Calls for action to stop Gypsies from moving in on Holditch Industrial Estate in Newcastle - Staffordshire

From the Sentinel

COMMUNITY leaders are calling for barriers to be installed on an industrial estate to stop Travellers setting up camp.

They have raised concerns over Gypsies continually moving on to a turning area at the end of Pit Head Close on Holditch Industrial Estate, Newcastle.

It is believed the site has been used four times in as many months with taxpayers footing the bill for the subsequent clean up operations.

Now councillors want restrictions installed to prevent Travellers returning to the area.

Yesterday five caravans were parked on the land along with a number of vans, a horse trailer and a horse.

Labour councillor Michael Clarke, who represents the Holditch ward, said the clean-up costs between £800 and £900 every time staff are forced to take action.

He said: "It is not fair on the residents living close to the area nor the businesses on that industrial estate.

"The mess that is left behind is not pleasant and ranges from household to human waste."

The land in question is owned by Staffordshire County Counci which reimburses Newcastle Borough Council for tidying it up when the Gypsies move on.

Mr Clarke added: "It is a phone call I am making often to our officers to let them know the Travellers have returned.

"They will then contact the county council who will seek legal action to evict them.

"It is a turning area that they use which has double-yellow lines on it so they shouldn't be on there at all."

It has also been claimed the area has become a 'no-go' zone for families due to the stretch attracting truck drivers looking for a place to stay overnight and using it as an outdoor toilet.

Mr Clarke added: "It is used by people walking their dogs but I know that people do feel intimidated to go near the area now."

Fellow Labour ward councillor Sophia Baker said: "The trouble that we are having is the Travellers will go and soon return – it is a problem that needs addressing.

"I know that everybody needs somewhere to live but this is not a designated area for Travellers.

"It has become a recurring problem and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

"This is a stretch where we have had problems with lorry drivers in the past and it just isn't fair on local residents."

The area in question – which is directly outside the New Look distribution centre – is in range of houses on Loomer Road.

Nobody at Staffordshire County Council was available to comment.