Travellers told to move on from Diss housing estate - Norfolk

From the Diss Express

A group of Travellers camped by a Diss housing estate have been moved on.

Diss resident Geoff Naybur said two caravans had been camped about 50 yards away from his home on land in Viscount Close off Sawmills Road for more than three weeks. He complained to South Norfolk Council about a number of issues including rubbish being left in the street.

The Travellers were served notice to leave on April 22 after South Norfolk Council met with the landowner. They moved on in the afternoon of the same day.

South Norfolk Council has a statutory duty to ensure there are suitable stopping places for Travellers in south Norfolk.

Councillors are in the initial stages of preparing a Local Plan document to propose sites for future provision, which will be a mixture of private and housing association-managed land, and will go to consultation at the end of this year.

In addition to identifying suitable permanent sites, the district council is looking to put in place a council-managed temporary stopping place where Travellers can spend a set, limited amount of time.

Councillor Yvonne Bendle, cabinet member for housing and public health, said: “We recognise the need for Travellers in south Norfolk to have suitable stopping places, whether on a temporary or permanent basis. Our plans over the coming year will help meet this demand and, with proper provision, we can enforce against illegal encampments effectively.

“Our successful permanent sites at Roundwell and Brookes Green will be used as a model in setting up this future provision.”