From the Rye and Battle Observer
A GROUP of residents, who are opposed to council plans for a permanent Travellers’ site in Brightling, have met with planning bosses at a meeting chaired by their MP.
Greg Barker, MP for Bexhill and Battle, led the delegation of members of the Coldharbour Action Committee and parish council leaders, who expressed their concerns to Rother District Council over plans to make Coldharbour Farm a permanent Traveller site.
Representing the community at the June 14 meeting were Andrew Wedmore of Brightling Parish Council, Wendy Myers of Dallington Parish Council, Roger Burford of Ashburnham and Penshurst Parish Council, and Chloe Marshall and Darren Hook from the Coldharbour Action Committee.
Representing Rother were council leader Cllr Carl Maynard, head of planning Tim Hickling, Cllr Bob White and Cllr David Vereker.
Back in April, nearly three hundred residents turned out to a public meeting to discuss Rother’s plans.
Those opposed to the proposals are challenging Rother’s decision to include Coldharbour Farm on the council’s shortlist as it continues its quest to find a number of permanent Traveller pitches in the district.
Linda Parker, spokesperson for the Coldharbour Action Committee, said: “The site was not considered suitable for shortlisting after a detailed appraisal against government approved criteria, however there was still no light shed on the reasons why the site was unexpectedly put forward by the council as a permanent site.
“The council admitted that their main criteria had been deliverability of sites rather than suitability.
“This is being challenged by the Coldharbour Action Committee and the three parish councils.
“The planning committee has consistently found this sensitive site unsuitable for development over many years.
“The council have agreed to a further meeting of the parish councils and action committee to discuss developments.
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Traveller killed near Cambridge after mobile home topples on his head - Cambridgeshire
From the Cambridge News
A Traveller was killed when his mobile home fell on him.
Joe Lee, 55, whose passion was restoring a Vickers vintage Gypsy caravan, was underneath the home in Green End, Landbeach, when it toppled over, crushing his head.
Tributes have been paid to the father-of-three with the “heart of gold” and thousands of mourners are expected at his Gypsy funeral on Monday, which is set to be the “biggest the city has ever seen”, according to his friends.
Mr Lee, who lived in Landbeach for more than 30 years, was working on the mobile home when a jack which was holding it up failed, and the structure fell on top of him.
Cambridgeshire police and the East of England Ambulance Service, along with emergency medical charity Magpas, were called to the incident.
Paramedics fought to save Mr Lee’s life as his son Joe looked on. But despite their efforts Mr Lee, who ran Overbrook Nursery in the village, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The grandfather-of-seven, whose father Joe fought at Dunkirk and in the desert during the Second World War, leaves his wife Julie, 56, son Joe, 25, two daughters, Sadie and Tina, and his sister Sally.
Joe told the News: “My mum is in bits. He was her soulmate. The whole Traveller community is in shock. My dad was a friend to everyone. He was a legend. He was the heart of the Lees and was a friend to thousands of people.
“Everyone went to him for advice and he would help anyone. He never said a bad word about anyone. He was my guide and was loved by everyone and there will be thousands of people at the funeral.”
Nelson O’Connor, 40, of Chesterton, told the News: “Joe was the kindest man. He had a heart of gold. The community is devastated. Joe was a legend and his funeral will be the biggest among Travellers that Cambridge has ever seen.
“There will be lorries and trucks coming from all over the country. There will be a huge floral tribute on a lorry with the word ‘Legend’.
“Joe was jacking up the mobile home when it slipped and it toppled on his head. He died instantly. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
An ambulance service spokesman said: “We were called at 8.46pm to a man in cardiac arrest and serious head injuries with a rapid response vehicle, ambulance and a land crew from Magpas attending.
“Ambulance crews did everything they could to try and revive the man but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
The tragedy happened just before 9pm on June 19. An inquest was opened and adjourned, after police ruled out any suspicious circumstances. The cause of death was “head injury”.
Mr Lee’s funeral will be at St Andrew’s Church in Church Street, Chesterton at 11am, followed by a burial at Milton Parish Cemetery, near Landbeach.
see also: The Daily Mail - Gypsy grandfather who died when his vintage caravan fell off its jack and crushed him is buried
A Traveller was killed when his mobile home fell on him.
Joe Lee, 55, whose passion was restoring a Vickers vintage Gypsy caravan, was underneath the home in Green End, Landbeach, when it toppled over, crushing his head.
Tributes have been paid to the father-of-three with the “heart of gold” and thousands of mourners are expected at his Gypsy funeral on Monday, which is set to be the “biggest the city has ever seen”, according to his friends.
Mr Lee, who lived in Landbeach for more than 30 years, was working on the mobile home when a jack which was holding it up failed, and the structure fell on top of him.
Cambridgeshire police and the East of England Ambulance Service, along with emergency medical charity Magpas, were called to the incident.
Paramedics fought to save Mr Lee’s life as his son Joe looked on. But despite their efforts Mr Lee, who ran Overbrook Nursery in the village, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The grandfather-of-seven, whose father Joe fought at Dunkirk and in the desert during the Second World War, leaves his wife Julie, 56, son Joe, 25, two daughters, Sadie and Tina, and his sister Sally.
Joe told the News: “My mum is in bits. He was her soulmate. The whole Traveller community is in shock. My dad was a friend to everyone. He was a legend. He was the heart of the Lees and was a friend to thousands of people.
“Everyone went to him for advice and he would help anyone. He never said a bad word about anyone. He was my guide and was loved by everyone and there will be thousands of people at the funeral.”
Nelson O’Connor, 40, of Chesterton, told the News: “Joe was the kindest man. He had a heart of gold. The community is devastated. Joe was a legend and his funeral will be the biggest among Travellers that Cambridge has ever seen.
“There will be lorries and trucks coming from all over the country. There will be a huge floral tribute on a lorry with the word ‘Legend’.
“Joe was jacking up the mobile home when it slipped and it toppled on his head. He died instantly. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
An ambulance service spokesman said: “We were called at 8.46pm to a man in cardiac arrest and serious head injuries with a rapid response vehicle, ambulance and a land crew from Magpas attending.
“Ambulance crews did everything they could to try and revive the man but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
The tragedy happened just before 9pm on June 19. An inquest was opened and adjourned, after police ruled out any suspicious circumstances. The cause of death was “head injury”.
Mr Lee’s funeral will be at St Andrew’s Church in Church Street, Chesterton at 11am, followed by a burial at Milton Parish Cemetery, near Landbeach.
see also: The Daily Mail - Gypsy grandfather who died when his vintage caravan fell off its jack and crushed him is buried
Stars of TV's Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series pitch up - Lincolnshire
From the Grimsby Telegraph
THE stars of hit TV show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have pitched up in Grimsby.
Some of the Travellers who are currently staying at an unauthorised site in Weelsby Avenue yesterday, will appear in the Channel 4 documentary in March 2014.
Others have already starred in the series, including baby Michael and his mother, Theresa Rooney, 22.
The site opposite Oasis Academy Wintringham started off with five caravans, but yesterday morning, about 15 more followed.
Michael, who is just seven months old, has a hernia and needs medical treatment – and they will not leave the area until he gets it.
His christening was shown on the hit TV series.
Theresa said: "He is my first baby, it is awful knowing he needs help. We won't be moving from around here, we will keep going around until he gets the treatment he needs."
She wants residents to know, they are not like other Gypsy Wedding stars, adding: "Some put it all on for TV – we are not like that."
In another caravan, newly-weds Lully and Martin Rooney, 16, are preparing for the arrival of their baby in four months' time. Their wedding will air to the nation in March.
Michael said: "A lot of people on it are fake and make up lies about our culture.
"We're hoping it will give people a different opinion of us. We don't want people to be afraid of us, we are harmless as long as they don't bother us. We just want to get on with life."
They moved to their current site from Wilton Road, in Humberston, having previously pitched up at Cleethorpes Country Park, Peaks Top Farm in New Waltham and the King George Playing Fields off Taylors Avenue, Cleethorpes.
Now they want an authorised "transit camp" in the borough – but this is not part of North East Lincolnshire Council's policy.
Michaels' grandfather, Mike Doran, 42, said: "They should provide a transit site so we have a place to come to sort out things like medical problems, and then go on again. It would save a lot of time and money. We would be no trouble."
But council leader Councillor Chris Shaw said this will not happen.
He said: "The council does not have a legal duty to provide Gypsies and Travellers with a site. Our policy is to use the legal route to remove them when they set up an unauthorised encampment."
Travellers have come to the current site for a few years.
Ward Councillor Andrew DeFreitas, is not opposed to having a permenant site for them.
He said: "If there was a purpose-built site with necessary facilities it would alleviate the problem in this area."
Fellow ward Councillor Christina McGilligan-Fell, added: "I hope people will consider the needs of this culture that is part of our society."
But Drew Avenue residents remain worried.
One, who did not want to be named, said: "We knew more would follow. It is unnerving to have them so close to us."
THE stars of hit TV show My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding have pitched up in Grimsby.
Some of the Travellers who are currently staying at an unauthorised site in Weelsby Avenue yesterday, will appear in the Channel 4 documentary in March 2014.
Others have already starred in the series, including baby Michael and his mother, Theresa Rooney, 22.
The site opposite Oasis Academy Wintringham started off with five caravans, but yesterday morning, about 15 more followed.
Michael, who is just seven months old, has a hernia and needs medical treatment – and they will not leave the area until he gets it.
His christening was shown on the hit TV series.
Theresa said: "He is my first baby, it is awful knowing he needs help. We won't be moving from around here, we will keep going around until he gets the treatment he needs."
She wants residents to know, they are not like other Gypsy Wedding stars, adding: "Some put it all on for TV – we are not like that."
In another caravan, newly-weds Lully and Martin Rooney, 16, are preparing for the arrival of their baby in four months' time. Their wedding will air to the nation in March.
Michael said: "A lot of people on it are fake and make up lies about our culture.
"We're hoping it will give people a different opinion of us. We don't want people to be afraid of us, we are harmless as long as they don't bother us. We just want to get on with life."
They moved to their current site from Wilton Road, in Humberston, having previously pitched up at Cleethorpes Country Park, Peaks Top Farm in New Waltham and the King George Playing Fields off Taylors Avenue, Cleethorpes.
Now they want an authorised "transit camp" in the borough – but this is not part of North East Lincolnshire Council's policy.
Michaels' grandfather, Mike Doran, 42, said: "They should provide a transit site so we have a place to come to sort out things like medical problems, and then go on again. It would save a lot of time and money. We would be no trouble."
But council leader Councillor Chris Shaw said this will not happen.
He said: "The council does not have a legal duty to provide Gypsies and Travellers with a site. Our policy is to use the legal route to remove them when they set up an unauthorised encampment."
Travellers have come to the current site for a few years.
Ward Councillor Andrew DeFreitas, is not opposed to having a permenant site for them.
He said: "If there was a purpose-built site with necessary facilities it would alleviate the problem in this area."
Fellow ward Councillor Christina McGilligan-Fell, added: "I hope people will consider the needs of this culture that is part of our society."
But Drew Avenue residents remain worried.
One, who did not want to be named, said: "We knew more would follow. It is unnerving to have them so close to us."
Site for Gypsies and Travellers to be built - Sussex
From the Hastings and St Leonards Observer
A DEDICATED site for Gypsies and Travellers is to be built on land off Queensway in St Leonards.
Hastings Borough Council wants to build the facility on fields behind woodland at the junction with Crowhurst Road and Queensway.
An outline planning application was submitted in January and discussed on Wednesday by the council’s planning committee where councillors gave unanimous approval. The council owns the majority of the land and part of the access to the proposed site is on land owned by East Sussex County Council.
The proposed site will accommodate two permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches. Each pitch, which would be around 300 sqm, has space for a mobile home, touring caravan, parking and turning and an amenity block containing washing facilities.
The site would accommodate two families who would have to lease the site from the council.
Any Travellers camping illegally on private land within Hastings would not be directed to the site.
Residents in the area are not happy and more than 60 signed a petition objecting to the scheme.
Steve Bowles, chairman of Mayfield Area Residents Association (MARA), which represents residents living in nearby Catsfield Close, Whatlington Way and neighbouring streets, said at Wednesday’s meeting that the proposed site was inappropriate because of its location, being near a major road and railway crossing.
He said: “This is not about being a Traveller or Gypsy and I appreciate that they have to stay somewhere but there must be better places elsewhere in Hastings. The council should at least find a decent sized area where more than two families can live there.
“Robsack Wood School already has 57 too many children and there are no school places left for extra children. With two more families moving here that could mean quite a few more children.”
Patricia Knight and her husband Peter, who are both in their 70s, live at a property called Sanctuaire and the closest distance the proposed site will be 12 metres from their home.
When the Observer reported on the proposed scheme in January they said they were ‘totally devastated’ over the plans.
Cllr Peter Pragnell said: “This is an eminently suitable site and I do understand the concerns of some residents. Amenities are close by.”
Cllr Finch agreed and said: “This is a very emotive subject and there are a lot of unspoken objections on this issue but this is a suitable site.”
A DEDICATED site for Gypsies and Travellers is to be built on land off Queensway in St Leonards.
Hastings Borough Council wants to build the facility on fields behind woodland at the junction with Crowhurst Road and Queensway.
An outline planning application was submitted in January and discussed on Wednesday by the council’s planning committee where councillors gave unanimous approval. The council owns the majority of the land and part of the access to the proposed site is on land owned by East Sussex County Council.
The proposed site will accommodate two permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches. Each pitch, which would be around 300 sqm, has space for a mobile home, touring caravan, parking and turning and an amenity block containing washing facilities.
The site would accommodate two families who would have to lease the site from the council.
Any Travellers camping illegally on private land within Hastings would not be directed to the site.
Residents in the area are not happy and more than 60 signed a petition objecting to the scheme.
Steve Bowles, chairman of Mayfield Area Residents Association (MARA), which represents residents living in nearby Catsfield Close, Whatlington Way and neighbouring streets, said at Wednesday’s meeting that the proposed site was inappropriate because of its location, being near a major road and railway crossing.
He said: “This is not about being a Traveller or Gypsy and I appreciate that they have to stay somewhere but there must be better places elsewhere in Hastings. The council should at least find a decent sized area where more than two families can live there.
“Robsack Wood School already has 57 too many children and there are no school places left for extra children. With two more families moving here that could mean quite a few more children.”
Patricia Knight and her husband Peter, who are both in their 70s, live at a property called Sanctuaire and the closest distance the proposed site will be 12 metres from their home.
When the Observer reported on the proposed scheme in January they said they were ‘totally devastated’ over the plans.
Cllr Peter Pragnell said: “This is an eminently suitable site and I do understand the concerns of some residents. Amenities are close by.”
Cllr Finch agreed and said: “This is a very emotive subject and there are a lot of unspoken objections on this issue but this is a suitable site.”
New battle heats up over ‘illegal’ Three Cornered Piece Gypsy site at Harting - Sussex
From the Midhurst and Petworth Observer
THE battle of the ‘illegal’ Gypsy encampment, Three Cornered Piece at East Harting, has erupted again with a retrospective plan to change its use to a Traveller site.
The latest move from Christopher and Jimmy Searle who own the site, has been met by outrage from objectors who claim it flies in the face of the rulings of the High Court, Portsmouth County Court and government planning inspectors.
They believed the fight had finally ended when in April, a High Court judge ordered the Gypsies to leave.
But now the Searles have made a new application to change the use of the land to a Traveller site.
Planning consultant Alison Heine, a Gypsy and Traveller specialist, submitted the plans on their behalf.
While previous appeal decision was a ‘material consideration,’ she said, there now had to be regard for current circumstances and policy.
“Harm to this part of the national park should be accorded substantial weight. But this is a case where there are other considerations that clearly outweigh the harm.”
“There are now five children living on the site, three of whom are in full time education and one is at a critical stage about to transfer to secondary school.”
In addition there was no up-to-date ‘need’ assessment for Traveller sites and there had been ‘slippage’ in the preparation of development plan policy.
“Planning Policy for Traveller Sites now requires significant weight to be attached to unmet need,” she said.
The South Downs National Park should now produce a local plan to meet these needs, but this was not due to be in place until 2017.
Portsmouth County Court earlier ruled this year the Searles were in breach of an injunction granted in 2010, to stop any further works on the land.
They were ordered to leave the site by August 16.
The district council took enforcement action demanding the removal of the mobile homes in 2009. The Gypsy family appealed and their case was called in by local government secretary Eric Pickles.
The resulting High Court battle rejected the Gypsy’s appeal despite a planning inspector recommending Mr Pickles to grant temporary three-year planning permission.
THE battle of the ‘illegal’ Gypsy encampment, Three Cornered Piece at East Harting, has erupted again with a retrospective plan to change its use to a Traveller site.
The latest move from Christopher and Jimmy Searle who own the site, has been met by outrage from objectors who claim it flies in the face of the rulings of the High Court, Portsmouth County Court and government planning inspectors.
They believed the fight had finally ended when in April, a High Court judge ordered the Gypsies to leave.
But now the Searles have made a new application to change the use of the land to a Traveller site.
Planning consultant Alison Heine, a Gypsy and Traveller specialist, submitted the plans on their behalf.
While previous appeal decision was a ‘material consideration,’ she said, there now had to be regard for current circumstances and policy.
“Harm to this part of the national park should be accorded substantial weight. But this is a case where there are other considerations that clearly outweigh the harm.”
“There are now five children living on the site, three of whom are in full time education and one is at a critical stage about to transfer to secondary school.”
In addition there was no up-to-date ‘need’ assessment for Traveller sites and there had been ‘slippage’ in the preparation of development plan policy.
“Planning Policy for Traveller Sites now requires significant weight to be attached to unmet need,” she said.
The South Downs National Park should now produce a local plan to meet these needs, but this was not due to be in place until 2017.
Portsmouth County Court earlier ruled this year the Searles were in breach of an injunction granted in 2010, to stop any further works on the land.
They were ordered to leave the site by August 16.
The district council took enforcement action demanding the removal of the mobile homes in 2009. The Gypsy family appealed and their case was called in by local government secretary Eric Pickles.
The resulting High Court battle rejected the Gypsy’s appeal despite a planning inspector recommending Mr Pickles to grant temporary three-year planning permission.
Travellers leave Great Harwood site following eviction threat - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Telegraph
TRAVELLERS camped on spare ground in Great Harwood packed up and left yesterday under threat of eviction.
The campers, who had rolled a total of eight campervans and caravans onto council-owned land off Shaftesbury Avenue nearly two weeks ago, had been served with a possession order ordering them to leave.
But they remained there until yesterday afternoon - past the deadline - and police and bailiffs joined council representatives as they were told to get off the land immediately.
The group packed up their belongings and picked up their litter before leaving voluntarily.
The Travellers, believed to be of Irish origin, said they came from Blackburn and had nowhere else to go.
Mary Collins, 30, said a nearby resident was washing and drying some of the group’s clothes.
“We don’t choose to live like this,” she said. “Who would have three kiddies living like this? Let the council house me, I’m on the waiting list.
“We’ve nowhere to go. There’s no transit sites, there are no permanent sites and there’s no house for me.
“We’ll go onto the next piece of council land because we don’t want to cause the police bother by going onto private property as we have done in the past.”
Under the terms of the possession order, the Travellers cannot return to the same patch of land for three months.
Hyndburn Borough councillor Clare Pritchard denied the Travellers had nowhere to go.
She said: “We have adequate provision for Travellers in the borough. We have transient pitches in Huncoat that aren’t full so they have there to go.
“We will always take proactive to illegal encampments in Hyndburn. We have a set criteria to deal with them and we will always do so in a robust manner.”
Hyndburn MP Graham Jones praised the council for its zero-tolerance approach to illegal Travellers but said the Government should introduce tougher measures to give local authorities more power.
TRAVELLERS camped on spare ground in Great Harwood packed up and left yesterday under threat of eviction.
The campers, who had rolled a total of eight campervans and caravans onto council-owned land off Shaftesbury Avenue nearly two weeks ago, had been served with a possession order ordering them to leave.
But they remained there until yesterday afternoon - past the deadline - and police and bailiffs joined council representatives as they were told to get off the land immediately.
The group packed up their belongings and picked up their litter before leaving voluntarily.
The Travellers, believed to be of Irish origin, said they came from Blackburn and had nowhere else to go.
Mary Collins, 30, said a nearby resident was washing and drying some of the group’s clothes.
“We don’t choose to live like this,” she said. “Who would have three kiddies living like this? Let the council house me, I’m on the waiting list.
“We’ve nowhere to go. There’s no transit sites, there are no permanent sites and there’s no house for me.
“We’ll go onto the next piece of council land because we don’t want to cause the police bother by going onto private property as we have done in the past.”
Under the terms of the possession order, the Travellers cannot return to the same patch of land for three months.
Hyndburn Borough councillor Clare Pritchard denied the Travellers had nowhere to go.
She said: “We have adequate provision for Travellers in the borough. We have transient pitches in Huncoat that aren’t full so they have there to go.
“We will always take proactive to illegal encampments in Hyndburn. We have a set criteria to deal with them and we will always do so in a robust manner.”
Hyndburn MP Graham Jones praised the council for its zero-tolerance approach to illegal Travellers but said the Government should introduce tougher measures to give local authorities more power.
Bromsgrove Council slammed for failing to move Travellers on - Worcestershire
From the Bromsgrove Standard
BROMSGROVE District Council has come under fire from residents who claim the authority has not done enough to remove Travellers from the Recreation Road car park.
After their arrival last Friday (June 21), more than 20 caravans have been positioned on the pay and display car park, opposite the town's Asda.
One resident who contacted us said: "The Travellers have prevented tax-paying members of the public from using the car park and whilst there is a CCTV camera monitoring that car park 24/7, there appears to have been no attempt by the council to move the Travellers on."
Another claimed a civil enforcement officer had told them he had been advised by the district council not to approach or challenge members of the travelling community who had set up their camp near the town centre.
"Is this an appropriate way to treat people fairly?
"Is this kind offer of free parking extended to all residents/shoppers visitors to Bromsgrove?
"Is the council even aware they have arrived and, if so, what plans have been made to arrange payment for their stay, to issue notice to quit the site and, if required, who will be covering the cost to return the car park to its previous state?"
A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: "Following discussions with the group they have indicated their intention to move from the site by the end of the week.
"To avoid any delay beyond this point the council has already issued proceedings in the Worcestershire County Court to obtain an order for possession of the land.”
BROMSGROVE District Council has come under fire from residents who claim the authority has not done enough to remove Travellers from the Recreation Road car park.
After their arrival last Friday (June 21), more than 20 caravans have been positioned on the pay and display car park, opposite the town's Asda.
One resident who contacted us said: "The Travellers have prevented tax-paying members of the public from using the car park and whilst there is a CCTV camera monitoring that car park 24/7, there appears to have been no attempt by the council to move the Travellers on."
Another claimed a civil enforcement officer had told them he had been advised by the district council not to approach or challenge members of the travelling community who had set up their camp near the town centre.
"Is this an appropriate way to treat people fairly?
"Is this kind offer of free parking extended to all residents/shoppers visitors to Bromsgrove?
"Is the council even aware they have arrived and, if so, what plans have been made to arrange payment for their stay, to issue notice to quit the site and, if required, who will be covering the cost to return the car park to its previous state?"
A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: "Following discussions with the group they have indicated their intention to move from the site by the end of the week.
"To avoid any delay beyond this point the council has already issued proceedings in the Worcestershire County Court to obtain an order for possession of the land.”
Cumbria fair most animal-friendly ever, charity claims.
From the North West Evening Mail
AN annual Cumbria fair has been the most successful ever as far as animal welfare is concerned, according to the RSPCA.
The RSPCA says the 2013 Appleby Horse Fair saw fewer incidents and warnings than any other year.
It comes as the annual Gypsy and Traveller event, which started on Thursday, winds down for another year.
RSPCA chief inspector, Rob Melloy, said: “We’ve seen a different fair this year, it has to be said.
"The atmosphere has been positive throughout, with a lot of people coming to speak to us for advice and it was great to have that interaction.
"There did seem to be fewer horses at the fair but even with that in mind the figures are still really, really pleasing. We dealt with 142 incidents relating to animal welfare and issued just 10 warnings compared to 192 incidents last year and 38 warnings.”
In 2011, the number of incidents was 346 and the number of warnings 17. In 2010, the figures were 311 and 23 and in 2009 they were 180 and 25.
The RSPCA had 32 officers and a vet at the fair during peak times, including 15 specialist equine officers from all over the country. The organisation works with four other animal welfare organisations at the event. Four vets and a specialist field officer/professional driver attended from Redwings; four field officers and a vet from World Horse Welfare; two welfare officers and one vet from the Donkey Sanctuary and a logistics co-ordinator and two drivers from Blue Cross.
Mr Melloy said: “We work hand-in-hand with our colleagues from the other animal welfare organisations and couldn’t do this without them. A huge thanks must go to the other partners too 'though, in particular Cumbria Constabulary, with whom we have a very close working relationship at the fair."
However, the fair wasn’t without serious incident. A German Shepherd type dog was removed from a hot car by police on Saturday and placed in RSPCA care. The owner has been interviewed with a view to the RSPCA bringing a private prosecution. A horse with a broken leg was discovered on Saturday morning and had to be put to sleep.
Seven horses and a goat are in the care of the animal welfare organisations involved, some of which are subject to on-going investigations. One horse was found with a hole in his face and another was exhausted from being overworked. A bay mare had an injured leg and a grey mare had suffered a tethering injury.
Vets carried out 61 treatments, mostly as a result of minor injuries sustained at the fair.
Mr Melloy said: “It is unfortunate that there are some who don’t look after their animals as well as they should but most of the horses that were at the fair were good looking horses, presumably because of the economic climate and the nature of the market.
"Where there was cause for them to be seen by a vet, they were.
“What does concern me is the number of puppies at the event, seemingly for sale, and that’s something that we will be looking to work with the MASCG colleagues to counteract ahead of next year’s event.”
AN annual Cumbria fair has been the most successful ever as far as animal welfare is concerned, according to the RSPCA.
The RSPCA says the 2013 Appleby Horse Fair saw fewer incidents and warnings than any other year.
It comes as the annual Gypsy and Traveller event, which started on Thursday, winds down for another year.
RSPCA chief inspector, Rob Melloy, said: “We’ve seen a different fair this year, it has to be said.
"The atmosphere has been positive throughout, with a lot of people coming to speak to us for advice and it was great to have that interaction.
"There did seem to be fewer horses at the fair but even with that in mind the figures are still really, really pleasing. We dealt with 142 incidents relating to animal welfare and issued just 10 warnings compared to 192 incidents last year and 38 warnings.”
In 2011, the number of incidents was 346 and the number of warnings 17. In 2010, the figures were 311 and 23 and in 2009 they were 180 and 25.
The RSPCA had 32 officers and a vet at the fair during peak times, including 15 specialist equine officers from all over the country. The organisation works with four other animal welfare organisations at the event. Four vets and a specialist field officer/professional driver attended from Redwings; four field officers and a vet from World Horse Welfare; two welfare officers and one vet from the Donkey Sanctuary and a logistics co-ordinator and two drivers from Blue Cross.
Mr Melloy said: “We work hand-in-hand with our colleagues from the other animal welfare organisations and couldn’t do this without them. A huge thanks must go to the other partners too 'though, in particular Cumbria Constabulary, with whom we have a very close working relationship at the fair."
However, the fair wasn’t without serious incident. A German Shepherd type dog was removed from a hot car by police on Saturday and placed in RSPCA care. The owner has been interviewed with a view to the RSPCA bringing a private prosecution. A horse with a broken leg was discovered on Saturday morning and had to be put to sleep.
Seven horses and a goat are in the care of the animal welfare organisations involved, some of which are subject to on-going investigations. One horse was found with a hole in his face and another was exhausted from being overworked. A bay mare had an injured leg and a grey mare had suffered a tethering injury.
Vets carried out 61 treatments, mostly as a result of minor injuries sustained at the fair.
Mr Melloy said: “It is unfortunate that there are some who don’t look after their animals as well as they should but most of the horses that were at the fair were good looking horses, presumably because of the economic climate and the nature of the market.
"Where there was cause for them to be seen by a vet, they were.
“What does concern me is the number of puppies at the event, seemingly for sale, and that’s something that we will be looking to work with the MASCG colleagues to counteract ahead of next year’s event.”
Wigan Borough’s Children Celebrate Roma Gypsy Month With Song, Dance and Stories - Lancashire
From the Manchester Gazette
CHILDREN and young people in Wigan Borough have joined forces for a colourful multi cultural celebration of Traveller life.
The Derby Room at Leigh’s Turnpike Gallery came alive with the traditional sights and sounds of one the world’s oldest nomadic communities on Saturday June 22, as children and adults alike enjoyed a special event to recognise the close of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month.
The international annual event runs each June and aims to raise awareness about the Gypsy life, challenge the negative stereotyping and prejudice often aimed at the Travelling community and to bring all sections of the local community closer together.
But this event was also three celebrations in one, because organisers from Wigan Council’s Ethnic Minority Achievement Team and Voice and Engagement Service, also used the opportunity to raise awareness about the recent national Refugee Week and the on-going Big Lunch campaign.
Leading the celebrations in Leigh was the council-backed junior Kamosi group, which is aimed at children from various ethnic backgrounds aged between seven and 11 years-old.
The children performed their own version of traditional Roma songs and dances for the packed crowd.
Ann O’Shea, who leads the council’s Ethnic Minority Achievement Team, explained: “We have been working with the children and young people to organise this event. They wanted to put on a show that highlights their culture and traditions. It’s a chance for the children to express themselves and what is special about their culture. We have thrown the event open to the entire community to help develop greater understanding. As well as celebrating our cultural differences, the event was also a way of recognising everything we have in common.”
Visitors to the event had the chance to take in an exhibition created with the help of the children all about Traveller life. Young people had the chance to draw their own traditional Gypsy caravan, or Vardo and take part in traditional Romani crafts.
There was also a masterclass in circus skills for the children and young people from Leigh-based juggler Sam Armstrong of Circus Maximus.
“We have been working with the borough’s schools to also help raise awareness and we have run a competition for primary aged children to create their own colourful Gypsy caravan drawings,” said Ann. “We have been delighted with the responses and have used this event to award the winners with their prizes.”
Mehmood Ahmed from the council’s Voice and Engagement Service says: “The young people have worked really hard in preparation for this event, giving up several Saturdays to plan and rehearse their performances. They have been really excited about sharing their creative skills with the local community and even made sure they put on their best clothes for the event!”
Roma Gypsies and Travellers make up the largest ethnic minority community within the European Union, with more than 12 million people. The UK community is made up of more than 300,000 people. Originating in India, the Romani community has spread throughout the world and there are many celebrities and household names who can trace their roots back to the travelling community – Sir Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins and Mother Theresa of Calcutta for example.
Vladimir Turtak, 10, was just one of the young people taking part in the event.
He said: “It is really great that so many people have come here to see what is going on. It is important for us to let people know about our lives so we can understand each other better and all be friends.”
CHILDREN and young people in Wigan Borough have joined forces for a colourful multi cultural celebration of Traveller life.
The Derby Room at Leigh’s Turnpike Gallery came alive with the traditional sights and sounds of one the world’s oldest nomadic communities on Saturday June 22, as children and adults alike enjoyed a special event to recognise the close of Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month.
The international annual event runs each June and aims to raise awareness about the Gypsy life, challenge the negative stereotyping and prejudice often aimed at the Travelling community and to bring all sections of the local community closer together.
But this event was also three celebrations in one, because organisers from Wigan Council’s Ethnic Minority Achievement Team and Voice and Engagement Service, also used the opportunity to raise awareness about the recent national Refugee Week and the on-going Big Lunch campaign.
Leading the celebrations in Leigh was the council-backed junior Kamosi group, which is aimed at children from various ethnic backgrounds aged between seven and 11 years-old.
The children performed their own version of traditional Roma songs and dances for the packed crowd.
Ann O’Shea, who leads the council’s Ethnic Minority Achievement Team, explained: “We have been working with the children and young people to organise this event. They wanted to put on a show that highlights their culture and traditions. It’s a chance for the children to express themselves and what is special about their culture. We have thrown the event open to the entire community to help develop greater understanding. As well as celebrating our cultural differences, the event was also a way of recognising everything we have in common.”
Visitors to the event had the chance to take in an exhibition created with the help of the children all about Traveller life. Young people had the chance to draw their own traditional Gypsy caravan, or Vardo and take part in traditional Romani crafts.
There was also a masterclass in circus skills for the children and young people from Leigh-based juggler Sam Armstrong of Circus Maximus.
“We have been working with the borough’s schools to also help raise awareness and we have run a competition for primary aged children to create their own colourful Gypsy caravan drawings,” said Ann. “We have been delighted with the responses and have used this event to award the winners with their prizes.”
Mehmood Ahmed from the council’s Voice and Engagement Service says: “The young people have worked really hard in preparation for this event, giving up several Saturdays to plan and rehearse their performances. They have been really excited about sharing their creative skills with the local community and even made sure they put on their best clothes for the event!”
Roma Gypsies and Travellers make up the largest ethnic minority community within the European Union, with more than 12 million people. The UK community is made up of more than 300,000 people. Originating in India, the Romani community has spread throughout the world and there are many celebrities and household names who can trace their roots back to the travelling community – Sir Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins and Mother Theresa of Calcutta for example.
Vladimir Turtak, 10, was just one of the young people taking part in the event.
He said: “It is really great that so many people have come here to see what is going on. It is important for us to let people know about our lives so we can understand each other better and all be friends.”
'Recipe for long-term strife' in Byfleet plans - Surrey
From Get Surrey
A CAMPAIGNER has warned of "long term strife" as opposition to plans for a Gypsy site on a Byfleet green belt continues to mount.
John Bond, of the Byfleet Residents’ Action Group, wants the borough’s councillors to refuse a controversial planning application to avoid "discord" in the community.
Plans for the Gypsy plot were submitted in late May after a similar proposal was made invalid in January, where land south of Murray’s Lane was due to be used as four pitches for an extended Romani Gypsy family, with caravans, day rooms and a sewage tank.
The new application has received more than 1,000 new objections despite including new information outlining the family’s "very special circumstances".
A petition to preserve the green belt site exceeded its target of 2,000 signatures, reaching 2,500 in one month.
In a letter to the council, Mr Bond said: “No special circumstances apply for a Traveller site in Byfleet.
“While the application mentions personal problems, these only apply to their current location and have no bearing on this application in Byfleet.”
He claimed that other members of the Gypsy family, who already live in land north of Murray’s Lane, have already caused conflict in the community.
“The Romani Gypsy family has caused a statutory nuisance to many residents by pig odours and bonfires and the only thoroughfare available for local residents to the canal and countryside has already been blocked on several occasions for the family to pasture its goat herd,” he said.
Application 're-submitted'
Charmaine Valler, part of the travelling community living on the Byfleet site, declined to comment on Mr Bond’s claims.
The new application, which the action group describes as a "resubmission", states the Valler and Smith families have pitches in Guildford, where they feel threatened by other residents and the site is particularly unsafe for children, who have been knocked over by cars twice during the past year.
Woking Borough Council, which does not have the power to withdraw applications, can advise an applicant to withdraw if it deems it necessary.
Head of planning for the council, Jenni Jackson, in response to a Freedom of Information request sent by Mr Bond, said the previous application was not technically withdrawn.
“The application was made invalid by the planning authority as it became clear that the red line included land outside the applicant’s control,” she wrote to Mr Bond on June 25.
“Once the plan was amended the application was validated. This is within the due process,” she explained.
Mr Bond said: “It is clear that there will be constant discord as the two groups must share a small lane.
“For residents it is the only safe pedestrian route to the country and for the Travellers it is a pathway through the middle of their land – this is a clear recipe for long term strife and why it is vital that this application is refused.”
Members of the action group were due to meet for the annual meeting of the Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents’ Association on Thursday night (June 27).
A CAMPAIGNER has warned of "long term strife" as opposition to plans for a Gypsy site on a Byfleet green belt continues to mount.
John Bond, of the Byfleet Residents’ Action Group, wants the borough’s councillors to refuse a controversial planning application to avoid "discord" in the community.
Plans for the Gypsy plot were submitted in late May after a similar proposal was made invalid in January, where land south of Murray’s Lane was due to be used as four pitches for an extended Romani Gypsy family, with caravans, day rooms and a sewage tank.
The new application has received more than 1,000 new objections despite including new information outlining the family’s "very special circumstances".
A petition to preserve the green belt site exceeded its target of 2,000 signatures, reaching 2,500 in one month.
In a letter to the council, Mr Bond said: “No special circumstances apply for a Traveller site in Byfleet.
“While the application mentions personal problems, these only apply to their current location and have no bearing on this application in Byfleet.”
He claimed that other members of the Gypsy family, who already live in land north of Murray’s Lane, have already caused conflict in the community.
“The Romani Gypsy family has caused a statutory nuisance to many residents by pig odours and bonfires and the only thoroughfare available for local residents to the canal and countryside has already been blocked on several occasions for the family to pasture its goat herd,” he said.
Application 're-submitted'
Charmaine Valler, part of the travelling community living on the Byfleet site, declined to comment on Mr Bond’s claims.
The new application, which the action group describes as a "resubmission", states the Valler and Smith families have pitches in Guildford, where they feel threatened by other residents and the site is particularly unsafe for children, who have been knocked over by cars twice during the past year.
Woking Borough Council, which does not have the power to withdraw applications, can advise an applicant to withdraw if it deems it necessary.
Head of planning for the council, Jenni Jackson, in response to a Freedom of Information request sent by Mr Bond, said the previous application was not technically withdrawn.
“The application was made invalid by the planning authority as it became clear that the red line included land outside the applicant’s control,” she wrote to Mr Bond on June 25.
“Once the plan was amended the application was validated. This is within the due process,” she explained.
Mr Bond said: “It is clear that there will be constant discord as the two groups must share a small lane.
“For residents it is the only safe pedestrian route to the country and for the Travellers it is a pathway through the middle of their land – this is a clear recipe for long term strife and why it is vital that this application is refused.”
Members of the action group were due to meet for the annual meeting of the Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford Residents’ Association on Thursday night (June 27).
Gypsy wins her planning fight after six years - Sussex
From the Rye and battle Observer
A GYPSY has won her six year fight to remain on land in Battle.
Linda Smith has lived at Beeches Brook on Telham Lane since September 2007, but risked being ejected from the site by Rother District Council following a series of planning breaches.
Rother was due to take enforcement action against Linda in April 2010, but following an appeal the Government Planning Inspectorate granted permission for her to keep her mobile home on the site for another two-and-a-half years.
In August 2012 the permission was extended for a further three years to allow Rother time to find land for Gypsy sites.
The search is still ongoing.
But at a meeting last week, Rother’s planning committee narrowly voted to grant permanent planning permission.
Overcrowding on the Robertsbridge Travellers’ site led to increased tensions, forcing Linda to leave for Battle.
Battle Town Council has repeatedly called for planning permission to be refused for Beeches Brook.
Debating the issue at the planning meeting, Cllr Sue Prochak said: “This is an issue and I support Battle Council’s call for refusal.
“I support Linda. She has had to deal with a nightmare scenario but we are not actually approving her, we are approving a permanent Travellers’ site. It is the principal.
“Rother District Council has created this situation by dragging its feet on providing permanent sites for Travellers.”
Cllr David Vereker said: “She already has temporary permission for three years. It does bring out the wider point of are we going to agree these sites one by one as they come up or are we going to have a proper policy?”
Planning chief Tim Hickling replied: “You have an opportunity here to look at one of these sites and this has acceptable merit.
“It mitigates the affect on the AONB and reduces the pressure on other sites.
“If this does go to appeal I am pretty certain we would lose.”
Cllr Maurice Watson said: “We so have to accept this site. I don’t think we have a lot of choice.”
Cllr Tony Ganly said: “I don’t know of any local community which is going to be in favour of having a Gypsy or Traveller site next door, but that is irrelevant.
“We have to look at this on its own merits.”
Cllr Prochak wanted the item to be referred to full council, but was overruled as only councillors who have had formal training in planning issues would be able to take part in the debate or vote, ruling out any councillor who does not sit on the planning committee.
Cllr Sam Souster said: “This issue has to be sorted because there will be more situations like this.
“We will be going through this process again.”
Approval was given using committee chairman Brian Kentfield’s casting vote.
A GYPSY has won her six year fight to remain on land in Battle.
Linda Smith has lived at Beeches Brook on Telham Lane since September 2007, but risked being ejected from the site by Rother District Council following a series of planning breaches.
Rother was due to take enforcement action against Linda in April 2010, but following an appeal the Government Planning Inspectorate granted permission for her to keep her mobile home on the site for another two-and-a-half years.
In August 2012 the permission was extended for a further three years to allow Rother time to find land for Gypsy sites.
The search is still ongoing.
But at a meeting last week, Rother’s planning committee narrowly voted to grant permanent planning permission.
Overcrowding on the Robertsbridge Travellers’ site led to increased tensions, forcing Linda to leave for Battle.
Battle Town Council has repeatedly called for planning permission to be refused for Beeches Brook.
Debating the issue at the planning meeting, Cllr Sue Prochak said: “This is an issue and I support Battle Council’s call for refusal.
“I support Linda. She has had to deal with a nightmare scenario but we are not actually approving her, we are approving a permanent Travellers’ site. It is the principal.
“Rother District Council has created this situation by dragging its feet on providing permanent sites for Travellers.”
Cllr David Vereker said: “She already has temporary permission for three years. It does bring out the wider point of are we going to agree these sites one by one as they come up or are we going to have a proper policy?”
Planning chief Tim Hickling replied: “You have an opportunity here to look at one of these sites and this has acceptable merit.
“It mitigates the affect on the AONB and reduces the pressure on other sites.
“If this does go to appeal I am pretty certain we would lose.”
Cllr Maurice Watson said: “We so have to accept this site. I don’t think we have a lot of choice.”
Cllr Tony Ganly said: “I don’t know of any local community which is going to be in favour of having a Gypsy or Traveller site next door, but that is irrelevant.
“We have to look at this on its own merits.”
Cllr Prochak wanted the item to be referred to full council, but was overruled as only councillors who have had formal training in planning issues would be able to take part in the debate or vote, ruling out any councillor who does not sit on the planning committee.
Cllr Sam Souster said: “This issue has to be sorted because there will be more situations like this.
“We will be going through this process again.”
Approval was given using committee chairman Brian Kentfield’s casting vote.
Have your say on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan
From Comet 24
TIME is running out for residents to have their say on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.
The draft plan includes a recommended shortlist of seven Gypsy and Traveller sites, including one on land south of Fairfield and west of Stotfold Road.
The public can have their say both online and through paper comment forms – and now respondents can also download a Word version of the comment form from www.centralbed fordshire.gov.uk/gypsyTravellerplan, complete in and email it to LDF@centralbedford shire.gov.uk
Submissions will be provided to the Secretary of State, who will appoint an independent planning inspector to examine the plan.
Cllr Nigel Young, the council’s executive member for sustainable communities, said: “All comments will be included verbatim in the report to the planning inspector – though we will also summarise these in another section of the document to enable the planning inspector to identify the dominant themes in the public feedback.”
The consultation, which began on May 20, ends on Monday.
Paper copies of the documents and comment forms are available from the council offices and libraries.
The interactive online form can be accessed or downloaded at
TIME is running out for residents to have their say on Central Bedfordshire Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.
The draft plan includes a recommended shortlist of seven Gypsy and Traveller sites, including one on land south of Fairfield and west of Stotfold Road.
The public can have their say both online and through paper comment forms – and now respondents can also download a Word version of the comment form from www.centralbed fordshire.gov.uk/gypsyTravellerplan, complete in and email it to LDF@centralbedford shire.gov.uk
Submissions will be provided to the Secretary of State, who will appoint an independent planning inspector to examine the plan.
Cllr Nigel Young, the council’s executive member for sustainable communities, said: “All comments will be included verbatim in the report to the planning inspector – though we will also summarise these in another section of the document to enable the planning inspector to identify the dominant themes in the public feedback.”
The consultation, which began on May 20, ends on Monday.
Paper copies of the documents and comment forms are available from the council offices and libraries.
The interactive online form can be accessed or downloaded at
Friday, 28 June 2013
Travellers camp near crematorium - Lincolnshire
From the Grimsby Telegraph
TRAVELLERS have left Humberston – and turned up on land near Grimsby Crematorium.
It is their fifth camp in four weeks after repeatedly pitching up on private and council-owned land then being moved by officials.
But their arrival on the Weelsby Avenue field has not shocked residents, who have been waiting for their arrival.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I was expecting them because Travellers come here every year.
"You hear Traveller or Gypsy and you instantly think to lock your doors, shut your gates and keep your eyes on everything. It is worrying."
They arrived on the field – which is opposite Oasis Academy Wintringham – at 3pm and four Humberside Police officers and a North East Lincolnshire Council employee arrived at 4.50pm.
An inspector and PC spoke to four Travellers for ten minutes – in what is understood to be normal procedure. The inspector confirmed no criminal incident had taken place.
The Travellers moved to their current site from land behind Cleethorpes Business Centre on Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Humberston, having previously camped at Cleethorpes Country Park, Peaks Top Farm in New Waltham and the King George Playing Fields, off Taylor's Avenue, Cleethorpes. They say they have no plans to leave the area and want to find land they can rent and live permanently on – and are interested in the fenced-off land next to the field they are on.
John Smith, 44, one of 17 Travellers there, said: "We like it round here and we are not moving any time soon.
"We want somewhere we can stay permanently. It would be good to know who owns the land next door."
But nearby Drew Avenue residents are worried.
A 66-year-old woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It is unnerving having them so close by.
"When other Travellers came last year we had to call the police. I have been worrying they would come here after reading about them.
"It doesn't make you feel safe in your own neighbourhood."
Another added: "The ones who came last year used the alleyways between the fields and our gardens as a toilet because they know the council will come along and clear it away.
"Some neighbours are petrified of them, but I knew they were coming and I know they will leave.
"I just wish they cleaned up after themselves."
TRAVELLERS have left Humberston – and turned up on land near Grimsby Crematorium.
It is their fifth camp in four weeks after repeatedly pitching up on private and council-owned land then being moved by officials.
But their arrival on the Weelsby Avenue field has not shocked residents, who have been waiting for their arrival.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I was expecting them because Travellers come here every year.
"You hear Traveller or Gypsy and you instantly think to lock your doors, shut your gates and keep your eyes on everything. It is worrying."
They arrived on the field – which is opposite Oasis Academy Wintringham – at 3pm and four Humberside Police officers and a North East Lincolnshire Council employee arrived at 4.50pm.
An inspector and PC spoke to four Travellers for ten minutes – in what is understood to be normal procedure. The inspector confirmed no criminal incident had taken place.
The Travellers moved to their current site from land behind Cleethorpes Business Centre on Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Humberston, having previously camped at Cleethorpes Country Park, Peaks Top Farm in New Waltham and the King George Playing Fields, off Taylor's Avenue, Cleethorpes. They say they have no plans to leave the area and want to find land they can rent and live permanently on – and are interested in the fenced-off land next to the field they are on.
John Smith, 44, one of 17 Travellers there, said: "We like it round here and we are not moving any time soon.
"We want somewhere we can stay permanently. It would be good to know who owns the land next door."
But nearby Drew Avenue residents are worried.
A 66-year-old woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It is unnerving having them so close by.
"When other Travellers came last year we had to call the police. I have been worrying they would come here after reading about them.
"It doesn't make you feel safe in your own neighbourhood."
Another added: "The ones who came last year used the alleyways between the fields and our gardens as a toilet because they know the council will come along and clear it away.
"Some neighbours are petrified of them, but I knew they were coming and I know they will leave.
"I just wish they cleaned up after themselves."
City of York Council spent £2,865 to clear mess at Osbaldwick Travellers’ site - Yorkshire
From the Press
COUNCIL officials organised a costly clear-up of a York Travellers’ site before an important inspection, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
Emails between City of York Council staff show the effort they put into ensuring the Osbaldwick site was in a “fit state”, and looked “as well managed as possible”, before the visit by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The visit was organised after York Outer MP Julian Sturdy complained to ministers earlier this year that the site had been poorly run by the council for years, and said residents feared an HCA grant of almost £350,000 towards the £628,000 cost of a proposed site expansion would exacerbate problems.
The documents show the clear-up cost £2,865. One official said in an email to a colleague: “As money seems to be no object, are you in charge of the litter pickers as well? If so, any chance of someone going down and picking litter on the road entrance to the site, say a 100-metre run up to the site?”
Another said: “It is in everyone’s interests and important to the success of the development that the site looks as well managed as possible, so that the HCA feels assured and can respond positively to any future complaints and queries.”
The official also conceded: “We do not have a sustainable model for managing this site currently.”
Osbaldwick councillor Mark Warters, who obtained the emails through an FoI request, claimed they showed the council had been engaged in a whitewash operation designed to convince HCA that the site was well-managed.
Mr Sturdy said he was “deeply concerned”, claiming: “To me, the emails clearly show that the council has been trying to take, not only the HCA, but also local residents and their elected representatives, for fools.
“At a time when central government and a number of local authorities are taking really tough decisions to ensure their services are both efficient and cost- effective, I find the council’s ‘money seems to be no object’ approach to this clean-up operation to be abhorrent.”
But Sally Burns, director of communities and neighbourhoods, said: “As would be the case with any inspection, we do our best to prepare fully in advance and this instance was no exception.
“In response to our new Gypsy and Traveller Strategy and our acknowledgement of problems with rubbish on and around this site, we are drafting a new site management plan which addresses matters including new licensing agreements, more routine rubbish collection and recycling, as well as increased work to engage site tenants with these issues.”
COUNCIL officials organised a costly clear-up of a York Travellers’ site before an important inspection, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
Emails between City of York Council staff show the effort they put into ensuring the Osbaldwick site was in a “fit state”, and looked “as well managed as possible”, before the visit by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
The visit was organised after York Outer MP Julian Sturdy complained to ministers earlier this year that the site had been poorly run by the council for years, and said residents feared an HCA grant of almost £350,000 towards the £628,000 cost of a proposed site expansion would exacerbate problems.
The documents show the clear-up cost £2,865. One official said in an email to a colleague: “As money seems to be no object, are you in charge of the litter pickers as well? If so, any chance of someone going down and picking litter on the road entrance to the site, say a 100-metre run up to the site?”
Another said: “It is in everyone’s interests and important to the success of the development that the site looks as well managed as possible, so that the HCA feels assured and can respond positively to any future complaints and queries.”
The official also conceded: “We do not have a sustainable model for managing this site currently.”
Osbaldwick councillor Mark Warters, who obtained the emails through an FoI request, claimed they showed the council had been engaged in a whitewash operation designed to convince HCA that the site was well-managed.
Mr Sturdy said he was “deeply concerned”, claiming: “To me, the emails clearly show that the council has been trying to take, not only the HCA, but also local residents and their elected representatives, for fools.
“At a time when central government and a number of local authorities are taking really tough decisions to ensure their services are both efficient and cost- effective, I find the council’s ‘money seems to be no object’ approach to this clean-up operation to be abhorrent.”
But Sally Burns, director of communities and neighbourhoods, said: “As would be the case with any inspection, we do our best to prepare fully in advance and this instance was no exception.
“In response to our new Gypsy and Traveller Strategy and our acknowledgement of problems with rubbish on and around this site, we are drafting a new site management plan which addresses matters including new licensing agreements, more routine rubbish collection and recycling, as well as increased work to engage site tenants with these issues.”
Three Llanelli sites possible for Travellers - Carmarthenshire
From the South Wales Evening Post
THREE plots of land in Llanelli are to be considered for a new Gypsy and Traveller site.
After months of discussions with landowners, developers and other interested parties, Carmarthenshire Council has now revealed the three sites.
Gypsy Lane, Llangennech; land at Penprys Road and land at Berwick, Bynea have all been submitted for consideration in the local authority's Local Development Plan (LDP).
But a spokesman for the authority said the plots were still only being considered and no firm decision had been made.
"Their inclusion within this consultation should not be interpreted as a commitment by the council that they will be taken forward into the LDP or indeed that the council will seek to purchase or enter into an agreement on such sites," he said.
Legislation by the Welsh Government requires local authorities to allocate sufficient land in their upcoming LDPs.
As a result, in January, Carmarthenshire Council invited landowners, developers, and any other interested parties to submit potential sites.
There are currently four private sites and one council-owned site in Carmarthenshire.
Private
Private sites include Caer Elms, Stradey; The Dingles, Cwmgwili; The Paddock, Milo (near Ammanford) and Westover, Whitland.
A council-owned site is at Penybryn, Llanelli.
A consultation period will now run for six weeks on the three considered sites. Members of the public or any other interested parties will be able to comment on the suitability of the sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, until 4.30pm on August 9.
THREE plots of land in Llanelli are to be considered for a new Gypsy and Traveller site.
After months of discussions with landowners, developers and other interested parties, Carmarthenshire Council has now revealed the three sites.
Gypsy Lane, Llangennech; land at Penprys Road and land at Berwick, Bynea have all been submitted for consideration in the local authority's Local Development Plan (LDP).
But a spokesman for the authority said the plots were still only being considered and no firm decision had been made.
"Their inclusion within this consultation should not be interpreted as a commitment by the council that they will be taken forward into the LDP or indeed that the council will seek to purchase or enter into an agreement on such sites," he said.
Legislation by the Welsh Government requires local authorities to allocate sufficient land in their upcoming LDPs.
As a result, in January, Carmarthenshire Council invited landowners, developers, and any other interested parties to submit potential sites.
There are currently four private sites and one council-owned site in Carmarthenshire.
Private
Private sites include Caer Elms, Stradey; The Dingles, Cwmgwili; The Paddock, Milo (near Ammanford) and Westover, Whitland.
A council-owned site is at Penybryn, Llanelli.
A consultation period will now run for six weeks on the three considered sites. Members of the public or any other interested parties will be able to comment on the suitability of the sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation, until 4.30pm on August 9.
Cost of cleaning up after Travellers close to 'six-figure' sum - Aberdeenshire
From STV
The cost of cleaning up after unauthorised Traveller sites in Aberdeen has spiralled to almost £100,000 in the space of four months, STV has learned.
Aberdeen City Council's ruling administration also admitted that the authority will be unable to introduce a by-law this year to clamp down on Travellers camping on unauthorised sites.
Council finance convener Willie Young said the council was close to spending "a six-figure sum" on clearing up rubbish left by Travellers at a number of sites since February.
He claimed this demonstrated the need for a new by-law, which would give the police powers to treat unauthorised camping as a crimininal, and not just a civil offence.
However, Mr Young also criticised what he described as the "complacent" and "unhelpful" attitude of the SNP and the Scottish Government towards the issue.
He said: "We are taking it [the by-law] to the full council in August to discuss the wording of it and, once that has been agreed, it will go to [Justice Secretary] Kenny McAskill.
"However, we realise this won't solve the problem this summer and we have to make sure we get it sorted out before the spring and summer of 2014.
"It is very frustrating because Aberdeen taxpayers are being hit by the behaviour of some of these Travellers, who are leaving rubbish behind, leaving asbestos behind, causing a variety of issues for residents, and generally making a mockery of the existing regulations.
"The SNP just seem to want to do nothing. But that isn't an option. If it's good enough [to have a by-law] for Loch Lomond, then it should be good enough for Aberdeen to have it enshrined in law that anybody who camps on an illegal site is committing a criminal offence."
However, Mark McDonald, the newly-elected SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside, responded with an attack on Labour's plans.
Mr McDonald said: “While the Labour administration’s response to most issues appears to be to pass the buck, they cannot escape the need to develop halting sites.
It is somewhat ironic that, had Labour played a constructive role in opposition rather than scaremongering, there could well have been halting sites in place by now.
“Instead, what we see is a cack-handed attempt to establish halting sites that completely ignores the need to consult with residents and only leads to communities feeling that things are being done to them, not with them.
"It also gives the very clear impression that this is merely a tick-box exercise for the Labour-led administration, rather than a genuine attempt to address the issue."
The cost of cleaning up after unauthorised Traveller sites in Aberdeen has spiralled to almost £100,000 in the space of four months, STV has learned.
Aberdeen City Council's ruling administration also admitted that the authority will be unable to introduce a by-law this year to clamp down on Travellers camping on unauthorised sites.
Council finance convener Willie Young said the council was close to spending "a six-figure sum" on clearing up rubbish left by Travellers at a number of sites since February.
He claimed this demonstrated the need for a new by-law, which would give the police powers to treat unauthorised camping as a crimininal, and not just a civil offence.
However, Mr Young also criticised what he described as the "complacent" and "unhelpful" attitude of the SNP and the Scottish Government towards the issue.
He said: "We are taking it [the by-law] to the full council in August to discuss the wording of it and, once that has been agreed, it will go to [Justice Secretary] Kenny McAskill.
"However, we realise this won't solve the problem this summer and we have to make sure we get it sorted out before the spring and summer of 2014.
"It is very frustrating because Aberdeen taxpayers are being hit by the behaviour of some of these Travellers, who are leaving rubbish behind, leaving asbestos behind, causing a variety of issues for residents, and generally making a mockery of the existing regulations.
"The SNP just seem to want to do nothing. But that isn't an option. If it's good enough [to have a by-law] for Loch Lomond, then it should be good enough for Aberdeen to have it enshrined in law that anybody who camps on an illegal site is committing a criminal offence."
However, Mark McDonald, the newly-elected SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside, responded with an attack on Labour's plans.
Mr McDonald said: “While the Labour administration’s response to most issues appears to be to pass the buck, they cannot escape the need to develop halting sites.
It is somewhat ironic that, had Labour played a constructive role in opposition rather than scaremongering, there could well have been halting sites in place by now.
“Instead, what we see is a cack-handed attempt to establish halting sites that completely ignores the need to consult with residents and only leads to communities feeling that things are being done to them, not with them.
"It also gives the very clear impression that this is merely a tick-box exercise for the Labour-led administration, rather than a genuine attempt to address the issue."
Travellers camped near bypass ordered to leave - Cheshire
From wilmslow.co.uk
A group of Travellers who have set up camp on Council land adjacent to the A34 Wilmslow bypass have been issued with a notice to leave.
The Travellers have spent a couple of weeks camped in a field close to Wilmslow High School, which belongs to Cheshire East Council.
AA spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "The Council is aware of the Gypsies/Travellers that are based on Council land off the A34 Wilmslow bypass.
"Today we have issued them with a notice to leave by 9am on Monday (July 1). If they do not leave by then, we will take court action to secure repossession of the site."
A group of Travellers set up camp at two different locations close to the A34 bypass last month.
Initially the Travellers spent a week camped in the grounds of Wilmslow High School, adjacent to the A34 bypass. Once they were evicted from the High School they moved down the road to a field off the Alderley Edge bypass, pictured above, where they spent 5 or 6 days.
A group of Travellers who have set up camp on Council land adjacent to the A34 Wilmslow bypass have been issued with a notice to leave.
The Travellers have spent a couple of weeks camped in a field close to Wilmslow High School, which belongs to Cheshire East Council.
AA spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "The Council is aware of the Gypsies/Travellers that are based on Council land off the A34 Wilmslow bypass.
"Today we have issued them with a notice to leave by 9am on Monday (July 1). If they do not leave by then, we will take court action to secure repossession of the site."
A group of Travellers set up camp at two different locations close to the A34 bypass last month.
Initially the Travellers spent a week camped in the grounds of Wilmslow High School, adjacent to the A34 bypass. Once they were evicted from the High School they moved down the road to a field off the Alderley Edge bypass, pictured above, where they spent 5 or 6 days.
Travellers arrive in stadium park - Oxfordshire
From the Oxford Mail
Travellers have pitched up at the Kassam Stadium overflow car park.
It is believed they are the same group which was moved on by police earlier in the week after parking at Oatlands Road Recreation Ground, off Botley Road.
They had first camped at an Oxford recreation ground before police intervened on June 26.
Firoka, which owns the site behind the Vue Cinema in Grenoble Road, said the travellers would be served with an eviction notice on Monday if they had not moved by Sunday night.
Travellers have pitched up at the Kassam Stadium overflow car park.
It is believed they are the same group which was moved on by police earlier in the week after parking at Oatlands Road Recreation Ground, off Botley Road.
They had first camped at an Oxford recreation ground before police intervened on June 26.
Firoka, which owns the site behind the Vue Cinema in Grenoble Road, said the travellers would be served with an eviction notice on Monday if they had not moved by Sunday night.
Travellers to be moved from Waterhall by Brighton council - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers are set to be evicted from playing fields after council chiefs obtained a possession order.
About 30 travelling caravans and trucks pitched up at the Waterhall playing fields in Patcham last week.
With sports fixtures interrupted, Brighton and Hove City Council applied to Brighton County Curt yesterday for a possession order.
The local authority said this will enable it to carry out an eviction “as soon as practicable” should the families fail to leave the site voluntarily.
Travellers are set to be evicted from playing fields after council chiefs obtained a possession order.
About 30 travelling caravans and trucks pitched up at the Waterhall playing fields in Patcham last week.
With sports fixtures interrupted, Brighton and Hove City Council applied to Brighton County Curt yesterday for a possession order.
The local authority said this will enable it to carry out an eviction “as soon as practicable” should the families fail to leave the site voluntarily.
Measures outlined to ease congestion as Travellers leave festival - Buckinghamshire
From the Slough and South Bucks Observer
TRAFFIC measures have been outlined to stop the chaos that brought Langley to a standstill on Monday.
The hundreds of Travellers currently attending a Christian festival on land between Parlaunt Road and Market Lane are expected to leave between 7am-1pm tomorrow.
From 7am tomorrow, traffic leaving the event site will only be allowed to exit left onto Parlaunt Road and will be directed east and south - up Parlaunt Road towards Iver or down Sutton Lane towards the M4 and M25 motorway junctions.
To ensure this takes place there will be a temporary stop and go system on Parlaunt Road and Sutton Lane and in front of the exit from the site.
The traffic lights at the junction of Parlaunt Road and Sutton Lane will also be switched off.
This will remain in place until 1pm, when it is hoped most of the visitors will have left the area.
Police will be on site throughout.
Insp Nicola Pierce, from Slough police station, said: "Unfortunately the stop and go system may hold up traffic temporarily on Parlaunt Road and Sutton Lane, but this will only be for short periods and it will be in a controlled manner.
"We and the council would like to thank residents for their continued patience in the face of some disruption, low level anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion."
TRAFFIC measures have been outlined to stop the chaos that brought Langley to a standstill on Monday.
The hundreds of Travellers currently attending a Christian festival on land between Parlaunt Road and Market Lane are expected to leave between 7am-1pm tomorrow.
From 7am tomorrow, traffic leaving the event site will only be allowed to exit left onto Parlaunt Road and will be directed east and south - up Parlaunt Road towards Iver or down Sutton Lane towards the M4 and M25 motorway junctions.
To ensure this takes place there will be a temporary stop and go system on Parlaunt Road and Sutton Lane and in front of the exit from the site.
The traffic lights at the junction of Parlaunt Road and Sutton Lane will also be switched off.
This will remain in place until 1pm, when it is hoped most of the visitors will have left the area.
Police will be on site throughout.
Insp Nicola Pierce, from Slough police station, said: "Unfortunately the stop and go system may hold up traffic temporarily on Parlaunt Road and Sutton Lane, but this will only be for short periods and it will be in a controlled manner.
"We and the council would like to thank residents for their continued patience in the face of some disruption, low level anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion."
Concern over Langley Green Gypsy site plan - Sussex
From the West Sussex Gazette
About 100 people packed into Langley Green Community Centre to hear more about proposals for housing and a Gypsy site in Langley Walk.
There are two sites in Langley Walk in Crawley Borough Council’s local plan, called Crawley 2029, which the council is currently consulting the whole town about.
The land next to Langley Walk and Burlands is suggested for housing and has been put on the council’s list of sites that ‘need more investigation’. Land opposite Mulberry Road is one of two areas suggested for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site of 10 pitches. The other is at Broadfield Kennels.
At the heated debate last Tuesday, residents raised concern about flooding and the suitability of the road.
Brett Ward, of Prestwood Close, Langley Green, said: “There are areas all over Crawley especially down in the industrial estate where they are massive open land where you have the right infrastructure.
“If you actually think about the roads there, Travellers can go freely as they please.
“I’m sure Travellers, by their transient nature, would appreciate that. When you put a Traveller site away from a community it doesn’t upset the residents and it doesn’t upset the Travellers.
CBC planning policy manager Elizabeth Brigden, who attended the meeting to answer questions, said: “We are not looking at Gypsy and Travellers outside Crawley but the population already in Crawley and their needs.
“We have a requirement to find a Gypsy Traveller site and that means we have to show how we will meet it. There are two suggested sites, which may or may not be suitable for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.”
Currently many of Crawley’s Gypsies and Travellers, live in bricks and mortar housing and are thought to be happy there, but Ms Brigden said the council must still show it has provided a site for them, should they want to live that lifestyle.
She said: “A site would not come forward until something triggers it in the Gypsy community saying they need the site. It would be a reserved site. This is why we are having the consultation.”
To comment on the plans go follow the link on the CBC’s website www.crawley.gov.uk
About 100 people packed into Langley Green Community Centre to hear more about proposals for housing and a Gypsy site in Langley Walk.
There are two sites in Langley Walk in Crawley Borough Council’s local plan, called Crawley 2029, which the council is currently consulting the whole town about.
The land next to Langley Walk and Burlands is suggested for housing and has been put on the council’s list of sites that ‘need more investigation’. Land opposite Mulberry Road is one of two areas suggested for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site of 10 pitches. The other is at Broadfield Kennels.
At the heated debate last Tuesday, residents raised concern about flooding and the suitability of the road.
Brett Ward, of Prestwood Close, Langley Green, said: “There are areas all over Crawley especially down in the industrial estate where they are massive open land where you have the right infrastructure.
“If you actually think about the roads there, Travellers can go freely as they please.
“I’m sure Travellers, by their transient nature, would appreciate that. When you put a Traveller site away from a community it doesn’t upset the residents and it doesn’t upset the Travellers.
CBC planning policy manager Elizabeth Brigden, who attended the meeting to answer questions, said: “We are not looking at Gypsy and Travellers outside Crawley but the population already in Crawley and their needs.
“We have a requirement to find a Gypsy Traveller site and that means we have to show how we will meet it. There are two suggested sites, which may or may not be suitable for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.”
Currently many of Crawley’s Gypsies and Travellers, live in bricks and mortar housing and are thought to be happy there, but Ms Brigden said the council must still show it has provided a site for them, should they want to live that lifestyle.
She said: “A site would not come forward until something triggers it in the Gypsy community saying they need the site. It would be a reserved site. This is why we are having the consultation.”
To comment on the plans go follow the link on the CBC’s website www.crawley.gov.uk
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Travellers move onto site near Grimsby Crematorium - Lincolnshire
From the Grimsby Telegraph
TRAVELLERS have set up camp on land adjacent to Grimsby Crematorium.
It is not yet known if they are the same group which was today ejected from land at Wilton Road, Humberston.
It is understood officers from Humberside Police have already visited the camp as part of routine procedures.
TRAVELLERS have set up camp on land adjacent to Grimsby Crematorium.
It is not yet known if they are the same group which was today ejected from land at Wilton Road, Humberston.
It is understood officers from Humberside Police have already visited the camp as part of routine procedures.
Travellers move in at Shrewsbury playing field - Shropshire
From the Shropshire Star
A number of Travellers have set up camp on a playing field close to a busy main road in Shrewsbury.
It is thought the group of Travellers arrived at the Ashfield Playing Fields, off Ellesmere Road, earlier this week and attempts are now being made to move them on.
Councillor Alan Mosley, for Castlefields and Ditherington, said that Shrewsbury Town Council had sent an email out to its members alerting them to the issue.
A number of Travellers have set up camp on a playing field close to a busy main road in Shrewsbury.
It is thought the group of Travellers arrived at the Ashfield Playing Fields, off Ellesmere Road, earlier this week and attempts are now being made to move them on.
Councillor Alan Mosley, for Castlefields and Ditherington, said that Shrewsbury Town Council had sent an email out to its members alerting them to the issue.
Plans for Gypsy site turned down - Buckinghamshire
From the Buckinghamshire Examiner
A BID for a permanent Gypsies and Traveller site in a village has been turned down on green belt grounds.
Families living on land at Alderbourne Cottage, Fulmer Lane, Fulmer, are to be given a deadline to move out.
South Bucks District Council’s planning committee voted on Wednesday last week to reject an application from Joe Rooney to change the use of the land to allow for two Gypsies and Traveller pitches.
The site has been occupied by Traveller families for some time and Mr Rooney made the bid to the council to make the arrangement permanent.
However, the application was turned down on the basis that the area is green belt land and cannot be developed on.
The council considered the fact that families are living on the site and that children there are registered at schools in the area.
However, the officer’s report on the application, which was studied by committee members before a decision was made, said: “Particular weight should be attached to the family’s lack of any permanent base prior to moving on to this site and their lack of an alternative site should they have to move from this site.
“However, I do not consider that these personal circumstances, when considered with the other factors outlined as counting in favour of this proposal, amount to outweigh the substantial harm to this part of the green belt.”
The application would have involved retaining an office, toilets, entrance gates and fencing for use by the people living on the site.
Speaking after the meeting, planning committee member Jennifer Woolveridge said: “The application was refused because it was just not sustainable on the green belt. That was the reason for us refusing it.”
The officer’s report into the application said ongoing occupation of the site following the refusal of planning permission is unlawful and that a period of time should be set for the area to be vacated by the family and for anything which has been built there since it was occupied to be removed.
A BID for a permanent Gypsies and Traveller site in a village has been turned down on green belt grounds.
Families living on land at Alderbourne Cottage, Fulmer Lane, Fulmer, are to be given a deadline to move out.
South Bucks District Council’s planning committee voted on Wednesday last week to reject an application from Joe Rooney to change the use of the land to allow for two Gypsies and Traveller pitches.
The site has been occupied by Traveller families for some time and Mr Rooney made the bid to the council to make the arrangement permanent.
However, the application was turned down on the basis that the area is green belt land and cannot be developed on.
The council considered the fact that families are living on the site and that children there are registered at schools in the area.
However, the officer’s report on the application, which was studied by committee members before a decision was made, said: “Particular weight should be attached to the family’s lack of any permanent base prior to moving on to this site and their lack of an alternative site should they have to move from this site.
“However, I do not consider that these personal circumstances, when considered with the other factors outlined as counting in favour of this proposal, amount to outweigh the substantial harm to this part of the green belt.”
The application would have involved retaining an office, toilets, entrance gates and fencing for use by the people living on the site.
Speaking after the meeting, planning committee member Jennifer Woolveridge said: “The application was refused because it was just not sustainable on the green belt. That was the reason for us refusing it.”
The officer’s report into the application said ongoing occupation of the site following the refusal of planning permission is unlawful and that a period of time should be set for the area to be vacated by the family and for anything which has been built there since it was occupied to be removed.
Concern over Langley Green Gypsy site plan - Sussex
From the West Sussex Gazette
About 100 people packed into Langley Green Community Centre to hear more about proposals for housing and a Gypsy site in Langley Walk.
There are two sites in Langley Walk in Crawley Borough Council’s local plan, called Crawley 2029, which the council is currently consulting the whole town about.
The land next to Langley Walk and Burlands is suggested for housing and has been put on the council’s list of sites that ‘need more investigation’. Land opposite Mulberry Road is one of two areas suggested for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site of 10 pitches. The other is at Broadfield Kennels.
At the heated debate last Tuesday, residents raised concern about flooding and the suitability of the road.
Brett Ward, of Prestwood Close, Langley Green, said: “There are areas all over Crawley especially down in the industrial estate where they are massive open land where you have the right infrastructure.
“If you actually think about the roads there, Travellers can go freely as they please.
“I’m sure Travellers, by their transient nature, would appreciate that. When you put a Traveller site away from a community it doesn’t upset the residents and it doesn’t upset the Travellers.
CBC planning policy manager Elizabeth Brigden, who attended the meeting to answer questions, said: “We are not looking at Gypsy and Travellers outside Crawley but the population already in Crawley and their needs.
“We have a requirement to find a Gypsy Traveller site and that means we have to show how we will meet it. There are two suggested sites, which may or may not be suitable for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.”
Currently many of Crawley’s Gypsies and Travellers, live in bricks and mortar housing and are thought to be happy there, but Ms Brigden said the council must still show it has provided a site for them, should they want to live that lifestyle.
She said: “A site would not come forward until something triggers it in the Gypsy community saying they need the site. It would be a reserved site. This is why we are having the consultation.”
To comment on the plans go follow the link on the CBC’s website www.crawley.gov.uk
About 100 people packed into Langley Green Community Centre to hear more about proposals for housing and a Gypsy site in Langley Walk.
There are two sites in Langley Walk in Crawley Borough Council’s local plan, called Crawley 2029, which the council is currently consulting the whole town about.
The land next to Langley Walk and Burlands is suggested for housing and has been put on the council’s list of sites that ‘need more investigation’. Land opposite Mulberry Road is one of two areas suggested for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site of 10 pitches. The other is at Broadfield Kennels.
At the heated debate last Tuesday, residents raised concern about flooding and the suitability of the road.
Brett Ward, of Prestwood Close, Langley Green, said: “There are areas all over Crawley especially down in the industrial estate where they are massive open land where you have the right infrastructure.
“If you actually think about the roads there, Travellers can go freely as they please.
“I’m sure Travellers, by their transient nature, would appreciate that. When you put a Traveller site away from a community it doesn’t upset the residents and it doesn’t upset the Travellers.
CBC planning policy manager Elizabeth Brigden, who attended the meeting to answer questions, said: “We are not looking at Gypsy and Travellers outside Crawley but the population already in Crawley and their needs.
“We have a requirement to find a Gypsy Traveller site and that means we have to show how we will meet it. There are two suggested sites, which may or may not be suitable for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.”
Currently many of Crawley’s Gypsies and Travellers, live in bricks and mortar housing and are thought to be happy there, but Ms Brigden said the council must still show it has provided a site for them, should they want to live that lifestyle.
She said: “A site would not come forward until something triggers it in the Gypsy community saying they need the site. It would be a reserved site. This is why we are having the consultation.”
To comment on the plans go follow the link on the CBC’s website www.crawley.gov.uk
Potential Traveller site may 'close' exhibition centre - Warwickshire
From the BBC
The owner of an exhibition centre in Warwickshire fears it could close if a Traveller camp is built next door.
Land next to the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, near Leamington, is one of 20 sites earmarked for official pitches by Warwick District Council.
The centre claims it lost potential bookings after the area was listed by the authority. A Travellers' spokesman said it was a "complicated issue".
A public consultation on the proposals is under way and runs until 29 July.
'Perceived reputation'
The council wants to create 31 pitches for caravans across the district and 15 of them could be located opposite the centre on Fosse Way.
Chris Deith, the owner of the centre, said if the land was picked it would have an impact on business.
He said: "We will gradually decline in usage because of the close proximity of the site and the perceived reputation of it.
"People are going to stand back and say 'that exhibition centre's not right for our company'."
Damian Le Bas, editor of Travellers' Times, said locals had a right to state their concerns.
"It's incredibly difficult for a council to find anywhere where people are happy about the site," Mr Le Bass said.
"Whether it's in a rustic idyll or perhaps next to a conference centre, it doesn't actually matter. People will just rather sites didn't exist at all."
Businesses and residents from the surrounding area are due to meet councillors and local MP Jeremy Wright at the centre to voice their concerns later.
The council said it was unable to comment on individual sites while the consultation was taking place.
The owner of an exhibition centre in Warwickshire fears it could close if a Traveller camp is built next door.
Land next to the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, near Leamington, is one of 20 sites earmarked for official pitches by Warwick District Council.
The centre claims it lost potential bookings after the area was listed by the authority. A Travellers' spokesman said it was a "complicated issue".
A public consultation on the proposals is under way and runs until 29 July.
'Perceived reputation'
The council wants to create 31 pitches for caravans across the district and 15 of them could be located opposite the centre on Fosse Way.
Chris Deith, the owner of the centre, said if the land was picked it would have an impact on business.
He said: "We will gradually decline in usage because of the close proximity of the site and the perceived reputation of it.
"People are going to stand back and say 'that exhibition centre's not right for our company'."
Damian Le Bas, editor of Travellers' Times, said locals had a right to state their concerns.
"It's incredibly difficult for a council to find anywhere where people are happy about the site," Mr Le Bass said.
"Whether it's in a rustic idyll or perhaps next to a conference centre, it doesn't actually matter. People will just rather sites didn't exist at all."
Businesses and residents from the surrounding area are due to meet councillors and local MP Jeremy Wright at the centre to voice their concerns later.
The council said it was unable to comment on individual sites while the consultation was taking place.
Travellers leave Portsmouth site after eviction threat - Hampshire
From the News
TRAVELLERS have left a car park in a business complex after they were given an eviction notice.
Four vehicles, including two caravans, moved into Lakeside, North Harbour, on Tuesday night.
Police were called and returned with bailiffs who presented the Travellers with an eviction notice at 11.30am yesterday.
They were given 24 hours to vacate the property.
Inspector Jill Kingston, from Portsmouth police, said: ‘Travellers arrived on the private property on Tuesday night.
‘The landlord of Lakeside called police who came back with bailiffs in the morning.
‘The bailiffs issued them with an eviction notice and our presence at Lakeside yesterday morning was for support.
‘We are not expecting any issues with them moving.
‘But we will have a bigger police presence in the area to prevent it happening again.’
The route into the offices at 1000 Lakeside was cordoned off to prevent more Travellers entering the car park.
TRAVELLERS have left a car park in a business complex after they were given an eviction notice.
Four vehicles, including two caravans, moved into Lakeside, North Harbour, on Tuesday night.
Police were called and returned with bailiffs who presented the Travellers with an eviction notice at 11.30am yesterday.
They were given 24 hours to vacate the property.
Inspector Jill Kingston, from Portsmouth police, said: ‘Travellers arrived on the private property on Tuesday night.
‘The landlord of Lakeside called police who came back with bailiffs in the morning.
‘The bailiffs issued them with an eviction notice and our presence at Lakeside yesterday morning was for support.
‘We are not expecting any issues with them moving.
‘But we will have a bigger police presence in the area to prevent it happening again.’
The route into the offices at 1000 Lakeside was cordoned off to prevent more Travellers entering the car park.
Bretton: Travellers fail to keep to agreement - Cambridgeshire
From the Peterborough Telegraph
Eviction proceedings have begun to move Travellers from Bretton Park.
The Travellers moved onto the park last week, and a spokesman for Enterprise Peterborough said there had been an agreement from the Travellers they would move off on Monday.
But a number of caravans were still on the site on Tuesday, and the spokesman said they were now taking action to remove them.
Eviction proceedings have begun to move Travellers from Bretton Park.
The Travellers moved onto the park last week, and a spokesman for Enterprise Peterborough said there had been an agreement from the Travellers they would move off on Monday.
But a number of caravans were still on the site on Tuesday, and the spokesman said they were now taking action to remove them.
Edinburgh body find police call for help from Irish travelling community
From HeraldScotland
A widespread Police Scotland appeal came after the grim discovery of the victim's remains in the Edinburgh beauty spot by a passer-by and distinctive jewellery that pointed towards her identity being possibly connected to Irish Travellers.
Police officers have now contacted Irish travelling community members in Ireland, England and Wales as well as north of the Border.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "We have made contact with representatives of travelling communities right across Britain and further afield and, while we have been grateful for their help and advice, we have yet to identify the woman."
Police believe the dismembered woman had been buried within the past six months.
Officers have been working with a geographical profiler and now believe that, because of the way the body was hidden, it may have taken hours to dispose of the body.
The person or people who tried to conceal the body of the woman – believed to be aged between 30 and 60 and thought to be petite and blonde – had to hack through tree roots and dig in compact earth to make her grave.
It is thought the victim was dismembered at the murder scene so the killer could transport the remains to the hillside.
She was white and had extensive work done to her teeth, including veneers and implants.
Images of four rings that it is hoped will still be key in naming the victim were earlier shown by Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, leading the investigation,
He said police have still to receive the "gateway" call to identify the victim."
The discovery at the Corstorphine Hill nature reserve, within 100 yards of a popular walkers' route, has led to an investigation involving about 50 officers.
The UK National Missing Persons Unit, which has more than 5000 people on its database, has been scrutinised by the Edinburgh officers.
Now Police Scotland has ruled out six of the nine missing people on its list from this database and there is "ongoing work with other forces to eliminate the remaining three", the new national force said.
The Irish Travellers Movement in Britain, which lists members at sites across the country, was unavailabe for comment yesterday.
Police believe it is possible part of the heart-shaped ring is missing, since claddagh rings also tend to feature a crown design, or something similar.
While all the rings are distinctive, none is believed to be particularly valuable.
Officers also stressed that, while one of the rings might have the link to the travelling community, they are keeping an open mind about the identity of the victim.
Mr Hardie said earlier that his team had calls from people as far way as Buckinghamshire in England, expressing concern for relatives.
Initially six names have been provided to the force as possible identities for the woman on Corstorphine Hill but all have been traced and are safe and well.
A widespread Police Scotland appeal came after the grim discovery of the victim's remains in the Edinburgh beauty spot by a passer-by and distinctive jewellery that pointed towards her identity being possibly connected to Irish Travellers.
Police officers have now contacted Irish travelling community members in Ireland, England and Wales as well as north of the Border.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "We have made contact with representatives of travelling communities right across Britain and further afield and, while we have been grateful for their help and advice, we have yet to identify the woman."
Police believe the dismembered woman had been buried within the past six months.
Officers have been working with a geographical profiler and now believe that, because of the way the body was hidden, it may have taken hours to dispose of the body.
The person or people who tried to conceal the body of the woman – believed to be aged between 30 and 60 and thought to be petite and blonde – had to hack through tree roots and dig in compact earth to make her grave.
It is thought the victim was dismembered at the murder scene so the killer could transport the remains to the hillside.
She was white and had extensive work done to her teeth, including veneers and implants.
Images of four rings that it is hoped will still be key in naming the victim were earlier shown by Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, leading the investigation,
He said police have still to receive the "gateway" call to identify the victim."
The discovery at the Corstorphine Hill nature reserve, within 100 yards of a popular walkers' route, has led to an investigation involving about 50 officers.
The UK National Missing Persons Unit, which has more than 5000 people on its database, has been scrutinised by the Edinburgh officers.
Now Police Scotland has ruled out six of the nine missing people on its list from this database and there is "ongoing work with other forces to eliminate the remaining three", the new national force said.
The Irish Travellers Movement in Britain, which lists members at sites across the country, was unavailabe for comment yesterday.
Police believe it is possible part of the heart-shaped ring is missing, since claddagh rings also tend to feature a crown design, or something similar.
While all the rings are distinctive, none is believed to be particularly valuable.
Officers also stressed that, while one of the rings might have the link to the travelling community, they are keeping an open mind about the identity of the victim.
Mr Hardie said earlier that his team had calls from people as far way as Buckinghamshire in England, expressing concern for relatives.
Initially six names have been provided to the force as possible identities for the woman on Corstorphine Hill but all have been traced and are safe and well.
Traveller group told they can stay at former Leeds club - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
Travellers have pitched up on privately leased land – but have been told they can stay.
Gary Broadley, who is leasing the site of the old Burley Sports Bar, off Willow Road, Burley, from Leeds City Council, has decided to let Travellers with around half a dozen caravans remain on his land as it is not currently being used.
The removal of the Travellers from the site is Mr Broadley’s responsibility due to the terms of the lease with the council.
The same Travellers were evicted from land next to Radio Aire, off Kirkstall Road, earlier this month, before pitching up across the road from Kirkstall Abbey and being threatened with enforced police eviction by the council on Friday.
Mr Broadley told the YEP: “I’ve told them they can stay. I’ve spoken to the boys, they’re here, they exist and we have to deal with it.
“They are not going to tip on the land or foul on the land, they just need somewhere to stay.”
He claims the council have told him that the Travellers can’t stay on the land for more than 28 days or he will have to apply for planning permission – something he would consider doing.
The Burley site has been unused for over two years but has been the subject of several failed planning applications for everything from student accommodation to a supermarket.
When asked about the movement of the Travellers around Burley and Kirkstall, Coun John Illingworth (Lab, Kirkstall) said: “It makes the council look silly.
“It’s unsatisfactory, there is a public health issue about toilets and unacceptable practices in public and I don’t think the council looks too good but we are stuck with somewhat unsatisfactory law.”
A council spokesman said it is aware of the camp but that the leaseholder is responsible for removal, although this could be a “complicated legal procedure”.
Travellers have pitched up on privately leased land – but have been told they can stay.
Gary Broadley, who is leasing the site of the old Burley Sports Bar, off Willow Road, Burley, from Leeds City Council, has decided to let Travellers with around half a dozen caravans remain on his land as it is not currently being used.
The removal of the Travellers from the site is Mr Broadley’s responsibility due to the terms of the lease with the council.
The same Travellers were evicted from land next to Radio Aire, off Kirkstall Road, earlier this month, before pitching up across the road from Kirkstall Abbey and being threatened with enforced police eviction by the council on Friday.
Mr Broadley told the YEP: “I’ve told them they can stay. I’ve spoken to the boys, they’re here, they exist and we have to deal with it.
“They are not going to tip on the land or foul on the land, they just need somewhere to stay.”
He claims the council have told him that the Travellers can’t stay on the land for more than 28 days or he will have to apply for planning permission – something he would consider doing.
The Burley site has been unused for over two years but has been the subject of several failed planning applications for everything from student accommodation to a supermarket.
When asked about the movement of the Travellers around Burley and Kirkstall, Coun John Illingworth (Lab, Kirkstall) said: “It makes the council look silly.
“It’s unsatisfactory, there is a public health issue about toilets and unacceptable practices in public and I don’t think the council looks too good but we are stuck with somewhat unsatisfactory law.”
A council spokesman said it is aware of the camp but that the leaseholder is responsible for removal, although this could be a “complicated legal procedure”.
Concern at number of fire alerts at Peterborough Travellers’ camp - Cambridgeshire
From the Peterborough Telegraph
Fire crews have attended an average of more than one incident a month for a year on land near a Travellers’ site in Peterborough.
Now a senior councillor is urging Peterborough City Council to take action to ensure fire crews lives are not put at risk and that scarce resources are not over-stretched.
Councillor David Harrington, who represents Newborough, has called for improved maintenance and surveillance at the camp in Norwood Lane, Paston.
His call comes after 12 tyres were torched outside the site last week - the 16th outbreak the fire service has attended in the Norwood Lane area since 1 June 2012.
Cllr Harrington said: “I have warned the council repeatedly that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service resources are being unacceptably put under pressure by the lack of council work to keep the site cleared and the lack of surveillance measures which could be done at minimal cost.
“It is not right the fire service has to attend these fires and which stretches their already scarce resources, putting lives at risk.”
But Adrian Chapman, the council’s head of neighbourhoods, said: “Through Enterprise Peterborough we have carried out three full-scale clearance operations on Norwood Lane in 2013 so far. The last took place in the middle of May and the next is in the coming weeks.
“We have already used a range of surveillance techniques to enforce and prevent illegal fly-tipping but they only had limited success.
“We are now investigating new options for the site and would welcome suggestions from councillors and other interested parties.”
The fire service has also made clear they are aware of the issue.
Lynn Betteridge, fire service community risk manager for Peterborough, said: “Over the past months the fire service has carried out joint partnership work with the council and community cohesion teams as part of SaferPeterborough Partnership to reduce the number of calls we get to the Norwood Lane area.”
Fire crews have attended an average of more than one incident a month for a year on land near a Travellers’ site in Peterborough.
Now a senior councillor is urging Peterborough City Council to take action to ensure fire crews lives are not put at risk and that scarce resources are not over-stretched.
Councillor David Harrington, who represents Newborough, has called for improved maintenance and surveillance at the camp in Norwood Lane, Paston.
His call comes after 12 tyres were torched outside the site last week - the 16th outbreak the fire service has attended in the Norwood Lane area since 1 June 2012.
Cllr Harrington said: “I have warned the council repeatedly that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service resources are being unacceptably put under pressure by the lack of council work to keep the site cleared and the lack of surveillance measures which could be done at minimal cost.
“It is not right the fire service has to attend these fires and which stretches their already scarce resources, putting lives at risk.”
But Adrian Chapman, the council’s head of neighbourhoods, said: “Through Enterprise Peterborough we have carried out three full-scale clearance operations on Norwood Lane in 2013 so far. The last took place in the middle of May and the next is in the coming weeks.
“We have already used a range of surveillance techniques to enforce and prevent illegal fly-tipping but they only had limited success.
“We are now investigating new options for the site and would welcome suggestions from councillors and other interested parties.”
The fire service has also made clear they are aware of the issue.
Lynn Betteridge, fire service community risk manager for Peterborough, said: “Over the past months the fire service has carried out joint partnership work with the council and community cohesion teams as part of SaferPeterborough Partnership to reduce the number of calls we get to the Norwood Lane area.”
Romany weekend at the Rural Life Centre - Surrey
From visitsurrey.com
29th and 30th June 2013
There may not be a Gypsy wedding, but the Romany Days weekend at Tilford’s Rural Life Centre promises plenty of colour, sounds and tastes of Gypsy culture in Surrey.
This family-friendly event 29-30 June will include Gypsy storytellers and, on Sunday, there will be a performance of ‘Crystal’s Vardo’ , a play for 7- to 12-year-olds, about a young Gypsy girl who is bullied at school and runs away with her grandfather’s horse and vardo – a traditional horse-drawn wagon. The young audience must help her find her way home, and in the process learn something of what it’s like to grow up in the Travellers’ world.
There will be beautifully decorated wagons on show, a blacksmith and appearances by Harley the Gypsy pony who is now a local celebrity following his tricks and ‘dancing’ on television. Saturday will feature free family activities and bouncy castle, music from Florence Joelle and local artists, and a chance to taste traditional Gypsy food such as bacon pudding and Gypsy Tart.
Besides the play, Sunday’s events will include a church service in the chapel, dance, an open-mic session to show off local singing talent, and storytelling.
Throughout both days, visitors will enjoy stalls dedicated to traditional food, crafts and history of Gypsies in Surrey.
“We are celebrating all Gypsy culture from the past – beginning 500 years ago according to a Loseley document – to the present,” said organiser Kate Stuart, Heritage Learning and Communities Officer at Surrey Heritage.
29th and 30th June 2013
There may not be a Gypsy wedding, but the Romany Days weekend at Tilford’s Rural Life Centre promises plenty of colour, sounds and tastes of Gypsy culture in Surrey.
This family-friendly event 29-30 June will include Gypsy storytellers and, on Sunday, there will be a performance of ‘Crystal’s Vardo’ , a play for 7- to 12-year-olds, about a young Gypsy girl who is bullied at school and runs away with her grandfather’s horse and vardo – a traditional horse-drawn wagon. The young audience must help her find her way home, and in the process learn something of what it’s like to grow up in the Travellers’ world.
There will be beautifully decorated wagons on show, a blacksmith and appearances by Harley the Gypsy pony who is now a local celebrity following his tricks and ‘dancing’ on television. Saturday will feature free family activities and bouncy castle, music from Florence Joelle and local artists, and a chance to taste traditional Gypsy food such as bacon pudding and Gypsy Tart.
Besides the play, Sunday’s events will include a church service in the chapel, dance, an open-mic session to show off local singing talent, and storytelling.
Throughout both days, visitors will enjoy stalls dedicated to traditional food, crafts and history of Gypsies in Surrey.
“We are celebrating all Gypsy culture from the past – beginning 500 years ago according to a Loseley document – to the present,” said organiser Kate Stuart, Heritage Learning and Communities Officer at Surrey Heritage.
MP backs campaigners opposed to Gypsy site near Leamington - Warwickshire
From the Courier
Hundreds of villagers who have voiced their opposition to a proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site in Radford Semele now have the support of their Conservative MP.
And even the leader of Warwick District Council - which is under pressure to find 31 such sites across the district - agreed that the land off the Fosse Way, currently occupied by the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, is not suitable.
Campaigners against the proposal estimate that around 400 people attended a meeting at the centre on Tuesday - including Jeremy Wright MP, whose Kenilworth and Southam constituency covers Radford Semele, and council leader Cllr Michael Doody.
The proposal details plans to build 15 pitches for 30 caravans and service buildings and play and work areas on the land.
But Rowland Johnson, speaking for the campaigners, presented at the meeting a study commissioned by the centre owners which concluded that the closure of the centre will lead to a significant impact on the district’s economy.
Pointing out that the centre attracts around 40,000 people every year, Mr Johnson said that the study showed that the site would not be able to provide the amenities that a settled community would require.
He said: “The research undertaken into the suitability of this particular site is fundamentally flawed. For example the report suggests access to a doctor’s surgery is available 1.5 miles away.
“The nearest GP is actually three miles from this site and this surgery can’t accommodate the influx of new patients. The nearest available GP is actually nearly five miles away.”
He also said that any children living there would be at risk living so close to a busy road and there is inadequate lighting for pedestrians and he expressed concern about the close proximity of the site to historic woodland and ponds which are home to badgers, rare bats, deer and protected reptiles.
Speaking on Wednesday, Jeremy Wright - who said he planned to write to the council to express his opposition to the proposals, said: “It’s unavoidable that the council has to find sites for Gypsies and Travellers so that illegal encampments can be better resisted, but I have to say that this particular site is not the right one.
“The case was set out very efficiently last night.
“There are 20 sites up for consideration. They all have different pros and cons and have to be looked at individually. The case for this one does not stack up.
“There is a very serious lack of amenities for people who might be coming to live on that site.”
At the meeting, Cllr Doody also said the land identified was not suitable, but the council had an obligation to identify suitable sites.
The council is currently considering 20 possible site for Gypsy and Traveller pitches across the district. A public consultation is running until July 29. For details, visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk or call 410410.
Hundreds of villagers who have voiced their opposition to a proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site in Radford Semele now have the support of their Conservative MP.
And even the leader of Warwick District Council - which is under pressure to find 31 such sites across the district - agreed that the land off the Fosse Way, currently occupied by the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, is not suitable.
Campaigners against the proposal estimate that around 400 people attended a meeting at the centre on Tuesday - including Jeremy Wright MP, whose Kenilworth and Southam constituency covers Radford Semele, and council leader Cllr Michael Doody.
The proposal details plans to build 15 pitches for 30 caravans and service buildings and play and work areas on the land.
But Rowland Johnson, speaking for the campaigners, presented at the meeting a study commissioned by the centre owners which concluded that the closure of the centre will lead to a significant impact on the district’s economy.
Pointing out that the centre attracts around 40,000 people every year, Mr Johnson said that the study showed that the site would not be able to provide the amenities that a settled community would require.
He said: “The research undertaken into the suitability of this particular site is fundamentally flawed. For example the report suggests access to a doctor’s surgery is available 1.5 miles away.
“The nearest GP is actually three miles from this site and this surgery can’t accommodate the influx of new patients. The nearest available GP is actually nearly five miles away.”
He also said that any children living there would be at risk living so close to a busy road and there is inadequate lighting for pedestrians and he expressed concern about the close proximity of the site to historic woodland and ponds which are home to badgers, rare bats, deer and protected reptiles.
Speaking on Wednesday, Jeremy Wright - who said he planned to write to the council to express his opposition to the proposals, said: “It’s unavoidable that the council has to find sites for Gypsies and Travellers so that illegal encampments can be better resisted, but I have to say that this particular site is not the right one.
“The case was set out very efficiently last night.
“There are 20 sites up for consideration. They all have different pros and cons and have to be looked at individually. The case for this one does not stack up.
“There is a very serious lack of amenities for people who might be coming to live on that site.”
At the meeting, Cllr Doody also said the land identified was not suitable, but the council had an obligation to identify suitable sites.
The council is currently considering 20 possible site for Gypsy and Traveller pitches across the district. A public consultation is running until July 29. For details, visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk or call 410410.
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Gypsy deterrents 'do not work' - Sutton Council - London
From This Is Local London
The council has admitted measures to prevent Travellers getting onto the borough's open spaces are failing.
Sutton Council says it will continue to use its legal powers to remove Gypsies from public spaces and will direct them to its static caravan site in Woodmansterne Lane but says deterrents including locked gates and mounds of earth have not stopped illegal camps being set up around the borough.
A leaked email from Sutton Council's head of parks and highways Mark Dalzell says: "I am not convinced that spending money on bunds [mounds of earth] or bollards is actually going to stop this happening.
"We built bunds at Beddington Park paddocks area last year, but this spring the Travellers simply cut the lock of the barrier and entered the site again. We also built a huge bund along the boundary with Croydon on Hannibal Playing Fields last year and that hasn’t worked either, as the Travellers have twice dug through it and crossed onto Croydon’s land.
"I would recommend therefore that for now, we rely on legal arrangements to deal with incursions as quickly and fairly as we can."
Mr Dalzell also said bunds are expensive to maintain as normal lawnmowers cannot be used on them.
Related links
The council declined to comment on whether there are any plans to build more permanent space for Travellers in the borough but said it will continue to use bailiff's warrants to move them on from illegal camps.
Councillor Jayne McCoy, chairwoman of the housing, economy and business committee, said: "The problem of unauthorised encampments has been a challenge in our borough for a long time now and we have tried numerous ways to prevent them. However, if groups are determined to gain entry very little can be done to stop this without making our parks look like fortresses.
"When Travellers do gain access, our teams act swiftly, in line with our legal obligations, to move them on - usually within three days."
Recently Travellers have invaded Roundshaw Park and Beddington Park, in each case staying for several days and leaving considerable mess behind
The council has admitted measures to prevent Travellers getting onto the borough's open spaces are failing.
Sutton Council says it will continue to use its legal powers to remove Gypsies from public spaces and will direct them to its static caravan site in Woodmansterne Lane but says deterrents including locked gates and mounds of earth have not stopped illegal camps being set up around the borough.
A leaked email from Sutton Council's head of parks and highways Mark Dalzell says: "I am not convinced that spending money on bunds [mounds of earth] or bollards is actually going to stop this happening.
"We built bunds at Beddington Park paddocks area last year, but this spring the Travellers simply cut the lock of the barrier and entered the site again. We also built a huge bund along the boundary with Croydon on Hannibal Playing Fields last year and that hasn’t worked either, as the Travellers have twice dug through it and crossed onto Croydon’s land.
"I would recommend therefore that for now, we rely on legal arrangements to deal with incursions as quickly and fairly as we can."
Mr Dalzell also said bunds are expensive to maintain as normal lawnmowers cannot be used on them.
Related links
The council declined to comment on whether there are any plans to build more permanent space for Travellers in the borough but said it will continue to use bailiff's warrants to move them on from illegal camps.
Councillor Jayne McCoy, chairwoman of the housing, economy and business committee, said: "The problem of unauthorised encampments has been a challenge in our borough for a long time now and we have tried numerous ways to prevent them. However, if groups are determined to gain entry very little can be done to stop this without making our parks look like fortresses.
"When Travellers do gain access, our teams act swiftly, in line with our legal obligations, to move them on - usually within three days."
Recently Travellers have invaded Roundshaw Park and Beddington Park, in each case staying for several days and leaving considerable mess behind
More Traveller sites to lessen illegal camps - Hampshire
From the News
A COUNCIL is considering extending its permanent Travellers’ sites to keep up with government policy and put it in a stronger position when dealing with illegal encampments.
Fareham Borough Council agreed to a four-week consultation on the matter at its latest executive meeting, and has launched an online survey.
It will be asking residents their views on potentially doubling the size of sites at Newgate Lane, Fareham and Southampton Road, Titchfield.
The council is revisiting the amount of land it provides for Travellers under the Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Policy.
This move will look at the allocation of appropriate permanent sites and proposes five additional pitches across two existing sites.
Research by 11 local councils revealed 60 new plots for Travellers need to be made available by 2022.
Residents near both of the sites are worried about the plans.
One Titchfield resident, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I don’t suppose anybody would want more Travellers living near them. I don’t think anybody along this road would be happy with an increase.’
In 2009, a petition containing 55 signatures against the development of the Newgate Lane site was handed in to the council.
Ward councillor Jim Forrest encouraged residents to read the policy documents before making their minds up.
He said: ‘When a borough has met the requirement in providing a number of permanent sites, it is then in a stronger position to deal with illegal encampments.’
He said the Newgate Lane site in his ward is well kept and well maintained. Last week, an illegal Traveller site which set up home in a private field along Newgate Lane was moved on by police.
The survey can be completed at fareham.gov.uk/consultations.
For more information call 01329 236100. The consultation runs until Monday, July 22.
A COUNCIL is considering extending its permanent Travellers’ sites to keep up with government policy and put it in a stronger position when dealing with illegal encampments.
Fareham Borough Council agreed to a four-week consultation on the matter at its latest executive meeting, and has launched an online survey.
It will be asking residents their views on potentially doubling the size of sites at Newgate Lane, Fareham and Southampton Road, Titchfield.
The council is revisiting the amount of land it provides for Travellers under the Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Policy.
This move will look at the allocation of appropriate permanent sites and proposes five additional pitches across two existing sites.
Research by 11 local councils revealed 60 new plots for Travellers need to be made available by 2022.
Residents near both of the sites are worried about the plans.
One Titchfield resident, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I don’t suppose anybody would want more Travellers living near them. I don’t think anybody along this road would be happy with an increase.’
In 2009, a petition containing 55 signatures against the development of the Newgate Lane site was handed in to the council.
Ward councillor Jim Forrest encouraged residents to read the policy documents before making their minds up.
He said: ‘When a borough has met the requirement in providing a number of permanent sites, it is then in a stronger position to deal with illegal encampments.’
He said the Newgate Lane site in his ward is well kept and well maintained. Last week, an illegal Traveller site which set up home in a private field along Newgate Lane was moved on by police.
The survey can be completed at fareham.gov.uk/consultations.
For more information call 01329 236100. The consultation runs until Monday, July 22.
Ardrossan arrest at Travellers' site - Ayrshire
From the Ardrossan Herald
WITHIN hours of Travellers setting up camp on North Shore an Ardrossan man was arrested for a hate crime following a clash between the two communities.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) four caravans set up camp on North Shore and in a matter of hours the Herald received a number of calls complaining about their presence.
By 4pm police officers arrived on scene and spoke to the Travellers before arresting a 52-year-old man who resides nearby.
Spokesman for Police Scotland said: "On Tuesday, June 25 Police Scotland received reports of an unauthorised encampment in the area of Eglinton Road, Ardrossan and officers attended.
"About 4.05pm officers were in attendance when a 52-year-old man from Ardrossan was arrested for an alleged hate crime.
"Police Scotland work closely with North Ayrshire Council and will support them in enforcing all available legislation relating to unauthorised encampments."
WITHIN hours of Travellers setting up camp on North Shore an Ardrossan man was arrested for a hate crime following a clash between the two communities.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) four caravans set up camp on North Shore and in a matter of hours the Herald received a number of calls complaining about their presence.
By 4pm police officers arrived on scene and spoke to the Travellers before arresting a 52-year-old man who resides nearby.
Spokesman for Police Scotland said: "On Tuesday, June 25 Police Scotland received reports of an unauthorised encampment in the area of Eglinton Road, Ardrossan and officers attended.
"About 4.05pm officers were in attendance when a 52-year-old man from Ardrossan was arrested for an alleged hate crime.
"Police Scotland work closely with North Ayrshire Council and will support them in enforcing all available legislation relating to unauthorised encampments."
Travellers on Mudeford Quay given Friday deadline - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
TRAVELLERS who have parked at Mudeford Quay have been told they have until Friday to move on.
Five caravans are believed to have moved onto the Quay at the weekend.
A spokesman for Christchurch Borough Council said notice had been served on the group and they had until Friday to move on. If they had not left by then legal proceedings would begin, he added.
The spokesman said he was not aware of any complaints made by residents.
A group of Travellers who set-up camp at King’s Park last week left the area near the athletics stadium around 2pm on Saturday, a spokesman for Bournemouth Council said. It is not known whether it is the same group of Travellers who have parked up at Mudeford Quay.
The four caravans and other vehicles arrived last Monday in King’s Park. In Poole, Travellers who set up camp in the car park area adjacent to Rockley Park and close to Ham Common are also set to be moved on.
Two groups arrived last Wednesday, with 13 caravans, a campervan and one tent in total – but their numbers swelled over the weekend to 23 caravans, as well as the campervan and tent and now Borough of Poole has begun legal action.
Jeff Morley, regulatory services team manager at the Borough of Poole, said: “The Travellers have now been formally ordered to vacate the site, with the council initiating legal action and obtaining a court date of Wednesday, June 26.
“Officers are regularly visiting to provide refuse sacks, assess the behaviour of the Travellers and reduce any impact on the local area, including Rockley Park.”
TRAVELLERS who have parked at Mudeford Quay have been told they have until Friday to move on.
Five caravans are believed to have moved onto the Quay at the weekend.
A spokesman for Christchurch Borough Council said notice had been served on the group and they had until Friday to move on. If they had not left by then legal proceedings would begin, he added.
The spokesman said he was not aware of any complaints made by residents.
A group of Travellers who set-up camp at King’s Park last week left the area near the athletics stadium around 2pm on Saturday, a spokesman for Bournemouth Council said. It is not known whether it is the same group of Travellers who have parked up at Mudeford Quay.
The four caravans and other vehicles arrived last Monday in King’s Park. In Poole, Travellers who set up camp in the car park area adjacent to Rockley Park and close to Ham Common are also set to be moved on.
Two groups arrived last Wednesday, with 13 caravans, a campervan and one tent in total – but their numbers swelled over the weekend to 23 caravans, as well as the campervan and tent and now Borough of Poole has begun legal action.
Jeff Morley, regulatory services team manager at the Borough of Poole, said: “The Travellers have now been formally ordered to vacate the site, with the council initiating legal action and obtaining a court date of Wednesday, June 26.
“Officers are regularly visiting to provide refuse sacks, assess the behaviour of the Travellers and reduce any impact on the local area, including Rockley Park.”
Council bid to move Travellers in Great Harwood - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Telegraph
TRAVELLERS who rolled their campervans on to a patch of spare land in Great Harwood have been told to attend court today The Travellers parked their vehicles on council-owned land in Shaftesbury Avenue a week ago, said a nearby resident.
A total of seven campervans and caravans were on the grass yesterday alongside cars, plastic chairs and bags of litter.
And now the council, which said it was first notified on June 20, has acted quickly to move them on.
It said it had issued the campers with a notice instructing them to leave and to attend court today where the council will apply for a possession order - which would allow bailiffs to move in if the Travellers don’t leave.
Local authorities have the power to direct unauthorised campers to leave unoccupied land if they are residing on it under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Deputy leader of the council, Coun Claire Pritchard said: “We have to issue the notice, but if they don’t leave, we need to go to court to get a possession order to allow us to move them on.”
Coun Pritchard said removing the Travellers forcibly was possible, but as a last resort.
A nearby resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said she felt ‘intimidated’ when the Travellers first arrived a week ago, but said they had caused no trouble and had been ‘relatively quiet,’ although she said she was keen to see them leave.
MP Graham Jones praised the council for its zero-tolerance approach to illegal Travellers but said the Government should introduce tougher measures to give local authorities more power - an opinion he has expressed to Parliament and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.
“Hyndburn Borough Council is one of the best in the country for the removal of illegal sites and they are doing everything they can,” he said.
“It’s not just evicting Travellers, it’s preventing them too. Local authorities do not have enough power and it’s tax payers who must fund the clean up.”
TRAVELLERS who rolled their campervans on to a patch of spare land in Great Harwood have been told to attend court today The Travellers parked their vehicles on council-owned land in Shaftesbury Avenue a week ago, said a nearby resident.
A total of seven campervans and caravans were on the grass yesterday alongside cars, plastic chairs and bags of litter.
And now the council, which said it was first notified on June 20, has acted quickly to move them on.
It said it had issued the campers with a notice instructing them to leave and to attend court today where the council will apply for a possession order - which would allow bailiffs to move in if the Travellers don’t leave.
Local authorities have the power to direct unauthorised campers to leave unoccupied land if they are residing on it under section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Deputy leader of the council, Coun Claire Pritchard said: “We have to issue the notice, but if they don’t leave, we need to go to court to get a possession order to allow us to move them on.”
Coun Pritchard said removing the Travellers forcibly was possible, but as a last resort.
A nearby resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said she felt ‘intimidated’ when the Travellers first arrived a week ago, but said they had caused no trouble and had been ‘relatively quiet,’ although she said she was keen to see them leave.
MP Graham Jones praised the council for its zero-tolerance approach to illegal Travellers but said the Government should introduce tougher measures to give local authorities more power - an opinion he has expressed to Parliament and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.
“Hyndburn Borough Council is one of the best in the country for the removal of illegal sites and they are doing everything they can,” he said.
“It’s not just evicting Travellers, it’s preventing them too. Local authorities do not have enough power and it’s tax payers who must fund the clean up.”
Traveller site for Ellesmere Port shows little respect for Gypsy community, councillor says - Cheshire
From the Ellesmere Port Observer
A CONTROVERSIAL Gypsy and Traveller site on Rossfield Road, agreed by councillors at a meeting in Ellesmere Port last Thursday, shows little respect for their culture according to Netherpool councillor Diane Roberts (Lab).
She also argues it will be within a few hundred yards of the spot where 15-year-old Irish Traveller Johnny Delaney died in 2003 and would be an insult to his memory.
The detailed plans, put forward by Cheshire West and Chester Council in a bid to provide sufficient pitches across the borough to avoid appeals and unauthorised encampments, were recommended for permission.
The 12 pitches and facilities, which had outline approval on part of the council depot last year, are said to be of ‘strategic significance’.
More than 660 neighbours were consulted and 26 representations were put in raising a range of issues.
There are fears the site will lead to increased crime, anti-social behaviour and unrest and it will be detrimental to the Rossfield Industrial Estate and detract from regeneration.
Other objections refer to the lack of school places, noise and disturbance and the unsuitability of the site for any residential purposes as it is in an industrial and commercial area.
It is claimed the viability of nearby businesses will be ‘destroyed’.
Cllr Roberts said the Labour group on the borough council agreed there was a need to provide accommodation but the pitches had to be suitable.
“The first is the real aspect of the danger from HGVs on the industrial estate,” she suggested, arguing ‘the report has no qualms about placing Gypsy and Traveller children in a situation of great danger within the confines of an industrious estate’.
She asked if the council ‘will feel responsible if an accident occurs and a child is crushed’.
The proposal also showed ‘little respect’ for the culture of Gypsies and Travellers although this was promoted in the borough’s schools.
Cllr Alan McKie (Con) suggested sites in nearby wards were on industrial estates and were ‘well controlled’.
Approval was moved by Cllr Mark Williams (Con) and seconded by former Ellesmere Port and Neston borough councillor Keith Butcher (Lab).
A CONTROVERSIAL Gypsy and Traveller site on Rossfield Road, agreed by councillors at a meeting in Ellesmere Port last Thursday, shows little respect for their culture according to Netherpool councillor Diane Roberts (Lab).
She also argues it will be within a few hundred yards of the spot where 15-year-old Irish Traveller Johnny Delaney died in 2003 and would be an insult to his memory.
The detailed plans, put forward by Cheshire West and Chester Council in a bid to provide sufficient pitches across the borough to avoid appeals and unauthorised encampments, were recommended for permission.
The 12 pitches and facilities, which had outline approval on part of the council depot last year, are said to be of ‘strategic significance’.
More than 660 neighbours were consulted and 26 representations were put in raising a range of issues.
There are fears the site will lead to increased crime, anti-social behaviour and unrest and it will be detrimental to the Rossfield Industrial Estate and detract from regeneration.
Other objections refer to the lack of school places, noise and disturbance and the unsuitability of the site for any residential purposes as it is in an industrial and commercial area.
It is claimed the viability of nearby businesses will be ‘destroyed’.
Cllr Roberts said the Labour group on the borough council agreed there was a need to provide accommodation but the pitches had to be suitable.
“The first is the real aspect of the danger from HGVs on the industrial estate,” she suggested, arguing ‘the report has no qualms about placing Gypsy and Traveller children in a situation of great danger within the confines of an industrious estate’.
She asked if the council ‘will feel responsible if an accident occurs and a child is crushed’.
The proposal also showed ‘little respect’ for the culture of Gypsies and Travellers although this was promoted in the borough’s schools.
Cllr Alan McKie (Con) suggested sites in nearby wards were on industrial estates and were ‘well controlled’.
Approval was moved by Cllr Mark Williams (Con) and seconded by former Ellesmere Port and Neston borough councillor Keith Butcher (Lab).
Showman's daughter becomes first Traveller to attend Cambridge University... and graduates with a FIRST in History
From the Daily Mail
She grew up in a caravan, sold toffee apples on her mother’s fairground stall and never completed a full school year.
Yet Zoah Hedges-Stocks - who made history by becoming the first Traveller to study at Cambridge University - has exceeded her highest expectations by achieving a first class degree.
While past generations of her family could not read or write, Miss Hedges-Stocks dreamed of attending Cambridge after working on the fairground there as a youngster during the annual May Ball.
She went to school in Suffolk but missed the summer term each year to travel to fairs across East Anglia.
Despite this she achieved top grades in her GCSEs and was offered a place at the all-female Murray Edwards College on condition of gaining three A grades at A-level.
She was allowed in despite slipping to a B in one of her subjects.
'I still can't quite believe I have got a First,' she said. 'It has been a lot of hours and a lot of essays. All my family and friends are really pleased for me and it is nice to feel I have everyone’s support.
'I’ve never experienced any snobbery about my background at Cambridge and everyone has been really welcoming. It has been the most amazing four years, hard work, but great fun.'
Zoah, who wants to be a journalist, grew up in a caravan and spent every summer term working on her mother's food van selling burgers, toffee apples and candy floss to fair-goers.
But even though she missed a lot of school she excelled academically, passing her GCSEs and getting top grades at A-level.
She was then accepted onto a summer school programme at Eton for potential Oxbridge students, which made her more determined than ever to get to Cambridge.
Zoah was given a straight-As offer and secured two, but missed out on an A in Philosophy and Ethics by just 11 marks.
'I called the college straight away and they said they’d let me know the next day,' she said. 'It was the most nerve-racking 24 hours of my life. When they called to say I got a place I cried.'
Now she will be graduating from the world-renowned university on Saturday with a First in History, after studying for four years at Murray Edwards College.
During her time at the university she was chosen twice to be editor of the student newspaper The Cambridge Student.
But at the beginning of her third year in January 2012 she started suffering from chronic fatigue and had to go home and recover.
'I was really ill and at the time I wondered if I would manage to go back, but thankfully I did,' said Zoah.
She returned to complete her final year in September 2012 and excelled in her course.
Her mother Bernice and her grandparents will be at her graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Berenice said: 'I am so proud of Zoah and just couldn’t take it in when she said she had a First. I cried for two days.'
'No one else in our community has ever been to university and I think she has done amazingly well. I’ve got my outfit ready for Saturday, it will be so exciting, I know I'll be in tears.'
Zoah, whose Traveller ancestors date back to 1821, lived in a caravan with her mother until she was 14, at which point Berenice bought a trailer.
She went to her local school but missed the summer term each year to travel with her family to fairs across East Anglia.
She helped her mum run the burger van, while her uncle managed a set of dodgems, inherited from her grandfather.
Zoah said working at the fair was incredibly hard work, with 14 hour days and fat burns from frying burgers.
One of her favourite destinations to work at was always the Midsummer Fair in Cambridge, where she has many happy childhood memories.
'The reason I wanted to go to Cambridge University in the first place was because it was the only university I knew,' she said.
'When I went to the open day at Cambridge with my mum I didn't even know what a university would look like.'
Zoah has now been offered a place on a journalism training course, which starts in January.
She grew up in a caravan, sold toffee apples on her mother’s fairground stall and never completed a full school year.
Yet Zoah Hedges-Stocks - who made history by becoming the first Traveller to study at Cambridge University - has exceeded her highest expectations by achieving a first class degree.
While past generations of her family could not read or write, Miss Hedges-Stocks dreamed of attending Cambridge after working on the fairground there as a youngster during the annual May Ball.
She went to school in Suffolk but missed the summer term each year to travel to fairs across East Anglia.
Despite this she achieved top grades in her GCSEs and was offered a place at the all-female Murray Edwards College on condition of gaining three A grades at A-level.
She was allowed in despite slipping to a B in one of her subjects.
'I still can't quite believe I have got a First,' she said. 'It has been a lot of hours and a lot of essays. All my family and friends are really pleased for me and it is nice to feel I have everyone’s support.
'I’ve never experienced any snobbery about my background at Cambridge and everyone has been really welcoming. It has been the most amazing four years, hard work, but great fun.'
Zoah, who wants to be a journalist, grew up in a caravan and spent every summer term working on her mother's food van selling burgers, toffee apples and candy floss to fair-goers.
But even though she missed a lot of school she excelled academically, passing her GCSEs and getting top grades at A-level.
She was then accepted onto a summer school programme at Eton for potential Oxbridge students, which made her more determined than ever to get to Cambridge.
Zoah was given a straight-As offer and secured two, but missed out on an A in Philosophy and Ethics by just 11 marks.
'I called the college straight away and they said they’d let me know the next day,' she said. 'It was the most nerve-racking 24 hours of my life. When they called to say I got a place I cried.'
Now she will be graduating from the world-renowned university on Saturday with a First in History, after studying for four years at Murray Edwards College.
During her time at the university she was chosen twice to be editor of the student newspaper The Cambridge Student.
But at the beginning of her third year in January 2012 she started suffering from chronic fatigue and had to go home and recover.
'I was really ill and at the time I wondered if I would manage to go back, but thankfully I did,' said Zoah.
She returned to complete her final year in September 2012 and excelled in her course.
Her mother Bernice and her grandparents will be at her graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Berenice said: 'I am so proud of Zoah and just couldn’t take it in when she said she had a First. I cried for two days.'
'No one else in our community has ever been to university and I think she has done amazingly well. I’ve got my outfit ready for Saturday, it will be so exciting, I know I'll be in tears.'
Zoah, whose Traveller ancestors date back to 1821, lived in a caravan with her mother until she was 14, at which point Berenice bought a trailer.
She went to her local school but missed the summer term each year to travel with her family to fairs across East Anglia.
She helped her mum run the burger van, while her uncle managed a set of dodgems, inherited from her grandfather.
Zoah said working at the fair was incredibly hard work, with 14 hour days and fat burns from frying burgers.
One of her favourite destinations to work at was always the Midsummer Fair in Cambridge, where she has many happy childhood memories.
'The reason I wanted to go to Cambridge University in the first place was because it was the only university I knew,' she said.
'When I went to the open day at Cambridge with my mum I didn't even know what a university would look like.'
Zoah has now been offered a place on a journalism training course, which starts in January.
Gypsy site proposals prompt heated public meeting - Warwickshire
From the Leamington Observer
CONTROVERSIAL plans to establish sites for Gypsies in Warwick district is set to prompt a month of heated debate.
It comes in the wake of a backlash from hundreds of Radford Semele villagers who are fighting plans for a potential site on land at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre alongside the Fosse Way.
The council has been ordered by the Government to provide a total of 31 pitches for Gypsy and Travellers across the district and has identified 20 possible sites as part of its Local Plan. It will decide on the most suitable following a consultation period which ends on July 29.
The Fosse Way site is one proposed, and includes 15 permanent pitches, holding around 30 caravans with service buildings, play and work areas for the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
But landowners say they will refuse to sell to the council, which would force the council to serve a Compulsory Purchase Order.
On Tuesday evening (June 25) more than 400 villagers gathered to express their frustration in front of Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright and district council leader Michael Doody.
Spokesman for the the residents’ campaign group, Rowland Johnson, told the meeting plans to develop the site could lead to the closure of the Exhibition Centre, causing job losses and damaging the local economy to the tune of more than £2 million a year.
In addition to the economic objections, Mr Johnson raised a number of other issues including it being unsafe for Gypsy children to play next to a major road, a lack of pavement provision or lighting and the visual impact the Gypsy site would have on the landscape.
Mr Wright agreed the Gypsy site was an unwelcome proposal in the community and urged residents to object to the plans. Coun Doody backed Mr Wright but added the council did have an obligation to identify suitable sites.
Warwickshire Exhibition Centre owner, Chris Deith, also addressed the group saying that since the council’s announcement to earmark his land in the consultation, he had already lost bookings for exhibitions.
Villagers claim there has not been adequate explanation as to why the land is on the shortlist when surrounding area was rejected by the council last year in its Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment as being "not a suitable location for development in terms of access to schools, services, shops, and employment."
Other controversial sites proposed include land adjacent to Tollgate House and Guide Dogs for the Blind National Breeding Centre at Bishops Tachbrook and on Kites Nest Lane in Beausale, which has been occupied by Romani Gypsies illegally for three years.
CONTROVERSIAL plans to establish sites for Gypsies in Warwick district is set to prompt a month of heated debate.
It comes in the wake of a backlash from hundreds of Radford Semele villagers who are fighting plans for a potential site on land at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre alongside the Fosse Way.
The council has been ordered by the Government to provide a total of 31 pitches for Gypsy and Travellers across the district and has identified 20 possible sites as part of its Local Plan. It will decide on the most suitable following a consultation period which ends on July 29.
The Fosse Way site is one proposed, and includes 15 permanent pitches, holding around 30 caravans with service buildings, play and work areas for the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
But landowners say they will refuse to sell to the council, which would force the council to serve a Compulsory Purchase Order.
On Tuesday evening (June 25) more than 400 villagers gathered to express their frustration in front of Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright and district council leader Michael Doody.
Spokesman for the the residents’ campaign group, Rowland Johnson, told the meeting plans to develop the site could lead to the closure of the Exhibition Centre, causing job losses and damaging the local economy to the tune of more than £2 million a year.
In addition to the economic objections, Mr Johnson raised a number of other issues including it being unsafe for Gypsy children to play next to a major road, a lack of pavement provision or lighting and the visual impact the Gypsy site would have on the landscape.
Mr Wright agreed the Gypsy site was an unwelcome proposal in the community and urged residents to object to the plans. Coun Doody backed Mr Wright but added the council did have an obligation to identify suitable sites.
Warwickshire Exhibition Centre owner, Chris Deith, also addressed the group saying that since the council’s announcement to earmark his land in the consultation, he had already lost bookings for exhibitions.
Villagers claim there has not been adequate explanation as to why the land is on the shortlist when surrounding area was rejected by the council last year in its Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment as being "not a suitable location for development in terms of access to schools, services, shops, and employment."
Other controversial sites proposed include land adjacent to Tollgate House and Guide Dogs for the Blind National Breeding Centre at Bishops Tachbrook and on Kites Nest Lane in Beausale, which has been occupied by Romani Gypsies illegally for three years.
Travellers on £400k revamp playing fields in Walsall - West Midlands
From the Express and Star
Around a dozen caravans managed to gain access and create a camp on Broadway West Playing Fields in Walsall, prompting the council to issue a notice to leave or face eviction.
It comes as the once-contaminated fields are being cleaned up to allow ball games to return for the first time in a decade.
It is the latest Travellers camp to have settled in the borough following a spate of problems in Ryecroft in spring. Caravans kept moving between sites in Mill Lane, forcing the council to take twice take action through the magistrates court.
It is believed the Travellers on the fields off Broadway West, which is a main route between junction nine of the M6 and Walsall town centre, had originally been on a nearby retail park.
Mohammed Rafiq, chairman of the Palfrey and Caldmore Neighbourhood Watch, said there had been a lot of dumped waste and they were concerned the same could happen at the fields.
“There has been a lot of rubbish left, there are gas canisters which is a safety concern for us and our community. We understand on Monday evening they moved over the road to Broadway West playing fields.
“They have been using the mini-motos and dumping rubbish. It is also the cost to be picked up by taxpayers as it is council land that needs to be cleaned up.”
It emerged last week that the fields are unlikely to be used for football and cricket until next year after bad weather.
Ball games were stopped in 2003 following the discovery of dangerous metals in the soil.
It had been hoped football would return later this year as part of the £400,000 work which includes a new layer of top soil, with cricket the following summer.
But the heavy rain and snowfall in the first three months of the year mean the land is not expected to be ready until 2014.
Long-standing calls have been made for the playing fields, off Broadway West, to be reopened for sports.
A petition was presented to the council in 2006. At least 10 clubs had to find alternative sites to train and play fixtures.
Around a dozen caravans managed to gain access and create a camp on Broadway West Playing Fields in Walsall, prompting the council to issue a notice to leave or face eviction.
It comes as the once-contaminated fields are being cleaned up to allow ball games to return for the first time in a decade.
It is the latest Travellers camp to have settled in the borough following a spate of problems in Ryecroft in spring. Caravans kept moving between sites in Mill Lane, forcing the council to take twice take action through the magistrates court.
It is believed the Travellers on the fields off Broadway West, which is a main route between junction nine of the M6 and Walsall town centre, had originally been on a nearby retail park.
Mohammed Rafiq, chairman of the Palfrey and Caldmore Neighbourhood Watch, said there had been a lot of dumped waste and they were concerned the same could happen at the fields.
“There has been a lot of rubbish left, there are gas canisters which is a safety concern for us and our community. We understand on Monday evening they moved over the road to Broadway West playing fields.
“They have been using the mini-motos and dumping rubbish. It is also the cost to be picked up by taxpayers as it is council land that needs to be cleaned up.”
It emerged last week that the fields are unlikely to be used for football and cricket until next year after bad weather.
Ball games were stopped in 2003 following the discovery of dangerous metals in the soil.
It had been hoped football would return later this year as part of the £400,000 work which includes a new layer of top soil, with cricket the following summer.
But the heavy rain and snowfall in the first three months of the year mean the land is not expected to be ready until 2014.
Long-standing calls have been made for the playing fields, off Broadway West, to be reopened for sports.
A petition was presented to the council in 2006. At least 10 clubs had to find alternative sites to train and play fixtures.
Travellers leave site - Hampshire
From the Southern Daily Echo
TRAVELLERS have been moved on from a council-owned site.
Fourteen caravans and towing vehicles arrived on Monday morning on land between Parnham Drive and Selborne Drive, in Boyatt Wood, and were reported to police shortly before 11.30am.
The land is owned by Eastleigh Borough Council, officials from which attended the site with police to ask the Travellers to leave. They did so just prior to noon yesterday.
TRAVELLERS have been moved on from a council-owned site.
Fourteen caravans and towing vehicles arrived on Monday morning on land between Parnham Drive and Selborne Drive, in Boyatt Wood, and were reported to police shortly before 11.30am.
The land is owned by Eastleigh Borough Council, officials from which attended the site with police to ask the Travellers to leave. They did so just prior to noon yesterday.
Travellers leave Levenmouth campsite in ‘immaculate state’ - Fife
From the Courier
A group of Travellers have been praised for their conduct after departing a Levenmouth campsite.
The convoy of around 15 caravans and vehicles appeared on ground to the north bank of the River Leven, near the swimming pool, at the beginning of last week.
The fleet is understood to have departed the area at the beginning of the week. However, unlike similar situations where complaints are received about littering or the conduct of Travelling people, the behaviour of this group has been held up as an example to others.
Peter Farrell, travelling persons site manager with Fife Council, said: “Went out to the site on Monday and found the area had been left in an immaculate state, with all the rubbish bagged up and left to one side.
“The manager of the leisure centre was very pleased with the way the group had left things. They had made full use of the pool while they were camped and were polite and courteous to pool staff, with no problems at all.
“Fife Council is encouraged by the behaviour and cooperation shown by this Travelling group.”
A group of Travellers have been praised for their conduct after departing a Levenmouth campsite.
The convoy of around 15 caravans and vehicles appeared on ground to the north bank of the River Leven, near the swimming pool, at the beginning of last week.
The fleet is understood to have departed the area at the beginning of the week. However, unlike similar situations where complaints are received about littering or the conduct of Travelling people, the behaviour of this group has been held up as an example to others.
Peter Farrell, travelling persons site manager with Fife Council, said: “Went out to the site on Monday and found the area had been left in an immaculate state, with all the rubbish bagged up and left to one side.
“The manager of the leisure centre was very pleased with the way the group had left things. They had made full use of the pool while they were camped and were polite and courteous to pool staff, with no problems at all.
“Fife Council is encouraged by the behaviour and cooperation shown by this Travelling group.”
Traveller outreach on Midsummer Common - Cambridgeshire
From the University of Cambridge Museum
The Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology (MAA) and The Polar Museum went out to work with young travellers on Midsummer Common last Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June. Delivered in partnership with Cambridge County Council’s Traveller Education Unit and the University of Cambridge Public Engagement Team both museums provided hands on activities for children and young people travelling with the fair.
Sarah-Jane Harknett and Lorena Bushell from MAA took jewellery from all over the world for the children to handle as well as craft activities based on the collections. The children made a variety of things including sharks’ teeth necklaces or door hangers (some complete with felt tip ‘blood spots’) and masks based on Maori designs and forehead ornaments like one from the Solomon Islands. One of S-J’s highlights was when one of the boys remembered the archaeology activities from the previous year and asked if she could bring along “the little Egyptian mummy and the arrowhead” for him to see again next year.
Naomi Chapman from the Polar Museum and I went out the following day with objects and photographs from the museum. The children were able try on a modern day Polar explorer outfit and compare it to what Scott and his team would have worn, they also planned what food they would take with them on an expedition and found out what Scott and his team ate. There was even the chance to make a penguin! One of my favourite moments was when one of the girls started to teach the other children how to make penguins, at one point she was leading a group of 5 young people through the activity.
We had 34 children taking part in the activities, so the sessions were busy but a lot of fun. We are already looking forward to taking part again next year!
Marie Kennedy, Children & Young People’s Widening Participation Officer, University of Cambridge Museums
The Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology (MAA) and The Polar Museum went out to work with young travellers on Midsummer Common last Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June. Delivered in partnership with Cambridge County Council’s Traveller Education Unit and the University of Cambridge Public Engagement Team both museums provided hands on activities for children and young people travelling with the fair.
Sarah-Jane Harknett and Lorena Bushell from MAA took jewellery from all over the world for the children to handle as well as craft activities based on the collections. The children made a variety of things including sharks’ teeth necklaces or door hangers (some complete with felt tip ‘blood spots’) and masks based on Maori designs and forehead ornaments like one from the Solomon Islands. One of S-J’s highlights was when one of the boys remembered the archaeology activities from the previous year and asked if she could bring along “the little Egyptian mummy and the arrowhead” for him to see again next year.
Naomi Chapman from the Polar Museum and I went out the following day with objects and photographs from the museum. The children were able try on a modern day Polar explorer outfit and compare it to what Scott and his team would have worn, they also planned what food they would take with them on an expedition and found out what Scott and his team ate. There was even the chance to make a penguin! One of my favourite moments was when one of the girls started to teach the other children how to make penguins, at one point she was leading a group of 5 young people through the activity.
We had 34 children taking part in the activities, so the sessions were busy but a lot of fun. We are already looking forward to taking part again next year!
Marie Kennedy, Children & Young People’s Widening Participation Officer, University of Cambridge Museums
Row over stinking rubbish at camp - Derbyshire
From the Derby Telegraph
A GIANT Travellers' camp set up on Derby's Racecourse has left the city council under fire from residents who say it is not dealing with piles of stinking rubbish left in and around the site.
Among those furious is Catherine Felber, a mum-of-two, who has taken it upon herself to visit the park every day to collect the litter.
Mrs Felber, of nearby Essex Street, has collected 12 full bin bags of rubbish from the site since the camp – now made up of more than 30 vehicles and caravans – was set up last Monday night.
But she said it was the lack of support from the council and not the Travellers, who were "polite" to her, that was making her angry.
In response, the authority has said it will "monitor the site and remove any litter or rubbish on a daily basis".
Mrs Felber, who was nominated for this year's Community Champions award for her efforts to clean up city parks, said: "I have had absolutely no help from the council. The bags, waste and cartons have not been picked up. They should have come down every couple of days and got rid of the bags of rubbish.
"All I'm doing is picking up the litter. In and around the site there are about 40 bags of rubbish the litter is coming from."
Recent Travellers' camps on the Racecourse have included a 13-vehicle set-up in April 2011, and one with 12 in September 2010.
But the current camp is on a different scale – home to 74 men, women and children from the Ross family who got on to the site by removing wooden bollards and opening a barrier.
Sarah Nicholson, 45, of Huntingdon Green, also by the Racecourse, said she had lived in the area for several years and this was the largest camp she had seen.
She said: "The camp isn't fair on other park users. It's always like that when Travellers come on to the site. And they go to the toilet there."
Paul Marshall, 34, of Radnor Street, said he was annoyed at how the camp put youngsters off using the Steve Bloomer Artificial Turf Pitch on the site.
He said: "It's where some of the children from the estate go and should be able to feel safe but, at the moment, that's not the case."
Jimmy Ross, 28, said his family had a deal with Derby City Council which meant they had six weeks on the site.
Mr Ross said the authority had promised his family bins and portable toilets as he agreed the children had "left a bit of a mess".
However, he said these had not yet been delivered to them.
He added: "At the end of the six weeks they (the council) will see if they can get a site for us elsewhere in the Derbyshire area."
But Janie Berry, director of legal and democratic services, said the six-week claim was false.
She said notice to leave was served on the Travellers on Tuesday, June 18, with a court hearing about the situation set for today.
She said: "The court should make an order requiring the Travellers to leave immediately, but if they don't then we will apply for a court bailiff to evict them.
"The bailiff is likely to set a date for eviction for some time next week, but this date will be decided by the courts."
She added that "police and council staff were visiting the site on a daily basis".
The council was asked about Mr Ross's bins and portable toilet claims but did not respond to them.
A GIANT Travellers' camp set up on Derby's Racecourse has left the city council under fire from residents who say it is not dealing with piles of stinking rubbish left in and around the site.
Among those furious is Catherine Felber, a mum-of-two, who has taken it upon herself to visit the park every day to collect the litter.
Mrs Felber, of nearby Essex Street, has collected 12 full bin bags of rubbish from the site since the camp – now made up of more than 30 vehicles and caravans – was set up last Monday night.
But she said it was the lack of support from the council and not the Travellers, who were "polite" to her, that was making her angry.
In response, the authority has said it will "monitor the site and remove any litter or rubbish on a daily basis".
Mrs Felber, who was nominated for this year's Community Champions award for her efforts to clean up city parks, said: "I have had absolutely no help from the council. The bags, waste and cartons have not been picked up. They should have come down every couple of days and got rid of the bags of rubbish.
"All I'm doing is picking up the litter. In and around the site there are about 40 bags of rubbish the litter is coming from."
Recent Travellers' camps on the Racecourse have included a 13-vehicle set-up in April 2011, and one with 12 in September 2010.
But the current camp is on a different scale – home to 74 men, women and children from the Ross family who got on to the site by removing wooden bollards and opening a barrier.
Sarah Nicholson, 45, of Huntingdon Green, also by the Racecourse, said she had lived in the area for several years and this was the largest camp she had seen.
She said: "The camp isn't fair on other park users. It's always like that when Travellers come on to the site. And they go to the toilet there."
Paul Marshall, 34, of Radnor Street, said he was annoyed at how the camp put youngsters off using the Steve Bloomer Artificial Turf Pitch on the site.
He said: "It's where some of the children from the estate go and should be able to feel safe but, at the moment, that's not the case."
Jimmy Ross, 28, said his family had a deal with Derby City Council which meant they had six weeks on the site.
Mr Ross said the authority had promised his family bins and portable toilets as he agreed the children had "left a bit of a mess".
However, he said these had not yet been delivered to them.
He added: "At the end of the six weeks they (the council) will see if they can get a site for us elsewhere in the Derbyshire area."
But Janie Berry, director of legal and democratic services, said the six-week claim was false.
She said notice to leave was served on the Travellers on Tuesday, June 18, with a court hearing about the situation set for today.
She said: "The court should make an order requiring the Travellers to leave immediately, but if they don't then we will apply for a court bailiff to evict them.
"The bailiff is likely to set a date for eviction for some time next week, but this date will be decided by the courts."
She added that "police and council staff were visiting the site on a daily basis".
The council was asked about Mr Ross's bins and portable toilet claims but did not respond to them.
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