales.
“Traditionally there have been a few Gypsy families travelling around the Derbyshire Dales for a number of years. The district council hasn’t really provided anything. We know it’s a hot potato for a lot of district councils.
“For this particular family, which has two old age pensioners, one needing hospital treatment and a young man with learning difficulties, there are real difficulties in accessing services without a fixed address.
“This family have got to the point where they need to settle down, which is hard for an old-fashioned Romany Gypsy who has never been in bricks and mortar.
“I’ve been years trying to get land for this family. I’ve looked for land that is owned privately and tried to get the money for it.
“The cost is prohibitive. We went after one plot which sold for £180,000.
“When I saw the reaction in Ashbourne, I thought oh crikey, what a furore. It is disappointing.” A spokesman for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: “The planning application for a three-year Traveller site in Ashbourne is not specifically designed for this one family but they are the only Traveller family who have applied to the district council for assistance.
“What is important is not the identity of the potential users, but the maximum number of caravans proposed for the site, which is five.
“The overall situation with regard to Traveller sites in the Derbyshire Dales — and the district council’s legal obligations — will be discussed by councillors at a meeting of our environment committee on November 29.”
A TRAVELLER family has been waiting five years for a site in the southern Derbyshire Dales, the News Telegraph can reveal.
The family has previously tried to buy land in the area to provide their own site, but high prices for a suitable plot thwarted their attempts.
Siobhan Spencer is the co-ordinator of the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group, a pro-active service which helps Traveller families to open communications with councils and other authorities.
She said: “This site in Ashbourne is essentially for this particular family, it is not a site where people will be moving on and off.
“The district council consulted with us because technically each district council is supposed to have a five-year supply of land for sites.
“This family was very much identified as there was a need for a small site in south Derbyshire Dales in 2008 under the Housing Act.
“The family do want it in the south of the Derbyshire Dales.
“Traditionally there have been a few Gypsy families travelling around the Derbyshire Dales for a number of years. The district council hasn’t really provided anything. We know it’s a hot potato for a lot of district councils.
“For this particular family, which has two old age pensioners, one needing hospital treatment and a young man with learning difficulties, there are real difficulties in accessing services without a fixed address.
“This family have got to the point where they need to settle down, which is hard for an old-fashioned Romany Gypsy who has never been in bricks and mortar.
“I’ve been years trying to get land for this family. I’ve looked for land that is owned privately and tried to get the money for it.
“The cost is prohibitive. We went after one plot which sold for £180,000.
“When I saw the reaction in Ashbourne, I thought oh crikey, what a furore. It is disappointing.” A spokesman for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: “The planning application for a three-year Traveller site in Ashbourne is not specifically designed for this one family but they are the only Traveller family who have applied to the district council for assistance.
“What is important is not the identity of the potential users, but the maximum number of caravans proposed for the site, which is five.
“The overall situation with regard to Traveller sites in the Derbyshire Dales — and the district council’s legal obligations — will be discussed by councillors at a meeting of our environment committee on November 29.”
Travellers site decision deferred - Derbyshire
From the Ashbourne News Telegraph
AN OUTBURST of objections has ‘embarrassed’ planners into deferring a decision on plans for a Travellers’ site in Ashbourne, it has been claimed.
A crowd of townsfolk attended a meeting of Derbyshire Dales District Council Southern Area Planning Committee to witness planners defer the decision before walking out on Tuesday last week.
The district council had announced they would defer the decision on proposals for a five-caravan Travellers’ site at land adjacent to Ashbourne Cemetery off Watery Lane on Wednesday last week.
Chairman of Ashbourne Town Council’s planning committee, Jon Barrs was at the meeting at Ashbourne Leisure Centre, which he regularly attends to make representations or gain feedback on behalf of the town council.
After the meeting, he told the News Telegraph: “I think the members of the public wish their views to be represented and are ensuring that the momentum is there.
“There’s obviously a strength of feeling and they obviously wish that to be seen.
“I was at the meeting anyway for agenda items one, two and three.
“I think the district council has been embarrassed into deferring it and I’m heartened that they are now taking on board public opinion.” As the controversy over the plan rumbles on, members of Ashbourne Allotments Association (AAA) and residents of Mayfield Road turned out in force at the Southern Area Planning Committee.
The gathered throng walked out of the meeting once the item regarding the traveller’s site planning application had been deferred.
District council planning officer, John Bradbury, told the meeting: “We are blessed with lots of public interest in the meeting tonight.
“We drafted the item in good faith but have subsequently decided to withdraw the item from the agenda, partly around the public interest arising around this item and for that item to be properly and fully considered.
“We won’t be considering or determining the item tonight.” Chairman of AAA, Barry Morrison, said prior to the meeting: “We want to show the passion we’ve got, not just for the allotments, but for the cemetery and for Ashbourne.
“I think it’s very insensitive what they are planning down there.
“We want to show solidarity in how Ashbourne residents and the AAA are working as one.
“We want to show how we feel about it for the good of the town.”
AN OUTBURST of objections has ‘embarrassed’ planners into deferring a decision on plans for a Travellers’ site in Ashbourne, it has been claimed.
A crowd of townsfolk attended a meeting of Derbyshire Dales District Council Southern Area Planning Committee to witness planners defer the decision before walking out on Tuesday last week.
The district council had announced they would defer the decision on proposals for a five-caravan Travellers’ site at land adjacent to Ashbourne Cemetery off Watery Lane on Wednesday last week.
Chairman of Ashbourne Town Council’s planning committee, Jon Barrs was at the meeting at Ashbourne Leisure Centre, which he regularly attends to make representations or gain feedback on behalf of the town council.
After the meeting, he told the News Telegraph: “I think the members of the public wish their views to be represented and are ensuring that the momentum is there.
“There’s obviously a strength of feeling and they obviously wish that to be seen.
“I was at the meeting anyway for agenda items one, two and three.
“I think the district council has been embarrassed into deferring it and I’m heartened that they are now taking on board public opinion.” As the controversy over the plan rumbles on, members of Ashbourne Allotments Association (AAA) and residents of Mayfield Road turned out in force at the Southern Area Planning Committee.
The gathered throng walked out of the meeting once the item regarding the traveller’s site planning application had been deferred.
District council planning officer, John Bradbury, told the meeting: “We are blessed with lots of public interest in the meeting tonight.
“We drafted the item in good faith but have subsequently decided to withdraw the item from the agenda, partly around the public interest arising around this item and for that item to be properly and fully considered.
“We won’t be considering or determining the item tonight.” Chairman of AAA, Barry Morrison, said prior to the meeting: “We want to show the passion we’ve got, not just for the allotments, but for the cemetery and for Ashbourne.
“I think it’s very insensitive what they are planning down there.
“We want to show solidarity in how Ashbourne residents and the AAA are working as one.
“We want to show how we feel about it for the good of the town.”
Torfaen councillors vote for Cwmynyscoy Gypsy site proposal
From the South Wales Argus
A £3.6 MILLION expansion of a Gyspy and Traveller site in Pontypool got the go ahead tonight at an extraordinary meeting of Torfaen council.
At the packed four-hour long meeting members voted in favour of expanding the current Shepherds Hill site in Cwmynyscoy to include an unused football pitch at the Race.
Members of Cwmynyscoy Action Group (CWMnag) turned up in force to protest outside the Civic Centre ahead of the meeting and then filled the public gallery.
The overspill had to watch the live broadcast in the council's ceremony room.
Chairman of CWMnag Adrian Bold challenged the council as to why it had not fully considered an offer from Hill Park Homes to use the Woodlands Road site as an alternative to the development of the Shepherds Hill site.
And ward member Cllr Neil Waite spoke against the move saying: "People of the ward feel discriminated against. They have lived alongside the Gypsy community for a number of years. They wish them no harm and welcome them having better accommodation but do not feel it is appropriate to have another site in the ward."
But the group was left disappointed after the council decided to allocate the land known as the Former Race AFC Playing pitch as a Gypsy and Traveller site for 32 pitches in the deposit of Torfaen's Local Development Plan (LDP) as a further focused change.
The council said it needed to address the issues of overcrowding at the Shepherds Hill Site but CWMnag argued the council needed to look beyond the existing site and expand into other wards.
The council-owned site currently has more than 100 residents living on 26 permanent residential pitches for caravans and mobile homes and one transit pitch.
The proposal on the neighbouring Race football field will provide 32 pitches.
There are also plans to build another ten pitches on the privately-owned Rose Cottage Site.
Privately owned Mountain View, also in the Race, currently caters for 20 pitches.
A working group to look at specifics was also set up.
A £3.6 MILLION expansion of a Gyspy and Traveller site in Pontypool got the go ahead tonight at an extraordinary meeting of Torfaen council.
At the packed four-hour long meeting members voted in favour of expanding the current Shepherds Hill site in Cwmynyscoy to include an unused football pitch at the Race.
Members of Cwmynyscoy Action Group (CWMnag) turned up in force to protest outside the Civic Centre ahead of the meeting and then filled the public gallery.
The overspill had to watch the live broadcast in the council's ceremony room.
Chairman of CWMnag Adrian Bold challenged the council as to why it had not fully considered an offer from Hill Park Homes to use the Woodlands Road site as an alternative to the development of the Shepherds Hill site.
And ward member Cllr Neil Waite spoke against the move saying: "People of the ward feel discriminated against. They have lived alongside the Gypsy community for a number of years. They wish them no harm and welcome them having better accommodation but do not feel it is appropriate to have another site in the ward."
But the group was left disappointed after the council decided to allocate the land known as the Former Race AFC Playing pitch as a Gypsy and Traveller site for 32 pitches in the deposit of Torfaen's Local Development Plan (LDP) as a further focused change.
The council said it needed to address the issues of overcrowding at the Shepherds Hill Site but CWMnag argued the council needed to look beyond the existing site and expand into other wards.
The council-owned site currently has more than 100 residents living on 26 permanent residential pitches for caravans and mobile homes and one transit pitch.
The proposal on the neighbouring Race football field will provide 32 pitches.
There are also plans to build another ten pitches on the privately-owned Rose Cottage Site.
Privately owned Mountain View, also in the Race, currently caters for 20 pitches.
A working group to look at specifics was also set up.
Travellers move off carpark to estate - Suffolk
From the Bury Free Press
Travellers who have been pitched on Bury St Edmunds town centre carparks have now moved to Moreton Hall.
The Travellers were moved on from Ram Meadow carpark then went to St Andrews Street North carpark until Saturday when they moved to the forecourt of empty industrial units in Cratfield Road.
A spokeswoman for St Edmundsbury Borough Council said it is up to the land owner to take action if they want them moved on.
She added: “We will make sure they’ve got bin bags and will collect their waste so it is as hygienic as can be.”
Suffolk’s Gypsy and Traveller liason officer is in contact.
Travellers who have been pitched on Bury St Edmunds town centre carparks have now moved to Moreton Hall.
The Travellers were moved on from Ram Meadow carpark then went to St Andrews Street North carpark until Saturday when they moved to the forecourt of empty industrial units in Cratfield Road.
A spokeswoman for St Edmundsbury Borough Council said it is up to the land owner to take action if they want them moved on.
She added: “We will make sure they’ve got bin bags and will collect their waste so it is as hygienic as can be.”
Suffolk’s Gypsy and Traveller liason officer is in contact.
Arlesey Travellers site set for expansion - Bedfordshire
From the Advertiser
Planning permission is set to be granted for the expansion of a Travellers’ site in Arlesey currently facing enforcement action.
Central Bedfordshire Councillors are today to decide at a meeting on the future of the site at Twin Acres, off Hitchin Road.
Planning officers have recommended that the green light is given to the application, which outlines an increase from a single static caravan to five, plus an amenity block, hardstanding and car parking spaces.
However, four mobile homes appeared near the site earlier this year, while a similar planning application was being considered by the council and the owner is currently facing enforcement action.
The crunch decision on the planning application will also impact on the pending enforcement action.
The council received objections to the latest plans from 22 residents and Arlesey Town Council, pointing out the sub-standard access to the road from the site, and the number of pitches already existing in the area.
Residents also voiced their fears of the impact on the area, while three letters of support have also been received by the council.
In a report to be considered by the councillors tonight, it is pointed out that the council has already met the number of Traveller pitches it needs to provide in Central Bedfordshire and there is a presumption against development in the open countryside.
However, it is considered that the extra caravans would have a minimal impact on the appearance of the area and on the nearest neighbours, and a condition to improve the "hazardous" access to the site could be imposed if permission is granted.
A representative from Arlesey Residents Association, which claims to have received more than 500 letters of objection, will be speaking at the meeting in Shefford
Planning permission is set to be granted for the expansion of a Travellers’ site in Arlesey currently facing enforcement action.
Central Bedfordshire Councillors are today to decide at a meeting on the future of the site at Twin Acres, off Hitchin Road.
Planning officers have recommended that the green light is given to the application, which outlines an increase from a single static caravan to five, plus an amenity block, hardstanding and car parking spaces.
However, four mobile homes appeared near the site earlier this year, while a similar planning application was being considered by the council and the owner is currently facing enforcement action.
The crunch decision on the planning application will also impact on the pending enforcement action.
The council received objections to the latest plans from 22 residents and Arlesey Town Council, pointing out the sub-standard access to the road from the site, and the number of pitches already existing in the area.
Residents also voiced their fears of the impact on the area, while three letters of support have also been received by the council.
In a report to be considered by the councillors tonight, it is pointed out that the council has already met the number of Traveller pitches it needs to provide in Central Bedfordshire and there is a presumption against development in the open countryside.
However, it is considered that the extra caravans would have a minimal impact on the appearance of the area and on the nearest neighbours, and a condition to improve the "hazardous" access to the site could be imposed if permission is granted.
A representative from Arlesey Residents Association, which claims to have received more than 500 letters of objection, will be speaking at the meeting in Shefford
New plans for Gypsy site on Town Council agenda - Cheshire
From wlmslow.co.uk
A second planning application to build a Gypsy site on green belt land to the north west of Moor Lane will be discussed at a meeting of the Planning Committee of Wilmslow Town Council next week.
This new application, reference 12/4247M, is a resubmission of controversial plans which were refused in July.
Green Planning Solutions has submitted the application on behalf of Mr John Allan, for the use of the 0.46 hectare site for stationing caravans for residential purposes, additional hard standing and a utility/day room.
The Planning Committee meeting will be held in the rear meeting room at Wilmslow Methodist Church on Water Lane, starting at 7.30pm on Monday, 26th November.
The planning application, reference 12/4247M, can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website.
The last date for submitting comments is 12th December and a decision is expected to be made by 1st January 2013.
A second planning application to build a Gypsy site on green belt land to the north west of Moor Lane will be discussed at a meeting of the Planning Committee of Wilmslow Town Council next week.
This new application, reference 12/4247M, is a resubmission of controversial plans which were refused in July.
Green Planning Solutions has submitted the application on behalf of Mr John Allan, for the use of the 0.46 hectare site for stationing caravans for residential purposes, additional hard standing and a utility/day room.
The Planning Committee meeting will be held in the rear meeting room at Wilmslow Methodist Church on Water Lane, starting at 7.30pm on Monday, 26th November.
The planning application, reference 12/4247M, can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website.
The last date for submitting comments is 12th December and a decision is expected to be made by 1st January 2013.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Romany caravan raided by thieves - Cambridgeshire
From the Cambridge News
A Romany caravan was raided by thieves who stole thousands of pounds of equestrian equipment.
The tack and a valuable stove were stolen during a burglary in Haddenham.
Thieves stole the stove, two harnesses and carriage lamps.
PCSO Jonathan Hall said: “I would urge anyone who thinks they may know the whereabouts of the stolen items to call police.”
The theft happened last month.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A Romany caravan was raided by thieves who stole thousands of pounds of equestrian equipment.
The tack and a valuable stove were stolen during a burglary in Haddenham.
Thieves stole the stove, two harnesses and carriage lamps.
PCSO Jonathan Hall said: “I would urge anyone who thinks they may know the whereabouts of the stolen items to call police.”
The theft happened last month.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Fire Brigade called to Travellers campfire in Asda carpark, Beddington Lane
From the Sutton Guardian
Firefighters were called to a Travellers camp in the car park of Asda in Beddington Lane in the early hours of this morning.
Someone at the supermarket called the fire service after spotting a blaze in the car park at around 1.40am but when a crew from Wallington fire station investigated they decided the Travellers had the fire under control and took no action.
A spokesman said: "We didn't put it out for them because it was under control, it was in a brazier. We wouldn't go around putting out people's bonfires.
"They were alright with us. They just like to sit around a fire and have a drink."
A spokesman from Asda's positive reputation team, said: "I have spoken with the store and there are in fact Travellers in the car park; we are currently in the process of replacing our Height restriction barrier which prevents large vehicles entering the car park. This barrier should be implemented shortly and will prevent people from using the car park unauthorised."
Firefighters were called to a Travellers camp in the car park of Asda in Beddington Lane in the early hours of this morning.
Someone at the supermarket called the fire service after spotting a blaze in the car park at around 1.40am but when a crew from Wallington fire station investigated they decided the Travellers had the fire under control and took no action.
A spokesman said: "We didn't put it out for them because it was under control, it was in a brazier. We wouldn't go around putting out people's bonfires.
"They were alright with us. They just like to sit around a fire and have a drink."
A spokesman from Asda's positive reputation team, said: "I have spoken with the store and there are in fact Travellers in the car park; we are currently in the process of replacing our Height restriction barrier which prevents large vehicles entering the car park. This barrier should be implemented shortly and will prevent people from using the car park unauthorised."
Wakefield Council needs to find ‘more pitches’ for Travellers - Yorkshire
From the Wakefield Express
COUNCIL bosses are looking to find new homes for Travellers after a survey concluded that seven new pitches were needed in the next five years.
Wakefield Council’s cabinet committee are expected to approve the findings of the survey into the needs of Travellers across the district on Tuesday.
The survey also found that Wakefield’s travelling communities had poor access to schools and suffered from health issues including asthma, arthritis and depression.
Tuesday’s cabinet report said sites on Brier Lane, in Havercroft, Pineapple Farm, in Warmfield, and land next to Heath Common all had temporary planning permission and were considered suitable sites.
Permission has been applied for at other sites, including Castle Gate, in Stanley, but these have not been taken into account as suitable sites to meet the extra demand, which is expected to have become 14 pitches by 2022.
Wakefield Council’s deputy leader Coun Denise Jeffery said a working group had been set up to find suitable sites.
She said: “The alternative to not providing enough pitches is illegal camps which cause disruption in neighbourhoods, damage to the environment and incur significant legal and clearing up costs. The law is quite clear that we have to provide enough sites to meet travellers’ accommodation needs. We already have a well-established site at Heath Common with 70 pitches.
“As yet we have not identified a specific location for more pitches but that is the next step. Any proposal for developing a new Travellers site would need council approval and would be subject to consultation with the local community through planning.”
COUNCIL bosses are looking to find new homes for Travellers after a survey concluded that seven new pitches were needed in the next five years.
Wakefield Council’s cabinet committee are expected to approve the findings of the survey into the needs of Travellers across the district on Tuesday.
The survey also found that Wakefield’s travelling communities had poor access to schools and suffered from health issues including asthma, arthritis and depression.
Tuesday’s cabinet report said sites on Brier Lane, in Havercroft, Pineapple Farm, in Warmfield, and land next to Heath Common all had temporary planning permission and were considered suitable sites.
Permission has been applied for at other sites, including Castle Gate, in Stanley, but these have not been taken into account as suitable sites to meet the extra demand, which is expected to have become 14 pitches by 2022.
Wakefield Council’s deputy leader Coun Denise Jeffery said a working group had been set up to find suitable sites.
She said: “The alternative to not providing enough pitches is illegal camps which cause disruption in neighbourhoods, damage to the environment and incur significant legal and clearing up costs. The law is quite clear that we have to provide enough sites to meet travellers’ accommodation needs. We already have a well-established site at Heath Common with 70 pitches.
“As yet we have not identified a specific location for more pitches but that is the next step. Any proposal for developing a new Travellers site would need council approval and would be subject to consultation with the local community through planning.”
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