From the Northern Echo
COUNCILLORS will press ahead with controversial plans to effectively double the size of a Gypsy site on the outskirts of Darlington, despite a last-minute attempt to derail the proposal.
Members of Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet this week agreed to use a £1.8million grant from a Government agency to provide 20 new pitches in Neasham Road.
There is already a Traveller site in Neasham Road and this new development will see the construction of a separate compound immediately adjoining the existing one.
At Tuesday’s (December 3) meeting, developer Frank Maguire told members he had acquired another site, in Heron Drive, which he argued would be more suitable.
Councillor Ian Haszeldine told Mr Maguire that the site is ‘contaminated land’ and had been earmarked for a 53-home development.
Director of place Richard Alty told members that Mr Maguire’s comments should not have an impact on their deliberations over the Neasham Road development, given the identified need to provide extra gypsy and Traveller pitches across the borough.
Mr Alty said Mr Maguire’s proposals would need to be discussed separately.
A report prepared for members said the development would be funded using the grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.
The council has made a commitment to provide 35 extra Gypsy and Traveller pitches by 2016.
This development, which is expected to be completed by early 2015, will go a long way towards achieving that target.
The report refers to ‘cultural differences’ between the Gypsy and Traveller community and residents living close to the Neasham Road site.
Gypsy and Traveller accommodation has long been a hot topic for discussion in Darlington.
That discussion intensified last year, when the council announced consultation on proposals to extend existing sites, or create new ones, at a variety of locations across the borough, in response to Government targets for Gypsy sites.
None of the £1.8million grant will be used to improve the existing site, said the report, although it would benefit from shared infrastructure created to serve the new site, such as an access road and new electricity sub-station.
Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “This report outlines the outcome of a feasibility study in relation to Gypsy and Traveller sites.
“This has been a long-standing issue, with much consultation and cabinet will recall we were successful in relation to funding in respect of Honeypot Lane and/or Neasham Road.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
More Traveller and Gypsy sites are needed in Lincolnshire - report
From the Grimsby Telegraph
MORE than 70 caravan pitches and 35 houses are needed to stop overcrowding among Lincolnshire's Gypsy and Traveller communities, according to a new report.
A housing needs group has found Traveller sites are under strain from expanding families and new Travellers coming into the county.
The Gypsy And Traveller Accommodation Assessment recommended that West Lindsey District Council, as well as the City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven, increase provision for Traveller communities over the next two decades.
The report's recommendations could pave the way for farmers to put forward their own private land for caravan sites or development.
However, the National Farmers' Union believes landowners should be given a choice on how their fields are used.
An NFU spokesman said: "We are aware there is a need for new sites for Travellers in the county, but it will be up to individual farmers to make the decision about selling or letting land for suitable sites. The central Lincolnshire councils will understand that development on agricultural land can become a major local issue, no matter who is doing the development or what is the end use of the land."
The report was approved at a Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Committee meeting.
It recommended West Lindsey District Council finds space for 43 caravan pitches.
In a first for the county, the report recommends temporary stopping places are created to help families on the move from having to use illegal sites.
It also suggests a travelling people's show yard will be needed in the next 20 years.
The report will now go forward for scrutiny by a government inspector as part of setting out a new core strategy for Lincolnshire and how the county grows.
MORE than 70 caravan pitches and 35 houses are needed to stop overcrowding among Lincolnshire's Gypsy and Traveller communities, according to a new report.
A housing needs group has found Traveller sites are under strain from expanding families and new Travellers coming into the county.
The Gypsy And Traveller Accommodation Assessment recommended that West Lindsey District Council, as well as the City of Lincoln Council, North Kesteven, increase provision for Traveller communities over the next two decades.
The report's recommendations could pave the way for farmers to put forward their own private land for caravan sites or development.
However, the National Farmers' Union believes landowners should be given a choice on how their fields are used.
An NFU spokesman said: "We are aware there is a need for new sites for Travellers in the county, but it will be up to individual farmers to make the decision about selling or letting land for suitable sites. The central Lincolnshire councils will understand that development on agricultural land can become a major local issue, no matter who is doing the development or what is the end use of the land."
The report was approved at a Central Lincolnshire Joint Planning Committee meeting.
It recommended West Lindsey District Council finds space for 43 caravan pitches.
In a first for the county, the report recommends temporary stopping places are created to help families on the move from having to use illegal sites.
It also suggests a travelling people's show yard will be needed in the next 20 years.
The report will now go forward for scrutiny by a government inspector as part of setting out a new core strategy for Lincolnshire and how the county grows.
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Traveller site is a ‘toxic time bomb - councillor - Somerset
From the Weston Mercury
A GYPSY and Traveller site in Weston has been given the go-ahead despite fears it is a ‘toxic time bomb’ and residents living there would be treated like ‘second-class citizens’.
North Somerset Council’s south area committee met on Thursday to discuss the application for a site at Old Junction Yard in Winterstoke Road.
It was told that people are currently living in over-crowded sites and the new one would give 24 families the chance at a better life.
Three other areas are now being investigated as potential sites.
The Mercury reported how a 30cm-thick cover underground is to be provided because of soil contaminated by arsenic, lead and cadmium.
South Ward councillor Ian Parker believes the site poses a significant risk to human health.
He said: “I have been absolutely amazed, not to say alarmed, at the determination of officers to get this approved.
“There have been more than 100 objections, and a 486-name petition, and it is not supported by the community.
“This has made a mockery of the consultation process.
“This site is unsuitable for residential development.
“I don’t think anyone in this room would like to occupy this land so why would Gypsies and Travellers?
“It’s treating them like second-class citizens.”
Deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said current sites in North Somerset had become over-crowded and the majority of people who would move to Winterstoke Road lived in Weston and North Somerset.
The site will be run by Elim Housing, which already manages four sites in North Somerset.
Elim chief executive Alistair Allender said: “Any decision about Gypsy and Traveller sites creates emotional responses.
“As a group they are not adequately integrated into mainstream society, and are a very disadvantaged group. Education levels are low and health inequalities exist.
“This is a chance to grant 24 families a place to live and a chance for a better life and more equal place in society.”
Council planning officers said they are looking at Moorland Park and the new Locking Parklands development as potential sites as it needs to provide 60 pitches by the end of 2016.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Parker said: “There was obviously a solid display of nimbyism by those who voted.
“I am appalled by the blatant disregard to local people who signed a petition.
“It was quite right to say a lot of people signed from outside of the area, but I’m surprised they didn’t filter those out.
“Members just weren’t really interested.
“My concern is about the potential health risk for future occupants who, in my opinion, will be living on a toxic time bomb.”
A GYPSY and Traveller site in Weston has been given the go-ahead despite fears it is a ‘toxic time bomb’ and residents living there would be treated like ‘second-class citizens’.
North Somerset Council’s south area committee met on Thursday to discuss the application for a site at Old Junction Yard in Winterstoke Road.
It was told that people are currently living in over-crowded sites and the new one would give 24 families the chance at a better life.
Three other areas are now being investigated as potential sites.
The Mercury reported how a 30cm-thick cover underground is to be provided because of soil contaminated by arsenic, lead and cadmium.
South Ward councillor Ian Parker believes the site poses a significant risk to human health.
He said: “I have been absolutely amazed, not to say alarmed, at the determination of officers to get this approved.
“There have been more than 100 objections, and a 486-name petition, and it is not supported by the community.
“This has made a mockery of the consultation process.
“This site is unsuitable for residential development.
“I don’t think anyone in this room would like to occupy this land so why would Gypsies and Travellers?
“It’s treating them like second-class citizens.”
Deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees said current sites in North Somerset had become over-crowded and the majority of people who would move to Winterstoke Road lived in Weston and North Somerset.
The site will be run by Elim Housing, which already manages four sites in North Somerset.
Elim chief executive Alistair Allender said: “Any decision about Gypsy and Traveller sites creates emotional responses.
“As a group they are not adequately integrated into mainstream society, and are a very disadvantaged group. Education levels are low and health inequalities exist.
“This is a chance to grant 24 families a place to live and a chance for a better life and more equal place in society.”
Council planning officers said they are looking at Moorland Park and the new Locking Parklands development as potential sites as it needs to provide 60 pitches by the end of 2016.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Parker said: “There was obviously a solid display of nimbyism by those who voted.
“I am appalled by the blatant disregard to local people who signed a petition.
“It was quite right to say a lot of people signed from outside of the area, but I’m surprised they didn’t filter those out.
“Members just weren’t really interested.
“My concern is about the potential health risk for future occupants who, in my opinion, will be living on a toxic time bomb.”
Gypsy tribute to 'legend' of Upton upon Severn - Worcestershire
From Worcester News
ABOUT 100 cars followed a horse and carriage through the streets of Upton in tribute to a well-known figure.
The traditional Gypsy cortege passed through town streets to celebrate the life of Leonard Finney, who died aged 62.
Kane Finney, Leonard’s son, said: “We had a good turnout considering the weather was so bad. Around 100 cars in total were following us through Upton, I’m happy with the turnout.
“The actual service was very nice, and even more people were there to pay their respects. We couldn’t have asked for any more.”
The cortege travelled to Gloucester Crematorium.
Leonard Finney owned and lived on Hillbee Farm, Welland Road, Upton, with his family and used it as a caravan club site and then later a Gypsy site.
It was this site that led to Mr Finney being much known to Malvern Hills District Council and to gaining a reputation as a “fighter”.
Leonard Finney had tried several times to gain planning permission to increase the site’s capacity to be able to accommodate an extra five caravans or mobile homes, in addition to the two already there.
His son, Kane, has vowed to continue the fight.
“Dad was a fighter all his life and never backed down from anyone or anything,” he said.
“I can promise now that the family will absolutely continue to fight for these planning applications and you can be sure we will see them through eventually.”
ABOUT 100 cars followed a horse and carriage through the streets of Upton in tribute to a well-known figure.
The traditional Gypsy cortege passed through town streets to celebrate the life of Leonard Finney, who died aged 62.
Kane Finney, Leonard’s son, said: “We had a good turnout considering the weather was so bad. Around 100 cars in total were following us through Upton, I’m happy with the turnout.
“The actual service was very nice, and even more people were there to pay their respects. We couldn’t have asked for any more.”
The cortege travelled to Gloucester Crematorium.
Leonard Finney owned and lived on Hillbee Farm, Welland Road, Upton, with his family and used it as a caravan club site and then later a Gypsy site.
It was this site that led to Mr Finney being much known to Malvern Hills District Council and to gaining a reputation as a “fighter”.
Leonard Finney had tried several times to gain planning permission to increase the site’s capacity to be able to accommodate an extra five caravans or mobile homes, in addition to the two already there.
His son, Kane, has vowed to continue the fight.
“Dad was a fighter all his life and never backed down from anyone or anything,” he said.
“I can promise now that the family will absolutely continue to fight for these planning applications and you can be sure we will see them through eventually.”
Friday, 27 December 2013
Man taken to hospital with multiple cuts to his body after Christmas Day incident at Smithy Fen Travellers' site near Cambridge triggers massive armed police operation - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
A Traveller was taken to hospital on Christmas Day after receiving multiple cuts to his body at a site near Cambridge – triggering a massive armed police operation.
Police were going door-to-door yesterday to reassure Cottenham residents following the incident on the Smithy Fen Travellers’ site.
Dozens of officers, including some armed with guns, and up to 15 police vehicles as well as the force helicopter were called to the site which is off Twentypence Road at about 9.20pm.
The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance with a police escort where he was treated with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
They consisted of multiple cuts to his arms, legs and torso, and detectives have seized a broken bottle.
Crime scene investigators were at the cordoned-off scene on Boxing Day searching for further clues.
Residents enjoying the last hours of Christmas Day were alerted to the incident after seeing the huge amount of police activity.
One resident said: “There were loads of police around the Old Hunting Lodge pub, which was cordoned off.
“I saw an ambulance speeding through the village with a police escort with sirens going and lights flashing. It must have been pretty serious.”
Police officers and PCSOs were out in force yesterday in a bid to reassure families.
Another resident said: “I am not sure what happened on Christmas Day night but a large amount of police vehicles were assembled just off Twentypence Road on the turning to Smithy Fen. It’s unclear if something had happened at the Traveller site or the large white house on the corner.
“There were probably in excess of 15 police cars and vans at the scene from 11pm right through Christmas night, plus the helicopter.
“There were still a few vehicles there throughout Boxing Day, and officers in white crime scene boiler suits and police cordon tape were spotted in the road near the house at lunchtime.”
Police have made two arrests but are appealing for information about the attack, and reassuring residents it was an isolated incident.
A Cambridgeshire police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to Twentypence Road, Cottenham at 9.20pm on Christmas Day with reports that a man had been seriously assaulted.
“The victim was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
“Two men, aged 47 and 52, from Cottenham, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have been bailed.
“Scenes of Crime officers carried out forensic work at the scene and the helicopter was called.
A Traveller was taken to hospital on Christmas Day after receiving multiple cuts to his body at a site near Cambridge – triggering a massive armed police operation.
Police were going door-to-door yesterday to reassure Cottenham residents following the incident on the Smithy Fen Travellers’ site.
Dozens of officers, including some armed with guns, and up to 15 police vehicles as well as the force helicopter were called to the site which is off Twentypence Road at about 9.20pm.
The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance with a police escort where he was treated with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
They consisted of multiple cuts to his arms, legs and torso, and detectives have seized a broken bottle.
Crime scene investigators were at the cordoned-off scene on Boxing Day searching for further clues.
Residents enjoying the last hours of Christmas Day were alerted to the incident after seeing the huge amount of police activity.
One resident said: “There were loads of police around the Old Hunting Lodge pub, which was cordoned off.
“I saw an ambulance speeding through the village with a police escort with sirens going and lights flashing. It must have been pretty serious.”
Police officers and PCSOs were out in force yesterday in a bid to reassure families.
Another resident said: “I am not sure what happened on Christmas Day night but a large amount of police vehicles were assembled just off Twentypence Road on the turning to Smithy Fen. It’s unclear if something had happened at the Traveller site or the large white house on the corner.
“There were probably in excess of 15 police cars and vans at the scene from 11pm right through Christmas night, plus the helicopter.
“There were still a few vehicles there throughout Boxing Day, and officers in white crime scene boiler suits and police cordon tape were spotted in the road near the house at lunchtime.”
Police have made two arrests but are appealing for information about the attack, and reassuring residents it was an isolated incident.
A Cambridgeshire police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to Twentypence Road, Cottenham at 9.20pm on Christmas Day with reports that a man had been seriously assaulted.
“The victim was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries and has since been released.
“Two men, aged 47 and 52, from Cottenham, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have been bailed.
“Scenes of Crime officers carried out forensic work at the scene and the helicopter was called.
Opportunity to suggest possible sites - Gwynedd
From Cyngor Gwinedd Council
In accordance with the Planning Policy Wales and the Housing Act 2004, every Council must respond to the demand for accommodation for the local community. This includes meeting the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller Community.
According to a recent study, there are deficiencies in:
permanent sites for Gypsies and Travellers (where people can live for most of the year);
travelling sites / acknowledged stopping sites for Gypsies and Travellers (where people can stay if they are passing through the area or stay for short periods of time).
As a result, people can currently suggest places which will be suitable as permanent or temporary sites for Gypsies and Travellers. During this “Call for Sites” period – which lasts until 17 January 2014 – landowners, organisations or anyone else can propose possible sites to be assessed by the Council to see if they would be suitable for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
This process forms part of the Gwynedd and Anglesey Joint Local Development Plan and can inform a revision of the Snowdonia Local Development Plan.
For more information, and to make a request for a site proposal form, go to the Council’s website or contact the Joint Development Plan Unit on polisicynllunio@gwynedd.gov.uk or 01286 679890.
A register of the possible sites proposed will be put together as soon as possible following the closing date. It will then be available to view on the Council’s website; at Siop Gwynedd, Pwllheli; the Town Hall, Bangor; and at the Snowdonia National Park office, Penrhyndeudraeth.
In accordance with the Planning Policy Wales and the Housing Act 2004, every Council must respond to the demand for accommodation for the local community. This includes meeting the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller Community.
According to a recent study, there are deficiencies in:
permanent sites for Gypsies and Travellers (where people can live for most of the year);
travelling sites / acknowledged stopping sites for Gypsies and Travellers (where people can stay if they are passing through the area or stay for short periods of time).
As a result, people can currently suggest places which will be suitable as permanent or temporary sites for Gypsies and Travellers. During this “Call for Sites” period – which lasts until 17 January 2014 – landowners, organisations or anyone else can propose possible sites to be assessed by the Council to see if they would be suitable for the Gypsy and Traveller community.
This process forms part of the Gwynedd and Anglesey Joint Local Development Plan and can inform a revision of the Snowdonia Local Development Plan.
For more information, and to make a request for a site proposal form, go to the Council’s website or contact the Joint Development Plan Unit on polisicynllunio@gwynedd.gov.uk or 01286 679890.
A register of the possible sites proposed will be put together as soon as possible following the closing date. It will then be available to view on the Council’s website; at Siop Gwynedd, Pwllheli; the Town Hall, Bangor; and at the Snowdonia National Park office, Penrhyndeudraeth.
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Appeal launched against Three Rivers District Council's refusal of Gypsy caravan site in Oxhey Lane, Carpenders Park - Hertfordshire
From the Watford Observer
An appeal has been launched against Three Rivers District Council's decision to refuse a 12-caravan Gypsy site in a Green Belt field in Carpenders Park.
The application to convert existing stables and build a residential caravan site for six Gypsy families, each with two caravans, in Green Acres, was thrown out by district councillors at a planning meeting earlier this year.
An appeal has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment by Peter Daley to override the council’s decision not to allow the Oxhey Lane development.
The proposals were rejected by politicians in April on the grounds that: "The change of use of the land to create six Gypsy pitches constitutes inappropriate development in the Metropolitan Green Belt, which by definition is harmful.
"The harm to the Metropolitan Green Belt is exacerbated by reason of the encroachment into the surrounding fields for the siting of caravans, with associated urbanising development which fails to preserve the openness and rural character of the Metropolitan Green Belt.
"The council accepts that there is a significant unmet need and it cannot demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable Gypsy and traveller sites but considers that this need does not outweigh the harm to the Metropolitan Green Belt.
"Therefore, no very special circumstances exist to justify the grant of planning permission."
A total of 1,195 people signed a petition opposing the application before it was heard at the council's planning committee.
In a letter put forward by Georgina Ford, the secretary of Carpenders Park Residents Association, she explained that: "The site is the last bit of Green Belt land separating Carpenders Park from Hatch End and therefore is of great importance to the residents marking the boundary between Hertfordshire and London.
"The residents would be opposed to any application to build or construct residential accommodation on this site regardless of the applicant."
Representations were also made by Watford Rural Parish Council who, in a letter submitted to the planning committee, explained that: "With six families on the site there will at the very minimum be 12 cars leaving and entering the site everyday, several times a day, this does not include the lorries and vans that will be used for work, thus creating a lot more traffic on this stretch of busy of road."
The appeal will be decided by an informal hearing, the date of which is yet to be determined.
An appeal has been launched against Three Rivers District Council's decision to refuse a 12-caravan Gypsy site in a Green Belt field in Carpenders Park.
The application to convert existing stables and build a residential caravan site for six Gypsy families, each with two caravans, in Green Acres, was thrown out by district councillors at a planning meeting earlier this year.
An appeal has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Environment by Peter Daley to override the council’s decision not to allow the Oxhey Lane development.
The proposals were rejected by politicians in April on the grounds that: "The change of use of the land to create six Gypsy pitches constitutes inappropriate development in the Metropolitan Green Belt, which by definition is harmful.
"The harm to the Metropolitan Green Belt is exacerbated by reason of the encroachment into the surrounding fields for the siting of caravans, with associated urbanising development which fails to preserve the openness and rural character of the Metropolitan Green Belt.
"The council accepts that there is a significant unmet need and it cannot demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable Gypsy and traveller sites but considers that this need does not outweigh the harm to the Metropolitan Green Belt.
"Therefore, no very special circumstances exist to justify the grant of planning permission."
A total of 1,195 people signed a petition opposing the application before it was heard at the council's planning committee.
In a letter put forward by Georgina Ford, the secretary of Carpenders Park Residents Association, she explained that: "The site is the last bit of Green Belt land separating Carpenders Park from Hatch End and therefore is of great importance to the residents marking the boundary between Hertfordshire and London.
"The residents would be opposed to any application to build or construct residential accommodation on this site regardless of the applicant."
Representations were also made by Watford Rural Parish Council who, in a letter submitted to the planning committee, explained that: "With six families on the site there will at the very minimum be 12 cars leaving and entering the site everyday, several times a day, this does not include the lorries and vans that will be used for work, thus creating a lot more traffic on this stretch of busy of road."
The appeal will be decided by an informal hearing, the date of which is yet to be determined.
Gypsy's son vows to continue battle over site - Worcestershire
From the Malvern Gazette
A GYPSY who fought a council over plans to extend his site has died, but his son has vowed to continue the fight.
Leonard Finney, who owned and lived on gipsy site Hillbee Farm on Welland Road, near Upton, died aged 62 of liver failure.
Mr Finney was described as a “fighter” and he certainly lived up to that billing after several disputes with Malvern Hills District Council over planning applications to extend the site.
The site, which Mr Finney owned since 1993, was formerly a caravan club but Mr Finney wanted to extend the gipsy site with another five caravans or mobile homes in addition to the two already there. Residents opposed the applications and Mr Finney was denied permission by Malvern Hills District Council on several occasions.
His son Kane Finney said of his father: “He was a wellknown figure in Upton and everyone had respect for him.
“He was a fighter all his life and never backed down from anyone or anything. He was a loving father and an allround great family man.
“I can promise now that the family will continue to fight for these planning applications and we will see them through eventually.”
Leonard Finney leaves a wife Carol Finney, grandchildren Shane, Shaun and Karendianne and daughterin- law Diane Finney. Mr Finney’s life will be celebrated on Monday when a traditional horse-drawn funeral cortege with two black horses followed by three or four cars will pass through Upton from 12.15pm.
It will travel to Gloucester, where there will be a service at Gloucester Crematorium from 2pm.
A GYPSY who fought a council over plans to extend his site has died, but his son has vowed to continue the fight.
Leonard Finney, who owned and lived on gipsy site Hillbee Farm on Welland Road, near Upton, died aged 62 of liver failure.
Mr Finney was described as a “fighter” and he certainly lived up to that billing after several disputes with Malvern Hills District Council over planning applications to extend the site.
The site, which Mr Finney owned since 1993, was formerly a caravan club but Mr Finney wanted to extend the gipsy site with another five caravans or mobile homes in addition to the two already there. Residents opposed the applications and Mr Finney was denied permission by Malvern Hills District Council on several occasions.
His son Kane Finney said of his father: “He was a wellknown figure in Upton and everyone had respect for him.
“He was a fighter all his life and never backed down from anyone or anything. He was a loving father and an allround great family man.
“I can promise now that the family will continue to fight for these planning applications and we will see them through eventually.”
Leonard Finney leaves a wife Carol Finney, grandchildren Shane, Shaun and Karendianne and daughterin- law Diane Finney. Mr Finney’s life will be celebrated on Monday when a traditional horse-drawn funeral cortege with two black horses followed by three or four cars will pass through Upton from 12.15pm.
It will travel to Gloucester, where there will be a service at Gloucester Crematorium from 2pm.
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Newport Gypsy sites plan gets the go-ahead - Gwent
From the South Wales Argus
NEWPORT councillors gave the green light to a contentious plan to build three Gypsy sites in the city in a council meeting held yesterday.
Councillors voted that the Local Development Plan, which sets out sites for planning until 2026, will now go to the Welsh Government for approval.
Of the members, 29 voted in favour, ten voted against and six abstained.
Cllr John Richards, cabinet member for regeneration and development, said the plan was “fundamental” to the city’s development in the future.
Two women in the public gallery voiced their discontent.
One shouted “shocking” while another asked: “Where do you live?”
In a heated meeting, mayor of Newport Cllr Cliff Suller appealed for people to stop shouting out from the public gallery three times and threatened people with removal if they were not quiet.
When the vote had been passed, people walked out of the council chamber.
One man said “see you in court” and a woman shouted “you haven’t served Newport”.
An amendment by Ringland councillor Emma Corten, which asked for the Hartridge Farm Road site to be removed from the plan, failed to be supported by councillors.
She said the site, which would have had 43 pitches, was “far too big” and that her objections were “absolutely not based on Nimby-ism”.
She said the council should focus on providing an “actually deliverable site”.
Cllr Bob Bright, the leader of the council, supported the amendment. He said “5,800 people cannot be wrong,” referring to the number of signatories on petitions against that site.
He said he felt a “feeling of unease” supporting the plan.
But only 15 councillors supported the amendment.
The city council is obliged by the Housing Act 2004 to build the sites.
But council officers said it had more than 14,000 signatories on petitions objecting to three Gypsy sites.
The other two smaller sites at Celtic Way near Duffryn and the Ringland allotments were also passed.
In the plan the council said it expects about 10,350 new homes and 7,400 new jobs to be brought to the city by 2026.
And it expects to build 2,500 affordable homes as part of 8,900 that are planned in that time.
Earlier this week, it was revealed schools and businesses had objected to the proposed Gypsy sites in Newport.
Tata Steel, the owner of the Llanwern steelworks, voiced their concern and said the Hartridge Farm Road residential site would be significantly bigger than what Welsh guidelines allow.
In November consultants who had been commissioned by the Ringland Matters group who were opposed to the plans for Hartridge Farm Road said the proposed site’s size was the “most obvious conflict”.
see also The BBC - Gypsy site protesters in Newport to fight on
NEWPORT councillors gave the green light to a contentious plan to build three Gypsy sites in the city in a council meeting held yesterday.
Councillors voted that the Local Development Plan, which sets out sites for planning until 2026, will now go to the Welsh Government for approval.
Of the members, 29 voted in favour, ten voted against and six abstained.
Cllr John Richards, cabinet member for regeneration and development, said the plan was “fundamental” to the city’s development in the future.
Two women in the public gallery voiced their discontent.
One shouted “shocking” while another asked: “Where do you live?”
In a heated meeting, mayor of Newport Cllr Cliff Suller appealed for people to stop shouting out from the public gallery three times and threatened people with removal if they were not quiet.
When the vote had been passed, people walked out of the council chamber.
One man said “see you in court” and a woman shouted “you haven’t served Newport”.
An amendment by Ringland councillor Emma Corten, which asked for the Hartridge Farm Road site to be removed from the plan, failed to be supported by councillors.
She said the site, which would have had 43 pitches, was “far too big” and that her objections were “absolutely not based on Nimby-ism”.
She said the council should focus on providing an “actually deliverable site”.
Cllr Bob Bright, the leader of the council, supported the amendment. He said “5,800 people cannot be wrong,” referring to the number of signatories on petitions against that site.
He said he felt a “feeling of unease” supporting the plan.
But only 15 councillors supported the amendment.
The city council is obliged by the Housing Act 2004 to build the sites.
But council officers said it had more than 14,000 signatories on petitions objecting to three Gypsy sites.
The other two smaller sites at Celtic Way near Duffryn and the Ringland allotments were also passed.
In the plan the council said it expects about 10,350 new homes and 7,400 new jobs to be brought to the city by 2026.
And it expects to build 2,500 affordable homes as part of 8,900 that are planned in that time.
Earlier this week, it was revealed schools and businesses had objected to the proposed Gypsy sites in Newport.
Tata Steel, the owner of the Llanwern steelworks, voiced their concern and said the Hartridge Farm Road residential site would be significantly bigger than what Welsh guidelines allow.
In November consultants who had been commissioned by the Ringland Matters group who were opposed to the plans for Hartridge Farm Road said the proposed site’s size was the “most obvious conflict”.
see also The BBC - Gypsy site protesters in Newport to fight on
Friday, 20 December 2013
Leeds Traveller site controversy - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
Campaigners are clinging on to the hope that the Secretary of State for Communities will block a bid to expand Leeds’s only permanent Traveller site.
Leeds City Council’s plan to add an 12 extra pitches to the Cottingley Springs complex, in south Leeds, were approved by council planners last week but the final decision is up to Eric Pickles MP should he call the plans in before mid January.
The £1m plans attracted over 800 letters of objection from neighbouring residents, campaign groups and politicians.
Coun Robert Finnigan (Morley Borough Independent, Morley North) claims that prior to the council’s approval of the plans he was told that Mr Pickles was “inclined to call it in”. Should he decline to examine them, the expansion will go ahead.
Coun Finnigan said: “If you look at national policy, local policy, ministerial pronouncements and the opposition from many of the Travellers on the site, you would have thought it was a nailed-on refusal. I’m pretty confident that should the Secretary of State see it, he will see it is a bit of a charade and he will refuse it.”
The plans, which will see the site grow from 41 to 53 pitches, were approved in principle by the council’s City Plans Panel last week.
The decision came despite concerns over road safety, impact on the greenbelt, antisocial behaviour and a need for wider distribution of Traveller sites across the city being voiced to the council.
The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange welfare group has previously said that the numbers of “homeless” Leeds Travellers leaves the organisation “struggling to wholeheartedly oppose the plans”.
A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said: “We have carried out a lot of work to get to this point, and are confident that this option will best meet the needs of Travellers in our city.”
Campaigners are clinging on to the hope that the Secretary of State for Communities will block a bid to expand Leeds’s only permanent Traveller site.
Leeds City Council’s plan to add an 12 extra pitches to the Cottingley Springs complex, in south Leeds, were approved by council planners last week but the final decision is up to Eric Pickles MP should he call the plans in before mid January.
The £1m plans attracted over 800 letters of objection from neighbouring residents, campaign groups and politicians.
Coun Robert Finnigan (Morley Borough Independent, Morley North) claims that prior to the council’s approval of the plans he was told that Mr Pickles was “inclined to call it in”. Should he decline to examine them, the expansion will go ahead.
Coun Finnigan said: “If you look at national policy, local policy, ministerial pronouncements and the opposition from many of the Travellers on the site, you would have thought it was a nailed-on refusal. I’m pretty confident that should the Secretary of State see it, he will see it is a bit of a charade and he will refuse it.”
The plans, which will see the site grow from 41 to 53 pitches, were approved in principle by the council’s City Plans Panel last week.
The decision came despite concerns over road safety, impact on the greenbelt, antisocial behaviour and a need for wider distribution of Traveller sites across the city being voiced to the council.
The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange welfare group has previously said that the numbers of “homeless” Leeds Travellers leaves the organisation “struggling to wholeheartedly oppose the plans”.
A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said: “We have carried out a lot of work to get to this point, and are confident that this option will best meet the needs of Travellers in our city.”
Gypsy's funeral in Chester goes without hitch - Cheshire
From Chester First
POLICE have described its operation to deal with anticipated high numbers of mourners at Gypsy’s funeral in Chester yesterday.
Police had been expecting large numbers of up to 1,000 people to pay their respects to an Ellesmere Port woman from the Travelling community, and had been prepared for severe transport disruption in certain areas of the city.
Police had put measures in place to minimise disruption, with a horse- drawn carriage cortège and walking procession making its way from Walker Street, Hoole, to Blacon Crematorium yesterday morning. But numbers were far less than anticipated, with around 200 mourners present.
Insp Kevin Chambers of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The numbers were far less than we expected. It meant the operation ran smoothly and was successful.
“We liaised with residents and businesses who would have been affected by delays and had measures in place to ensure we could deal with large numbers of mourners and manage the situation.
“We identified possible hot spots for trouble and the event passed with minimum disruption. We also had to make sure we kept things running smoothly for other families who were having loved ones interred at the crematorium so no delays occurred.
“While the numbers, were far less than we anticipated, we had to make sure and plan for what we received information on. It is a case of being damned if you do, damned if you don’t. We had to make sure we were ready for any eventuality.”
POLICE have described its operation to deal with anticipated high numbers of mourners at Gypsy’s funeral in Chester yesterday.
Police had been expecting large numbers of up to 1,000 people to pay their respects to an Ellesmere Port woman from the Travelling community, and had been prepared for severe transport disruption in certain areas of the city.
Police had put measures in place to minimise disruption, with a horse- drawn carriage cortège and walking procession making its way from Walker Street, Hoole, to Blacon Crematorium yesterday morning. But numbers were far less than anticipated, with around 200 mourners present.
Insp Kevin Chambers of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “The numbers were far less than we expected. It meant the operation ran smoothly and was successful.
“We liaised with residents and businesses who would have been affected by delays and had measures in place to ensure we could deal with large numbers of mourners and manage the situation.
“We identified possible hot spots for trouble and the event passed with minimum disruption. We also had to make sure we kept things running smoothly for other families who were having loved ones interred at the crematorium so no delays occurred.
“While the numbers, were far less than we anticipated, we had to make sure and plan for what we received information on. It is a case of being damned if you do, damned if you don’t. We had to make sure we were ready for any eventuality.”
Groby Gypsy site meeting to be held this evening - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
A public meeting has been organised to discuss an application to create a Gypsy caravan site in Groby.
The meeting will be held from 6.45pm today at the Groby community centre in Forest Rise.
Agent Philip Brown has lodged a planning application for a site for four caravans and an amenity building off Wallace Drive.
Mr Brown, of Rugby, said it was a brownfield site and would be screened from the surrounding neighbourhood.
He said the proposal would accommodate two families and each plot would have a mobile home and a touring caravan.
The meeting has been organised by councillors Ozzy O'Shea and Peter Batty, who said access to the site is unsuitable and are concerned the number of caravans would not be restricted to four caravans.
A public meeting has been organised to discuss an application to create a Gypsy caravan site in Groby.
The meeting will be held from 6.45pm today at the Groby community centre in Forest Rise.
Agent Philip Brown has lodged a planning application for a site for four caravans and an amenity building off Wallace Drive.
Mr Brown, of Rugby, said it was a brownfield site and would be screened from the surrounding neighbourhood.
He said the proposal would accommodate two families and each plot would have a mobile home and a touring caravan.
The meeting has been organised by councillors Ozzy O'Shea and Peter Batty, who said access to the site is unsuitable and are concerned the number of caravans would not be restricted to four caravans.
Opponents of Leicester Gypsy and Traveller sites hope to take case to court - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
A campaign to stop managed Gypsy and Traveller pitches could be heading to the high court.
Members of LE4 Action Group are looking at launching a judicial review into planning permission granted by Leicester City Council for 16 pitches on sites in Red Hill Way and Thurcaston Road.
Objectors said they were determined to derail the plans and were now considering turning to the courts after another potential barrier to the sites was overcome. The Department of Communities and Local Government had warned the council it might overrule the decision to grant planning permission.
However, yesterday it announced it would not call in the decisions. Secretary of State Eric Pickles ruled the decision should stay with the council.
A campaign to stop managed Gypsy and Traveller pitches could be heading to the high court.
Members of LE4 Action Group are looking at launching a judicial review into planning permission granted by Leicester City Council for 16 pitches on sites in Red Hill Way and Thurcaston Road.
Objectors said they were determined to derail the plans and were now considering turning to the courts after another potential barrier to the sites was overcome. The Department of Communities and Local Government had warned the council it might overrule the decision to grant planning permission.
However, yesterday it announced it would not call in the decisions. Secretary of State Eric Pickles ruled the decision should stay with the council.
No place to go
From the Economics and Social Research Centre
How can we create space and place in communities for Gypsies and Travellers?
Research by Dr Jo Richardson, at De Montfort University, Leicester, has attempted to understand the conflict that can be caused in the debate on Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Gypsies and Travellers are ethnic groups protected under equalities legislation. About a third of them live on sites or on the roadside, with the rest in housing. Many Gypsies and Travellers prefer sites because they can be close to family and have a base from which to travel. But without suitable accommodation, they cannot access adequate healthcare and schooling, resulting in stark mortality and employment outcomes.
Just the mention of Gypsy and Traveller sites can be the cause of conflict and debate. There are objections from communities to new planning applications, but there are also complaints when roadside encampments appear if there is nowhere else to stop. How can we break this cycle of not wanting Gypsies and Travellers to travel through our communities, or to settle on sites either?
The research has found that one of the key barriers is the creation of conflict through political and media discussion, and the reflection of this conflict in community-planning consultations. Politicians and newspaper editors need to practise caution in the language they use when discussing the issues. Gypsies and Travellers are not a homogenous group as represented in some parts of the media, and their diversity and their place in Britain's culture should be celebrated.
A further challenge to site delivery is a seemingly short supply of available and appropriate land. There is a much wider debate on the shortage of housing more generally in Britain, but conflict in the debate on planning for sites exacerbates the situation for Gypsies and Travellers. The research found that there is a need to demonstrate the cost-benefit of providing sites compared with closing and cleaning up unauthorised camps – effectively continuously paying for non-provision of sites.
Alternative approaches, including community land trust initiatives, might also be a way to create sites. Adaptive planning and conflict resolution can be appropriate ways forward, and the use of mediation techniques in planning consultation exercises can create a more balanced debate.
The benefit is that small family sites – the preference of travelling and settled communities – can be developed and unauthorised encampments reduced.
How can we create space and place in communities for Gypsies and Travellers?
Research by Dr Jo Richardson, at De Montfort University, Leicester, has attempted to understand the conflict that can be caused in the debate on Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Gypsies and Travellers are ethnic groups protected under equalities legislation. About a third of them live on sites or on the roadside, with the rest in housing. Many Gypsies and Travellers prefer sites because they can be close to family and have a base from which to travel. But without suitable accommodation, they cannot access adequate healthcare and schooling, resulting in stark mortality and employment outcomes.
Just the mention of Gypsy and Traveller sites can be the cause of conflict and debate. There are objections from communities to new planning applications, but there are also complaints when roadside encampments appear if there is nowhere else to stop. How can we break this cycle of not wanting Gypsies and Travellers to travel through our communities, or to settle on sites either?
The research has found that one of the key barriers is the creation of conflict through political and media discussion, and the reflection of this conflict in community-planning consultations. Politicians and newspaper editors need to practise caution in the language they use when discussing the issues. Gypsies and Travellers are not a homogenous group as represented in some parts of the media, and their diversity and their place in Britain's culture should be celebrated.
A further challenge to site delivery is a seemingly short supply of available and appropriate land. There is a much wider debate on the shortage of housing more generally in Britain, but conflict in the debate on planning for sites exacerbates the situation for Gypsies and Travellers. The research found that there is a need to demonstrate the cost-benefit of providing sites compared with closing and cleaning up unauthorised camps – effectively continuously paying for non-provision of sites.
Alternative approaches, including community land trust initiatives, might also be a way to create sites. Adaptive planning and conflict resolution can be appropriate ways forward, and the use of mediation techniques in planning consultation exercises can create a more balanced debate.
The benefit is that small family sites – the preference of travelling and settled communities – can be developed and unauthorised encampments reduced.
St Cyrus Travellers’ camp dispute continues into new year - Aberdeenshire
From the Courier
A Travellers’ encampment on the Angus and Mearns border will remain in place into the new year following a court hearing in Stonehaven.
The latest legal action related to the controversial site near the St Cyrus Nature Reserve saw the dispute between Aberdeenshire Council and Traveller James McCallum no closer to resolution.
Mr McCallum failed to appear at Stonehaven Sheriff Court on Thursday where he was summoned to face allegations that he and other occupants of the site breached an interim interdict placed on the land they occupy by the court via Aberdeenshire Council.
The village community fumed after Mr McCallum and several other members of the travelling community moved on to a patch of land next to Eskview Farm on the weekend of September 21.
Within two days, the patch of grass had been transformed into a partially functioning caravan site and a retrospective planning application for permission to build a 10-stance permanent facility was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council on Monday September 23.
The council placed a stop notice on the site to stop work and later obtained an interim interdict from Stonehaven Sheriff Court to prohibit work continuing.
That interdict was extended and subsequent allegations of a breach of the order were made to the council, a claim denied by those involved.
Mr McCallum was represented by solicitor Hayley Mitchell, of James and George Collie, Aberdeen.
The agent made no comment during the hearing, but Aberdeenshire Council solicitor Robin Taylor confirmed that Mr McCallum has denied the breach.
Mr Taylor told Sheriff Chris Shead that the council was seeking a hearing with time for answers set for January 23.
Afterwards he said: “The council are saying that Mr McCallum is denying the breach of interdict. The normal court approach is that he requires to state, in writing, what his defence to the accusation is.
“He has 21 days to do that and answers have to be submitted to the court by January 9. There is then a seven-day period that allows us to examine that. A hearing has been set for January 23 when it may be dealt with.”
Mearns councillor George Carr yesterday suggested the process could go on for a long time, adding: “I have been trying to ensure that people do not get their hopes up that this will be a quick fix.
“As today’s proceedings suggest, this will be a long drawn-out legal process.”
St Cyrus Community Council chairman Eric Herd said: “We were informed that the situation would be processed in accordance with planning laws and the courts and that’s what is happening, so it is out of our hands.”
A Travellers’ encampment on the Angus and Mearns border will remain in place into the new year following a court hearing in Stonehaven.
The latest legal action related to the controversial site near the St Cyrus Nature Reserve saw the dispute between Aberdeenshire Council and Traveller James McCallum no closer to resolution.
Mr McCallum failed to appear at Stonehaven Sheriff Court on Thursday where he was summoned to face allegations that he and other occupants of the site breached an interim interdict placed on the land they occupy by the court via Aberdeenshire Council.
The village community fumed after Mr McCallum and several other members of the travelling community moved on to a patch of land next to Eskview Farm on the weekend of September 21.
Within two days, the patch of grass had been transformed into a partially functioning caravan site and a retrospective planning application for permission to build a 10-stance permanent facility was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council on Monday September 23.
The council placed a stop notice on the site to stop work and later obtained an interim interdict from Stonehaven Sheriff Court to prohibit work continuing.
That interdict was extended and subsequent allegations of a breach of the order were made to the council, a claim denied by those involved.
Mr McCallum was represented by solicitor Hayley Mitchell, of James and George Collie, Aberdeen.
The agent made no comment during the hearing, but Aberdeenshire Council solicitor Robin Taylor confirmed that Mr McCallum has denied the breach.
Mr Taylor told Sheriff Chris Shead that the council was seeking a hearing with time for answers set for January 23.
Afterwards he said: “The council are saying that Mr McCallum is denying the breach of interdict. The normal court approach is that he requires to state, in writing, what his defence to the accusation is.
“He has 21 days to do that and answers have to be submitted to the court by January 9. There is then a seven-day period that allows us to examine that. A hearing has been set for January 23 when it may be dealt with.”
Mearns councillor George Carr yesterday suggested the process could go on for a long time, adding: “I have been trying to ensure that people do not get their hopes up that this will be a quick fix.
“As today’s proceedings suggest, this will be a long drawn-out legal process.”
St Cyrus Community Council chairman Eric Herd said: “We were informed that the situation would be processed in accordance with planning laws and the courts and that’s what is happening, so it is out of our hands.”
Man arrested after police raid Travellers campsite in West Berkshire
From Get Reading
A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after police raided a Travellers site in West Berkshire on Tuesday.
Officers swopped down on caravan site at Four Houses Corner outside Burghfield Common and seized a jet ski, tools and farming equipment which they believe to be stolen.
The man was quizzed on suspicion of a burglary that took place between midnight and 2.45am at the Benham Valence Estate in Speen and was bailed until Tuesday, January 14.
Detective Inspector Claire Knibbs said the joint operation by officers from West Berkshire and the South and Vale area was a tremendous success and added: “We recovered a significant amount of high value goods we believe to be stolen.
“This operation shows our continuous commitment to deal robustly with those that chose to commit burglary offences in our area.”
Police are now looking to find the rightful owners of the property and are asking people who recognise the goods to call 101.
A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after police raided a Travellers site in West Berkshire on Tuesday.
Officers swopped down on caravan site at Four Houses Corner outside Burghfield Common and seized a jet ski, tools and farming equipment which they believe to be stolen.
The man was quizzed on suspicion of a burglary that took place between midnight and 2.45am at the Benham Valence Estate in Speen and was bailed until Tuesday, January 14.
Detective Inspector Claire Knibbs said the joint operation by officers from West Berkshire and the South and Vale area was a tremendous success and added: “We recovered a significant amount of high value goods we believe to be stolen.
“This operation shows our continuous commitment to deal robustly with those that chose to commit burglary offences in our area.”
Police are now looking to find the rightful owners of the property and are asking people who recognise the goods to call 101.
Dismay as rejected Gypsy site in Willington is to be reconsidered - Derbyshire
From the Derby Telegraph
RESIDENTS in a Derbyshire village are opposing resubmitted plans for a Gypsy site that have already been rejected by a local authority.
An application has been put in again for two caravans housing four Gypsy families at The Castle Way, Willington.
South Derbyshire District Council threw out the plans in May because of concerns it might affect the local character and nearby residents.
But the applicant has re-applied, much to residents' dismay.
Alan Gifford, of Hall Lane, said: "I don't think this application will improve the area because normally such sites are not tidy.
"It's clean there now and I'd rather it stayed like that because it's not doing any harm."
Martyn Ford, district councillor for Willington and Findern, said: "My personal view is the decision to reject this application is completely right.
"The reasons from residents are very sound and South Derbyshire has a history of Gypsy applications – some have been granted whilst others have been rejected.
"It's important to point out I'm not anti-Gypsy because we have accepted sites in the past."
John Orme, of St Michael's Close, Willington, believes the site is not suitable for the Gypsies themselves.
He said: "It's a big piece of land surrounded by busy traffic routes with noise and pollution. From a human point of view, I don't agree with it."
Willington resident Marion Keeling said she had written a letter of objection to the council about the site.
She said: "I objected to the application because I don't think it's adequate for the amount of caravans proposed.
"There also appears to be no facility for waste."
Access would be from Castleway Lane via an existing tarmac driveway.
Samuel Brown, planning assistant at Philip Brown Associated – which is representing applicant Patrick Maloney – said in a letter to South Derbyshire District Council that the site was located within an area of land not protected by special planning designations.
He argued that the site could be blended in through landscaping, including the planting of trees to add privacy.
It also says the proposed development would be capable of having easier access to health services, the need for less travelling and possible less environmental damage caused by unauthorised encampment.
The applicant's agents said they could not comment to the Derby Telegraph before the appeal was heard next year.
RESIDENTS in a Derbyshire village are opposing resubmitted plans for a Gypsy site that have already been rejected by a local authority.
An application has been put in again for two caravans housing four Gypsy families at The Castle Way, Willington.
South Derbyshire District Council threw out the plans in May because of concerns it might affect the local character and nearby residents.
But the applicant has re-applied, much to residents' dismay.
Alan Gifford, of Hall Lane, said: "I don't think this application will improve the area because normally such sites are not tidy.
"It's clean there now and I'd rather it stayed like that because it's not doing any harm."
Martyn Ford, district councillor for Willington and Findern, said: "My personal view is the decision to reject this application is completely right.
"The reasons from residents are very sound and South Derbyshire has a history of Gypsy applications – some have been granted whilst others have been rejected.
"It's important to point out I'm not anti-Gypsy because we have accepted sites in the past."
John Orme, of St Michael's Close, Willington, believes the site is not suitable for the Gypsies themselves.
He said: "It's a big piece of land surrounded by busy traffic routes with noise and pollution. From a human point of view, I don't agree with it."
Willington resident Marion Keeling said she had written a letter of objection to the council about the site.
She said: "I objected to the application because I don't think it's adequate for the amount of caravans proposed.
"There also appears to be no facility for waste."
Access would be from Castleway Lane via an existing tarmac driveway.
Samuel Brown, planning assistant at Philip Brown Associated – which is representing applicant Patrick Maloney – said in a letter to South Derbyshire District Council that the site was located within an area of land not protected by special planning designations.
He argued that the site could be blended in through landscaping, including the planting of trees to add privacy.
It also says the proposed development would be capable of having easier access to health services, the need for less travelling and possible less environmental damage caused by unauthorised encampment.
The applicant's agents said they could not comment to the Derby Telegraph before the appeal was heard next year.
Travellers ordered to leave illegal site after landowner loses High Court ruling - Berkshire
From Get Reading
The clock will start ticking for Travellers living on an illegal site after the landowner was refused permission to appeal a High Court ruling to evict his tenants.
Felix Cash opened up his mobile home park at Pine Ridge, Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne, for the homeless because he felt their needs were not being met by the council.
However, in October 2012 he failed to convince a High Court to overturn Wokingham Borough Council’s demands to evict the occupants within 18 months after the site was deemed a breach of planning control.
His latest legal fight, to challenge that decision at London’s Court of Appeal, fell through on December 12.
Lord Justice Richards refused permission for Cash to challenge the ruling at a full hearing and said he had “no real prospect of success” on any appeal.
The judge added the complaints put forward “amount to a re-run of the way the case was put below”, and also refused Cash permission to challenge the Deputy Judge’s order that he must pay more than £10,000 in legal costs to the Secretary of State and the council.
While he expressed concern about the level of the costs, he said they were “not so obviously excessive” as to justify an appeal on that issue alone.
Mr Cash had argued during the proceedings that he set up the 22 caravan park to house vulnerable homeless people considered a low priority on the council’s housing list.
He claimed some had been waiting more than seven years for a home until he opened the site.
He hoped to win a ruling forcing the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to have his case reconsidered, giving him another chance at securing planning permission.
The council insisted the park was a breach of planning control, and issued the enforcement notices demanding he remove the caravans, as well as hard-standing, utilities and a fence at the site.
Mr Cash’s original appeal to that order was refused by a Government planning inspector in April 2011.
It was then that the inspector gave the residents 18 months to get off the site.
The clock will start ticking for Travellers living on an illegal site after the landowner was refused permission to appeal a High Court ruling to evict his tenants.
Felix Cash opened up his mobile home park at Pine Ridge, Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne, for the homeless because he felt their needs were not being met by the council.
However, in October 2012 he failed to convince a High Court to overturn Wokingham Borough Council’s demands to evict the occupants within 18 months after the site was deemed a breach of planning control.
His latest legal fight, to challenge that decision at London’s Court of Appeal, fell through on December 12.
Lord Justice Richards refused permission for Cash to challenge the ruling at a full hearing and said he had “no real prospect of success” on any appeal.
The judge added the complaints put forward “amount to a re-run of the way the case was put below”, and also refused Cash permission to challenge the Deputy Judge’s order that he must pay more than £10,000 in legal costs to the Secretary of State and the council.
While he expressed concern about the level of the costs, he said they were “not so obviously excessive” as to justify an appeal on that issue alone.
Mr Cash had argued during the proceedings that he set up the 22 caravan park to house vulnerable homeless people considered a low priority on the council’s housing list.
He claimed some had been waiting more than seven years for a home until he opened the site.
He hoped to win a ruling forcing the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to have his case reconsidered, giving him another chance at securing planning permission.
The council insisted the park was a breach of planning control, and issued the enforcement notices demanding he remove the caravans, as well as hard-standing, utilities and a fence at the site.
Mr Cash’s original appeal to that order was refused by a Government planning inspector in April 2011.
It was then that the inspector gave the residents 18 months to get off the site.
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Update on encampment at Mabley Green - London
From hackney.gov.uk
Hackney Council yesterday gave a group of Travellers who set up an unauthorised encampment under the A12 flyover a deadline of 24 hours to leave.
If they choose not to comply with the Section 77 notice and do not leave within 24 hours, the council will apply at court for an urgent Section 78 application requiring their removal. The council has fulfilled its legal duty to carry out a welfare and educational assessment of the group who moved onto the council-owned site near Lee Conservancy Road on Thursday last week.
The council's environmental enforcement service is currently investigating illegal fly-tipping in the area. The service will continue to monitor the encampment.
“
Council officers met the Travellers and talked to them in an attempt to find a solution to the problem but unfortunately this has not proved possible.
We are determined to protect our parks and open spaces for the enjoyment of all residents. We do not permit unauthorised encampments and where necessary we will take legal action to enforce the occupants’ removal.
The council is investigating flytipping at the scene and we will impose the strongest possible legal sanctions against the perpetrators when we find out who they are. Our environmental enforcement team are continuing to monitor the situation.
Cllr Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services, Hackney Council
„
Hackney Council yesterday gave a group of Travellers who set up an unauthorised encampment under the A12 flyover a deadline of 24 hours to leave.
If they choose not to comply with the Section 77 notice and do not leave within 24 hours, the council will apply at court for an urgent Section 78 application requiring their removal. The council has fulfilled its legal duty to carry out a welfare and educational assessment of the group who moved onto the council-owned site near Lee Conservancy Road on Thursday last week.
The council's environmental enforcement service is currently investigating illegal fly-tipping in the area. The service will continue to monitor the encampment.
“
Council officers met the Travellers and talked to them in an attempt to find a solution to the problem but unfortunately this has not proved possible.
We are determined to protect our parks and open spaces for the enjoyment of all residents. We do not permit unauthorised encampments and where necessary we will take legal action to enforce the occupants’ removal.
The council is investigating flytipping at the scene and we will impose the strongest possible legal sanctions against the perpetrators when we find out who they are. Our environmental enforcement team are continuing to monitor the situation.
Cllr Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services, Hackney Council
„
Beginning of end to St Cyrus Travellers row could be in sight - Aberdeenshire
From the Courier
Today could herald the beginning of the end of a three-month dispute between a group of Travellers and Aberdeenshire Council.
James McCallum and a number of fellow Travellers are due to appear at Stonehaven Sheriff Court to face a hearing related to an alleged breach of an interim interdict placed on the land they occupy.
The court date comes just days after a new application — seeking permission to build toilets and wash stations at the controversial site near the St Cyrus Nature Reserve — was validated by the local authority.
Today’s proceedings will stand as one of the key stages in the overall process, which may go all the way to Europe according to the defiant Travellers, who have vowed to fight to the end in their bid to establish a permanent home.
Community anger erupted after Mr McCallum and the other members of the Travelling community moved on to a patch of land next to Eskview Farm on the weekend of September 21.
Within two days the foundations of a new caravan park were laid. A retrospcetive planning application for permission to build a 10- stance permanent park was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council on Monday September 23.
The local authority placed a stop notice on the site and obtained an interim interdict from Stonehaven Sheriff Court to prohibit work continuing.
Allegations of a breach were made to the council that work had carried on — a claim denied by those involved.
Mearns councillor George Carr has been part of the community discussion about the situation from the outset and said that, whatever the outcome of today’s scheduled court hearing, there may still be a long way to go before the issue is finally resolved.
“This is one step on the road to see if this can be resolved, but no doubt it will be a lengthy process,” Mr Carr said.
“There are still comments coming from residents and a few statutory consultees have still to reply. I think all councillors are looking into this and are up to speed with the issues.”
Over the three months the application has attracted the ire of the nearby St Cyrus community, with villagers raising their concerns at two community council meetings.
However, an organisation based in a Montrose which fights for the rights of the Traveller community in Scotland has registered its support for the site, which borders on a site of special scientific interest and an area prone to severe flooding.
Roads, paths, walls, sheds, a perimeter fence and other associated infrastructure have all been installed over the past three months.
Local schools have been asked to take on children from the site and the authority has organised council tax and waste collections for five of the caravans, in accordance with statutory obligations.
It is expected that the applications will be discussed by the council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee next year.
Today could herald the beginning of the end of a three-month dispute between a group of Travellers and Aberdeenshire Council.
James McCallum and a number of fellow Travellers are due to appear at Stonehaven Sheriff Court to face a hearing related to an alleged breach of an interim interdict placed on the land they occupy.
The court date comes just days after a new application — seeking permission to build toilets and wash stations at the controversial site near the St Cyrus Nature Reserve — was validated by the local authority.
Today’s proceedings will stand as one of the key stages in the overall process, which may go all the way to Europe according to the defiant Travellers, who have vowed to fight to the end in their bid to establish a permanent home.
Community anger erupted after Mr McCallum and the other members of the Travelling community moved on to a patch of land next to Eskview Farm on the weekend of September 21.
Within two days the foundations of a new caravan park were laid. A retrospcetive planning application for permission to build a 10- stance permanent park was submitted to Aberdeenshire Council on Monday September 23.
The local authority placed a stop notice on the site and obtained an interim interdict from Stonehaven Sheriff Court to prohibit work continuing.
Allegations of a breach were made to the council that work had carried on — a claim denied by those involved.
Mearns councillor George Carr has been part of the community discussion about the situation from the outset and said that, whatever the outcome of today’s scheduled court hearing, there may still be a long way to go before the issue is finally resolved.
“This is one step on the road to see if this can be resolved, but no doubt it will be a lengthy process,” Mr Carr said.
“There are still comments coming from residents and a few statutory consultees have still to reply. I think all councillors are looking into this and are up to speed with the issues.”
Over the three months the application has attracted the ire of the nearby St Cyrus community, with villagers raising their concerns at two community council meetings.
However, an organisation based in a Montrose which fights for the rights of the Traveller community in Scotland has registered its support for the site, which borders on a site of special scientific interest and an area prone to severe flooding.
Roads, paths, walls, sheds, a perimeter fence and other associated infrastructure have all been installed over the past three months.
Local schools have been asked to take on children from the site and the authority has organised council tax and waste collections for five of the caravans, in accordance with statutory obligations.
It is expected that the applications will be discussed by the council’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee next year.
Decision on Cheltenham Gypsy site delayed until New Year - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucestershire Echo
Controversial plans for Gypsies to take up permanent residence in a field on the outskirts of Cheltenham will be ruled on in the New Year after a planning committee meeting scheduled was cancelled.
Lita Cox and her family, who are of Gypsy descent, want to make the Castle Dream Stud in Charlton Kings their full-time home, having occupied the site temporarily for two years.
During that time they have installed hard-standing, fencing, stables and a caravan in the field off Mill Lane and the plans seek to allow these features to remain permanently.
The application has not gone down well in some quarters, with a group of residents voicing concerns it could pave the way for more members of the Gypsy community to move in on the land - part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A decision was due to be taken at a borough council planning committee meeting this week but that has now been cancelled.
The next planning committee meeting will be held on January 16, when a decision on the application is expected.
Controversial plans for Gypsies to take up permanent residence in a field on the outskirts of Cheltenham will be ruled on in the New Year after a planning committee meeting scheduled was cancelled.
Lita Cox and her family, who are of Gypsy descent, want to make the Castle Dream Stud in Charlton Kings their full-time home, having occupied the site temporarily for two years.
During that time they have installed hard-standing, fencing, stables and a caravan in the field off Mill Lane and the plans seek to allow these features to remain permanently.
The application has not gone down well in some quarters, with a group of residents voicing concerns it could pave the way for more members of the Gypsy community to move in on the land - part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
A decision was due to be taken at a borough council planning committee meeting this week but that has now been cancelled.
The next planning committee meeting will be held on January 16, when a decision on the application is expected.
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Travellers given 24 hours to vacate Mabley Green - London
From the Hackney Citizen
Hackney Council have today served a 24-hour ultimatum to a group of Travellers to leave Mabley Green.
The Travellers, thought to be Irish, set up caravans in the area last Thursday but could face an urgent court order if they do not comply with the council’s notice.
Hackney Council had seemed poised to give the group until 27 December to vacate the site but after fly-tipping vehicles were found at the scene earlier today, a 24-hour Section 77 notice was served.
Councillor Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “The council met the Travellers and talked with them to find a solution to the problem but unfortunately this did not prove possible.
“We are determined to protect our parks and open spaces for the enjoyment of all residents. We do not permit unauthorised encampments and where necessary we will take legal action to enforce the occupants’ removal.”
While a group of Irish Travellers have been served an eviction notice in Hackney in the last few years, it is understood that the group at Mabley Green is a different one.
When asked about the situation by the Hackney Citizen, a member of the group declined to comment.
In what the council is currently treating as a separate incident, 49 tonnes of waste covering an area the size of a football field was dumped on Mabley Green over the weekend.
Cleanup and repair costs are likely to greatly exceed the current amount of £10,500.
Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We will not tolerate criminal and anti-social behaviour such as this shocking example of fly-tipping.
“We will do everything we can to make sure that people who fly tip in Hackney are brought to justice.”
Hackney Council is now carrying out an investigation to identify the perpetrators who dumped the domestic construction waste including broken glass and rubble.
see also: The Hackney Gazette - Hackney Council issues Travellers with 24-hour eviction notice after fly tipping vehicles found at encampment
Hackney Council have today served a 24-hour ultimatum to a group of Travellers to leave Mabley Green.
The Travellers, thought to be Irish, set up caravans in the area last Thursday but could face an urgent court order if they do not comply with the council’s notice.
Hackney Council had seemed poised to give the group until 27 December to vacate the site but after fly-tipping vehicles were found at the scene earlier today, a 24-hour Section 77 notice was served.
Councillor Sophie Linden, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “The council met the Travellers and talked with them to find a solution to the problem but unfortunately this did not prove possible.
“We are determined to protect our parks and open spaces for the enjoyment of all residents. We do not permit unauthorised encampments and where necessary we will take legal action to enforce the occupants’ removal.”
While a group of Irish Travellers have been served an eviction notice in Hackney in the last few years, it is understood that the group at Mabley Green is a different one.
When asked about the situation by the Hackney Citizen, a member of the group declined to comment.
In what the council is currently treating as a separate incident, 49 tonnes of waste covering an area the size of a football field was dumped on Mabley Green over the weekend.
Cleanup and repair costs are likely to greatly exceed the current amount of £10,500.
Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We will not tolerate criminal and anti-social behaviour such as this shocking example of fly-tipping.
“We will do everything we can to make sure that people who fly tip in Hackney are brought to justice.”
Hackney Council is now carrying out an investigation to identify the perpetrators who dumped the domestic construction waste including broken glass and rubble.
see also: The Hackney Gazette - Hackney Council issues Travellers with 24-hour eviction notice after fly tipping vehicles found at encampment
Travellers near Harlow Mill Station served with notice to leave - Essex
From the Harlow Star
TRAVELLERS on Essex County Council land near Harlow Mill station have been served with a notice to leave by the end of today (Wednesday December 18).
Up to a dozen caravans have been on land off Priory Avenue for more than a week. Essex County Council served the Travellers with a court notice on Monday. If they do not comply a possession hearing will be held on Friday.
TRAVELLERS on Essex County Council land near Harlow Mill station have been served with a notice to leave by the end of today (Wednesday December 18).
Up to a dozen caravans have been on land off Priory Avenue for more than a week. Essex County Council served the Travellers with a court notice on Monday. If they do not comply a possession hearing will be held on Friday.
Travellers at Milton Keynes Coachway served notice to leave - Buckinghamshire
From the Milton Keynes Citizen
A large group of Travellers has been served notice to leave after setting up camp at the Milton Keynes Coachway.
More than a dozen caravans arrived at the Coachway, close to Junction 14 of the M1, on Sunday evening and are currently taking up much of the car park space.
The Coachway site is owned by the MK Development Partnership which has served notice for the Travellers to leave.
Milton Keynes Council has battled dozens of illegal encampments by Travellers this year, often leading to large bills for cleaning up after them.
A large group of Travellers has been served notice to leave after setting up camp at the Milton Keynes Coachway.
More than a dozen caravans arrived at the Coachway, close to Junction 14 of the M1, on Sunday evening and are currently taking up much of the car park space.
The Coachway site is owned by the MK Development Partnership which has served notice for the Travellers to leave.
Milton Keynes Council has battled dozens of illegal encampments by Travellers this year, often leading to large bills for cleaning up after them.
Westhampnett Travellers site approved by Chichester council - Sussex
From the BBC
Plans to create a site for Travellers in a West Sussex village have been given council approval.
Proposals to create the nine-pitch short-stay site at Westhampnett Depot were backed by Chichester District Council on Tuesday.
Bill Harding, from Westhampnett Parish Council, said the site would not be of benefit to the village or Travellers.
The council said it had to balance the needs of the local community and the Gypsy and Traveller population.
Mr Harding said: "We are not at all happy with the fact that they've sited it there because it's right in the middle of the village and we feel that's going to be disrupted.
"We feel it's not going to be of any benefit to the village, or to the Travellers who are going to be restricted to a three-month stay anyway.
"There will be very little interaction between the two communities, which won't help too much."
Council leader Heather Caird said: "We completely understand that Westhampnett residents have concerns and we will work closely with them and the parish council to make sure all their concerns are addressed and to keep them informed of developments.
"As part of the planning process we will undertake a full engagement process with all affected parties."
Following a public consultation the plans are likely to go before the council's planning committee in April or June, a council spokesman said.
The half-acre site would be part of a countrywide scheme which aims to reduce the number of unauthorised camps in West Sussex.
see also: The News - West Sussex depot will be turned into a Travellers’ site
Plans to create a site for Travellers in a West Sussex village have been given council approval.
Proposals to create the nine-pitch short-stay site at Westhampnett Depot were backed by Chichester District Council on Tuesday.
Bill Harding, from Westhampnett Parish Council, said the site would not be of benefit to the village or Travellers.
The council said it had to balance the needs of the local community and the Gypsy and Traveller population.
Mr Harding said: "We are not at all happy with the fact that they've sited it there because it's right in the middle of the village and we feel that's going to be disrupted.
"We feel it's not going to be of any benefit to the village, or to the Travellers who are going to be restricted to a three-month stay anyway.
"There will be very little interaction between the two communities, which won't help too much."
Council leader Heather Caird said: "We completely understand that Westhampnett residents have concerns and we will work closely with them and the parish council to make sure all their concerns are addressed and to keep them informed of developments.
"As part of the planning process we will undertake a full engagement process with all affected parties."
Following a public consultation the plans are likely to go before the council's planning committee in April or June, a council spokesman said.
The half-acre site would be part of a countrywide scheme which aims to reduce the number of unauthorised camps in West Sussex.
see also: The News - West Sussex depot will be turned into a Travellers’ site
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Big Lottery Boost for Travellers' Times
From the Rural Media Company
Travellers’ Times is delighted to announce that it's future is secured for the next three years thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
Travellers’ Times started life as a campaigning newsletter published by the Law Faculty of Cardiff University, and over 14 years Rural Media has transformed it via accessible graphic design and photo-based news and features, into a high quality, full colour printed magazine. By 2010 23,000 copies of the 32 page colour quarterly were being distributed free of charge, but rising costs of print and distribution presented significant challenges to maintaining the publication over the long term.
read more...
Travellers’ Times is delighted to announce that it's future is secured for the next three years thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
Travellers’ Times started life as a campaigning newsletter published by the Law Faculty of Cardiff University, and over 14 years Rural Media has transformed it via accessible graphic design and photo-based news and features, into a high quality, full colour printed magazine. By 2010 23,000 copies of the 32 page colour quarterly were being distributed free of charge, but rising costs of print and distribution presented significant challenges to maintaining the publication over the long term.
read more...
Return to Dale Farm - 'Two years later, we’ve got nothing' - Essex
From the Socialist Worker
Travellers living in Dale Farm face a bleak winter. It is just over two years since Basildon council evicted them from their land and demolished their homes, reports Sadie Robinson
For many Christmas is a time to celebrate. But for one group of families in Essex it will be just another day spent in cold caravans on a muddy roadside surrounded by rats.
It’s just over two years since Basildon council evicted 86 families from the Dale Farm Traveller site. Many are still living on the road just yards from the plots they were forced from—because they have nowhere else to go.
And shockingly, Basildon council’s new housing report said that evicted Dale Farm Travellers will not be housed for being a burden. The council admits that this decision is “political” (see below).
Mary Sheridan is one of those evicted in October 2011. She told Socialist Worker, “I’ve lived at Dale Farm for eight years. “I was happy living here. But look at how we have to live now. We’re living in filth.”
The road is covered in mud and potholes. Women are forever pouring soapy water outside their homes in an effort to keep things clean.
Brid, who has lived at the site for around six years, is one of them. She told Socialist Worker she cleaned the roads around every two hours. “I’ve got pains in my back now after lifting the water for cleaning the road,” she said.
Before the eviction Dale Farm was divided into legal and illegal plots. Travellers living on the illegal plots owned the land but had been repeatedly refused planning permission to live there.
Dale Farm residents are forced to live on the roadside
Dale Farm residents are forced to live on the roadside (Pic: Guy Smallman)
Now those stuck on the roadside have to rely on people living in legal plots to supply them with water and electricity. Cables run over the wall from chalets on the legal site to the caravans.
Brid said her main worry was for the children. “A lot of kids are getting sick here,” she said. “There’s a lot of sickness and diarrhoea. There are no toilets. If the council brought in disposable ones we would take care of them and clean them ourselves. They should try to do something about this. We’re living like rats.”
Living on the roadside means living next to a regular flow of traffic. “It’s worse when the snow and ice comes,” said Brid. “You’re scared that the cars will skid and come right into the caravan.”
The Environment Agency has confirmed that there is asbestos at Dale Farm. And the Red Cross reported concerns about “raw sewage” and the lack of toilets.
Martin O’Leary is another Traveller who was evicted from the site. He told Socialist Worker that the area he used to live on “is now a pothole, a swimming pool for rats”.
"You can hear them at night,” added John Fox, “If you throw a piece of food outside at night you can hear them rush for it.”
Basildon council leader Tony Ball led the eviction—at a cost of over £7 million. He then claimed the council would offer “housing assistance” to those made homeless. But as Mary put it, “Two years later, we’ve got nothing.”
Paddy said the treatment of Travellers have showed that Ball is “prejudiced”.
“Ball should’ve spent the money he spent evicting us on a new site,” said Paddy. “We would’ve loved to have moved out if there was a new site to go to. But he’s gone home to his big house and his big TV. Look how we’re living. We’re human beings. But they’re treating us like animals.”
Travellers at Dale Farm are used to racist scapegoating. As Martin put it, “This area has one of the lowest crime rates in Basildon. But whenever there’s a crime, they always blame the gypsies.”
Basildon council said it evicted Travellers from Dale Farm because it wanted to “return” the land to greenbelt. But before Travellers bought the land, it was a scrap yard.
And the former site was dug up by bulldozers during the eviction. Deep trenches that stop vehicles returning to the site have mixed up tarmac, soil and concrete.
Piles of bricks and wood litter the site with old furniture, children’s toys, a mattress, carpets and bags of sand. People have been forced to use the land as a toilet in the absence of anything else.
“We’re still not back to ourselves,” said Margaret Gammell. “It’s terrible stress.”
“It’s not fair,” added John. “We never stole the land—we bought it. All that money they spent on the eviction and we’re still here. But now we’re living in a health hazard.”
Some people ask why the Travellers don’t travel and go elsewhere. But changes in the law have made it harder for Travellers to move around. There are fewer legal sites for them to go to.
Some of those living at Dale Farm, such as Brid, ended up there after being evicted from other sites.And some Travellers wanted a permanent address to make it easier to access doctors and for children to go to school.
“If we go somewhere else,” said John, “the police just say it’s illegal to be there and move you on.”
For all the problems, Travellers have fought to make a home on the roadside. Many have doormats and pot plants outside their caravan doors. Washing hangs out to dry on a metal fence that keeps Travellers out of an adjacent field.
Festive decorations adorn the caravans and signs in the windows read, “Merry Christmas”. But many feel far from festive.
“We’re living like we were 40 years ago,” said Pat. “If we lived in a third world country we’d be treated better than this.
“To be treated like this is a joke.”
Building on greenbelt
Basildon council plans to build thousands of houses on nearly 500 hectares of greenbelt land—cutting 7 percent of its greenbelt. Councillors were set to discuss the plans at a meeting on Thursday of next week and a public consultation is set for the New Year.
The plan for 12,000 new homes would allow around 9,100 to be built on greenbelt land. Tory council leader Tony Ball claimed the plan to build on greenbelt was actually aimed at protecting it.
“Allocating a limited release of greenbelt protects the rest of it even more, without allocation the greenbelt is open season for developers,” he said.
‘It’s political’
There will be no provision for Travellers evicted from Dale Farm for “political reasons”, say Basildon council. The council’s new housing plan includes provision for 121 Traveller pitches over the next 20 years.
This is based on an assessment of Traveller needs in the borough—excluding those evicted from Dale Farm.
If they were included in the provision, the council would need to provide an extra 155 pitches. Tory council leader Tony Ball said, “We are not going to make provision for those formally moved from Dale Farm.”
When asked for the reason behind this, the council’s press office told Socialist Worker, “That is a political decision”.
The council produced a report on its housing plan this month.
It said, “Whilst the advice in ‘Planning Policy for Traveller Sites’ is that local authorities should plan for all those families wishing to reside in their areas, the Council considers that having to plan for 155 pitches as well as the 121 would place an unrealistic burden on the Council.
“Basildon has always argued that the provision of traveller sites is a regional and national issue and not one that should automatically be resolved by those authorities where the families happen to arrive and settle.”
If the council gets away with its plan, other councils can argue that it is too much of a “burden” to provide for Travellers.
It risks leaving more Travellers stranded on the road—where they will be moved on because they are living “illegally”.
Travellers living in Dale Farm face a bleak winter. It is just over two years since Basildon council evicted them from their land and demolished their homes, reports Sadie Robinson
For many Christmas is a time to celebrate. But for one group of families in Essex it will be just another day spent in cold caravans on a muddy roadside surrounded by rats.
It’s just over two years since Basildon council evicted 86 families from the Dale Farm Traveller site. Many are still living on the road just yards from the plots they were forced from—because they have nowhere else to go.
And shockingly, Basildon council’s new housing report said that evicted Dale Farm Travellers will not be housed for being a burden. The council admits that this decision is “political” (see below).
Mary Sheridan is one of those evicted in October 2011. She told Socialist Worker, “I’ve lived at Dale Farm for eight years. “I was happy living here. But look at how we have to live now. We’re living in filth.”
The road is covered in mud and potholes. Women are forever pouring soapy water outside their homes in an effort to keep things clean.
Brid, who has lived at the site for around six years, is one of them. She told Socialist Worker she cleaned the roads around every two hours. “I’ve got pains in my back now after lifting the water for cleaning the road,” she said.
Before the eviction Dale Farm was divided into legal and illegal plots. Travellers living on the illegal plots owned the land but had been repeatedly refused planning permission to live there.
Dale Farm residents are forced to live on the roadside
Dale Farm residents are forced to live on the roadside (Pic: Guy Smallman)
Now those stuck on the roadside have to rely on people living in legal plots to supply them with water and electricity. Cables run over the wall from chalets on the legal site to the caravans.
Brid said her main worry was for the children. “A lot of kids are getting sick here,” she said. “There’s a lot of sickness and diarrhoea. There are no toilets. If the council brought in disposable ones we would take care of them and clean them ourselves. They should try to do something about this. We’re living like rats.”
Living on the roadside means living next to a regular flow of traffic. “It’s worse when the snow and ice comes,” said Brid. “You’re scared that the cars will skid and come right into the caravan.”
The Environment Agency has confirmed that there is asbestos at Dale Farm. And the Red Cross reported concerns about “raw sewage” and the lack of toilets.
Martin O’Leary is another Traveller who was evicted from the site. He told Socialist Worker that the area he used to live on “is now a pothole, a swimming pool for rats”.
"You can hear them at night,” added John Fox, “If you throw a piece of food outside at night you can hear them rush for it.”
Basildon council leader Tony Ball led the eviction—at a cost of over £7 million. He then claimed the council would offer “housing assistance” to those made homeless. But as Mary put it, “Two years later, we’ve got nothing.”
Paddy said the treatment of Travellers have showed that Ball is “prejudiced”.
“Ball should’ve spent the money he spent evicting us on a new site,” said Paddy. “We would’ve loved to have moved out if there was a new site to go to. But he’s gone home to his big house and his big TV. Look how we’re living. We’re human beings. But they’re treating us like animals.”
Travellers at Dale Farm are used to racist scapegoating. As Martin put it, “This area has one of the lowest crime rates in Basildon. But whenever there’s a crime, they always blame the gypsies.”
Basildon council said it evicted Travellers from Dale Farm because it wanted to “return” the land to greenbelt. But before Travellers bought the land, it was a scrap yard.
And the former site was dug up by bulldozers during the eviction. Deep trenches that stop vehicles returning to the site have mixed up tarmac, soil and concrete.
Piles of bricks and wood litter the site with old furniture, children’s toys, a mattress, carpets and bags of sand. People have been forced to use the land as a toilet in the absence of anything else.
“We’re still not back to ourselves,” said Margaret Gammell. “It’s terrible stress.”
“It’s not fair,” added John. “We never stole the land—we bought it. All that money they spent on the eviction and we’re still here. But now we’re living in a health hazard.”
Some people ask why the Travellers don’t travel and go elsewhere. But changes in the law have made it harder for Travellers to move around. There are fewer legal sites for them to go to.
Some of those living at Dale Farm, such as Brid, ended up there after being evicted from other sites.And some Travellers wanted a permanent address to make it easier to access doctors and for children to go to school.
“If we go somewhere else,” said John, “the police just say it’s illegal to be there and move you on.”
For all the problems, Travellers have fought to make a home on the roadside. Many have doormats and pot plants outside their caravan doors. Washing hangs out to dry on a metal fence that keeps Travellers out of an adjacent field.
Festive decorations adorn the caravans and signs in the windows read, “Merry Christmas”. But many feel far from festive.
“We’re living like we were 40 years ago,” said Pat. “If we lived in a third world country we’d be treated better than this.
“To be treated like this is a joke.”
Building on greenbelt
Basildon council plans to build thousands of houses on nearly 500 hectares of greenbelt land—cutting 7 percent of its greenbelt. Councillors were set to discuss the plans at a meeting on Thursday of next week and a public consultation is set for the New Year.
The plan for 12,000 new homes would allow around 9,100 to be built on greenbelt land. Tory council leader Tony Ball claimed the plan to build on greenbelt was actually aimed at protecting it.
“Allocating a limited release of greenbelt protects the rest of it even more, without allocation the greenbelt is open season for developers,” he said.
‘It’s political’
There will be no provision for Travellers evicted from Dale Farm for “political reasons”, say Basildon council. The council’s new housing plan includes provision for 121 Traveller pitches over the next 20 years.
This is based on an assessment of Traveller needs in the borough—excluding those evicted from Dale Farm.
If they were included in the provision, the council would need to provide an extra 155 pitches. Tory council leader Tony Ball said, “We are not going to make provision for those formally moved from Dale Farm.”
When asked for the reason behind this, the council’s press office told Socialist Worker, “That is a political decision”.
The council produced a report on its housing plan this month.
It said, “Whilst the advice in ‘Planning Policy for Traveller Sites’ is that local authorities should plan for all those families wishing to reside in their areas, the Council considers that having to plan for 155 pitches as well as the 121 would place an unrealistic burden on the Council.
“Basildon has always argued that the provision of traveller sites is a regional and national issue and not one that should automatically be resolved by those authorities where the families happen to arrive and settle.”
If the council gets away with its plan, other councils can argue that it is too much of a “burden” to provide for Travellers.
It risks leaving more Travellers stranded on the road—where they will be moved on because they are living “illegally”.
Machete attack report at Plymstock Travellers' site: Two arrested one hospitalised - Devon
From the Mid Devon Star
Police are investigating an attack on a man in Plymstock, after being called to a report of a machete attack at a Travellers site.
Officers were called shortly before 9pm on Monday, December 16 after reports that a man had been attacked with a machete at The Ride Travellers’ site on Laira Bridge.
On arrival, a 44-year-old man from Plymouth was found with injuries to his face and arm which are not thought to be life-threatening.
Two local men, aged 28 and 29, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and taken into custody at Charles Cross police station.
A police spokesman said: “Although this is very serious offence, it does appear to be an isolated incident. Officers are carrying out extra patrols in the area to reassure local residents.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been witnessed the incident or has information that could assist with the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference EK/13/1098, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
see also: The Herald - Two men bailed after machete attack
Police are investigating an attack on a man in Plymstock, after being called to a report of a machete attack at a Travellers site.
Officers were called shortly before 9pm on Monday, December 16 after reports that a man had been attacked with a machete at The Ride Travellers’ site on Laira Bridge.
On arrival, a 44-year-old man from Plymouth was found with injuries to his face and arm which are not thought to be life-threatening.
Two local men, aged 28 and 29, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and taken into custody at Charles Cross police station.
A police spokesman said: “Although this is very serious offence, it does appear to be an isolated incident. Officers are carrying out extra patrols in the area to reassure local residents.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been witnessed the incident or has information that could assist with the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference EK/13/1098, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
see also: The Herald - Two men bailed after machete attack
Two held in Cambridge after massive dawn raid on Travellers' site - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
A Travellers’ site has been raided at dawn by dozens of police officers who are now holding two men in Cambridge in connection with a series of commercial burglaries.
The men, aged 24 and 44, were arrested in connection with burglaries at a golf club in Bourn and two convenience stores in Hardwick and Gamlingay, after a massive police operation at a Travellers’ site in Potton, Bedfordshire, today.
A total of 47 officers from across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire forces were involved in the operation shortly after 6am.
The men were arrested in connection with a number of offences including four non-dwelling burglaries in the two counties, between August and November, where cigarettes and safes were targeted.
Two sheds containing cannabis plants were also discovered on the site. Officers seized more than 40 plants.
The men are currently in custody at Cambridge’s Parkside police station.
A Travellers’ site has been raided at dawn by dozens of police officers who are now holding two men in Cambridge in connection with a series of commercial burglaries.
The men, aged 24 and 44, were arrested in connection with burglaries at a golf club in Bourn and two convenience stores in Hardwick and Gamlingay, after a massive police operation at a Travellers’ site in Potton, Bedfordshire, today.
A total of 47 officers from across Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire forces were involved in the operation shortly after 6am.
The men were arrested in connection with a number of offences including four non-dwelling burglaries in the two counties, between August and November, where cigarettes and safes were targeted.
Two sheds containing cannabis plants were also discovered on the site. Officers seized more than 40 plants.
The men are currently in custody at Cambridge’s Parkside police station.
Newport Gypsy plans slammed - Gwent
From the South Wales Argus
A STEEL firm, two housing developers, two schools and a number of local businesses have joined in with objections to proposed Gypsy sites in Newport.
Earlier this year a group of councillors recommended three Gypsy sites at Hartridge Farm Road, Ringland Allotments and Celtic Way to be included in the local development plan (LDP). But the plans have attracted a raft of criticism from residents, private firms and schools – as well as the Welsh Government.
Councillors will decide whether to sign off the revised deposit LDP for 2011 to 2026, to go to the Welsh Government for a public examination at a meeting next Thursday. The owner of Llanwern steelworks Tata Steel said a proposed residential site for Gypsies and Travellers at Hartridge Farm Road is significantly bigger than Welsh guidelines for sites, and could pose a health and safety risk with the A48 and railway lines nearby.
The firm is concerned “the scale of the proposed allocation, 43 pitches and potentially circa 129 caravans will be difficult to manage”. Governors at Llanwern High School objected too, saying its size “may lead to costly damage... in terms of physical damage, reputation and image of the school”.
Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd – a primary school in Hartridge – objected to the site on traffic grounds. Gallagher Estates has opposed the back-up Ringland Allotments proposal. Concern has also been expressed at the impact a proposed transit site at Celtic Way, Coedkernew, could have on business. Cyncoedproperty.co.uk, the landlord for several shops at Celtic Springs, said a large company is considering the area for a project of 250-300 jobs.
“This company has had cause to ask about these proposals and indeed have now deferred their decision,” the company told the council.
Commercial Property advisors Fletcher Morgan said it is marketing properties at Imperial Park, but a number of potential enquiries “refuse to consider the location once they are aware” of the Celtic Way plan. Hi-tech company, Abriox, said it may vacate Imperial Park if the proposal went ahead.
A STEEL firm, two housing developers, two schools and a number of local businesses have joined in with objections to proposed Gypsy sites in Newport.
Earlier this year a group of councillors recommended three Gypsy sites at Hartridge Farm Road, Ringland Allotments and Celtic Way to be included in the local development plan (LDP). But the plans have attracted a raft of criticism from residents, private firms and schools – as well as the Welsh Government.
Councillors will decide whether to sign off the revised deposit LDP for 2011 to 2026, to go to the Welsh Government for a public examination at a meeting next Thursday. The owner of Llanwern steelworks Tata Steel said a proposed residential site for Gypsies and Travellers at Hartridge Farm Road is significantly bigger than Welsh guidelines for sites, and could pose a health and safety risk with the A48 and railway lines nearby.
The firm is concerned “the scale of the proposed allocation, 43 pitches and potentially circa 129 caravans will be difficult to manage”. Governors at Llanwern High School objected too, saying its size “may lead to costly damage... in terms of physical damage, reputation and image of the school”.
Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd – a primary school in Hartridge – objected to the site on traffic grounds. Gallagher Estates has opposed the back-up Ringland Allotments proposal. Concern has also been expressed at the impact a proposed transit site at Celtic Way, Coedkernew, could have on business. Cyncoedproperty.co.uk, the landlord for several shops at Celtic Springs, said a large company is considering the area for a project of 250-300 jobs.
“This company has had cause to ask about these proposals and indeed have now deferred their decision,” the company told the council.
Commercial Property advisors Fletcher Morgan said it is marketing properties at Imperial Park, but a number of potential enquiries “refuse to consider the location once they are aware” of the Celtic Way plan. Hi-tech company, Abriox, said it may vacate Imperial Park if the proposal went ahead.
Decision day for proposed Westhampnett Travellers’ site - Sussex
From the Bognor Regis Observer
A TRAVELLERS’ site for Westhampnett could get final approval today (December 17).
Councillors stand ready to debate a controversial site for nine pitches that has sparked outrage from residents.
This morning, chairman of Westhampnett Parish Council Bob Holman and vice-chairman Bill Harding handed in a petition signed by 358 village residents opposed to the site, which would be situated at the current Westhampnett Depot.
The scheme is dependent on all district and borough councils in West Sussex agreeing to jointly fund the scheme – which is set to cost £1.3m and would open in early 2015.
Yesterday, Arun District Council’s cabinet recommended to contribute towards the running of the site.
The transit site would allow police to move on any illegal encampments in the county to the transit site, provided pitches were available.
Last week, at a public meeting in Westhampnett, chief executive of Chichester District Council Diane Shepherd told residents today was their opportunity to partake in the democratic process at the ‘open and transparent’ council meeting.
The parish council has tabled 25 questions today, all of which will be answered.
A TRAVELLERS’ site for Westhampnett could get final approval today (December 17).
Councillors stand ready to debate a controversial site for nine pitches that has sparked outrage from residents.
This morning, chairman of Westhampnett Parish Council Bob Holman and vice-chairman Bill Harding handed in a petition signed by 358 village residents opposed to the site, which would be situated at the current Westhampnett Depot.
The scheme is dependent on all district and borough councils in West Sussex agreeing to jointly fund the scheme – which is set to cost £1.3m and would open in early 2015.
Yesterday, Arun District Council’s cabinet recommended to contribute towards the running of the site.
The transit site would allow police to move on any illegal encampments in the county to the transit site, provided pitches were available.
Last week, at a public meeting in Westhampnett, chief executive of Chichester District Council Diane Shepherd told residents today was their opportunity to partake in the democratic process at the ‘open and transparent’ council meeting.
The parish council has tabled 25 questions today, all of which will be answered.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Objections after Wakefield council considers site for Travellers
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
RESIDENTS have raised concerns after Wakefield Council confirmed land off Durkar Low Lane at Durkar is among sites being considered for Travellers.
Hundreds of people from Durkar, Crigglestone, Kettlethorpe and Sandal have staged a protest against the proposals.
They gathered near the site on Wednesday this week to make their concerns known about the impact they say the site would have on house prices, businesses, traffic and crime.
The Crigglestone and Durkar Residents’ Association is among those fighting the plans, which have yet to be submitted to Wakefield Council’s planning committee.
And Coun Lawrence Kirkpatrick (Lab, Wakefield Rural) said residents have his backing.
Father-or-three, Daniel Ball, 37, of Kenton Drive, said: “As people who pay into a parish council, as well as council tax, it should be voted by the people who pay into and live within that parish.
“Durkar has no recreational areas for children. The local football team has to play at Newmillerdam.
“People have paid good money to come and live in Durkar and everybody knows what will happen to the area if this idea is allowed to go ahead.
“The local primary school is already oversubscribed, and its only going to get worse. We are going to fight this all the way.”
The council said it is obliged to provide Gypsy and Traveller pitches under their local development framework.”
Former Wakefield Mayor Norman Hazell, Sandal, said: “There is overwhelming support for the campaign against these proposals,”
Coun Denise Jeffery, deputy leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We are in the process of looking at potential sites, including land at Durkar.
“Nothing has yet been decided. A report will go to cabinet in the New Year.”
RESIDENTS have raised concerns after Wakefield Council confirmed land off Durkar Low Lane at Durkar is among sites being considered for Travellers.
Hundreds of people from Durkar, Crigglestone, Kettlethorpe and Sandal have staged a protest against the proposals.
They gathered near the site on Wednesday this week to make their concerns known about the impact they say the site would have on house prices, businesses, traffic and crime.
The Crigglestone and Durkar Residents’ Association is among those fighting the plans, which have yet to be submitted to Wakefield Council’s planning committee.
And Coun Lawrence Kirkpatrick (Lab, Wakefield Rural) said residents have his backing.
Father-or-three, Daniel Ball, 37, of Kenton Drive, said: “As people who pay into a parish council, as well as council tax, it should be voted by the people who pay into and live within that parish.
“Durkar has no recreational areas for children. The local football team has to play at Newmillerdam.
“People have paid good money to come and live in Durkar and everybody knows what will happen to the area if this idea is allowed to go ahead.
“The local primary school is already oversubscribed, and its only going to get worse. We are going to fight this all the way.”
The council said it is obliged to provide Gypsy and Traveller pitches under their local development framework.”
Former Wakefield Mayor Norman Hazell, Sandal, said: “There is overwhelming support for the campaign against these proposals,”
Coun Denise Jeffery, deputy leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We are in the process of looking at potential sites, including land at Durkar.
“Nothing has yet been decided. A report will go to cabinet in the New Year.”
Travellers park up in Bedford's new £500k council car park - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
A NEW public car park, which cost the tax-payer half a million pounds, was taken over by a group of Travellers at the weekend.
The facility in Prebend Street, Bedford, was overrun with caravans after Travellers turned up on Saturday (pictured). On Sunday afternoon the group was evicted by Bedford Borough Council.
Previously the car park, which now has 284 spaces, was only accessible by staff working for the Borough Council but was opened to the public in November.
The cost of transforming it into a public facility was £500,000 but as yet it seems few motorists - other than council employees - have made use of it.
A NEW public car park, which cost the tax-payer half a million pounds, was taken over by a group of Travellers at the weekend.
The facility in Prebend Street, Bedford, was overrun with caravans after Travellers turned up on Saturday (pictured). On Sunday afternoon the group was evicted by Bedford Borough Council.
Previously the car park, which now has 284 spaces, was only accessible by staff working for the Borough Council but was opened to the public in November.
The cost of transforming it into a public facility was £500,000 but as yet it seems few motorists - other than council employees - have made use of it.
Villagers battle to stop Traveller site - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Evening Post
Villagers fighting a plan to build a Travellers’ site near their homes have accused council chiefs of “riding roughshod” over residents.
Around 300 letters of objection from householders in Newton-with-Scales near Preston have been lodged against the scheme on land in Thames Street.
But despite the level of opposition planning officers at Fylde Council have recommended the plan should be given the go-ahead.
Councillors will debate the project at the authority’s development committee on Wednesday and the Newton Residents’ Association is urging as many villagers as possible to lobby the meeting.
“We are concerned that Fylde Borough Council are riding roughshod over rural villagers in their pursuit of central government targets,” stormed spokesman Derrick Ingram. “The people of Newton are surprised and dismayed to learn that Fylde Council planning is recommending approval of this proposal.”
The villagers claim the plan contravenes numerous planning policies. They say the land is contaminated due to historic landfill, there are sewerage and drainage issues, road safety concerns and light pollution, noise and parking needs have not been addressed.
“New rules mean councils that fail to meet targets on the speed and quality of decisions could cede planning power to central government,” added Derrick Ingram. “Residents contend that planning officers at Fylde are sacrificing legitimate local concerns in order to clear down applications and hit government targets.”
see also: The Gazette - Big revolt over Travellers site
Villagers fighting a plan to build a Travellers’ site near their homes have accused council chiefs of “riding roughshod” over residents.
Around 300 letters of objection from householders in Newton-with-Scales near Preston have been lodged against the scheme on land in Thames Street.
But despite the level of opposition planning officers at Fylde Council have recommended the plan should be given the go-ahead.
Councillors will debate the project at the authority’s development committee on Wednesday and the Newton Residents’ Association is urging as many villagers as possible to lobby the meeting.
“We are concerned that Fylde Borough Council are riding roughshod over rural villagers in their pursuit of central government targets,” stormed spokesman Derrick Ingram. “The people of Newton are surprised and dismayed to learn that Fylde Council planning is recommending approval of this proposal.”
The villagers claim the plan contravenes numerous planning policies. They say the land is contaminated due to historic landfill, there are sewerage and drainage issues, road safety concerns and light pollution, noise and parking needs have not been addressed.
“New rules mean councils that fail to meet targets on the speed and quality of decisions could cede planning power to central government,” added Derrick Ingram. “Residents contend that planning officers at Fylde are sacrificing legitimate local concerns in order to clear down applications and hit government targets.”
see also: The Gazette - Big revolt over Travellers site
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Council awaits more test results at Meadow Lane - Bedfordshire
From Bedford On Sunday
YET another odour assessment must be carried out at a Gypsy and Traveller site before a council will even consider how much it will cost to open.
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, told Bedfordshire on Sunday that the council and Anglian Water are currently carrying out further odour assessments at the Meadow Lane site in Bedford and the results are due back at the end of this month.
Only then will he consider what the costs of opening the site permanently will be and it could be that it never exists in anything but a temporary form.
He said: “Once we get the odour report we can move forward. We will see if we can find the money somewhere. Certainly it is not happening as quickly as I’d like.”
However the Mayor and the Borough Council have been criticised over the five year delay it has taken to get to this point since the site was first suggested and even if it opened today it would only provide enough pitches to meet the requirement until 2021.
Councillor Alison Foster who has herself put forward an alternative site at Fairhill in Clapham Road, Bedford, with other councillors, said: “If there was really a will to develop Meadow Lane it would have been done by now. There has been one excuse after another about why it can’t be delivered.”
YET another odour assessment must be carried out at a Gypsy and Traveller site before a council will even consider how much it will cost to open.
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, told Bedfordshire on Sunday that the council and Anglian Water are currently carrying out further odour assessments at the Meadow Lane site in Bedford and the results are due back at the end of this month.
Only then will he consider what the costs of opening the site permanently will be and it could be that it never exists in anything but a temporary form.
He said: “Once we get the odour report we can move forward. We will see if we can find the money somewhere. Certainly it is not happening as quickly as I’d like.”
However the Mayor and the Borough Council have been criticised over the five year delay it has taken to get to this point since the site was first suggested and even if it opened today it would only provide enough pitches to meet the requirement until 2021.
Councillor Alison Foster who has herself put forward an alternative site at Fairhill in Clapham Road, Bedford, with other councillors, said: “If there was really a will to develop Meadow Lane it would have been done by now. There has been one excuse after another about why it can’t be delivered.”
Urgent action needed to stop Gypsies and Travellers and homeless people falling through gaps in healthcare system
From Health Canal
RCGP commissioning guidance says action needed to help vulnerable groups
Radical changes are needed to meet the healthcare needs of vulnerable groups – including sex workers, Gypsies and Travellers and homeless people – according to new commissioning guidance for GPs.
The paper, Improving access to health care for Gypsies and Travellers, homeless people and sex workers, written by the Royal College of General Practitioners and Department of Health says that GPs who commission services in England, under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, should consider paying for mobile units and clinics, and other outreach facilities.
Cultural awareness training for frontline NHS staff dealing with Gypsies and Travellers is another key recommendation in new guidance, aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.
The report also calls for:
More ‘one-stop’ healthcare hubs where vulnerable groups can receive multiple services in one place at one time.
Greater community engagement to allow vulnerable groups to have their voice heard and develop support networks.
More localised decision making for commissioners, who should seek greater collaboration with vulnerable groups to deliver mutual health and financial benefits.
More communication and joined up working between health, social care and voluntary services targeted at marginalised groups.
Greater integration between health and housing services to identify and treat health problems associated with poor living conditions.
Gypsies and Travellers
On the issue of providing health services for Gypsies and Travellers, the report says that 42% of English Gypsies are affected by a long-term condition, as opposed to 18% of the general population.
The paper adds that there a range of contributing factors to the poor health outcomes of Gypsies and Travellers, and the difficulties in accessing services. These include low levels of literacy, together with stigma, poor access to health information and some widespread health-beliefs which increase the likeliness that they will not seek treatment.
RCGP Chair Dr Maureen Baker, said:
“Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, commissioners of healthcare in England now have a duty to reduce health inequalities in access to services and outcomes.
“It is vital that commissioners put the needs of forgotten and disenfranchised groups at the heart of their commissioning strategies.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said:
“With the implementation of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, we have a unique opportunity to try to get things right and break the circle of exclusion for some of the most vulnerable in society.
“In this changing landscape, with GPs becoming commissioners as well as providers of care, we need to make sure that some of the most vulnerable in society remain high on the agenda.”
RCGP commissioning guidance says action needed to help vulnerable groups
Radical changes are needed to meet the healthcare needs of vulnerable groups – including sex workers, Gypsies and Travellers and homeless people – according to new commissioning guidance for GPs.
The paper, Improving access to health care for Gypsies and Travellers, homeless people and sex workers, written by the Royal College of General Practitioners and Department of Health says that GPs who commission services in England, under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, should consider paying for mobile units and clinics, and other outreach facilities.
Cultural awareness training for frontline NHS staff dealing with Gypsies and Travellers is another key recommendation in new guidance, aimed at improving access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.
The report also calls for:
More ‘one-stop’ healthcare hubs where vulnerable groups can receive multiple services in one place at one time.
Greater community engagement to allow vulnerable groups to have their voice heard and develop support networks.
More localised decision making for commissioners, who should seek greater collaboration with vulnerable groups to deliver mutual health and financial benefits.
More communication and joined up working between health, social care and voluntary services targeted at marginalised groups.
Greater integration between health and housing services to identify and treat health problems associated with poor living conditions.
Gypsies and Travellers
On the issue of providing health services for Gypsies and Travellers, the report says that 42% of English Gypsies are affected by a long-term condition, as opposed to 18% of the general population.
The paper adds that there a range of contributing factors to the poor health outcomes of Gypsies and Travellers, and the difficulties in accessing services. These include low levels of literacy, together with stigma, poor access to health information and some widespread health-beliefs which increase the likeliness that they will not seek treatment.
RCGP Chair Dr Maureen Baker, said:
“Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, commissioners of healthcare in England now have a duty to reduce health inequalities in access to services and outcomes.
“It is vital that commissioners put the needs of forgotten and disenfranchised groups at the heart of their commissioning strategies.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said:
“With the implementation of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, we have a unique opportunity to try to get things right and break the circle of exclusion for some of the most vulnerable in society.
“In this changing landscape, with GPs becoming commissioners as well as providers of care, we need to make sure that some of the most vulnerable in society remain high on the agenda.”
Dangerous soil is a threat to Traveller site - experts - Somerset
From the Weston Mercury
races of the three potentially dangerous elements have been discovered and should not be ignored, according to surveyors Craddy Pitchers Davidson after it tested soil samples.
Its report says people living on the site at Old Junction Yard, off Winterstoke Road, would be at risk.
It also states that anyone living on the site should not plant vegetables in the ground because of the contaminated soil, while exposure to dust by direct and indirect ingestion and inhalation of indoor air are also potential dangers.
Elim Housing Association has applied for planning permission to build 24 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches at the site, which is adjacent to the former refuse tip and can be accessed off a roundabout close to a retail area which is home to an Iceland store, McDonald’s drive-thru and Pizza Hut restaurant.
A 30cm-thick cover under the ground would need to be provided in areas of soft landscaping, and Craddy Pitchers Davidson recommends a cover 60cm thick to be placed in any gardens.
The report says this would remove the ‘principal pathways’ through which residents ‘could potentially be exposed to contaminated soils’.
It says: “It cannot be discounted that significant risks to chronic human health in the context of the proposed residential development, arising from near surface soils, are present.”
Elim Housing, in its design and access statement, said: “The aim is to provide a well designed, neat and attractive site for Gypsy and Traveller families to settle within Weston.
“It is designed to facilitate effective site management to safeguard the living environment for the residents on the site and those within the locality.”
Last week, Weston Town Council recommended North Somerset refuse the application due to the high number of objections to the plans and the contamination and railway noise.
The application will be heard by North Somerset Council’s south area committee on December 19.
races of the three potentially dangerous elements have been discovered and should not be ignored, according to surveyors Craddy Pitchers Davidson after it tested soil samples.
Its report says people living on the site at Old Junction Yard, off Winterstoke Road, would be at risk.
It also states that anyone living on the site should not plant vegetables in the ground because of the contaminated soil, while exposure to dust by direct and indirect ingestion and inhalation of indoor air are also potential dangers.
Elim Housing Association has applied for planning permission to build 24 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches at the site, which is adjacent to the former refuse tip and can be accessed off a roundabout close to a retail area which is home to an Iceland store, McDonald’s drive-thru and Pizza Hut restaurant.
A 30cm-thick cover under the ground would need to be provided in areas of soft landscaping, and Craddy Pitchers Davidson recommends a cover 60cm thick to be placed in any gardens.
The report says this would remove the ‘principal pathways’ through which residents ‘could potentially be exposed to contaminated soils’.
It says: “It cannot be discounted that significant risks to chronic human health in the context of the proposed residential development, arising from near surface soils, are present.”
Elim Housing, in its design and access statement, said: “The aim is to provide a well designed, neat and attractive site for Gypsy and Traveller families to settle within Weston.
“It is designed to facilitate effective site management to safeguard the living environment for the residents on the site and those within the locality.”
Last week, Weston Town Council recommended North Somerset refuse the application due to the high number of objections to the plans and the contamination and railway noise.
The application will be heard by North Somerset Council’s south area committee on December 19.
‘Trojan horse’ claim over plans for Gypsy site - Sussex
From the Rye and Battle Observer
FIFTY residents from Brightling, Dallington and Ashburnham attended a public hearing in Bexhill Town Hall over a village Traveller site on Tuesday.
The Planning Inspectorate had called the hearing over a planning appeal for Telegraph Point, Coldharbour Farm in Brightling.
Objectors were joined by parish council leaders from all three villages along with district councillor Bob White.
The appeal centred on attempts to lift a temporary occupation clause for an elderly man.
Objectors say they believe the appeal is a ‘Trojan horse’, which will allow Rother District Council to make the site permanent, therefore fulfilling its obligations to provide a number of permanent Traveller sites in the district.
Linda Parker, from the Coldharbour Action Group, said: “Council officers were unable to explain why they were defending their position that this highly visible and contentious site, at the top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was unsustainable, when it transpires it is now one of only two sites left for consideration for two permanent pitches in the upcoming 2014 public consultation.
“Officers would only confirm that elected council members were free to disregard detailed reports, previous inspectors’ findings and the expert view of specialist council officers. The lack of relevant experience of some elected council members involved in the permanent site selection was raised by Wendy Myers, chair of Dallington PC.
“Residents repeatedly expressed great concern about irregularities in Rother District Council’s selection process and the lack of an explanation of the decision to have this site allocated to the short list for permanent Traveller provision, outlining in detail reasons for unsustainability for the council.
“The residents also reinforced how this appeal would inevitably affect that permanent site selection process, particularly now that the RDC Cabinet has just dismissed the recommendation from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to re-examine 16 possible sites in favour of this site.”
An RDC spokesman said: “The appeal relates to a non-determination of a planning application relating to the removal of a personal condition.
“The site allocations process is separate to that of the yesterday’s appeal and will be subject to public consultation in due course.”
The Planning Inspectorate decision is due in the New Year.
FIFTY residents from Brightling, Dallington and Ashburnham attended a public hearing in Bexhill Town Hall over a village Traveller site on Tuesday.
The Planning Inspectorate had called the hearing over a planning appeal for Telegraph Point, Coldharbour Farm in Brightling.
Objectors were joined by parish council leaders from all three villages along with district councillor Bob White.
The appeal centred on attempts to lift a temporary occupation clause for an elderly man.
Objectors say they believe the appeal is a ‘Trojan horse’, which will allow Rother District Council to make the site permanent, therefore fulfilling its obligations to provide a number of permanent Traveller sites in the district.
Linda Parker, from the Coldharbour Action Group, said: “Council officers were unable to explain why they were defending their position that this highly visible and contentious site, at the top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was unsustainable, when it transpires it is now one of only two sites left for consideration for two permanent pitches in the upcoming 2014 public consultation.
“Officers would only confirm that elected council members were free to disregard detailed reports, previous inspectors’ findings and the expert view of specialist council officers. The lack of relevant experience of some elected council members involved in the permanent site selection was raised by Wendy Myers, chair of Dallington PC.
“Residents repeatedly expressed great concern about irregularities in Rother District Council’s selection process and the lack of an explanation of the decision to have this site allocated to the short list for permanent Traveller provision, outlining in detail reasons for unsustainability for the council.
“The residents also reinforced how this appeal would inevitably affect that permanent site selection process, particularly now that the RDC Cabinet has just dismissed the recommendation from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee to re-examine 16 possible sites in favour of this site.”
An RDC spokesman said: “The appeal relates to a non-determination of a planning application relating to the removal of a personal condition.
“The site allocations process is separate to that of the yesterday’s appeal and will be subject to public consultation in due course.”
The Planning Inspectorate decision is due in the New Year.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Council evicts Travellers from Ditchling Road encampment - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers were evicted from public land after a judge ordered them to leave.
A group of caravans left land next to Ditchling Road on Wednesday morning after Brighton and Hove City Council won a possession hearing in the county court.
A council spokesman said the Travellers had not been moved on to a “designated location”.
The local authority also announced it had won another injunction relating to an unauthorised encampment of lived-in vehicles on land at Wild Park, Brighton.
Travellers were evicted from public land after a judge ordered them to leave.
A group of caravans left land next to Ditchling Road on Wednesday morning after Brighton and Hove City Council won a possession hearing in the county court.
A council spokesman said the Travellers had not been moved on to a “designated location”.
The local authority also announced it had won another injunction relating to an unauthorised encampment of lived-in vehicles on land at Wild Park, Brighton.
Travellers hit back in row over land - Essex
From the Thurrock Gazette
A TRAVELLER family have spoke out insisting they are ‘not like other Gypsies’ and pleaded with neighbours to let them live in peace.
Four generations of the family have lived in Malvern Road, Little Thurrock, since May, after they illegally pitching up on the land at the back of the road.
Peter Birch, 32, and Rebecca Birch, 27, live with their eight-year-old son. Also on the site is Mr Birch’s grandparents, mum and dad, uncle, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their nine-month old baby.
The family say they have been victimised by the neighbours, when all they want to do is live alongside them.
Rebecca Birch said: “Everything has been blown out of proportion.
“We are a quiet family and a normal family.
“We have lived on a number of sites around the country and have never received treatment like this. Neighbours don’t talk to us and just sneer so it has got the stage where we are scared to talk to anyone else. We want to be a part of this community as much as everyone else but how can we?”
Despite the council unanimously voting against the Traveller site in October, which includes five mobile homes, Rebecca said they would not be giving up without a fight.
Neighbours hit back at claims they had victimised the neighbours.
One neighbour said: “If people feel threatened then they aren’t going to want to be sociable. Things are fraught but we aren’t used to police raids in the early morning.”
Another added: “I put some sweets through the letterbox on Halloween this year. Is that an example of victimising someone?”
Little Thurrock councillor Rob Gledhill said the Traveller family had not been in contact with him.
He said: “If they had contacted me about their planning application I would have made it clear I would not support it as it is an inappropriate use of the greenbelt.”
Kent police did not charge anyone living on the Traveller site after arresting a man on suspicion of vehicle related crime on November 19.
A TRAVELLER family have spoke out insisting they are ‘not like other Gypsies’ and pleaded with neighbours to let them live in peace.
Four generations of the family have lived in Malvern Road, Little Thurrock, since May, after they illegally pitching up on the land at the back of the road.
Peter Birch, 32, and Rebecca Birch, 27, live with their eight-year-old son. Also on the site is Mr Birch’s grandparents, mum and dad, uncle, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their nine-month old baby.
The family say they have been victimised by the neighbours, when all they want to do is live alongside them.
Rebecca Birch said: “Everything has been blown out of proportion.
“We are a quiet family and a normal family.
“We have lived on a number of sites around the country and have never received treatment like this. Neighbours don’t talk to us and just sneer so it has got the stage where we are scared to talk to anyone else. We want to be a part of this community as much as everyone else but how can we?”
Despite the council unanimously voting against the Traveller site in October, which includes five mobile homes, Rebecca said they would not be giving up without a fight.
Neighbours hit back at claims they had victimised the neighbours.
One neighbour said: “If people feel threatened then they aren’t going to want to be sociable. Things are fraught but we aren’t used to police raids in the early morning.”
Another added: “I put some sweets through the letterbox on Halloween this year. Is that an example of victimising someone?”
Little Thurrock councillor Rob Gledhill said the Traveller family had not been in contact with him.
He said: “If they had contacted me about their planning application I would have made it clear I would not support it as it is an inappropriate use of the greenbelt.”
Kent police did not charge anyone living on the Traveller site after arresting a man on suspicion of vehicle related crime on November 19.
Travellers’ site angers Westbourne residents - Sussex
From the Chichester Observer
AN OUTPOURING of anger greeted local authority figures answering questions on a proposed transit Travellers’ site in Westhampnett.
The move by Chichester District Council to create nine pitches next to the Westhampnett depot sparked uproar, with homeowners claiming it was a ‘fait accompli’ and that it was ‘killing’ the village.
Chairman of Westhampnett Parish Council Bob Holman, speaking at the opening of a public meeting at the March Primary School on Monday (December 9) said: “The announcement came to us with total incredulity.
“It’s quite clear this has been kept under wraps for as long as possible.”
Around 70 people turned up to question Diane Shepherd, chief executive of Chichester District Council, the council’s head of community services Steve Hansford, cabinet member Josef Ransley and Inspector Will Rolls, of Chichester Police.
Residents slammed the lack of consultation.
“There should have been some sort of consultative process among the parish,” said Westerton resident Windsor Holden.
“I’m listening to the tenses that have been used. I’m not hearing much conditional. It’s all being presented very much as a fait accompli.
“We seem to be having very little say in this. It seems the camp will be going ahead and our concerns about it are not being taken seriously.”
Westhampnett parish councillor Caroline Moth said: “You must have known about this for months and this is the first time you’ve bothered to come to us.
“There’s no consultation, it’s a joke.”
Cllr Ransley told residents he was first informed five weeks ago of the proposal.
Resident Helen Hill said she attended the parish’s last public meeting a year ago to discuss the proposed 500 homes on land in Westhampnett as part of CDC’s emerging local plan.
“It seems to me that you’re killing this village,” she said.
“What do you think is going to happen when you build that site at the end of the road?”
Homeowners also raised fears about rising crime levels from having a transit site, but Insp Rolls reassured them this would not be the case.
He had spoken with a colleague, policing an area including a similar site in Lewes, East Sussex.
“In the four years they have had the transit site they’ve had no crimes in the local community that can be attributed to anybody from the site.
“You obviously all have a preconceived idea of what they’re going to be like,” he said, adding there had been no ‘crime spike’ from having the site and that the police dealt in evidence, not past stories.
“It’s not freedom of speech, it’s borderline racist,” he said after some villagers said it was freedom of speech to say Travellers committed crimes.
District councillor for Westhampnett Andrew Smith was asked for his take.
“As the local councillor, I’m not exactly jumping for joy that the one site for the whole of West Sussex that’s been volunteered is in my ward.
“I anticipated it would be an angry meeting and that’s what it’s been.”
He added the site could ‘unlock’ the powers of the Criminal Justice Act, allowing to Sussex Police to move on illegal encampments in the county, and experiences in East Sussex showed a small site with ten pitches did seem to solve the problem to a large degree.
Support for the site
OTHER parishes have welcomed the news of a proposed Travellers’ site.
So far, Tangmere has come under ‘invasion’ from Travellers on around eight occasions this year – at one stage around 40 caravans arrived on the village’s airfield.
Work has been ongoing in the past few days on defences to protect the village for 2014.
Vice-chairman of the parish council Brian Wood said: “Tangmere Parish Council has now installed 175 posts around the recreation field in an attempt to avoid future incursions.
“In addition, West Sussex County Council has installed a padlocked gate and height barrier at the museum entrance to the airfield.
“The Highways Agency has installed a padlocked barrier at the Cassons layby on the A27 .
“All these measures have been taken in an attempt to avoid further incursions in and around the village in the years to come.
“Tangmere Parish Council welcome the news that the possibility of a Travellers transit camp is being considered, hopefully this will provide the police authority with additional powers to deal with illegal camps.”
‘Open and transparent’ process
RESIDENTS have been assured they do have an opportunity to take part in consultation.
Chichester District Council’s chief executive Diane Shepherd said residents had the opportunity to put their views forward at the full council meeting on Tuesday.
“It’s an open, transparent meeting that you can all attend. That’s your right to be heard,” she said.
If approved, the council will then apply to its own planning department for planning permission.
With no transit site in West Sussex, police have no powers to move on Travellers who illegally set up camp.
If a transit site is available, they can use their powers under the Criminal Justice Act to move them on to the transit site. If people refuse to move, then police can force them to leave the county, but this option does not exist while there is no site available.
The overall cost of the site would be £1.3m, but the council hopes to receive funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, if it puts in an application by the end of March, 2014.
The cost would be split between Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and the remaining seven councils in the county.
AN OUTPOURING of anger greeted local authority figures answering questions on a proposed transit Travellers’ site in Westhampnett.
The move by Chichester District Council to create nine pitches next to the Westhampnett depot sparked uproar, with homeowners claiming it was a ‘fait accompli’ and that it was ‘killing’ the village.
Chairman of Westhampnett Parish Council Bob Holman, speaking at the opening of a public meeting at the March Primary School on Monday (December 9) said: “The announcement came to us with total incredulity.
“It’s quite clear this has been kept under wraps for as long as possible.”
Around 70 people turned up to question Diane Shepherd, chief executive of Chichester District Council, the council’s head of community services Steve Hansford, cabinet member Josef Ransley and Inspector Will Rolls, of Chichester Police.
Residents slammed the lack of consultation.
“There should have been some sort of consultative process among the parish,” said Westerton resident Windsor Holden.
“I’m listening to the tenses that have been used. I’m not hearing much conditional. It’s all being presented very much as a fait accompli.
“We seem to be having very little say in this. It seems the camp will be going ahead and our concerns about it are not being taken seriously.”
Westhampnett parish councillor Caroline Moth said: “You must have known about this for months and this is the first time you’ve bothered to come to us.
“There’s no consultation, it’s a joke.”
Cllr Ransley told residents he was first informed five weeks ago of the proposal.
Resident Helen Hill said she attended the parish’s last public meeting a year ago to discuss the proposed 500 homes on land in Westhampnett as part of CDC’s emerging local plan.
“It seems to me that you’re killing this village,” she said.
“What do you think is going to happen when you build that site at the end of the road?”
Homeowners also raised fears about rising crime levels from having a transit site, but Insp Rolls reassured them this would not be the case.
He had spoken with a colleague, policing an area including a similar site in Lewes, East Sussex.
“In the four years they have had the transit site they’ve had no crimes in the local community that can be attributed to anybody from the site.
“You obviously all have a preconceived idea of what they’re going to be like,” he said, adding there had been no ‘crime spike’ from having the site and that the police dealt in evidence, not past stories.
“It’s not freedom of speech, it’s borderline racist,” he said after some villagers said it was freedom of speech to say Travellers committed crimes.
District councillor for Westhampnett Andrew Smith was asked for his take.
“As the local councillor, I’m not exactly jumping for joy that the one site for the whole of West Sussex that’s been volunteered is in my ward.
“I anticipated it would be an angry meeting and that’s what it’s been.”
He added the site could ‘unlock’ the powers of the Criminal Justice Act, allowing to Sussex Police to move on illegal encampments in the county, and experiences in East Sussex showed a small site with ten pitches did seem to solve the problem to a large degree.
Support for the site
OTHER parishes have welcomed the news of a proposed Travellers’ site.
So far, Tangmere has come under ‘invasion’ from Travellers on around eight occasions this year – at one stage around 40 caravans arrived on the village’s airfield.
Work has been ongoing in the past few days on defences to protect the village for 2014.
Vice-chairman of the parish council Brian Wood said: “Tangmere Parish Council has now installed 175 posts around the recreation field in an attempt to avoid future incursions.
“In addition, West Sussex County Council has installed a padlocked gate and height barrier at the museum entrance to the airfield.
“The Highways Agency has installed a padlocked barrier at the Cassons layby on the A27 .
“All these measures have been taken in an attempt to avoid further incursions in and around the village in the years to come.
“Tangmere Parish Council welcome the news that the possibility of a Travellers transit camp is being considered, hopefully this will provide the police authority with additional powers to deal with illegal camps.”
‘Open and transparent’ process
RESIDENTS have been assured they do have an opportunity to take part in consultation.
Chichester District Council’s chief executive Diane Shepherd said residents had the opportunity to put their views forward at the full council meeting on Tuesday.
“It’s an open, transparent meeting that you can all attend. That’s your right to be heard,” she said.
If approved, the council will then apply to its own planning department for planning permission.
With no transit site in West Sussex, police have no powers to move on Travellers who illegally set up camp.
If a transit site is available, they can use their powers under the Criminal Justice Act to move them on to the transit site. If people refuse to move, then police can force them to leave the county, but this option does not exist while there is no site available.
The overall cost of the site would be £1.3m, but the council hopes to receive funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, if it puts in an application by the end of March, 2014.
The cost would be split between Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council and the remaining seven councils in the county.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Traveller site plan scrapped in Chalfont St Giles - Buckinghamshire
From GetBucks
PLANS to potentially change land into a Traveller site have been scrapped after a couple bought the site.
The Lagger in Chalfont St Giles, one of 12 locations across Chiltern marked for possible Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Shoepeople sites by Chiltern District Council, will now be developed by farm owners.
Top Farm owners Kathy and Andy Douthwaite purchased the land south to them in a bid to develop it with potential community use of two barns and other structures onsite.
Mrs Douthwaite said: “We are trying to clear it up at the moment and hopefully get it together again. There are lots of challenges and work. It is very exciting in many ways.
“It has two significant barns. We are open to lots of ideas about how it can be used. We would be open to renting them out to the people who want to use them.
“There is an awful lot of potential to try and turn it round and put it back into use.
“I have thoughts about something the school children could access which could link with the animals. It is very early days.”
Villagers formed Chalfont St Giles Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) to fight the proposal of using the Lagger as a site.
“It aimed to protect the location’s green belt land and members believe a Travellers camp is not a suitable development for the area.
Chairman Tony O’Neil said: “This news will come as a great relief to all those in the village who have expressed real anxieties over this issue. It is the best Christmas present we could have hoped for.
“We wish the new owners well, and thank them wholeheartedly for what they have done to protect the local environment, and the peaceful rural nature of this area.
“I’d also like to thank all those who gave active support to this campaign, as well as all those residents who responded to the call for action by demonstrating their real concerns and submitting their comments as recommended to Chiltern District Council.”
Councillors have delayed plans to announce the sites for five weeks following a public consulation as they need more time for consideration.
They will be due for online viewing on January 13.
PLANS to potentially change land into a Traveller site have been scrapped after a couple bought the site.
The Lagger in Chalfont St Giles, one of 12 locations across Chiltern marked for possible Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Shoepeople sites by Chiltern District Council, will now be developed by farm owners.
Top Farm owners Kathy and Andy Douthwaite purchased the land south to them in a bid to develop it with potential community use of two barns and other structures onsite.
Mrs Douthwaite said: “We are trying to clear it up at the moment and hopefully get it together again. There are lots of challenges and work. It is very exciting in many ways.
“It has two significant barns. We are open to lots of ideas about how it can be used. We would be open to renting them out to the people who want to use them.
“There is an awful lot of potential to try and turn it round and put it back into use.
“I have thoughts about something the school children could access which could link with the animals. It is very early days.”
Villagers formed Chalfont St Giles Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) to fight the proposal of using the Lagger as a site.
“It aimed to protect the location’s green belt land and members believe a Travellers camp is not a suitable development for the area.
Chairman Tony O’Neil said: “This news will come as a great relief to all those in the village who have expressed real anxieties over this issue. It is the best Christmas present we could have hoped for.
“We wish the new owners well, and thank them wholeheartedly for what they have done to protect the local environment, and the peaceful rural nature of this area.
“I’d also like to thank all those who gave active support to this campaign, as well as all those residents who responded to the call for action by demonstrating their real concerns and submitting their comments as recommended to Chiltern District Council.”
Councillors have delayed plans to announce the sites for five weeks following a public consulation as they need more time for consideration.
They will be due for online viewing on January 13.
Labour MP Jack Dromey under fire over 'Pikey' tweet
From the BBC
MP Jack Dromey should not have used the potentially offensive word "Pikey" in a Twitter message but it was an "innocent mistake", Labour sources have said.
The shadow minister tweeted a picture of himself with a postal worker.
His caption said: "With Gareth Martin, the Pikey from the Erdington Royal Mail Sorting Office. A great guy!"
After he faced accusations of racism, Mr Dromey tweeted that Mr Martin's nickname was a reference to the Dad's Army character Pike.
Conservative MP David Morris has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe calling on him to investigate whether Mr Dromey's message constituted incitement to racial hatred.
"As I am sure that you are aware, the word 'pikey' is a deeply offensive word, and is a racially charged term due to its association with Irish Travellers and Roma Gypsies," writes the Morecambe and Lunesdale MP.
"I have received a number of complaints from members of the travelling community in my constituency, and am writing on their behalf."
'Careful'
A Labour source said the party had spoken to Mr Dromey earlier on Friday after being contacted by journalists who had picked up on a growing Twitter storm about the comment.
"It was a stupid thing to do and he should not have said it," the source added, but he insisted it was "an innocent mistake".
He said the MP had been referring to the Dad's Army character rather than using a derogatory term for "somebody of Romany extraction".
Mr Dromey had agreed to issue a clarification after the potentially offensive nature of the tweet was pointed out to him.
The second message read: "Don't panic, Mr Mainwaring. This morning's meeting was with Gareth, a Postie nicknamed after Corporal Pike from Dad's Army."
Labour sources said the incident - not the first time Mr Dromey has landed himself in hot water over his use of social media - showed how important it was to think before tweeting, in case words were misconstrued.
"It is an offensive word and it just shows how everybody should be extremely careful with language on Twitter," said a spokesman.
Mr Dromey, a former trade union leader, is married to Labour's deputy leader and equalities spokeswoman Harriet Harman.
He is a shadow communities and local government minister and chairman of the all-party Parliamentary Group on Migration.
MP Jack Dromey should not have used the potentially offensive word "Pikey" in a Twitter message but it was an "innocent mistake", Labour sources have said.
The shadow minister tweeted a picture of himself with a postal worker.
His caption said: "With Gareth Martin, the Pikey from the Erdington Royal Mail Sorting Office. A great guy!"
After he faced accusations of racism, Mr Dromey tweeted that Mr Martin's nickname was a reference to the Dad's Army character Pike.
Conservative MP David Morris has written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe calling on him to investigate whether Mr Dromey's message constituted incitement to racial hatred.
"As I am sure that you are aware, the word 'pikey' is a deeply offensive word, and is a racially charged term due to its association with Irish Travellers and Roma Gypsies," writes the Morecambe and Lunesdale MP.
"I have received a number of complaints from members of the travelling community in my constituency, and am writing on their behalf."
'Careful'
A Labour source said the party had spoken to Mr Dromey earlier on Friday after being contacted by journalists who had picked up on a growing Twitter storm about the comment.
"It was a stupid thing to do and he should not have said it," the source added, but he insisted it was "an innocent mistake".
He said the MP had been referring to the Dad's Army character rather than using a derogatory term for "somebody of Romany extraction".
Mr Dromey had agreed to issue a clarification after the potentially offensive nature of the tweet was pointed out to him.
The second message read: "Don't panic, Mr Mainwaring. This morning's meeting was with Gareth, a Postie nicknamed after Corporal Pike from Dad's Army."
Labour sources said the incident - not the first time Mr Dromey has landed himself in hot water over his use of social media - showed how important it was to think before tweeting, in case words were misconstrued.
"It is an offensive word and it just shows how everybody should be extremely careful with language on Twitter," said a spokesman.
Mr Dromey, a former trade union leader, is married to Labour's deputy leader and equalities spokeswoman Harriet Harman.
He is a shadow communities and local government minister and chairman of the all-party Parliamentary Group on Migration.
The need for Gypsies and Travellers to respond to the Government’s balance of competences review on fundamental rights
From Garden Court Chambers
Marc Willers explains why it is so important that Gypsies and Travellers respond to the Government’s balance of competences review on fundamental rights by submitting evidence before 13 January 2014.
Introduction
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) issued a call for evidence for a review on the balance of competences between the UK and EU in relation to fundamental rights on 21 October 2013. The deadline for submitting evidence is 13 January 2014.[1]
In essence, the Government seeks evidence and views upon the EU’s framework for ensuring that its member states respect fundamental rights and on its work to promote fundamental rights (through the Fundamental Rights Agency).
One commentator has said that:
‘the Fundamental Rights Review is potentially very important – the stated aim of the Balance of Competences reviews is to audit what the EU does and how it affects the UK government and those residing within the UK more generally. The main website can be found here. …
The Review puts fundamental rights in a somewhat negative light, as a restriction on Member State action: on p10 it says “The key point is that EU fundamental rights constrain what the EU and, in certain circumstances, its Member States can do.” But that is not the key point of fundamental rights at all – the key point is protecting or guaranteeing rights for individuals, organisations, etc., and the UK needs a coherent and strong policy in order to ensure that the rights of individuals and businesses within the UK are properly protected. The EU influences fundamental rights protection in different ways – for example, its institutions and Member States may be constrained to ensure protection of fundamental rights; national courts must follow the CJEU in relation to fundamental rights when interpreting or applying legislation, or considering the lawfulness of public authority action that implements EU law; and the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency carries out campaigns and educational programmes to promote rights.’[2]
I specialise in providing advice and representation to Gypsies, Travellers and Roma and I consider it essential that those representing and protecting their interests respond to the Government’s call for evidence and emphasise just how important it is for them: that EU law is implemented in a way which is compatible with fundamental rights; and that the valuable work of the Fundamental Rights Agency is recognised and supported by the UK.
The EU Fundamental Rights Framework and the Charter
The requirement to respect fundamental rights as a matter of EU law has been consistently recognised by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) since the late 1960s. In 2000, the EU and its member states adopted the Charter of Fundamental Rights (‘the Charter’). Essentially, the Charter draws together the rights that member states have already committed to respect in other international conventions and covenants (including the European Convention on Human Rights). Indeed, the preamble to the Charter states that:
The Charter reaffirms…the rights as they result, in particular, from the constitutional traditions and international obligations common to the Member State…the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms as well as the Social Charters adopted by the Community as well as by the Council of Europe.
The list includes all the civil and political rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights as well as a number of economic, social and cultural rights.
When the Lisbon Treaty came into force in 2009, the Charter became a legally binding document with which EU institutions are bound to comply; and with which EU member states must also comply when they implement EU law. Article 51(1) of the Charter states that:
The provisions of this Charter are addressed to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union with regard for the principle of subsidiarity and to the Member States only when they are implementing EU law. They shall therefore respect the rights, observe the principles and promote the application thereof in accordance with their respective powers and respecting the limits of the powers conferred on it in the treaties.[3]
As a consequence, individuals now have the right to complain that EU law, or national legislation that implements EU law, breaches the Charter. Complaints relating to a member state’s compliance with the Charter, when implementing EU law, can be brought before the national courts (which can then seek guidance from the CJEU on the correct interpretation through the preliminary reference procedure).
My understanding is that up until now there have been few cases where Gypsy and Traveller claimants have relied upon the Charter.[4] That position may change as those representing them become more familiar with its provisions and its scope.
The Fundamental Rights Agency
The EU promotes respect for fundamental rights through the work of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). I think it is vital that we highlight the excellent work done by the FRA on promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma throughout Europe by producing important data and research which demonstrates the inequalities and discrimination that they face as vulnerable members of society.[5] For example, see:
FRA’s ‘multi annual Roma programme’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/project/2013/multi-annual-roma-programme
Analysis of FRA Roma survey results by gender
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2013/analysis-fra-roma-survey-results-gender
The FRA report ‘The situation of Roma in 11 EU Member States’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2012/situation-roma-11-eu-member-states-survey-results-glance
The FRA report ‘Housing conditions of Roma and Travellers in the European Union – Comparative report’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2011/housing-conditions-roma-and-travellers-european-union-comparative-report and
The ‘EU-MIDIS Data in Focus Report 1: The Roma’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2009/eu-midis-data-focus-report-1-roma
Without research and data such as that produced by the FRA we would not have had the April 2011 Communication from the Commission to the EU Parliament ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ which sets goals for Roma inclusion in education, employment, health and housing across the EU.[6]
To that end, EU member states were asked to adopt National Roma Integration Strategies (‘NRIS’), which specify how they would contribute to the achievement of the goals and the FRA was given the important role in monitoring and assisting EU-wide efforts to implement the EU’s plan for Roma integration.
Unfortunately, the UK Government’s response to the EU’s requirement that it adopt a NRIS has been disappointing. Rather than adopt a NRIS in name it published a Progress Report[7] in April 2012 which included 28 ‘commitments’. However, many of those commitments seem to fall well short of the explicit measures that would need to be adopted in order to prevent and compensate for the disadvantages that Gypsies, Travellers and Roma face within our society.[8]
Conclusion
We need to ensure that the UK Government respects fundamental rights when it implements EU law and that FRA continues to be given the support and funding it needs so that it can promote the rights of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma and help eradicate the discrimination and social exclusion that they face as some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our society.
Help to achieve those goals by responding to the MOJ’s call for evidence.
Please send your response to the MOJ by midday on 13th January 2014 to fundamentalrightsBoC@justice.gsi.gov.uk
[1]See http://eutopialaw.com/2013/11/25/fundamental-rights-and-the-uks-balance-of-competences-review/ for a summary of the Review.
[2] See Catherine Taroni at http://eutopialaw.com/2013/11/25/fundamental-rights-and-the-uks-balance-of-competences-review/
[3] The UK Government along with Poland sought an ‘opt out’ from the Charter through Protocol No. 30 to the Lisbon Treaty on the application of the charter to Poland and the UK. Whether the Protocol has any substantive effect is questionable. In N.S. v Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Advocate General of the Court opined that it did not amount to an opt out.[3] He held that the wording of Article 1(1) of the Protocol effectively repeated what all member states had already committed to in Article 51.
[4] By way of example, the Charter was used in legal argument by Jan Luba QC, when acting on behalf of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the important recent case of R(W) v Worcestershire County Council [2013] EWHC 3845 (Admin) as a guide to the interpretation of section 17 of the Children Act 1989 – though the point did not find its way into the judgment (which begins with the words ‘Everyone loves a funfair. They are part of the tapestry of our national life... ). See http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2013/3845.html
[5] See http://fra.europa.eu/en/theme/roma
[6] See http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0173:FIN:EN:HTML
[7] See http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/files/roma_uk_strategy_annex2_en.pdf
[8] See the article by Willers and Greenhall at http://www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/TAT-News-Roma-Strategies-18.3.2012.pdf
Marc Willers explains why it is so important that Gypsies and Travellers respond to the Government’s balance of competences review on fundamental rights by submitting evidence before 13 January 2014.
Introduction
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) issued a call for evidence for a review on the balance of competences between the UK and EU in relation to fundamental rights on 21 October 2013. The deadline for submitting evidence is 13 January 2014.[1]
In essence, the Government seeks evidence and views upon the EU’s framework for ensuring that its member states respect fundamental rights and on its work to promote fundamental rights (through the Fundamental Rights Agency).
One commentator has said that:
‘the Fundamental Rights Review is potentially very important – the stated aim of the Balance of Competences reviews is to audit what the EU does and how it affects the UK government and those residing within the UK more generally. The main website can be found here. …
The Review puts fundamental rights in a somewhat negative light, as a restriction on Member State action: on p10 it says “The key point is that EU fundamental rights constrain what the EU and, in certain circumstances, its Member States can do.” But that is not the key point of fundamental rights at all – the key point is protecting or guaranteeing rights for individuals, organisations, etc., and the UK needs a coherent and strong policy in order to ensure that the rights of individuals and businesses within the UK are properly protected. The EU influences fundamental rights protection in different ways – for example, its institutions and Member States may be constrained to ensure protection of fundamental rights; national courts must follow the CJEU in relation to fundamental rights when interpreting or applying legislation, or considering the lawfulness of public authority action that implements EU law; and the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency carries out campaigns and educational programmes to promote rights.’[2]
I specialise in providing advice and representation to Gypsies, Travellers and Roma and I consider it essential that those representing and protecting their interests respond to the Government’s call for evidence and emphasise just how important it is for them: that EU law is implemented in a way which is compatible with fundamental rights; and that the valuable work of the Fundamental Rights Agency is recognised and supported by the UK.
The EU Fundamental Rights Framework and the Charter
The requirement to respect fundamental rights as a matter of EU law has been consistently recognised by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) since the late 1960s. In 2000, the EU and its member states adopted the Charter of Fundamental Rights (‘the Charter’). Essentially, the Charter draws together the rights that member states have already committed to respect in other international conventions and covenants (including the European Convention on Human Rights). Indeed, the preamble to the Charter states that:
The Charter reaffirms…the rights as they result, in particular, from the constitutional traditions and international obligations common to the Member State…the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms as well as the Social Charters adopted by the Community as well as by the Council of Europe.
The list includes all the civil and political rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights as well as a number of economic, social and cultural rights.
When the Lisbon Treaty came into force in 2009, the Charter became a legally binding document with which EU institutions are bound to comply; and with which EU member states must also comply when they implement EU law. Article 51(1) of the Charter states that:
The provisions of this Charter are addressed to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union with regard for the principle of subsidiarity and to the Member States only when they are implementing EU law. They shall therefore respect the rights, observe the principles and promote the application thereof in accordance with their respective powers and respecting the limits of the powers conferred on it in the treaties.[3]
As a consequence, individuals now have the right to complain that EU law, or national legislation that implements EU law, breaches the Charter. Complaints relating to a member state’s compliance with the Charter, when implementing EU law, can be brought before the national courts (which can then seek guidance from the CJEU on the correct interpretation through the preliminary reference procedure).
My understanding is that up until now there have been few cases where Gypsy and Traveller claimants have relied upon the Charter.[4] That position may change as those representing them become more familiar with its provisions and its scope.
The Fundamental Rights Agency
The EU promotes respect for fundamental rights through the work of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). I think it is vital that we highlight the excellent work done by the FRA on promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma throughout Europe by producing important data and research which demonstrates the inequalities and discrimination that they face as vulnerable members of society.[5] For example, see:
FRA’s ‘multi annual Roma programme’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/project/2013/multi-annual-roma-programme
Analysis of FRA Roma survey results by gender
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2013/analysis-fra-roma-survey-results-gender
The FRA report ‘The situation of Roma in 11 EU Member States’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2012/situation-roma-11-eu-member-states-survey-results-glance
The FRA report ‘Housing conditions of Roma and Travellers in the European Union – Comparative report’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2011/housing-conditions-roma-and-travellers-european-union-comparative-report and
The ‘EU-MIDIS Data in Focus Report 1: The Roma’
http://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2009/eu-midis-data-focus-report-1-roma
Without research and data such as that produced by the FRA we would not have had the April 2011 Communication from the Commission to the EU Parliament ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ which sets goals for Roma inclusion in education, employment, health and housing across the EU.[6]
To that end, EU member states were asked to adopt National Roma Integration Strategies (‘NRIS’), which specify how they would contribute to the achievement of the goals and the FRA was given the important role in monitoring and assisting EU-wide efforts to implement the EU’s plan for Roma integration.
Unfortunately, the UK Government’s response to the EU’s requirement that it adopt a NRIS has been disappointing. Rather than adopt a NRIS in name it published a Progress Report[7] in April 2012 which included 28 ‘commitments’. However, many of those commitments seem to fall well short of the explicit measures that would need to be adopted in order to prevent and compensate for the disadvantages that Gypsies, Travellers and Roma face within our society.[8]
Conclusion
We need to ensure that the UK Government respects fundamental rights when it implements EU law and that FRA continues to be given the support and funding it needs so that it can promote the rights of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma and help eradicate the discrimination and social exclusion that they face as some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our society.
Help to achieve those goals by responding to the MOJ’s call for evidence.
Please send your response to the MOJ by midday on 13th January 2014 to fundamentalrightsBoC@justice.gsi.gov.uk
[1]See http://eutopialaw.com/2013/11/25/fundamental-rights-and-the-uks-balance-of-competences-review/ for a summary of the Review.
[2] See Catherine Taroni at http://eutopialaw.com/2013/11/25/fundamental-rights-and-the-uks-balance-of-competences-review/
[3] The UK Government along with Poland sought an ‘opt out’ from the Charter through Protocol No. 30 to the Lisbon Treaty on the application of the charter to Poland and the UK. Whether the Protocol has any substantive effect is questionable. In N.S. v Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Advocate General of the Court opined that it did not amount to an opt out.[3] He held that the wording of Article 1(1) of the Protocol effectively repeated what all member states had already committed to in Article 51.
[4] By way of example, the Charter was used in legal argument by Jan Luba QC, when acting on behalf of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the important recent case of R(W) v Worcestershire County Council [2013] EWHC 3845 (Admin) as a guide to the interpretation of section 17 of the Children Act 1989 – though the point did not find its way into the judgment (which begins with the words ‘Everyone loves a funfair. They are part of the tapestry of our national life... ). See http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2013/3845.html
[5] See http://fra.europa.eu/en/theme/roma
[6] See http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0173:FIN:EN:HTML
[7] See http://ec.europa.eu/justice/discrimination/files/roma_uk_strategy_annex2_en.pdf
[8] See the article by Willers and Greenhall at http://www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/TAT-News-Roma-Strategies-18.3.2012.pdf
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