Shortfall of Travellers sites in Guildford Borough falls under the spotlight

From Eagle Radio 96.4

A lack of Travellers sites in the borough of Guildford will have ramifications for the whole community.

That from the chair of the Surrey Gypsy Traveller Communities Forum.

John Hockley has been speaking as part of Eagle Radio's Love Tour.

He says a lack of pitches leaves Travellers feeling unfairly treated, and that can cause tensions in the community.

Many are also having to take up already scarce local authority housing.

But John is worried the council is being swayed by residents' fears: "Site provision isn't a vote winner for councillors who at the end of the day make these decisions.

It's unlikely they are going to get much support from local residents who fear that their house prices will go down, or there will be this perceived increase in crime."

He said, "Ultimately, if you have a section of the community who feel they are being mistreated, or not being allowed access to services that the rest of the community are entitled to, then obviously you are going to get unrest and tension.

And that's not good for anybody."

John Hockley says the issue has always been put off, and promises have fallen flat, but that NOW is the time to do something about it.

The lead of planning at Guildford Borough also agrees that it is time to get serious - and strategic - about increasing the number of Travellers sites in Guildford Borough.

Also speaking to Eagle Radio as part of our Love Tour, Councillor Monika Juneja admits they haven't done enough in the past.

She agrees there is an 'urgent need for new pitches', with a number of families on waiting lists.

She says the council is moving on the issue and is preparing a plan to go out for public consultation in the autumn.

And says if the authority plans carefully for more sites, then tensions between communities won't flare up: "You won't find those Travellers on a layby in Worplesdon for a year.

You won't see Travellers just pitching up on a park.

We will be able to move them on and give them sites allocated on a policy."

She added that she understands some residents' concerns, but that measured planning will mean more fairness and control: "The reality is we have a five year land deficit and we are aiming to try and fulfil those quotas.

But for us to be able to do that successfully, we are going to really need residents to help us do this, we can't do it on our own."