From the Peterborough Telegraph
Travellers have threatened to protest against Peterborough City Council after claiming they are being ignored and being made to live in overcrowded conditions.
The Travellers who live at the Oxney Road Travellers Site in Peterborough are threatening to block roads around the site this weekend, after becoming frustrated with Peterborough City Council.
Jack Cunningham, spokesman for the residents of Oxney Road Travellers Site, said: “This has been going on for a number of years.
“The back field is left unkempt when it should be cleared, and fences and gates that should be repaired are left broken by the council.
“We have asked for children’s play equipment to be put on the site, as it is dangerous for children at the moment, because they are running across the road.
“We have asked for reasons why these things are not being sorted, but have not been given an answer.
“We are also overcrowded here.
“There are 24 pitches and there are more people here than there is space.
“The council tells us to find land for pitches, but then reject planning permission all the time.
“We are fed up with the situation, and will also carry out a protest near the site on Friday.”
A city council spokeswoman said negotiations were underway to try and solve the problems.
She said: “Oxney Road Travellers’ site is managed to a good standard with the support of the residents. We are looking to work with Enterprise Peterborough, which manages the site on our behalf, in order to address issues that have been raised by the residents with regards to maintenance and repairs.
“Our executive director of operations, Paul Phillipson met with the Travellers concerned on site to discuss these issues and further concerns around planning applications.
“These discussions included space issues at the site as we are aware it is currently at capacity.
“However, there is no simple solution with regards to the requirement for further sites.
“Therefore, Mr Phillipson has agreed to speak with the cabinet member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Planning, Cllr Peter Hiller, and a future meeting with the Travellers will take place upon a date to be agreed.”
Cllr Hiller said: “As a responsible authority we are keen to find sites for Travellers to make pleasant living environments for their families.
“Paul and I do plan to meet with Travellers and their representatives in the next two or three weeks to look at the issues.
He added: “It is always an emotive subject when we are looking at where camp sites should go.”
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