From the Leicester Mercury
A man and two teenagers have appeared in court following an alleged machete attack at a Market Harborough Travellers site.
The accused, 44-year-old Luckyboy Charlie Lee, 18-year-old Charlie Luckyboy Lee, both of Justin Park, Market Harborough and a 16-year-old who can’t be named have all been charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
The trio made a brief appearance before magistrates in Northampton on Saturday and have been remanded in custody.
They were arrested following an incident on Thursday where a man in his 50s suffered cuts to his face, neck and hands.
He was airlifted to hospital for treatment.
Police said a large presence at the Greenacres Travellers site on the northern outskirts on Saturday afternoon was as a result of an incident at Justin Park earlier in the day.
Two men were arrested on Saturday evening at the Leicester Road site and were later released without charge.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Wrexham Council called on to pursue Travellers for park clean up costs
From the Leader
TAXPAYERS in Wrexham are more than £600 out of pocket because of a ‘Travellers’ camp.
Wrexham Council has revealed the cost of clearing up after the unannounced camp, which was set up on land at Alyn Waters Country Park in Llay in August.
The total clean up bill is estimated to come to £649.28, Wrexham Council have revealed.
The authority said the costs – which were uncovered after a Freedom of information request by the Leader – include money to cover staff and park ranger work hours, as well as vans and equipment used in the clean up.
The camp was on land which included football pitches used by Llay United Youth Football Club.
Wrexham Council said damage to the pitch was minimal, although it may require some reseeding work.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, who represents Llay ward on Wrexham Council, said if at all possible he would like to see the local authority pursue the ‘Travellers’ involved for payment of the bill.
“They are the ones who are responsible for all the mess and damage that took place, it is only right they should pay to put it right,” he said.
He stressed it was not fair at a time when the council was facing cutbacks and financial difficulties the budget had this extra cost to meet.
“I would want to see the people who carried out the damage taken through the courts if need be,” Cllr Taylor added.
“The camp caused a great deal of upset and distress for the residents of Llay and surrounding areas. I was regularly getting phone calls and emails from people complaining about the Travellers."
TAXPAYERS in Wrexham are more than £600 out of pocket because of a ‘Travellers’ camp.
Wrexham Council has revealed the cost of clearing up after the unannounced camp, which was set up on land at Alyn Waters Country Park in Llay in August.
The total clean up bill is estimated to come to £649.28, Wrexham Council have revealed.
The authority said the costs – which were uncovered after a Freedom of information request by the Leader – include money to cover staff and park ranger work hours, as well as vans and equipment used in the clean up.
The camp was on land which included football pitches used by Llay United Youth Football Club.
Wrexham Council said damage to the pitch was minimal, although it may require some reseeding work.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, who represents Llay ward on Wrexham Council, said if at all possible he would like to see the local authority pursue the ‘Travellers’ involved for payment of the bill.
“They are the ones who are responsible for all the mess and damage that took place, it is only right they should pay to put it right,” he said.
He stressed it was not fair at a time when the council was facing cutbacks and financial difficulties the budget had this extra cost to meet.
“I would want to see the people who carried out the damage taken through the courts if need be,” Cllr Taylor added.
“The camp caused a great deal of upset and distress for the residents of Llay and surrounding areas. I was regularly getting phone calls and emails from people complaining about the Travellers."
County Hall wants Travellers camp plans rejected - Leicestershire
From the Leicester Mercury
Highways officers say controversial plans for a Traveller camp on the edge of Leicester should be rejected.
City council officials identified a plot in Greengate Lane, near Birstall, as suitable for six pitches for Gypsies.
planning application has been lodged.
As the site is close to the border between the city and the county, officers from Leicestershire County Council were asked for their views.
They have said it should be refused.
Officers from Charnwood Borough Council are also opposing the plan.
County Hall has written to the city council raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.
It has queried the location of a traffic speed survey carried out by the city, which was done immediately adjacent to the site rather than at points on either side of the access.
It also questioned whether the timing of the survey – 9am to 9.45am on a weekday – complied with guidelines.
The county council further argued the footpath along Greengate Lane was substandard for pedestrians, particularly children.
A County Hall spokesman said: "The final 100 metres of footway into the village is extremely narrow, to a point that two pedestrians cannot pass without stepping in the carriageway.
"No mitigation is proposed to address these concerns."
The county council pointed out the city shortlisted potential sites before new national planning guidance on Gypsy and Travellers sites was issued in March last year.
Terry McGreal, spokesman for the LE4 Action Group, which has campaigned against the Traveller site proposals, said: "Our hope is that the schemes will be rejected at the planning stage.
"Here we have a statutory consultee with expert knowledge of highways saying this plan should be refused.
"I hope that will carry some weight with the city council when it considers this."
The LE4 group ran a campaign when the council proposed 10 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers on the former Corah sports ground, in Red Hill Way, as well as those in Greengate Lane, last year.
It collected 2,700 signatures on a petition, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living outside the city.
The proposals have been submitted by Framework Housing Association, which would develop the plots, though the land is owned by the council.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he believed the site was appropriate.
But he said: "It will be for the planning committee to take into account the views of all those who have been consulted and to determine this application."
Highways officers say controversial plans for a Traveller camp on the edge of Leicester should be rejected.
City council officials identified a plot in Greengate Lane, near Birstall, as suitable for six pitches for Gypsies.
planning application has been lodged.
As the site is close to the border between the city and the county, officers from Leicestershire County Council were asked for their views.
They have said it should be refused.
Officers from Charnwood Borough Council are also opposing the plan.
County Hall has written to the city council raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.
It has queried the location of a traffic speed survey carried out by the city, which was done immediately adjacent to the site rather than at points on either side of the access.
It also questioned whether the timing of the survey – 9am to 9.45am on a weekday – complied with guidelines.
The county council further argued the footpath along Greengate Lane was substandard for pedestrians, particularly children.
A County Hall spokesman said: "The final 100 metres of footway into the village is extremely narrow, to a point that two pedestrians cannot pass without stepping in the carriageway.
"No mitigation is proposed to address these concerns."
The county council pointed out the city shortlisted potential sites before new national planning guidance on Gypsy and Travellers sites was issued in March last year.
Terry McGreal, spokesman for the LE4 Action Group, which has campaigned against the Traveller site proposals, said: "Our hope is that the schemes will be rejected at the planning stage.
"Here we have a statutory consultee with expert knowledge of highways saying this plan should be refused.
"I hope that will carry some weight with the city council when it considers this."
The LE4 group ran a campaign when the council proposed 10 pitches for Gypsies and Travellers on the former Corah sports ground, in Red Hill Way, as well as those in Greengate Lane, last year.
It collected 2,700 signatures on a petition, although about 2,000 of the names were discounted because they were of people living outside the city.
The proposals have been submitted by Framework Housing Association, which would develop the plots, though the land is owned by the council.
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he believed the site was appropriate.
But he said: "It will be for the planning committee to take into account the views of all those who have been consulted and to determine this application."
Travellers Hearsall Common - Warwickshire
From the Coventry Telegraph
A group of Travellers on Hearsall Common have until 5pm tonight to leave the site.
Coventry City Council has served the camp with a "direction to leave".
If they ignore the notice, the council will try and obtain an eviction notice through the county courts. This could result in bailiffs being called out.
A group of Travellers on Hearsall Common have until 5pm tonight to leave the site.
Coventry City Council has served the camp with a "direction to leave".
If they ignore the notice, the council will try and obtain an eviction notice through the county courts. This could result in bailiffs being called out.
Travellers evicted from popular Brighton park - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers who broke into a popular park were evicted over the weekend.
A group of about 20 vehicles set up an unauthorised encampment in Carden Park in Hollingbury, Brighton, on Thursday night.
This was after a stand-off between travellers and police officers which prevented them from accessing the car park at Black Rock on the seafront.
Travellers who broke into a popular park were evicted over the weekend.
A group of about 20 vehicles set up an unauthorised encampment in Carden Park in Hollingbury, Brighton, on Thursday night.
This was after a stand-off between travellers and police officers which prevented them from accessing the car park at Black Rock on the seafront.
Sunday, 29 September 2013
Apparently it’s OK to call Travellers a “species” now?
From christinequigley.org.uk
Some weeks ago, I noticed a piece on the Daily Mail website which contained some particularly unpleasant language about members of the Travelling community. The offending line was:
A Traveller and his family – that much-protected species in today’s human-rights-obsessed world – are now living in it.
Now, I’m not a Traveller, and I certainly wouldn’t purport to speak for that community. However, I think the idea that anyone can talk about a race of people as a ‘species’ – or somehow subhuman – is deeply worrying. The ability to dehumanise groups of people based on their race or other characteristics is an integral part of many of the most shameful episodes in world history, from allowing Irish people to starve to death during the potato Famine, to capturing and selling African families into slavery, through to gassing Jews at Auschwitz. While clearly a Daily Mail opinion piece is in a different order of magnitude to these atrocities, it’s important to combat dehumanisation wherever it occurs, in order to stop these views penetrating into the collective psyche.
So I reported the piece to the Press Complaints Commission, citing the racial hatred elements of the code. On Friday evening I received the PCC’s decision, which I publish below.
Commission’s decision in the case of
Various v Daily Mail
Three complainants considered that the newspaper had breached Clause 12 (Discrimination) of the Editors’ Code of Practice. The newspaper had published an article about a couple who have been unable to recover their stolen caravan. The article said that “a traveller and his family – that much-protected species in today’s human-rights obsessed world – are now living in it [the caravan]”. The complainants were concerned that the reference to Travellers as a “species” was discriminatory and implied that they were inferior.
Clause 12 (Discrimination) states that “the press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual’s race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or to any physical or mental illness or disability”. The Commission made clear that Clause 12 protects individuals from discrimination; it does not cover references to groups or categories of people. The complainants’ concerns did not appear to relate to an individual, rather they considered that the article was discriminatory towards Travellers in general. As such, there was no breach of the Code.
The Commission noted that the article had been referring to the individual Travellers who were in possession of the caravan. It took the view, however, that it was not appropriate to pursue a complaint on behalf of one of these individuals without their involvement. Without their involvement the Commission would not be able to establish whether they considered the article to have been discriminatory. Additionally, it would not be able to know what would be considered as a suitable resolution to the matter.
The Commission acknowledged that the complainants had found the reference offensive; however, it made clear that the terms of the Editors’ Code of Practice do not address issues of taste and offence. The Code is designed to address the potentially competing rights of freedom of expression and other rights of individuals, such as privacy. Newspapers and magazines have editorial freedom to publish what they consider to be appropriate provided that the rights of individuals – enshrined in the terms of the Code which specifically defines and protects these rights – are not compromised.
I have two concerns about the view which the PCC’s commissioners have come to. Firstly, I don’t accept the view that the author was specifically referring to an individual when he referred to “a Traveller and his family” as “that much-protected species”. It’s equally as fair reading of the piece to infer from it that he’s talking about the man because he is a Traveller and is referring to Travellers as a group. Also “species” is a plural word. You rarely get species with one specimen in them. As such, although I agree that the individuals discussed more widely in the piece should have their views sought, I think it’s entirely appropriate for the PCC to take a wider view of the matter.
Moreover, the PCC’s judgement contradicts itself somewhat. It says that its code doesn’t cover groups, only individuals. However, it has decided that the sentence refers to an individual. It’s pretty clear that the pejorative comment about the individual man in question is down to his membership of the Travelling Community. Both Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are considered by British law to be ethnic groups, and as such are covered by the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Human Rights Act 1998. As such, the individual concerned should be protected from discrimination on the grounds of his race under the PCC code, which it conveniently ignores in this ruling.
So it looks like the Daily Mail can continue to publish what it likes about Travellers. I do hope though that individual journalists will take a more responsible view.
Some weeks ago, I noticed a piece on the Daily Mail website which contained some particularly unpleasant language about members of the Travelling community. The offending line was:
A Traveller and his family – that much-protected species in today’s human-rights-obsessed world – are now living in it.
Now, I’m not a Traveller, and I certainly wouldn’t purport to speak for that community. However, I think the idea that anyone can talk about a race of people as a ‘species’ – or somehow subhuman – is deeply worrying. The ability to dehumanise groups of people based on their race or other characteristics is an integral part of many of the most shameful episodes in world history, from allowing Irish people to starve to death during the potato Famine, to capturing and selling African families into slavery, through to gassing Jews at Auschwitz. While clearly a Daily Mail opinion piece is in a different order of magnitude to these atrocities, it’s important to combat dehumanisation wherever it occurs, in order to stop these views penetrating into the collective psyche.
So I reported the piece to the Press Complaints Commission, citing the racial hatred elements of the code. On Friday evening I received the PCC’s decision, which I publish below.
Commission’s decision in the case of
Various v Daily Mail
Three complainants considered that the newspaper had breached Clause 12 (Discrimination) of the Editors’ Code of Practice. The newspaper had published an article about a couple who have been unable to recover their stolen caravan. The article said that “a traveller and his family – that much-protected species in today’s human-rights obsessed world – are now living in it [the caravan]”. The complainants were concerned that the reference to Travellers as a “species” was discriminatory and implied that they were inferior.
Clause 12 (Discrimination) states that “the press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual’s race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or to any physical or mental illness or disability”. The Commission made clear that Clause 12 protects individuals from discrimination; it does not cover references to groups or categories of people. The complainants’ concerns did not appear to relate to an individual, rather they considered that the article was discriminatory towards Travellers in general. As such, there was no breach of the Code.
The Commission noted that the article had been referring to the individual Travellers who were in possession of the caravan. It took the view, however, that it was not appropriate to pursue a complaint on behalf of one of these individuals without their involvement. Without their involvement the Commission would not be able to establish whether they considered the article to have been discriminatory. Additionally, it would not be able to know what would be considered as a suitable resolution to the matter.
The Commission acknowledged that the complainants had found the reference offensive; however, it made clear that the terms of the Editors’ Code of Practice do not address issues of taste and offence. The Code is designed to address the potentially competing rights of freedom of expression and other rights of individuals, such as privacy. Newspapers and magazines have editorial freedom to publish what they consider to be appropriate provided that the rights of individuals – enshrined in the terms of the Code which specifically defines and protects these rights – are not compromised.
I have two concerns about the view which the PCC’s commissioners have come to. Firstly, I don’t accept the view that the author was specifically referring to an individual when he referred to “a Traveller and his family” as “that much-protected species”. It’s equally as fair reading of the piece to infer from it that he’s talking about the man because he is a Traveller and is referring to Travellers as a group. Also “species” is a plural word. You rarely get species with one specimen in them. As such, although I agree that the individuals discussed more widely in the piece should have their views sought, I think it’s entirely appropriate for the PCC to take a wider view of the matter.
Moreover, the PCC’s judgement contradicts itself somewhat. It says that its code doesn’t cover groups, only individuals. However, it has decided that the sentence refers to an individual. It’s pretty clear that the pejorative comment about the individual man in question is down to his membership of the Travelling Community. Both Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers are considered by British law to be ethnic groups, and as such are covered by the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Human Rights Act 1998. As such, the individual concerned should be protected from discrimination on the grounds of his race under the PCC code, which it conveniently ignores in this ruling.
So it looks like the Daily Mail can continue to publish what it likes about Travellers. I do hope though that individual journalists will take a more responsible view.
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Thurrock councillors cheer mobile home action - Essex
From the Enquirer
A THURROCK councillor and his colleague are celebrating putting a stop to plans to put an illegal mobile home in their ward.
Little Thurrock Rectory councillor Rob Gledhill says a notice has been served by Council officers to stop occupiers of a site off Malvern Road developing it with buildings.
He says: “Travellers who have pitched up at the bottom of Malvern Road have been served a notice to stop works after causing traffic chaos last Thursday.
“The notice prevents the occupiers of the site from having any further caravans, building materials delivered or carrying out works at the site.
“On Thursday residents in Dartview, Chadwell Road and Malvern Road called saying a massive mobile home was being delivered to the site and that it was blocking the road. Both residents, Cllr Tom Kelly and I informed the Council of the problem and within hours they had served the site owners a stop notice.
“In June I was notified that four families in caravans had pitched up on the site. Officers who attended were told they were just there to clear the site but within days they had put in a planning permission for five mobile home pitches and day rooms.
“Despite the application not being completed in time, the caravans were allowed to stay.
“The site, which is classed as metropolitan greenbelt, was last occupied nearly a decade ago following temporary permission being issued by the planning inspectorate.
“Local residents and I are angry that, despite being given more time to submit valid plans than most applicants, it wasn’t until after getting wind of enforcement action that their application was finally complete.
“Since then they have changed their plans, had a massive mobile home delivered, cut back trees and shrubs and started other preparation works so clearly they do not intend to abide by planning rules.
“It was good to see that the Council acted so quickly on Thursday serving the stop notice in just a few hours.
“However, had they had acted faster when the original application was not completed in time residents would not have the uncertainty of an illegal site being set up and the Council potentially spending thousands of pound of tax payers money to move them on.”
At the meeting of the Council’s planning committee on 24 Octoberowners of the site will be bidding to get permission for use of land behind 63 Malvern Road to provide five pitches for Gypsy/Traveller families including five mobile homes, five touring caravans and five day rooms.
A THURROCK councillor and his colleague are celebrating putting a stop to plans to put an illegal mobile home in their ward.
Little Thurrock Rectory councillor Rob Gledhill says a notice has been served by Council officers to stop occupiers of a site off Malvern Road developing it with buildings.
He says: “Travellers who have pitched up at the bottom of Malvern Road have been served a notice to stop works after causing traffic chaos last Thursday.
“The notice prevents the occupiers of the site from having any further caravans, building materials delivered or carrying out works at the site.
“On Thursday residents in Dartview, Chadwell Road and Malvern Road called saying a massive mobile home was being delivered to the site and that it was blocking the road. Both residents, Cllr Tom Kelly and I informed the Council of the problem and within hours they had served the site owners a stop notice.
“In June I was notified that four families in caravans had pitched up on the site. Officers who attended were told they were just there to clear the site but within days they had put in a planning permission for five mobile home pitches and day rooms.
“Despite the application not being completed in time, the caravans were allowed to stay.
“The site, which is classed as metropolitan greenbelt, was last occupied nearly a decade ago following temporary permission being issued by the planning inspectorate.
“Local residents and I are angry that, despite being given more time to submit valid plans than most applicants, it wasn’t until after getting wind of enforcement action that their application was finally complete.
“Since then they have changed their plans, had a massive mobile home delivered, cut back trees and shrubs and started other preparation works so clearly they do not intend to abide by planning rules.
“It was good to see that the Council acted so quickly on Thursday serving the stop notice in just a few hours.
“However, had they had acted faster when the original application was not completed in time residents would not have the uncertainty of an illegal site being set up and the Council potentially spending thousands of pound of tax payers money to move them on.”
At the meeting of the Council’s planning committee on 24 Octoberowners of the site will be bidding to get permission for use of land behind 63 Malvern Road to provide five pitches for Gypsy/Traveller families including five mobile homes, five touring caravans and five day rooms.
Councillor has Gypsy site fears - Worcestershire
From the Matlock Gazette
GYPSY sites across the Malvern Hills district could spread unless the council speeds up its policy in the issue, a leading councillor has warned.
The district council is this month starting to create a development plan document (DPD) to set out how many sites and pitches will be needed for gipsies, travellers and travelling showpeople in south Worcestershire.
The plan is being prepared jointly by Malvern Hills District Council, Wychavon District Council and Worcester City Council.
But Councillor Tom Wells, whose Powick ward already has a number of traveller sites, says he is alarmed the policy will not be adopted until 2016.
Speaking at a meeting of Malvern Hills District Council, he said: “I fear that we’ll get into the same situation with this that we have got into with planning, where developers are taking advantage of the fact we haven’t got a five-year supply of housing earmarked to get their planning applications pushed through.
“It is vital that the council acts quickly to assess the genuine local need for travellers’ accomodation and, if such a need exists, identifies suitable sites as a matter of urgency.
“Until it does, I fear government planning inspectors may well feel obliged to approve applications on thoroughly unsuitable sites.”
He also said that people living near such sites might struggle to understand why it will take nearly three years to address the issue, and said the council should do all it could to speed up the process, even if it means going it alone from the other councils.
But Gary Williams, the council’s head of planning, economy and housing, said that if the council tried to formulate its own policy, it runs the risk of being found unsound by the independent inspector who will be judging it.
But he said the council will take the lead in driving forward the document’s timetable.
The timetable currently shows an initial consultation period running from January to October next year, publication in May or June 2015, and submission in August 2015.
It is due to be examined by an inspector in November 2015, with the inspector’s report being published in March 2016.
GYPSY sites across the Malvern Hills district could spread unless the council speeds up its policy in the issue, a leading councillor has warned.
The district council is this month starting to create a development plan document (DPD) to set out how many sites and pitches will be needed for gipsies, travellers and travelling showpeople in south Worcestershire.
The plan is being prepared jointly by Malvern Hills District Council, Wychavon District Council and Worcester City Council.
But Councillor Tom Wells, whose Powick ward already has a number of traveller sites, says he is alarmed the policy will not be adopted until 2016.
Speaking at a meeting of Malvern Hills District Council, he said: “I fear that we’ll get into the same situation with this that we have got into with planning, where developers are taking advantage of the fact we haven’t got a five-year supply of housing earmarked to get their planning applications pushed through.
“It is vital that the council acts quickly to assess the genuine local need for travellers’ accomodation and, if such a need exists, identifies suitable sites as a matter of urgency.
“Until it does, I fear government planning inspectors may well feel obliged to approve applications on thoroughly unsuitable sites.”
He also said that people living near such sites might struggle to understand why it will take nearly three years to address the issue, and said the council should do all it could to speed up the process, even if it means going it alone from the other councils.
But Gary Williams, the council’s head of planning, economy and housing, said that if the council tried to formulate its own policy, it runs the risk of being found unsound by the independent inspector who will be judging it.
But he said the council will take the lead in driving forward the document’s timetable.
The timetable currently shows an initial consultation period running from January to October next year, publication in May or June 2015, and submission in August 2015.
It is due to be examined by an inspector in November 2015, with the inspector’s report being published in March 2016.
Six month deadline given for site appeal - Bedfordshire
From Bedford On Sunday
A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site in Bedford has once again been thrown out by members of a planning committee.
The decision was made at a meeting of Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee on Monday night when members unanimously voted to reject plans put forward by a group of five councillors for a site at Fairhill.
However, as many in the Borough expected, the group now plan to take the matter to a government inspector on appeal in an effort to force Mayor Dave Hodgson to deliver on the Meadow Lane site more quickly.
Representing the five at the meeting, Councillor Tom Wootton said: “If the Mayor gets his skates on with Meadow Lane, then this site is not needed. He has six months from tonight.”
Abstaining from the vote, Councillor Phil Merryman, said: “I hope we get Meadow lane done in time but from start to finish this has all been a shambles.”
Cllr Wootton’s time warning was the least the authority had to worry about however, as computer failures at Borough Hall caused problems.
To add to the tense atmosphere at the meeting, the speaker system which allows members of the public to listen in the gallery was not working properly, leaving many unhappy that they were trapped in a small room on a warm day with no way to hear the proceedings.
Sarah Milligan of Chaucer Road in Bedford, who was at the meeting, said: “The organisation of the meeting was complete and utter chaos.”
A spokesman for the council said: “Bedford Borough Council is committed to working in an open and transparent way and where we anticipate that a significant number of people are expected to attend, we make arrangements in advance for the meeting concerned to be held in a different venue.
“Committee Room 1 and the viewing gallery have capacity for approximately 85 people. We recognise that as more people attended than expected the venue was not adequate and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for a Gypsy and Traveller site in Bedford has once again been thrown out by members of a planning committee.
The decision was made at a meeting of Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee on Monday night when members unanimously voted to reject plans put forward by a group of five councillors for a site at Fairhill.
However, as many in the Borough expected, the group now plan to take the matter to a government inspector on appeal in an effort to force Mayor Dave Hodgson to deliver on the Meadow Lane site more quickly.
Representing the five at the meeting, Councillor Tom Wootton said: “If the Mayor gets his skates on with Meadow Lane, then this site is not needed. He has six months from tonight.”
Abstaining from the vote, Councillor Phil Merryman, said: “I hope we get Meadow lane done in time but from start to finish this has all been a shambles.”
Cllr Wootton’s time warning was the least the authority had to worry about however, as computer failures at Borough Hall caused problems.
To add to the tense atmosphere at the meeting, the speaker system which allows members of the public to listen in the gallery was not working properly, leaving many unhappy that they were trapped in a small room on a warm day with no way to hear the proceedings.
Sarah Milligan of Chaucer Road in Bedford, who was at the meeting, said: “The organisation of the meeting was complete and utter chaos.”
A spokesman for the council said: “Bedford Borough Council is committed to working in an open and transparent way and where we anticipate that a significant number of people are expected to attend, we make arrangements in advance for the meeting concerned to be held in a different venue.
“Committee Room 1 and the viewing gallery have capacity for approximately 85 people. We recognise that as more people attended than expected the venue was not adequate and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Gypsies leave 14 tonnes of trash behind - Kent
From the Folkestone Herald
A STAGGERING 14 tonnes of rubbish was left behind after Travellers camped on a Stanhope playing field.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC), which owns the land next to Cuckoo Lane Wood, has been left with a £2,275 bill, for one of the largest amounts staff have ever had to clear.
The Gypsy Council said the waste may not all be down to the travelling community, stating that many people use unauthorised encampments as an opportunity to fly-tip.
The rubbish, equivalent in weight to about 28 horses, 14 small cars or three elephants, included a large amount of garden waste, plasterboard and human excrement.
The figures were released to the Herald as the last of the site was cleared last Friday, three weeks after the Travellers left the field.
Borough councillor Neil Shorter said: "I have been in touch with a number of local residents during and after the event and shared my dismay over the way in which this type of occurrence keeps happening. The noise, loss of amenity and general upset this brings should not be underestimated; residents' wellbeing is a significant factor in all ABC try to deliver."
A spokesman for ABC said contractors spent 40 hours clearing the rubbish.
She added: "This was a very large amount of waste– one of the largest amounts we have ever had to deal with in such circumstances – and we are disappointed that this beautiful open space was temporarily blighted for its regular users.
"We investigate cases of fly-tipping and vandalism, and legal action can be taken. If we are able to secure evidence, legal action will be pursued in this instance.
"Anyone with information on such incidents is urged to contact the council, the Environment Agency or Kent Police."
Joseph Jones, of the Gypsy Council, said: "Part of the problem is that the council needs to have a standard response to unauthorised encampments. Even if Gypsies and Travellers want to use dumps, councils often won't let them as their vehicles are too big to go in without traders' licences – that's a bit of a problem. If Travellers turn up, as with any group, there will be a certain amount of rubbish generated."
He said some councils keep sites tidy by providing skips and asking Travellers to share the cost.
Mr Jones added: "Often people do a bit of a clean-out when there's an unauthorised encampment and dump their rubbish there because they know the Travellers will be blamed."
A STAGGERING 14 tonnes of rubbish was left behind after Travellers camped on a Stanhope playing field.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC), which owns the land next to Cuckoo Lane Wood, has been left with a £2,275 bill, for one of the largest amounts staff have ever had to clear.
The Gypsy Council said the waste may not all be down to the travelling community, stating that many people use unauthorised encampments as an opportunity to fly-tip.
The rubbish, equivalent in weight to about 28 horses, 14 small cars or three elephants, included a large amount of garden waste, plasterboard and human excrement.
The figures were released to the Herald as the last of the site was cleared last Friday, three weeks after the Travellers left the field.
Borough councillor Neil Shorter said: "I have been in touch with a number of local residents during and after the event and shared my dismay over the way in which this type of occurrence keeps happening. The noise, loss of amenity and general upset this brings should not be underestimated; residents' wellbeing is a significant factor in all ABC try to deliver."
A spokesman for ABC said contractors spent 40 hours clearing the rubbish.
She added: "This was a very large amount of waste– one of the largest amounts we have ever had to deal with in such circumstances – and we are disappointed that this beautiful open space was temporarily blighted for its regular users.
"We investigate cases of fly-tipping and vandalism, and legal action can be taken. If we are able to secure evidence, legal action will be pursued in this instance.
"Anyone with information on such incidents is urged to contact the council, the Environment Agency or Kent Police."
Joseph Jones, of the Gypsy Council, said: "Part of the problem is that the council needs to have a standard response to unauthorised encampments. Even if Gypsies and Travellers want to use dumps, councils often won't let them as their vehicles are too big to go in without traders' licences – that's a bit of a problem. If Travellers turn up, as with any group, there will be a certain amount of rubbish generated."
He said some councils keep sites tidy by providing skips and asking Travellers to share the cost.
Mr Jones added: "Often people do a bit of a clean-out when there's an unauthorised encampment and dump their rubbish there because they know the Travellers will be blamed."
Romany Gypsy funeral held in honour of Brian Hobbs from St Helier - London
From Your Local Guardian
A big Romany Gypsy funeral was held in honour of family-man Brian Hobbs from St Helier.
A horse drawn carriage led the cortege from the family home in Love Lane to Garth Road cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.
Friends and family paid tribute by leaving flowers which were placed on a trailer following the cortege.
Daughter, Adele Gregory, said: “In loving memory of a gentleman my Farth – a great man, a proud man, a fighter who battled to the end, who will be missed and forever loved by us all.
“His words: ‘If you live by love and loyalty and respect you have the recipe for a happy life. The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy’.
“There is a hole in our hearts in the shape of him a true gent a loving husband, father and grandfather who has definitely left a legacy of love and loyalty behind him.
“A man whom will never be forgotten sleep my Farth in perfect peace, God bless.”
Mrs Gregory recently appealed for help after losing an iPod in Cheam containing precious memories of her father.
A big Romany Gypsy funeral was held in honour of family-man Brian Hobbs from St Helier.
A horse drawn carriage led the cortege from the family home in Love Lane to Garth Road cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.
Friends and family paid tribute by leaving flowers which were placed on a trailer following the cortege.
Daughter, Adele Gregory, said: “In loving memory of a gentleman my Farth – a great man, a proud man, a fighter who battled to the end, who will be missed and forever loved by us all.
“His words: ‘If you live by love and loyalty and respect you have the recipe for a happy life. The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy’.
“There is a hole in our hearts in the shape of him a true gent a loving husband, father and grandfather who has definitely left a legacy of love and loyalty behind him.
“A man whom will never be forgotten sleep my Farth in perfect peace, God bless.”
Mrs Gregory recently appealed for help after losing an iPod in Cheam containing precious memories of her father.
Bovingdon Gypsy site plan for Green Belt site, adjacent to the Bobsleigh Hotel, is thrown out by Dacorum Borough Councillors - Hertfordshire
From the Watford Observer
A packed council chamber erupted in applause last night, when contentious plans for a Gypsy caravan site on Bovingdon Green Belt land were thrown out.
The application, which was submitted to Dacorum Borough Council in July, proposed a change of use of the Green Belt site, adjacent to the Bobsleigh Hotel, to be used as a residential caravan site for eight Gypsy families, each with up to two caravans.
Residents have had the opportunity to write letters of objection to Dacorum Borough Council ahead of their decision and Bovingdon Action Group has set up a website in an attempt to "save Bovingdon Green Belt" and advise villagers on how best to go about this.
Last night hundreds of those residents, as well as representatives from Bovingdon Action Group and Bovingdon parish council, packed out the council chamber.
It was revealed that Dacorum has received more than 1,000 emails and letters of objection to the proposals in the last three months.
Glenn Povey, chairman of Bovingdon parish council, said: "At the parish council’s planning committee meeting on September 2, over 230 residents attended to voice their concerns over this application. This was an unprecedented number and I am pleased to say that the parish council voted unanimously against the application."
He told councillors that previous applications to develop this same piece of land have been refused by the Borough Council in the past.
Mr Povey added: "The residents of Bovingdon have send a very clear message, supported by the parish council, that a development of this nature represents a wholly detrimental and inappropriate development of the Green Belt which is essentially designed to protect villages, such as Bovingdon, from becoming an urban sprawl; to protect the open countryside, wildlife habitats and preserve the very nature of what makes a village."
The parish council chairman urged the committee to refuse the application.
The development control committee also voiced their objections to the application before unanimously voting against it.
Councillor John Whitman said: "It is a very inappropriate place to put it and I will go along with the case officer's recommendation."
Councillor Rosemarie Hollinghurst added: "If someone had come forward with an application for a house on this site, would we even have considered it? I am not quite sure why this application has gone as far as it has actually got."
Although the application has been refused councillors said they would reconsider the proposals should there be any amendments to it.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Povey said: "It’s a step in the right direction."
see also: Hemel Today - Planning proposal for Gypsy caravan site in Bovingdon is refused
A packed council chamber erupted in applause last night, when contentious plans for a Gypsy caravan site on Bovingdon Green Belt land were thrown out.
The application, which was submitted to Dacorum Borough Council in July, proposed a change of use of the Green Belt site, adjacent to the Bobsleigh Hotel, to be used as a residential caravan site for eight Gypsy families, each with up to two caravans.
Residents have had the opportunity to write letters of objection to Dacorum Borough Council ahead of their decision and Bovingdon Action Group has set up a website in an attempt to "save Bovingdon Green Belt" and advise villagers on how best to go about this.
Last night hundreds of those residents, as well as representatives from Bovingdon Action Group and Bovingdon parish council, packed out the council chamber.
It was revealed that Dacorum has received more than 1,000 emails and letters of objection to the proposals in the last three months.
Glenn Povey, chairman of Bovingdon parish council, said: "At the parish council’s planning committee meeting on September 2, over 230 residents attended to voice their concerns over this application. This was an unprecedented number and I am pleased to say that the parish council voted unanimously against the application."
He told councillors that previous applications to develop this same piece of land have been refused by the Borough Council in the past.
Mr Povey added: "The residents of Bovingdon have send a very clear message, supported by the parish council, that a development of this nature represents a wholly detrimental and inappropriate development of the Green Belt which is essentially designed to protect villages, such as Bovingdon, from becoming an urban sprawl; to protect the open countryside, wildlife habitats and preserve the very nature of what makes a village."
The parish council chairman urged the committee to refuse the application.
The development control committee also voiced their objections to the application before unanimously voting against it.
Councillor John Whitman said: "It is a very inappropriate place to put it and I will go along with the case officer's recommendation."
Councillor Rosemarie Hollinghurst added: "If someone had come forward with an application for a house on this site, would we even have considered it? I am not quite sure why this application has gone as far as it has actually got."
Although the application has been refused councillors said they would reconsider the proposals should there be any amendments to it.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Povey said: "It’s a step in the right direction."
see also: Hemel Today - Planning proposal for Gypsy caravan site in Bovingdon is refused
Friday, 27 September 2013
Traveller liaison plan is scrapped - Essex
From the Yellow Advertiser
BASILDON Council has abandoned plans to for a community liaison officer in Crays Hill after residents said it was a waste of money.
The authority had planned to hire a dedicated member of staff to improve relations between Gypsies and Travellers at the Oak Lane Traveller site, and the surrounding settled community.
The fixed-term position was to be funded by money left over from an underspend.
Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for community, said: “I think common sense has prevailed.” Cllr Sargent said Basildon council had received negative feedback about the plan from both the settled community and the Traveller community.
She said: “After the Dale Farm site clearance there were really high tensions on both sides. The Traveller community was upset by the clearance and the settled community was upset that it had cost a lot of money. We felt at the time it would be maybe preferable for somebody to go in and deal with it. Time has elapsed now and I believe that things have greatly settled down.
“I think people feel that it’s not necessary and they’re not happy about it.”
A Basildon Council spokesman said: “All those who applied for the post have been written to explain the council’s decision. In the meantime, the council is continuing to work closely, where necessary, with all groups in the Crays Hill area both in the interest of individuals and wider community cohesion.”
BASILDON Council has abandoned plans to for a community liaison officer in Crays Hill after residents said it was a waste of money.
The authority had planned to hire a dedicated member of staff to improve relations between Gypsies and Travellers at the Oak Lane Traveller site, and the surrounding settled community.
The fixed-term position was to be funded by money left over from an underspend.
Cllr Terri Sargent, cabinet member for community, said: “I think common sense has prevailed.” Cllr Sargent said Basildon council had received negative feedback about the plan from both the settled community and the Traveller community.
She said: “After the Dale Farm site clearance there were really high tensions on both sides. The Traveller community was upset by the clearance and the settled community was upset that it had cost a lot of money. We felt at the time it would be maybe preferable for somebody to go in and deal with it. Time has elapsed now and I believe that things have greatly settled down.
“I think people feel that it’s not necessary and they’re not happy about it.”
A Basildon Council spokesman said: “All those who applied for the post have been written to explain the council’s decision. In the meantime, the council is continuing to work closely, where necessary, with all groups in the Crays Hill area both in the interest of individuals and wider community cohesion.”
Travellers leave behind scenes of devastation in Ellon - Aberdeenshire
From the Ellon Times
Travellers have moved on from an Ellon business park, but left behind rubbish, abandoned and burnt out vehicles and animals.
A burnt out caravan, a further two abandoned caravans and a car were all left behind at Balmacassie Business Park, as well as piles of rubbish and scattered clothing and food.
Local councillors have described the mess left behind as a “devastation”.
Ellon and District Councillor Gillian Owen visited the area yesterday.
Mrs Owen said: “It looks like a scene of devastation, something you would see in a war zone.
Caravans abandoned, rubbish strewn everywhere, waste food all over the place and sadly a family of ferrets left to perish in a small cage with no food or water.”
Today the council have started the massive clear up operation, which Councillor Owen says is expected to take around two weeks.
Travellers have moved on from an Ellon business park, but left behind rubbish, abandoned and burnt out vehicles and animals.
A burnt out caravan, a further two abandoned caravans and a car were all left behind at Balmacassie Business Park, as well as piles of rubbish and scattered clothing and food.
Local councillors have described the mess left behind as a “devastation”.
Ellon and District Councillor Gillian Owen visited the area yesterday.
Mrs Owen said: “It looks like a scene of devastation, something you would see in a war zone.
Caravans abandoned, rubbish strewn everywhere, waste food all over the place and sadly a family of ferrets left to perish in a small cage with no food or water.”
Today the council have started the massive clear up operation, which Councillor Owen says is expected to take around two weeks.
Struggle to find emergency site for Travellers in Peterborough - Cambridgeshire
From the Peterborough Telegraph
A proposal for a Travellers’ site - or sites - in Peterborough has yet to be agreed, despite it being two years in the making.
A cross-party working group was set up by Peterborough City Council in 2011 to consider where facilities could be provided for Travellers to camp legally for short periods.
Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson met with the group on Friday and revealed on Twitter that a proposal has yet to be agreed, writing “no site identified yet”.
It had been suggested that Newborough village may have been chosen to host the emergency campsite.
The council’s head of neighbourhoods Adrian Chapman said: “It has taken longer than some people may have liked for the cross-party group to finalise its recommendations. This is because we appreciate this is a matter of great sensitivity which will impact on residents in our communities and therefore the working group has taken time to carefully consider its position.”
He added the process had been affected by the large number of illegal campsites in the city this summer.
Mr Jackson said the matter had “dragged on”, but it was important the group found a location which met with “broad approval”.
He said he understood a proposal would be ready for cabinet in November and called for transparency. He said: “People need to know the methodology and the way any decision has been reached.”
A proposal for a Travellers’ site - or sites - in Peterborough has yet to be agreed, despite it being two years in the making.
A cross-party working group was set up by Peterborough City Council in 2011 to consider where facilities could be provided for Travellers to camp legally for short periods.
Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson met with the group on Friday and revealed on Twitter that a proposal has yet to be agreed, writing “no site identified yet”.
It had been suggested that Newborough village may have been chosen to host the emergency campsite.
The council’s head of neighbourhoods Adrian Chapman said: “It has taken longer than some people may have liked for the cross-party group to finalise its recommendations. This is because we appreciate this is a matter of great sensitivity which will impact on residents in our communities and therefore the working group has taken time to carefully consider its position.”
He added the process had been affected by the large number of illegal campsites in the city this summer.
Mr Jackson said the matter had “dragged on”, but it was important the group found a location which met with “broad approval”.
He said he understood a proposal would be ready for cabinet in November and called for transparency. He said: “People need to know the methodology and the way any decision has been reached.”
Travellers ordered to leave Walsall car park - West Midlands
From the Express and Star
Travellers who illegally set up camp on a council car park have been ordered to leave by a court.
They settled on Dolphin House in Goscote, last week for the second time this year, but magistrates granted an order to evict them.
It is the latest in a long line of problems of unlawful encampments in Walsall which has seen caravans take over parks and playing fields throughout this year.
Walsall Council revealed last month there had been at least 36 known camps in the borough between January and August.
Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday heard there were initially two caravans in Dolphin Close and although one moved the other has remained on site.
Enforcement officers were notified by a member of the public on September 16
Travellers who illegally set up camp on a council car park have been ordered to leave by a court.
They settled on Dolphin House in Goscote, last week for the second time this year, but magistrates granted an order to evict them.
It is the latest in a long line of problems of unlawful encampments in Walsall which has seen caravans take over parks and playing fields throughout this year.
Walsall Council revealed last month there had been at least 36 known camps in the borough between January and August.
Walsall Magistrates Court yesterday heard there were initially two caravans in Dolphin Close and although one moved the other has remained on site.
Enforcement officers were notified by a member of the public on September 16
Recreation ground fenced off to prevent Gypsy incursions - Surrey
From Get Surrey
Metal fencing has been placed around a Molesey recreation ground to stop further Gypsy invasions.
Elmbridge Borough Council wants to prevent any more incursions following an incident which sparked a petition from people living in West Molesey.
Nearly 80 people signed up to put pressure on the council to ensure that Hurst Recreation Ground and Hurst Pool are "fully secured against incursions and illegal encampments", after Travellers set up camp on Molesey Hurst Recreation Ground at the beginning of June, before moving on to Waterside Drive in Walton.
The council set to work alongside the police and was granted a court order to repossess the land in Molesey but the group had already moved on.
At the time temporary concrete boulders were fitted at the site, but now permanent metal fencing has been put up.
The petition, finally put before Elmbridge’s cabinet on September 18, stated that security would: “Ensure that local residents feel safe using the Rec and will prevent antisocial behaviour, noise and litter associated with these illegal encampments.
“It will also prevent our council tax being used to pay for court involvement in the future and the costs involved in clearing up.”
Leisure and culture portfolio holder Cllr Jan Fuller admitted residents living nearby "did have a difficult time".
“The Travellers originally moved on to Hurst Pool car park. They were approached by DC Leisure who informed them they would be instructing bailiffs within 24 hours.
“The Travellers immediately chopped down the wooden posts and moved on to the recreation ground.
“The rules for us as a council are very different to those of companies or individuals.
“We are required by law to do a welfare assessment.
“We finally got it to court and the Travellers left the land the evening before.”
Cllr Fuller said the council immediately sent people in to clear up the land, and they have since put in metal security posts around the recreation ground, although not on the Molesham Way entrance as it would restrict DC Leisure vehicles, working for the company which maintains the pool on behalf of the council.
“We are very anxious to give [residents] peace of mind for the future,” she added.
Cllr Fuller told the meeting it would be very difficult to restrict the entrances to all the parks and recreation grounds in the borough because by their nature they were open areas.
“We have since come up with new Traveller protocol with police,” she said.
“With this invasion we only had one officer designated to be able to deal with it.
“We now have three officers in place.”
Metal fencing has been placed around a Molesey recreation ground to stop further Gypsy invasions.
Elmbridge Borough Council wants to prevent any more incursions following an incident which sparked a petition from people living in West Molesey.
Nearly 80 people signed up to put pressure on the council to ensure that Hurst Recreation Ground and Hurst Pool are "fully secured against incursions and illegal encampments", after Travellers set up camp on Molesey Hurst Recreation Ground at the beginning of June, before moving on to Waterside Drive in Walton.
The council set to work alongside the police and was granted a court order to repossess the land in Molesey but the group had already moved on.
At the time temporary concrete boulders were fitted at the site, but now permanent metal fencing has been put up.
The petition, finally put before Elmbridge’s cabinet on September 18, stated that security would: “Ensure that local residents feel safe using the Rec and will prevent antisocial behaviour, noise and litter associated with these illegal encampments.
“It will also prevent our council tax being used to pay for court involvement in the future and the costs involved in clearing up.”
Leisure and culture portfolio holder Cllr Jan Fuller admitted residents living nearby "did have a difficult time".
“The Travellers originally moved on to Hurst Pool car park. They were approached by DC Leisure who informed them they would be instructing bailiffs within 24 hours.
“The Travellers immediately chopped down the wooden posts and moved on to the recreation ground.
“The rules for us as a council are very different to those of companies or individuals.
“We are required by law to do a welfare assessment.
“We finally got it to court and the Travellers left the land the evening before.”
Cllr Fuller said the council immediately sent people in to clear up the land, and they have since put in metal security posts around the recreation ground, although not on the Molesham Way entrance as it would restrict DC Leisure vehicles, working for the company which maintains the pool on behalf of the council.
“We are very anxious to give [residents] peace of mind for the future,” she added.
Cllr Fuller told the meeting it would be very difficult to restrict the entrances to all the parks and recreation grounds in the borough because by their nature they were open areas.
“We have since come up with new Traveller protocol with police,” she said.
“With this invasion we only had one officer designated to be able to deal with it.
“We now have three officers in place.”
Travellers foiled in Brighton seafront stand-off - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers were foiled in an attempt to move on to a seafront site.
Teams from Sussex Police stopped a group of about 20 vehicles as they tried to move on to the car park at Black Rock in Madeira Drive, Brighton, yesterday morning.
A stand-off which lasted much of the day then followed as officers first issued the Travellers with an eviction notice and then warned they would carry out arrests for trespassing.
The group is understood to have moved on as The Argus was going to print.
Conservative councillor Mary Mears said: “I know with all the noise which normally accompanies unauthorised encampments residents will be pleased to see the council and police working together quickly on this.
“Usually the feedback is that the council says it is the police’s responsibility and vice versa.”
The group arrived in Madeira Drive yesterday morning ahead of Brighton and Hove City Council using a possession order for the BMX site in Sheepcote Valley awarded by the county court on Monday.
After officers resisted their attempts to move on to Black Rock, they remained in the coach bays and adjoining grass in Madeira Drive, near Brighton Marina.
Eviction notices were issued at 3pm and officers maintained their presence at the site while the local authority installed a concrete block in front of the car park.
Police then informed the group if they failed to move by 5pm, it would start arresting individuals for criminal offences.
There are no events planned in Madeira Drive this weekend but on October 5 the Brighton
Breeze annual VW rally is planned.
A day later, more than 2,000 LandRovers are expected to take part in a similar event.
With these events in mind, the council said it would continue to monitor the unauthorised encampment situation in the area.
In addition to the Black Rock site, unauthorised encampments remain on land adjacent to Chalk Hill car park in Stanmer Woods and on 39 Acres, off Ditchling Road, Brighton.
The council said it had visited both sites and was carrying out assessments to work out the most appropriate course of action.
A council spokesman said: “We respect the right of the travelling community to lead a nomadic way of life, but also have a duty and responsibility to local residents to ensure they are able to enjoy the city’s parks and open spaces.”
Travellers were foiled in an attempt to move on to a seafront site.
Teams from Sussex Police stopped a group of about 20 vehicles as they tried to move on to the car park at Black Rock in Madeira Drive, Brighton, yesterday morning.
A stand-off which lasted much of the day then followed as officers first issued the Travellers with an eviction notice and then warned they would carry out arrests for trespassing.
The group is understood to have moved on as The Argus was going to print.
Conservative councillor Mary Mears said: “I know with all the noise which normally accompanies unauthorised encampments residents will be pleased to see the council and police working together quickly on this.
“Usually the feedback is that the council says it is the police’s responsibility and vice versa.”
The group arrived in Madeira Drive yesterday morning ahead of Brighton and Hove City Council using a possession order for the BMX site in Sheepcote Valley awarded by the county court on Monday.
After officers resisted their attempts to move on to Black Rock, they remained in the coach bays and adjoining grass in Madeira Drive, near Brighton Marina.
Eviction notices were issued at 3pm and officers maintained their presence at the site while the local authority installed a concrete block in front of the car park.
Police then informed the group if they failed to move by 5pm, it would start arresting individuals for criminal offences.
There are no events planned in Madeira Drive this weekend but on October 5 the Brighton
Breeze annual VW rally is planned.
A day later, more than 2,000 LandRovers are expected to take part in a similar event.
With these events in mind, the council said it would continue to monitor the unauthorised encampment situation in the area.
In addition to the Black Rock site, unauthorised encampments remain on land adjacent to Chalk Hill car park in Stanmer Woods and on 39 Acres, off Ditchling Road, Brighton.
The council said it had visited both sites and was carrying out assessments to work out the most appropriate course of action.
A council spokesman said: “We respect the right of the travelling community to lead a nomadic way of life, but also have a duty and responsibility to local residents to ensure they are able to enjoy the city’s parks and open spaces.”
Anger over £2.7m bill for Travellers' sites in Chesterton, Milton and Whaddon - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
Buying and refurbishing three Travellers’ sites has been agreed by a council despite fears over the £2.7 million price tag.
Independents questioned how the spending could be afforded when so many cuts are being made as South Cambridgeshire District Council approved purchasing the plots in Milton, Chesterton and Whaddon yesterday.
Cllr Deborah Roberts, who represents Fowlmere and Foxton, told the meeting: “I would really like to understand where all this money is coming from.
“We are told constantly that we really are very short of money, we are all telling our parishes we have very little to give them for any improvements in their quality of life, and then we can suddenly find this sort of money.
“I don’t think we are the best people to be doing this, we should have thought what other organisations may be in the melting pot to do this to see if they could do a better job than us and save us all a lot of money.”
The most ambitious project, costing £1.1 million, will see the council purchase nine privately-owned pitches at Grassy Corner in Fen Road, Chesterton, which are currently very rundown.
The council would refurbish the plots and offer them to Travellers on its housing waiting list.
The other two sites, at Blackwell, near Milton, and between Whaddon and Bassingbourn, are currently owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, which is yet to agree the sale.
The latter will be refurbished when the deal goes through.
Of the total budget, the Government should provide about £1.9 million and up to £900,000 will come from the council.
Cabinet members said the spending came from the housing budget, which cannot be spent on other projects, and would be recovered in rent payments.
Council leader Cllr Ray Manning said: “In the same way we would expect to get a return on a council house, we would expect to get a return on these sites, so it’s absolutely no different.
“It is not coming out of council tax, it’s part of our duty to provide somewhere to live for everybody that we can.”
But Cllr Robin Page, who represents Haslingfield and the Eversdens, questioned whether the funding would be recovered.
He said: “I think it’s most unsatisfactory, when our villages are finding it so difficult to get money from this council, to see so much money suddenly appear.
“Why is this council so sure it will recover it all, and so sure that the rents will be paid?”
The council says the Fen Road project will improve the appearance of the area and reduce the need for plots elsewhere.
It comes after controversial plans to reopen the Mettle Hill site near Meldreth collapsed following a backlash from villagers.
Cllr Hazel Smith, who represents Milton, told the meeting that neighbours in Fen Road supported the proposal because council sites were well-run.
Buying and refurbishing three Travellers’ sites has been agreed by a council despite fears over the £2.7 million price tag.
Independents questioned how the spending could be afforded when so many cuts are being made as South Cambridgeshire District Council approved purchasing the plots in Milton, Chesterton and Whaddon yesterday.
Cllr Deborah Roberts, who represents Fowlmere and Foxton, told the meeting: “I would really like to understand where all this money is coming from.
“We are told constantly that we really are very short of money, we are all telling our parishes we have very little to give them for any improvements in their quality of life, and then we can suddenly find this sort of money.
“I don’t think we are the best people to be doing this, we should have thought what other organisations may be in the melting pot to do this to see if they could do a better job than us and save us all a lot of money.”
The most ambitious project, costing £1.1 million, will see the council purchase nine privately-owned pitches at Grassy Corner in Fen Road, Chesterton, which are currently very rundown.
The council would refurbish the plots and offer them to Travellers on its housing waiting list.
The other two sites, at Blackwell, near Milton, and between Whaddon and Bassingbourn, are currently owned by Cambridgeshire County Council, which is yet to agree the sale.
The latter will be refurbished when the deal goes through.
Of the total budget, the Government should provide about £1.9 million and up to £900,000 will come from the council.
Cabinet members said the spending came from the housing budget, which cannot be spent on other projects, and would be recovered in rent payments.
Council leader Cllr Ray Manning said: “In the same way we would expect to get a return on a council house, we would expect to get a return on these sites, so it’s absolutely no different.
“It is not coming out of council tax, it’s part of our duty to provide somewhere to live for everybody that we can.”
But Cllr Robin Page, who represents Haslingfield and the Eversdens, questioned whether the funding would be recovered.
He said: “I think it’s most unsatisfactory, when our villages are finding it so difficult to get money from this council, to see so much money suddenly appear.
“Why is this council so sure it will recover it all, and so sure that the rents will be paid?”
The council says the Fen Road project will improve the appearance of the area and reduce the need for plots elsewhere.
It comes after controversial plans to reopen the Mettle Hill site near Meldreth collapsed following a backlash from villagers.
Cllr Hazel Smith, who represents Milton, told the meeting that neighbours in Fen Road supported the proposal because council sites were well-run.
Brighton Traveller site 'will not stop camps in parks' - Sussex
From the BBC
Plans to extend a Traveller site in the South Downs National Park will not stop caravans entering Brighton parks illegally, opposition councillors say.
Brighton and Hove City Council wants to build 12 new permanent pitches next to 21 transit spaces at Horsdean.
It says the new pitches would free existing spaces for Travellers and Gypsies visiting the city.
But Conservative leader Geoffrey Theobald said the suggestion it would stop illegal camps was ridiculous.
"Those people who are regularly going on to our parks and gardens are not those who wish to stay here permanently," he said.
"They come from outside the area for the summer.
"If you have 50 caravans descending on Stanmer Park and Wild Park it won't make the slightest bit of difference."
'Better stability'
The Green Party-controlled council said it had identified a need for 14-16 new permanent Traveller pitches by 2016 in its city plan.
The Horsdean extension will be funded by a government grant.
"It will give better stability and permanent places for people to live so there will be less people kipping on our parks and open spaces," said Green councillor Pete West.
"There are other sites already within the national park area as there are in national parks around the country."
Romany journalist Jake Bowers said a well-built site would be a refuge for Gypsies and Travellers.
"Gypsy and Traveller people have been working in and travelling through the South Downs for 500 years," he said.
"Most of those living on transit pitches at Horsdean at the moment are people whose families have been there for generations."
The city's plans have been submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority.
Plans to extend a Traveller site in the South Downs National Park will not stop caravans entering Brighton parks illegally, opposition councillors say.
Brighton and Hove City Council wants to build 12 new permanent pitches next to 21 transit spaces at Horsdean.
It says the new pitches would free existing spaces for Travellers and Gypsies visiting the city.
But Conservative leader Geoffrey Theobald said the suggestion it would stop illegal camps was ridiculous.
"Those people who are regularly going on to our parks and gardens are not those who wish to stay here permanently," he said.
"They come from outside the area for the summer.
"If you have 50 caravans descending on Stanmer Park and Wild Park it won't make the slightest bit of difference."
'Better stability'
The Green Party-controlled council said it had identified a need for 14-16 new permanent Traveller pitches by 2016 in its city plan.
The Horsdean extension will be funded by a government grant.
"It will give better stability and permanent places for people to live so there will be less people kipping on our parks and open spaces," said Green councillor Pete West.
"There are other sites already within the national park area as there are in national parks around the country."
Romany journalist Jake Bowers said a well-built site would be a refuge for Gypsies and Travellers.
"Gypsy and Traveller people have been working in and travelling through the South Downs for 500 years," he said.
"Most of those living on transit pitches at Horsdean at the moment are people whose families have been there for generations."
The city's plans have been submitted to the South Downs National Park Authority.
Man airlifted with machete wounds after alleged attack at Traveller site - Northamptonshire
From the Harborough Mail
A man was airlifted to hospital with apparent machete wounds after an incident at the Justin Park Traveller site in Harborough.
The 58-year-old man suffered the injuries to his head and hands in the alleged attack shortly after 10.30am yesterday (Thursday) morning.
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) was called at 11.30am. Paramedics bandaged the man’s injuries and gave him pain relief before airlifting him to the University Hospital in Coventry.
A spokesman for the service said they had been called out following reports of a machete attack. The man’s wounds were not life-threatening, he added.
Northamptonshire Police, who dealt with the incident, confirmed the man had suffered cust to his head but said they were still trying to determine exactly what weapon was used.
In a statement released yesterday (Thursday) they said a 44-year-old man had been arrested and was in custody.
A statement released by the WNAA this morning said: “Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) were called out to Market Harborough, Leicestershire after an incident near a mobile home park.
“They had received reports of a male in his 50s who had been attacked with a machete on the morning of Thursday September 26.
“WNAA took off at 11.30am and arrived at the scene of the incident at 11.44am. On assessment, the patient had sustained cuts to his head and hand, but was conscious and alert.
“The crew applied bandages to the wounds and gave the patient much needed pain relief before flying him to University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire for further evaluation. They arrived at hospital at 12.15pm.
A man was airlifted to hospital with apparent machete wounds after an incident at the Justin Park Traveller site in Harborough.
The 58-year-old man suffered the injuries to his head and hands in the alleged attack shortly after 10.30am yesterday (Thursday) morning.
The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) was called at 11.30am. Paramedics bandaged the man’s injuries and gave him pain relief before airlifting him to the University Hospital in Coventry.
A spokesman for the service said they had been called out following reports of a machete attack. The man’s wounds were not life-threatening, he added.
Northamptonshire Police, who dealt with the incident, confirmed the man had suffered cust to his head but said they were still trying to determine exactly what weapon was used.
In a statement released yesterday (Thursday) they said a 44-year-old man had been arrested and was in custody.
A statement released by the WNAA this morning said: “Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) were called out to Market Harborough, Leicestershire after an incident near a mobile home park.
“They had received reports of a male in his 50s who had been attacked with a machete on the morning of Thursday September 26.
“WNAA took off at 11.30am and arrived at the scene of the incident at 11.44am. On assessment, the patient had sustained cuts to his head and hand, but was conscious and alert.
“The crew applied bandages to the wounds and gave the patient much needed pain relief before flying him to University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire for further evaluation. They arrived at hospital at 12.15pm.
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Caravan site for families facing defeat - Lancashire
From the Gazette
Controversial plans for a caravan site in Preesall for use by Travellers look set to be turned down next month.
Residents, councillors and the Environment Agency have all hit out at an application for a caravan site for eight families at Blueberry Park, on Lancaster Road.
Coun Vivien Taylor, who represents the ward on Wyre Council, said: “It has been a blight on the residents’ of this area for over three years.
“The amount of turmoil and upset it has caused, it’s not fair for the law-abiding citizens who pay their council tax.”
Now, Wyre planners have dismissed the applicant’s claims the site is needed in the area.
A report to members of Wyre Council’s planning committee recommends the application should be rejected.
It claims: “The site is located in a flat open agricultural environment where its visual impact would be particularly harmful to the character and appearance of the area.”
Co-owner of the adjoining land, Marilyn Brown, is among those who wrote in opposition to the plans.
She said: “The development will create an obtrusive blight on the open countryside and have an adverse effect on the residential amenity.”
The application is part-retrospective and was submitted on behalf of the eight families living on the site.
The plans claim: “The applicants have invested all their savings in this land. There are no socially provided sites available to them in this part of Lancashire.”
Wyre Council’s planning committee will discuss the plans on October 2
Controversial plans for a caravan site in Preesall for use by Travellers look set to be turned down next month.
Residents, councillors and the Environment Agency have all hit out at an application for a caravan site for eight families at Blueberry Park, on Lancaster Road.
Coun Vivien Taylor, who represents the ward on Wyre Council, said: “It has been a blight on the residents’ of this area for over three years.
“The amount of turmoil and upset it has caused, it’s not fair for the law-abiding citizens who pay their council tax.”
Now, Wyre planners have dismissed the applicant’s claims the site is needed in the area.
A report to members of Wyre Council’s planning committee recommends the application should be rejected.
It claims: “The site is located in a flat open agricultural environment where its visual impact would be particularly harmful to the character and appearance of the area.”
Co-owner of the adjoining land, Marilyn Brown, is among those who wrote in opposition to the plans.
She said: “The development will create an obtrusive blight on the open countryside and have an adverse effect on the residential amenity.”
The application is part-retrospective and was submitted on behalf of the eight families living on the site.
The plans claim: “The applicants have invested all their savings in this land. There are no socially provided sites available to them in this part of Lancashire.”
Wyre Council’s planning committee will discuss the plans on October 2
Travellers set up home in Shepshed - Leicestershire
From the Loughborough Echo
Travellers who have been moving around Loughborough for the past month set up camp in Shepshed this week.
The group - consisting of at least seven caravans - moved onto a field opposite the petrol station on Ashby Road Central on Tuesday morning.
One Traveller who called himself John said: “We arrived this morning and the police were here within 20 minutes.
“We have been around Loughborough for about a month now but we’ve been travelling all year.
“We’ve been told we have to move. We’ll go anywhere really, probably another field.
“It does your head in but this is the way we live.”
A Loughborough Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of vehicles that have moved on to a field in the Ashby Road area of Shepshed. The landowner has been informed and local officers will be monitoring the situation.”
But it is now believed that the Travellers have moved from Shepshed to another privately-owned piece of land in Mountsorrel.
Matthew Bagley, Travellers sites and liaison officer at Leicestershire County Council, says the group have previously stopped near the old AstraZeneca site, in the Loughborough Leisure Centre car park and in a lay-by in Dishley.
He said: “I believe they moved Tuesday evening.
“I help where I can but we haven’t got nearly enough sites to accommodate them.”
Travellers who have been moving around Loughborough for the past month set up camp in Shepshed this week.
The group - consisting of at least seven caravans - moved onto a field opposite the petrol station on Ashby Road Central on Tuesday morning.
One Traveller who called himself John said: “We arrived this morning and the police were here within 20 minutes.
“We have been around Loughborough for about a month now but we’ve been travelling all year.
“We’ve been told we have to move. We’ll go anywhere really, probably another field.
“It does your head in but this is the way we live.”
A Loughborough Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of vehicles that have moved on to a field in the Ashby Road area of Shepshed. The landowner has been informed and local officers will be monitoring the situation.”
But it is now believed that the Travellers have moved from Shepshed to another privately-owned piece of land in Mountsorrel.
Matthew Bagley, Travellers sites and liaison officer at Leicestershire County Council, says the group have previously stopped near the old AstraZeneca site, in the Loughborough Leisure Centre car park and in a lay-by in Dishley.
He said: “I believe they moved Tuesday evening.
“I help where I can but we haven’t got nearly enough sites to accommodate them.”
Council meeting agrees budget to give Travellers’ site a new lease of life - Cambridgeshire
From South Cambridgeshire District Council
Plans to purchase an existing and run down Travellers’ site in Fen Road Chesterton have taken a step forward today (Thursday 26 September) as councillors approved a budget for the project.
At a meeting of Full Council at South Cambridgeshire District Council, cross party backing was given to plans that would see an under utilised privately owned site which is in poor condition on Grassy Corner purchased and brought back into full use.
The Council wants to build nine high-quality pitches for rent at affordable rates and has already secured £500,000 of Government funding only available for investment in Travellers’ pitches following a joint bid with Cambridge City Council.
The decision today will see the District Council submit a business case to the Homes and Communities Agency to bid for further national grants of around £300,000 so any outlay by the District Council could be made on a business case basis with rents collected from tenants at the site repaying the initial investment.
At the meeting councillors also agreed to make a budget available to purchase two other existing Travellers’ sites that are managed by the District Council on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.
The County Council owned sites at Whaddon and Blackwell – a site off the A14 near Milton – could also be purchased on a business case basis at no overall cost to the local council taxpayer.
National funding has already been secured from the Homes and Communities Agency to upgrade facilities and add two extra pitches at Whaddon.
Without investment in the sites at Fen Road and Whaddon to upgrade facilities, both sites could become unusable in the future and additional pitches elsewhere in the district would be needed to meet the Council’s legal duties.
Once further national funding is secured, and an agreement to purchase can be reached, planning applications will be needed for upgraded facilities and pitches at the sites.
At the Council meeting housing portfolio holder, Cllr Mark Howell, said that continuing to work with local communities to make sure plans are right for people nearby and residents who could live there in the future.
He said he was committed to involving everyone in the planning consultation for Fen Road, which would include residents and councillors in nearby wards in Cambridge City.
Investment in the sites will help the Council continue to meet its legal duty to provide sufficient Gypsy and Traveller pitches for families living in the district and it is hoped it will also reduce the number of reports of illegal encampments.
Cambridge City Council would be given the option to use one of the pitches at the Fen Road site as agreed as part of the joint bid for national grant funding.
Cllr Mark Howell, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We have already been speaking to the local community about these plans with some very positive feedback from residents from both the travelling and settled communities. It is important to remember this is an early stage and we are very committed to continuing to work with everyone nearby to make sure the plans are right. In due course a planning application will be needed for Fen road and we will make sure we give people as much chance as possible to have their say on the proposed improvements.
“We have a legal duty to provide pitches to meet the needs of growing families currently living in the district and investment in Grassy Corner would transform it for the benefit of everyone living nearby and in the long run could be at no cost to the local council taxpayer. Without investment replacement pitches would be needed elsewhere in the district.
Cllr Hazel Smith, South Cambridgeshire District Council local member for Milton, said: “When I visited Fen Road to talk to people living there about this plan most people have been okay with the idea. A number of local Traveller families told me they are looking for pitches to rent, and I think that these proposed affordable rental pitches could help improve the area for everyone. It will be important to give all the local communities a good opportunity to comment on the plans if we get to a planning stage and I look forward to ensuring it delivers the greatest possible benefits.”
Plans to purchase an existing and run down Travellers’ site in Fen Road Chesterton have taken a step forward today (Thursday 26 September) as councillors approved a budget for the project.
At a meeting of Full Council at South Cambridgeshire District Council, cross party backing was given to plans that would see an under utilised privately owned site which is in poor condition on Grassy Corner purchased and brought back into full use.
The Council wants to build nine high-quality pitches for rent at affordable rates and has already secured £500,000 of Government funding only available for investment in Travellers’ pitches following a joint bid with Cambridge City Council.
The decision today will see the District Council submit a business case to the Homes and Communities Agency to bid for further national grants of around £300,000 so any outlay by the District Council could be made on a business case basis with rents collected from tenants at the site repaying the initial investment.
At the meeting councillors also agreed to make a budget available to purchase two other existing Travellers’ sites that are managed by the District Council on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.
The County Council owned sites at Whaddon and Blackwell – a site off the A14 near Milton – could also be purchased on a business case basis at no overall cost to the local council taxpayer.
National funding has already been secured from the Homes and Communities Agency to upgrade facilities and add two extra pitches at Whaddon.
Without investment in the sites at Fen Road and Whaddon to upgrade facilities, both sites could become unusable in the future and additional pitches elsewhere in the district would be needed to meet the Council’s legal duties.
Once further national funding is secured, and an agreement to purchase can be reached, planning applications will be needed for upgraded facilities and pitches at the sites.
At the Council meeting housing portfolio holder, Cllr Mark Howell, said that continuing to work with local communities to make sure plans are right for people nearby and residents who could live there in the future.
He said he was committed to involving everyone in the planning consultation for Fen Road, which would include residents and councillors in nearby wards in Cambridge City.
Investment in the sites will help the Council continue to meet its legal duty to provide sufficient Gypsy and Traveller pitches for families living in the district and it is hoped it will also reduce the number of reports of illegal encampments.
Cambridge City Council would be given the option to use one of the pitches at the Fen Road site as agreed as part of the joint bid for national grant funding.
Cllr Mark Howell, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We have already been speaking to the local community about these plans with some very positive feedback from residents from both the travelling and settled communities. It is important to remember this is an early stage and we are very committed to continuing to work with everyone nearby to make sure the plans are right. In due course a planning application will be needed for Fen road and we will make sure we give people as much chance as possible to have their say on the proposed improvements.
“We have a legal duty to provide pitches to meet the needs of growing families currently living in the district and investment in Grassy Corner would transform it for the benefit of everyone living nearby and in the long run could be at no cost to the local council taxpayer. Without investment replacement pitches would be needed elsewhere in the district.
Cllr Hazel Smith, South Cambridgeshire District Council local member for Milton, said: “When I visited Fen Road to talk to people living there about this plan most people have been okay with the idea. A number of local Traveller families told me they are looking for pitches to rent, and I think that these proposed affordable rental pitches could help improve the area for everyone. It will be important to give all the local communities a good opportunity to comment on the plans if we get to a planning stage and I look forward to ensuring it delivers the greatest possible benefits.”
Travellers ‘won’t get favours’ at new site - Somerset
From the Weston, Worle and Somerset Guardian
RESIDENTS were told Travellers ‘won’t be getting any favours’ at a proposed new site near Hutton.
At this week’s Hutton Parish Council meeting, residents quizzed ward councillor Elfan Ap Rees about the plans. The proposed new site is on land owned by Network Rail near Old Junction Yard on Winterstoke Road, which may be developed by building company Elim Housing.
The site is not actually in Hutton parish, so the parish council cannot vote on the matter. But it is only a mile from the closest houses in the village.
Residents’ complaints included lack of notification, the close proximity of the site to the parish and the increase in the number of people in the area. One resident suggested the site did not meet Government regulations, claiming it is too close to the railway and is on ‘contaminated’ land.
Cllr Ap Rees said: “As of yet there is no planning application. Usually that is when the consultation begins. Bear in mind this is a local development within an area of Weston, we would not normally expect a developer to consult a huge area when essentially it is just affordable housing.
“It is a residential site, not a transit site, and I must make that clear. They are trying to alleviate the situation where children are growing up with nowhere to go and are overcrowded.
“If you don’t agree to sites like this, like anywhere else there will be a situation where people will move on to a site where they don’t have permission.
“We need to put it in perspective, we are looking at 15 or 20 pitches, with washing and toilet blocks and space to park a vehicle or mobile caravan the same as anyone else would.
“They will be bound by exactly the same regulations as people who live in other houses. They would have to be paying the rent, council tax, will be treated exactly the same as anyone else.”
When one resident remarked ‘what Travellers want, Travellers get’, the councillor said: “They won’t be getting any favours in that respect, they pay rent like everyone else.
“I have no idea who will be moving into the pitches. Elim Housing has tenants in bricks and mortar too and it’s exactly the same.”
According to Cllr Ap Rees, 71 per cent of Travellers asked said they would prefer a site in Weston. Areas such as the airfield and land near Locking Parklands were also considered.
The councillor suggested the application may be put to North Somerset Council later this month.
RESIDENTS were told Travellers ‘won’t be getting any favours’ at a proposed new site near Hutton.
At this week’s Hutton Parish Council meeting, residents quizzed ward councillor Elfan Ap Rees about the plans. The proposed new site is on land owned by Network Rail near Old Junction Yard on Winterstoke Road, which may be developed by building company Elim Housing.
The site is not actually in Hutton parish, so the parish council cannot vote on the matter. But it is only a mile from the closest houses in the village.
Residents’ complaints included lack of notification, the close proximity of the site to the parish and the increase in the number of people in the area. One resident suggested the site did not meet Government regulations, claiming it is too close to the railway and is on ‘contaminated’ land.
Cllr Ap Rees said: “As of yet there is no planning application. Usually that is when the consultation begins. Bear in mind this is a local development within an area of Weston, we would not normally expect a developer to consult a huge area when essentially it is just affordable housing.
“It is a residential site, not a transit site, and I must make that clear. They are trying to alleviate the situation where children are growing up with nowhere to go and are overcrowded.
“If you don’t agree to sites like this, like anywhere else there will be a situation where people will move on to a site where they don’t have permission.
“We need to put it in perspective, we are looking at 15 or 20 pitches, with washing and toilet blocks and space to park a vehicle or mobile caravan the same as anyone else would.
“They will be bound by exactly the same regulations as people who live in other houses. They would have to be paying the rent, council tax, will be treated exactly the same as anyone else.”
When one resident remarked ‘what Travellers want, Travellers get’, the councillor said: “They won’t be getting any favours in that respect, they pay rent like everyone else.
“I have no idea who will be moving into the pitches. Elim Housing has tenants in bricks and mortar too and it’s exactly the same.”
According to Cllr Ap Rees, 71 per cent of Travellers asked said they would prefer a site in Weston. Areas such as the airfield and land near Locking Parklands were also considered.
The councillor suggested the application may be put to North Somerset Council later this month.
CDC councillors debate over issue of Traveller sites in the Cotswolds - Gloucestershire
From the Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard
THE issue of Travellers illegally setting up camp in the Cotswolds raised its head once again at Cotswold District Council’s latest meeting.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Liberal Democrat leader on CDC, quizzed council leader Lynden Stowe on when a designated Travellers’ site will be introduced to the Cotswolds.
Cllr Hodgkinson told the meeting that in the last year Travellers have been permitted by CDC to stay on a green field in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Coberley.
He said: “This council took enforcement action to remove them from the land. However, at appeal the Planning Inspector has allowed the Travellers to stay on the land for three years, in the face of local opposition.”
The Travellers were allowed to stay on the land due to CDC’s failure to identify a specific Travellers’ site in the district.
The Lib Dem councillor put pressure on CDC and asked how it allowed such a situation to occur.
In response, Cllr Stowe explained that under new guidance, which was introduced last year, CDC has been working with other Gloucestershire authorities to meet new requirements.
CDC has been working on a Joint Call for Sites, a system that asks local people and landowners to suggest suitable locations for Travellers.
The scheme has been in consultation for some time and is due to end on Friday, October 4.
He added: “CDC is not alone in facing a five-year supply shortfall. Of all the Gloucestershire authorities, only Stroud District Council has a five-year supply of Travellers’ sites.”
Despite Cllr Stowe’s response, Cllr Hodgkinson claimed that CDC has been “leaving the door open to illegal Travellers’ sites”.
Cllr Stowe hit back by saying: “I welcome any suggestion from Cllr Hodgkinson for Travellers’ sites within his area.”
Travellers have often pitched up in the Cotswolds, earlier in the year up to 70 Travellers with 15 caravans set up camp on land at the Kingshill Sports Complex in Cirencester.
The Travellers were given permission to stay on the land by Cirencester Town Council.
THE issue of Travellers illegally setting up camp in the Cotswolds raised its head once again at Cotswold District Council’s latest meeting.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Liberal Democrat leader on CDC, quizzed council leader Lynden Stowe on when a designated Travellers’ site will be introduced to the Cotswolds.
Cllr Hodgkinson told the meeting that in the last year Travellers have been permitted by CDC to stay on a green field in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Coberley.
He said: “This council took enforcement action to remove them from the land. However, at appeal the Planning Inspector has allowed the Travellers to stay on the land for three years, in the face of local opposition.”
The Travellers were allowed to stay on the land due to CDC’s failure to identify a specific Travellers’ site in the district.
The Lib Dem councillor put pressure on CDC and asked how it allowed such a situation to occur.
In response, Cllr Stowe explained that under new guidance, which was introduced last year, CDC has been working with other Gloucestershire authorities to meet new requirements.
CDC has been working on a Joint Call for Sites, a system that asks local people and landowners to suggest suitable locations for Travellers.
The scheme has been in consultation for some time and is due to end on Friday, October 4.
He added: “CDC is not alone in facing a five-year supply shortfall. Of all the Gloucestershire authorities, only Stroud District Council has a five-year supply of Travellers’ sites.”
Despite Cllr Stowe’s response, Cllr Hodgkinson claimed that CDC has been “leaving the door open to illegal Travellers’ sites”.
Cllr Stowe hit back by saying: “I welcome any suggestion from Cllr Hodgkinson for Travellers’ sites within his area.”
Travellers have often pitched up in the Cotswolds, earlier in the year up to 70 Travellers with 15 caravans set up camp on land at the Kingshill Sports Complex in Cirencester.
The Travellers were given permission to stay on the land by Cirencester Town Council.
Travellers return to the same sites - Cheshire
From wilmslow.co.uk
A group of Travellers set up camp on land adjacent to Wilmslow High School and the A34 bypass last night.
This site was occupied by Travellers for a couple of weeks in the summer. When they departed the Travellers left piles of rubble and rubbish behind them, which cost thousands of pounds to clear up, before moving on to Carnival Field.
These Travellers have already moved on from the field near the high school, but they have not travelled far as the group have now set up camp just down the road in Handforth.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "A group of Travellers, consisting of 12 caravans, arrived on land near Wilmslow High School last night.
"Council officers and police have visited the location. The police issued the Travellers with a section 61 order (of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994), requiring them to leave the site before the end of the day.
"Unfortunately the Travellers have now moved to the former Airpark site, next to Bhs and Tesco, in Handforth. Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site."
A group of Travellers set up camp on land adjacent to Wilmslow High School and the A34 bypass last night.
This site was occupied by Travellers for a couple of weeks in the summer. When they departed the Travellers left piles of rubble and rubbish behind them, which cost thousands of pounds to clear up, before moving on to Carnival Field.
These Travellers have already moved on from the field near the high school, but they have not travelled far as the group have now set up camp just down the road in Handforth.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "A group of Travellers, consisting of 12 caravans, arrived on land near Wilmslow High School last night.
"Council officers and police have visited the location. The police issued the Travellers with a section 61 order (of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994), requiring them to leave the site before the end of the day.
"Unfortunately the Travellers have now moved to the former Airpark site, next to Bhs and Tesco, in Handforth. Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site."
Anger after Travellers set up on rugby pitch - Wildshire
From the Swindon Advertiser
RUGBY fans were furious after a group of Travellers moved onto the pitch at Greenbridge yesterday.
Five families of Travellers from Manchester moved on to the site via Twickenham Close in the early hours after moving from around the corner near the Gala Bingo hall where they camped on Tuesday night.
Twenty-nine-year-old Shell Price was among the Travellers who set up camp on the lower pitch.
She said: “We came here because the gate was open and we just drove in. We plan to leave in a few days, we just want somewhere to rest for a few days before we move on.
“We’re originally from Manchester but we’ve been driving around all summer camping in different places. It’s horrible sometimes. We can get some nice places but sometimes it’s horrible.”
Lisa Lee, 21, added: “We just need to feed the kids and get cleaned up before we head off again. We’ve got all the children, what we want is two or three days to sort ourselves out. It’s not bad for us but I feel sorry for the kids. They are young and need a routine.”
Members of Swindon Rugby Club were concerned about the encampment because the pitch is regularly used for training on Sundays by youngsters.
Club chairman Stuart Cock said: “I’m very concerned because we use this pitch for our mini and junior groups and we have around 200 of them coming along on Sunday. I’m concerned that where they have driven across the pitch they may damage it.”
The land is owned by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, who lease it to the rugby club. Both organisations have advised SRFC members to be extra vigilant while on the club premises and refrain from any contact with the Travellers.
Paul Russell, clerk for the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “The Travellers have told us they will be off the site by Saturday morning and we will work in the with the appropriate authorities to make sure that it happens.”
The council and rugby club have been in touch with police, who will continue to monitor the situation.
A spokesman from Wiltshire Police said: “We are in conversation with Stratton St Margaret Parish Council who are the landowners.
“The Travellers have indicated they intend to leave the site on Saturday morning and Wiltshire Police will monitor this situation.”
The nearest legal site dedicated for use by Travellers is the Chiseldon Firs transit site which is managed by Swindon Council.
The site, located on the A346 between Swindon and Marlborough, can accommodate between 12 and 20 caravans.
For more information about sites where Travellers can legally stay can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/hs/hs-private/hs-private-gypsyTraveller/Pages/hs-private-gypsyTraveller-chiseldonfirstransitsite.aspx.
RUGBY fans were furious after a group of Travellers moved onto the pitch at Greenbridge yesterday.
Five families of Travellers from Manchester moved on to the site via Twickenham Close in the early hours after moving from around the corner near the Gala Bingo hall where they camped on Tuesday night.
Twenty-nine-year-old Shell Price was among the Travellers who set up camp on the lower pitch.
She said: “We came here because the gate was open and we just drove in. We plan to leave in a few days, we just want somewhere to rest for a few days before we move on.
“We’re originally from Manchester but we’ve been driving around all summer camping in different places. It’s horrible sometimes. We can get some nice places but sometimes it’s horrible.”
Lisa Lee, 21, added: “We just need to feed the kids and get cleaned up before we head off again. We’ve got all the children, what we want is two or three days to sort ourselves out. It’s not bad for us but I feel sorry for the kids. They are young and need a routine.”
Members of Swindon Rugby Club were concerned about the encampment because the pitch is regularly used for training on Sundays by youngsters.
Club chairman Stuart Cock said: “I’m very concerned because we use this pitch for our mini and junior groups and we have around 200 of them coming along on Sunday. I’m concerned that where they have driven across the pitch they may damage it.”
The land is owned by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, who lease it to the rugby club. Both organisations have advised SRFC members to be extra vigilant while on the club premises and refrain from any contact with the Travellers.
Paul Russell, clerk for the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “The Travellers have told us they will be off the site by Saturday morning and we will work in the with the appropriate authorities to make sure that it happens.”
The council and rugby club have been in touch with police, who will continue to monitor the situation.
A spokesman from Wiltshire Police said: “We are in conversation with Stratton St Margaret Parish Council who are the landowners.
“The Travellers have indicated they intend to leave the site on Saturday morning and Wiltshire Police will monitor this situation.”
The nearest legal site dedicated for use by Travellers is the Chiseldon Firs transit site which is managed by Swindon Council.
The site, located on the A346 between Swindon and Marlborough, can accommodate between 12 and 20 caravans.
For more information about sites where Travellers can legally stay can be found at www.swindon.gov.uk/hs/hs-private/hs-private-gypsyTraveller/Pages/hs-private-gypsyTraveller-chiseldonfirstransitsite.aspx.
Praise for Gypsy campaigners - West Midlands
From the Solihull Observer
THE EFFORTS of Meriden Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) have featured on a BBC documentary praising them for 'fighting back' against the intimidating and bullying behaviour of Gypsies during their illegal occupation of land in Eaves Green Lane.
The programme - presented by Dom Littlewood - outlined visual and verbal abuse directed to residents by travellers, dangerous driving in the Lane aimed at frightening walkers and other anti social behaviour - ranging from wheel spinning by traveller 4x4s destroying local grass verges and illegal industrial scrap dealing during bank holidays.
It used footage and photographs taken by residents during their three-year ordeal and praised campaigners for their marathon vigil and peaceful but dignified response.
It also focused on new initiatives to keep the Lane clean and tidy.
RAID Chairman David McGrath said: "The travellers are appealing to the Government to be allowed to come back to this site in Meriden.
"This programme shows compelling evidence why these particular neighbours from hell should not be given permission to return.
"Where a particular group of people - whoever they are -use intimidation as a weapon to try to stop people protesting about their illegal development and when they breach all sorts of terms and conditions governing land use, they cannot be trusted to occupy and develop land sensitively or be good neighbours."
THE EFFORTS of Meriden Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) have featured on a BBC documentary praising them for 'fighting back' against the intimidating and bullying behaviour of Gypsies during their illegal occupation of land in Eaves Green Lane.
The programme - presented by Dom Littlewood - outlined visual and verbal abuse directed to residents by travellers, dangerous driving in the Lane aimed at frightening walkers and other anti social behaviour - ranging from wheel spinning by traveller 4x4s destroying local grass verges and illegal industrial scrap dealing during bank holidays.
It used footage and photographs taken by residents during their three-year ordeal and praised campaigners for their marathon vigil and peaceful but dignified response.
It also focused on new initiatives to keep the Lane clean and tidy.
RAID Chairman David McGrath said: "The travellers are appealing to the Government to be allowed to come back to this site in Meriden.
"This programme shows compelling evidence why these particular neighbours from hell should not be given permission to return.
"Where a particular group of people - whoever they are -use intimidation as a weapon to try to stop people protesting about their illegal development and when they breach all sorts of terms and conditions governing land use, they cannot be trusted to occupy and develop land sensitively or be good neighbours."
Council Acts To Strengthen Gypsy And Traveller Plan - Bedfordshire
From About My Area
Central Bedfordshire Council will be considering changes to its draft Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan over the next few months.
Before progressing the draft Plan any further the council needs to look at points raised by a Planning Inspector and the Secretary of State in a recent planning appeal regarding a site in Heath and Reach. This extended process will seek to strengthen the Plan.
Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities (Strategic Planning and Economic Development) explained: "As well as looking at the suggestions made during the public consultation, we'll be looking at the points raised by a Planning Inspector and Secretary of State in regards to the Mile Tree Road appeal and consider their impact on our approach.
"We see this as is a useful opportunity to look again at some of the issues raised, consider our evidence and possibly make some changes going forward. This will take some time so we won't be taking this to Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October, as we thought we would be able to.
"As soon as we have any more information on the Plan and changes to it, we'll be letting people know and taking it to our Overview and Scrutiny Committee sometime in the new year."
The new timetable means that any amendments to the Plan will not be published until the new year.
For more background information, visit http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/gypsytravellerplan/tblank.
Central Bedfordshire Council will be considering changes to its draft Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan over the next few months.
Before progressing the draft Plan any further the council needs to look at points raised by a Planning Inspector and the Secretary of State in a recent planning appeal regarding a site in Heath and Reach. This extended process will seek to strengthen the Plan.
Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities (Strategic Planning and Economic Development) explained: "As well as looking at the suggestions made during the public consultation, we'll be looking at the points raised by a Planning Inspector and Secretary of State in regards to the Mile Tree Road appeal and consider their impact on our approach.
"We see this as is a useful opportunity to look again at some of the issues raised, consider our evidence and possibly make some changes going forward. This will take some time so we won't be taking this to Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October, as we thought we would be able to.
"As soon as we have any more information on the Plan and changes to it, we'll be letting people know and taking it to our Overview and Scrutiny Committee sometime in the new year."
The new timetable means that any amendments to the Plan will not be published until the new year.
For more background information, visit http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/gypsytravellerplan/tblank.
Waltham St Lawrence illegal camp costs council £113k in legal fees - Berkshire
From the BBC
Attempts to evict Gypsies living on an illegal camp in Berkshire have cost the local council £113,000 in legal fees, an FOI request has revealed.
Windsor and Maidenhead council wants to evict 10 families who moved to Shurlock Road, Waltham St Lawrence, in 2009.
Gypsies at the site requested two judicial reviews from the High Court, but both found in favour of the council.
Two appeal hearings are due to take place on 7 November.
Family caravans
One follows the findings of a judicial review over a council decision to decline a planning application made in December 2012.
The application was made by an occupant of the site, Jane Eastwood, requesting permission to site caravans for the family, and put in fencing and other amenities.
A second hearing is over the council's decision to evict occupants from the site.
Lawyer Keith Lomax, who represents the Traveller and Gypsy community, said the legal costs were not surprising.
"If a judicial review is held, it means the courts think the applicant has a valid case," he said.
'Absolute respect'
Councillor Michael John Saunders said he was not concerned about the costs incurred so far, but was worried that the council become would caught up in a series of legal challenges which seemed to be "never-ending".
"I have an absolute respect for due process, but I've found due process takes longer than it has to take," he said.
Mr Saunders said he feared the people living on the camp would submit another planning application following the appeal hearings which would delay eviction further.
"As long as this merry-go-round keeps running, we will incur costs," he said.
Attempts to evict Gypsies living on an illegal camp in Berkshire have cost the local council £113,000 in legal fees, an FOI request has revealed.
Windsor and Maidenhead council wants to evict 10 families who moved to Shurlock Road, Waltham St Lawrence, in 2009.
Gypsies at the site requested two judicial reviews from the High Court, but both found in favour of the council.
Two appeal hearings are due to take place on 7 November.
Family caravans
One follows the findings of a judicial review over a council decision to decline a planning application made in December 2012.
The application was made by an occupant of the site, Jane Eastwood, requesting permission to site caravans for the family, and put in fencing and other amenities.
A second hearing is over the council's decision to evict occupants from the site.
Lawyer Keith Lomax, who represents the Traveller and Gypsy community, said the legal costs were not surprising.
"If a judicial review is held, it means the courts think the applicant has a valid case," he said.
'Absolute respect'
Councillor Michael John Saunders said he was not concerned about the costs incurred so far, but was worried that the council become would caught up in a series of legal challenges which seemed to be "never-ending".
"I have an absolute respect for due process, but I've found due process takes longer than it has to take," he said.
Mr Saunders said he feared the people living on the camp would submit another planning application following the appeal hearings which would delay eviction further.
"As long as this merry-go-round keeps running, we will incur costs," he said.
Public inquiry urged on Osbaldwick Travellers’ site - Yorkshire
From the Press
FOUR parish councils have called for a public inquiry into controversial plans to expand a York Travellers’ site – and have won strong backing from their MP.
Osbaldwick, Murton, Holtby and Heworth Without parishes all claim City of York Council should not be allowed to grant itself planning permission to increase the size of the Osbaldwick site from 12 to 18 pitches, as well as provide horse-grazing land, a play area and an amenity block.
“A public inquiry would allow the full and open consideration of all aspects of the application and, most importantly, would ensure public confidence in the planning process,” they have said in a letter to York Outer Tory MP Julian Sturdy.
They also said York’s draft Local Plan proposed to extend the site, and claimed determination now would be premature and prejudicial to the Plan process, and claimed the extension would be inappropriate development in the green belt.
Mr Sturdy said he supported the parish councils’ demands and claimed there should be no extension until the authority demonstrated it could manage the existing site properly.
He said he was continually contacted by local residents and businesses concerned by crime and large amounts of fly-tipping on land surrounding the site.
He said: “Many residents have expressed to me that they no longer report incidents of crime for fear of retribution.”
But the cabinet’s member for housing, Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, said the MP’s desire for local planning decisions to be taken in London went against his Government’s policy of localism and local decision-making.
“But regardless of where the decision is taken, his Government supports the proposed extension of this site as it has committed to funding it,” she said. “His various attempts to derail the planned extension of this site have no justification or merit whatsoever.”
She invited Mr Sturdy to visit the site, meet the residents he represented and understand their needs and the application before deciding to oppose it.
Mike Slater, assistant director of City and Environmental Services, said planning legislation dictated that applications of this scale and character were normally determined by the local planning authority, regardless of whether it was the applicant.
He said that normally, only applications for large developments of regional or national significance were called in and the “small scale” Osbaldwick application had not currently been called in.
FOUR parish councils have called for a public inquiry into controversial plans to expand a York Travellers’ site – and have won strong backing from their MP.
Osbaldwick, Murton, Holtby and Heworth Without parishes all claim City of York Council should not be allowed to grant itself planning permission to increase the size of the Osbaldwick site from 12 to 18 pitches, as well as provide horse-grazing land, a play area and an amenity block.
“A public inquiry would allow the full and open consideration of all aspects of the application and, most importantly, would ensure public confidence in the planning process,” they have said in a letter to York Outer Tory MP Julian Sturdy.
They also said York’s draft Local Plan proposed to extend the site, and claimed determination now would be premature and prejudicial to the Plan process, and claimed the extension would be inappropriate development in the green belt.
Mr Sturdy said he supported the parish councils’ demands and claimed there should be no extension until the authority demonstrated it could manage the existing site properly.
He said he was continually contacted by local residents and businesses concerned by crime and large amounts of fly-tipping on land surrounding the site.
He said: “Many residents have expressed to me that they no longer report incidents of crime for fear of retribution.”
But the cabinet’s member for housing, Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, said the MP’s desire for local planning decisions to be taken in London went against his Government’s policy of localism and local decision-making.
“But regardless of where the decision is taken, his Government supports the proposed extension of this site as it has committed to funding it,” she said. “His various attempts to derail the planned extension of this site have no justification or merit whatsoever.”
She invited Mr Sturdy to visit the site, meet the residents he represented and understand their needs and the application before deciding to oppose it.
Mike Slater, assistant director of City and Environmental Services, said planning legislation dictated that applications of this scale and character were normally determined by the local planning authority, regardless of whether it was the applicant.
He said that normally, only applications for large developments of regional or national significance were called in and the “small scale” Osbaldwick application had not currently been called in.
York MP Says Osbaldwick Travellers Site Should Be Reviewed By Independent Experts - Yorkshire
From Minster 104.7
Plans to expand the Osbaldwick s' site should be examined by independent experts according to a York MP.
Julian Sturdy says the city council aren't running the site properly and questions if the expansion is needed.
The York Outer MP has three reasons he's opposed to the adding the six extra caravan pitches.
The city council have responded saying the law states it's okay for the council to judge it's own application - unless Local Government Minister Eric Pickles calls it in - which he hasn't done.
Plans to expand the Osbaldwick s' site should be examined by independent experts according to a York MP.
Julian Sturdy says the city council aren't running the site properly and questions if the expansion is needed.
The York Outer MP has three reasons he's opposed to the adding the six extra caravan pitches.
The city council have responded saying the law states it's okay for the council to judge it's own application - unless Local Government Minister Eric Pickles calls it in - which he hasn't done.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Pollution fears delay plans for Brighton national park Traveller site - Sussex
From the Argus
Plans for a new £1.7 million Traveller site in the South Downs National Park have been submitted nine months late due to concerns over water pollution.
Brighton and Hove City Council was due to submit the proposal for a 12-pitch site in Horsdean, near Patcham, at the start of this year.
But, after fears from campaigners that developing the area north of the A27 would pollute the underground water resources which supplies the city’s water, a series of environmental checks are now complete.
To alleviate concerns, developers will drill under the major road to link up the site, as well as the adjoining transit site, with the mains sewer in Vale Avenue, Patcham.
Pete West, chairman of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We have worked with landscape advisors who are specialists in the national park to prepare a scheme which not only minimises the visual appearance of the new site through using the location at the bottom of the valley and by screening with new planting.
“It also reduces the visual impact of the existing transit site, so offering benefits to the national park setting.”
The council has identified a need for 14 to 16 permanent pitches in the period up to 2016.
To help provide them, it was awarded funding from the government to create a site for Travellers with local links to permanently live on. Horsdean was chosen after a search of 50 potential sites.
Tenants will have to sign a lease that will, like all social housing, ensure any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. All residents will pay rent and be responsible for bills and council tax.
Plans for a new £1.7 million Traveller site in the South Downs National Park have been submitted nine months late due to concerns over water pollution.
Brighton and Hove City Council was due to submit the proposal for a 12-pitch site in Horsdean, near Patcham, at the start of this year.
But, after fears from campaigners that developing the area north of the A27 would pollute the underground water resources which supplies the city’s water, a series of environmental checks are now complete.
To alleviate concerns, developers will drill under the major road to link up the site, as well as the adjoining transit site, with the mains sewer in Vale Avenue, Patcham.
Pete West, chairman of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We have worked with landscape advisors who are specialists in the national park to prepare a scheme which not only minimises the visual appearance of the new site through using the location at the bottom of the valley and by screening with new planting.
“It also reduces the visual impact of the existing transit site, so offering benefits to the national park setting.”
The council has identified a need for 14 to 16 permanent pitches in the period up to 2016.
To help provide them, it was awarded funding from the government to create a site for Travellers with local links to permanently live on. Horsdean was chosen after a search of 50 potential sites.
Tenants will have to sign a lease that will, like all social housing, ensure any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. All residents will pay rent and be responsible for bills and council tax.
Fiveways Residents discuss plans for Horsdean Traveller Site - Sussex
From the Argus
Brighton and Hove City Council has submitted plans, nine months late, for a £1.7 million extension to the Traveller site in Horsdean.
This would enable Travellers with local links to stay permanently on 16 new pitches.
We asked residents of Fiveways and Preston Park what they thought about the idea.
Colin Newbery, 38, a pub landlord said: “I don’t think it is a bad thing, as long as the site is controlled, kept clean and looked after. Travellers have all been tarred with the same brush.”
Dana Gibson, 33, a retailer said: “This is a beautiful area of Brighton and I don’t have a problem with them as long as they don’t affect the parkland around them.”
Richard Holloway, 36, a shop manager said: “It’s a better idea than having them in the park. They are always going to pitch up somewhere so we have to put them somewhere. It’s not ideal but where would be ideal?”
Julia Raymond, 23, a student told us: “They don’t affect my life at all, in any way. As long as they are tidy and respect the area they are given, surely everyone has a right to a home.”
Brighton and Hove City Council has submitted plans, nine months late, for a £1.7 million extension to the Traveller site in Horsdean.
This would enable Travellers with local links to stay permanently on 16 new pitches.
We asked residents of Fiveways and Preston Park what they thought about the idea.
Colin Newbery, 38, a pub landlord said: “I don’t think it is a bad thing, as long as the site is controlled, kept clean and looked after. Travellers have all been tarred with the same brush.”
Dana Gibson, 33, a retailer said: “This is a beautiful area of Brighton and I don’t have a problem with them as long as they don’t affect the parkland around them.”
Richard Holloway, 36, a shop manager said: “It’s a better idea than having them in the park. They are always going to pitch up somewhere so we have to put them somewhere. It’s not ideal but where would be ideal?”
Julia Raymond, 23, a student told us: “They don’t affect my life at all, in any way. As long as they are tidy and respect the area they are given, surely everyone has a right to a home.”
Climbers abused near Travellers site in Dumbarton - Dunbartonshire
From the Dumbarton Reporter
A recent meeting of Dumbarton East and Central Community Council (DECCC) heard insults were hurled at the group as they tried to scale the Rock.
A second camp was set up near to Dumbarton Football Club’s Strathclyde Homes Stadium, with numbers there increasing to around 20 caravans.
The football club had stepped up security at the ground after reports of vandalism and abuse to staff.
Rose Harvie, secretary of Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, who was at the meeting, said another large group of Travellers had set up camp on the pathway leading to the Dumbarton Castle.
She said: “As far as I know travelling kids have been throwing stuff and shooting at swans. Climbers are getting abuse now as well.”
Sergeant David MacKinnon, of Dumbarton Police, told DECCC last Tuesday that some of the Travellers had indicated they would be leaving the football club’s grounds during that day, with the rest due to vacate “in a couple of days”.
Concerns surrounding the mess left behind by Travellers were raised, with Sergeant MacKinnon admitting it can be a problem – although he stressed it can be treated as flytipping.
He said: “It is hard to attribute the waste to any individual. It is clear it is coming from the Travellers, but we have to see them in the act and no one tends to come forward as witnesses to the act.”
Inspecter Coleen Wylie confirmed yesterday (Monday) that the Travellers at the football club have now moved on.
A recent meeting of Dumbarton East and Central Community Council (DECCC) heard insults were hurled at the group as they tried to scale the Rock.
A second camp was set up near to Dumbarton Football Club’s Strathclyde Homes Stadium, with numbers there increasing to around 20 caravans.
The football club had stepped up security at the ground after reports of vandalism and abuse to staff.
Rose Harvie, secretary of Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, who was at the meeting, said another large group of Travellers had set up camp on the pathway leading to the Dumbarton Castle.
She said: “As far as I know travelling kids have been throwing stuff and shooting at swans. Climbers are getting abuse now as well.”
Sergeant David MacKinnon, of Dumbarton Police, told DECCC last Tuesday that some of the Travellers had indicated they would be leaving the football club’s grounds during that day, with the rest due to vacate “in a couple of days”.
Concerns surrounding the mess left behind by Travellers were raised, with Sergeant MacKinnon admitting it can be a problem – although he stressed it can be treated as flytipping.
He said: “It is hard to attribute the waste to any individual. It is clear it is coming from the Travellers, but we have to see them in the act and no one tends to come forward as witnesses to the act.”
Inspecter Coleen Wylie confirmed yesterday (Monday) that the Travellers at the football club have now moved on.
Traveller site plans to be discussed at meeting in Chalfont St Giles - Buckinghamshire
From the Bucks Free Press
PROPOSALS to locate pitches for Travellers in Chalfont St Giles are to be discussed at a public meeting in the village this week.
Land on Top Farm in The Lagger is being considered by Chiltern District Council for use by Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople, with the authority needing to find an additional 25 pitches by 2026.
The Chalfont St Giles site is one of 12 in the district being considered by the council, who have said the potential capacity has still to be determined. The council has also said the identified sites are not necessarily suitable for development.
The proposals will be discussed at a meeting hosted by the village's Residents Against Inappropriate Development campaign group, who have held two recent information days about the plans.
Chairman Tony O'Neill said: "Our two Saturday sessions on the village green have highlighted how many people were totally unaware of these proposals. It indicates an inadequacy in the communication of major events, particularly those impacting residents.
"We are aiming to ensure that every villager and household in Chalfont St Giles is fully aware, and are alert to that which may change their enjoyment of village amenities."
PROPOSALS to locate pitches for Travellers in Chalfont St Giles are to be discussed at a public meeting in the village this week.
Land on Top Farm in The Lagger is being considered by Chiltern District Council for use by Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople, with the authority needing to find an additional 25 pitches by 2026.
The Chalfont St Giles site is one of 12 in the district being considered by the council, who have said the potential capacity has still to be determined. The council has also said the identified sites are not necessarily suitable for development.
The proposals will be discussed at a meeting hosted by the village's Residents Against Inappropriate Development campaign group, who have held two recent information days about the plans.
Chairman Tony O'Neill said: "Our two Saturday sessions on the village green have highlighted how many people were totally unaware of these proposals. It indicates an inadequacy in the communication of major events, particularly those impacting residents.
"We are aiming to ensure that every villager and household in Chalfont St Giles is fully aware, and are alert to that which may change their enjoyment of village amenities."
Travellers expected to leave Nowton Park at the end of the week as council seeks another court order - Suffolk
From Bury Free Press
Travellers are expected to leave Nowton Park on Friday (27) or over the weekend after St Edmundsbury Borough Council announced it intends to serve them a section 78 notice with criminal powers to evict.
The council is due to apply for the order at Bury magistrates court tomorrow (26).
It has used the order to get the Travellers to move on from other sites around Bury St Edmunds but is still powerless at stopping them from moving onto previously unoccupied sites.
It is still working on an application to the High Court for pre-emptive injunctions banning them from certain sites such as car parks and council land which has an economic or recreational use.
A council spokeswoman said the council already has the power to serve 77 notices with the power to evict but the section 78 orders, which have to be granted by the court, add more weight to the council’s actions as it comes under criminal law.
The notices previously served elsewhere ban the Travellers from returning for three months. It is not known if they intend to look for another site within Bury.
Travellers are expected to leave Nowton Park on Friday (27) or over the weekend after St Edmundsbury Borough Council announced it intends to serve them a section 78 notice with criminal powers to evict.
The council is due to apply for the order at Bury magistrates court tomorrow (26).
It has used the order to get the Travellers to move on from other sites around Bury St Edmunds but is still powerless at stopping them from moving onto previously unoccupied sites.
It is still working on an application to the High Court for pre-emptive injunctions banning them from certain sites such as car parks and council land which has an economic or recreational use.
A council spokeswoman said the council already has the power to serve 77 notices with the power to evict but the section 78 orders, which have to be granted by the court, add more weight to the council’s actions as it comes under criminal law.
The notices previously served elsewhere ban the Travellers from returning for three months. It is not known if they intend to look for another site within Bury.
Travellers move into school car park but we don't mind, say parents - London
From the Sutton Guardian
The overwhelming feeling of parents at the school gates when the Sutton Guardian visited on Tuesday was the Travellers had been respectful to the school.
One mum, who has Travellers in her family, said: "If they had a place to go they wouldn’t have to keep going anywhere like school premises.
"Obviously being on school property isn’t ideal and most parents would be worried about the children but at the end of the day they have nowhere to go.
"I understand that being next to the school is wrong but they’ve got nowhere to go. They need help - give them a bit of land.
"Who wants to wash their kids in front of a load of people?"
Another mum, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "You’ve got to take your hat off to them - they could have filled that place up but out of respect for the teachers they haven’t.
"They are just a little family looking for somewhere to stay - they must feel safe there.
"It is sad. But obviously being a school there are other parents who are worried - people are very quick to judge."
The school declined to comment on the Travellers.
The council is issuing a court order to the Travellers to leave the property by 10am on Monday.
A council spokesperson said: "The council is exercising the maximum of its legal powers to deal with the problem."
What the parents said:
“They have got nowhere to go – that’s why they are there. They deserve somewhere to go – just not here.”
“I don’t understand it personally – if you’ve got children here why do they want to live like that. I’m sure the council would house them if they asked for it. I think they should find them somewhere proper. It doesn’t make sense.”
“So long as they are not causing any harm. But I think they could have been a bit more considerate than use a school car park.”
“They have been alright in there – they haven’t caused any havoc. It is a bit bad they are in school car park but they are not causing any problems.”
“The thing is if you move them off there – where are they going to go? Move out the area completely or move to another school? I don’t want them there but they are not causing any nuisance.”
The overwhelming feeling of parents at the school gates when the Sutton Guardian visited on Tuesday was the Travellers had been respectful to the school.
One mum, who has Travellers in her family, said: "If they had a place to go they wouldn’t have to keep going anywhere like school premises.
"Obviously being on school property isn’t ideal and most parents would be worried about the children but at the end of the day they have nowhere to go.
"I understand that being next to the school is wrong but they’ve got nowhere to go. They need help - give them a bit of land.
"Who wants to wash their kids in front of a load of people?"
Another mum, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "You’ve got to take your hat off to them - they could have filled that place up but out of respect for the teachers they haven’t.
"They are just a little family looking for somewhere to stay - they must feel safe there.
"It is sad. But obviously being a school there are other parents who are worried - people are very quick to judge."
The school declined to comment on the Travellers.
The council is issuing a court order to the Travellers to leave the property by 10am on Monday.
A council spokesperson said: "The council is exercising the maximum of its legal powers to deal with the problem."
What the parents said:
“They have got nowhere to go – that’s why they are there. They deserve somewhere to go – just not here.”
“I don’t understand it personally – if you’ve got children here why do they want to live like that. I’m sure the council would house them if they asked for it. I think they should find them somewhere proper. It doesn’t make sense.”
“So long as they are not causing any harm. But I think they could have been a bit more considerate than use a school car park.”
“They have been alright in there – they haven’t caused any havoc. It is a bit bad they are in school car park but they are not causing any problems.”
“The thing is if you move them off there – where are they going to go? Move out the area completely or move to another school? I don’t want them there but they are not causing any nuisance.”
Plans for controversial village Traveller site resubmitted - Lincolnshire
From the Grantham Journal
A planning application has been submitted for a site which could accommodate up to 20 mobile homes for Gypsy and Traveller families.
If accepted, the site in Woolsthorpe Lane, Sedgebrook, would be home to 10 pitches - each pitch able to accommodate two mobile homes - and 10 toilet blocks.
An application by the same applicant - Mr T. Hone - for a site of the same size was rejected in October of last year on grounds including location, surface water drainage and ecology.
However, the applicant believes these concerns have now been overcome so has re-submitted the application.
The original application was opposed by Sedgebrook Parish Council on the grounds of road safety and the isolated setting.
The design and access statement says: “Mr Hone and numerous Traveller families have enquired at a number of Traveller pitches within the local area and have been told they are at full occupancy.
“As no further land has been allocated for this use by the county council, this has left the Travellers homeless, thus forcing them to pitch on land which they do not own. This brings with it many problems and concerns for neighbouring residents.
“The available space for this type of land use is limited within its local are but the demand for accommodation is high. Making better use of this land will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own.”
Mr Hone and his agent argue the new application addresses the previous concerns and say the site:
+ has good, safe, convenient access to the road network
+ is coveniently located for schools and other community facilities
+ does not visually encroach into the open countryside
The application will be heard by South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee as a later date.
A planning application has been submitted for a site which could accommodate up to 20 mobile homes for Gypsy and Traveller families.
If accepted, the site in Woolsthorpe Lane, Sedgebrook, would be home to 10 pitches - each pitch able to accommodate two mobile homes - and 10 toilet blocks.
An application by the same applicant - Mr T. Hone - for a site of the same size was rejected in October of last year on grounds including location, surface water drainage and ecology.
However, the applicant believes these concerns have now been overcome so has re-submitted the application.
The original application was opposed by Sedgebrook Parish Council on the grounds of road safety and the isolated setting.
The design and access statement says: “Mr Hone and numerous Traveller families have enquired at a number of Traveller pitches within the local area and have been told they are at full occupancy.
“As no further land has been allocated for this use by the county council, this has left the Travellers homeless, thus forcing them to pitch on land which they do not own. This brings with it many problems and concerns for neighbouring residents.
“The available space for this type of land use is limited within its local are but the demand for accommodation is high. Making better use of this land will reduce the need for Travellers to house on land which they do not own.”
Mr Hone and his agent argue the new application addresses the previous concerns and say the site:
+ has good, safe, convenient access to the road network
+ is coveniently located for schools and other community facilities
+ does not visually encroach into the open countryside
The application will be heard by South Kesteven District Council’s development control committee as a later date.
Three suspects arrested in investigation over 'appalling' slavery ring run at Gypsy camp
From the Standard
It brings the total of arrested suspects to seven as South Wales Police search the site for human remains.
Six men aged 66, 42, 36 53, 38 and 20, and a 42-year-old women are all being questioned in relation to the ring that has rocked the Newport and Cardiff area.
The police’s Operation Imperial was launched after a "vulnerable" British man was found earlier in the year living in poor conditions on Cariad Farm in Peterstone.
The site is described locally as Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.
The alleged victim has been named as Darrell Simester, a 43-year-old Worcestershire resident who had been missing for 13 years after disappearing while holidaying in Porthcawl, south Wales.
He was found with torn clothes and several of his teeth missing, and told police that he was forced to work 12 hours a day by his cruel captors after being lured in by the offer of a job.
Another victim, a Polish man, was discovered on the site on Monday, and the traumatised man has been taken to "a place of safety" to have his mental and physical health assessed.
And a third victim, a 60-year-old man, was allegedly discovered at an address in St Brides, Newport.
A Home Office spokesman said: "It is an appalling reminder of the extent to which slavery has reappeared in our country.
"The Home Secretary has made clear her determination to tackle the scourge of modern slavery and the organised criminal gangs behind it.
This is a fast-moving and complicated investigation and we are grateful to the public for the continued assistance and support they have shown so far
Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths
"We are already taking action on a number of fronts. We are working with front line professionals to help them better identify and support potential victims."
Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths called for support from the public for the investigation: "This is a fast-moving and complicated investigation and we are grateful to the public for the continued assistance and support they have shown so far.
"I'm still appealing for anyone with any information to contact us on 101 quoting log 66 23/09/13.
"Alternatively if anyone has information and would rather not pass this directly to the police then I would urge them to contact Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police and guarantees complete anonymity, on 0800 555111."
Wales, Newport, Cardiff, raid
It brings the total of arrested suspects to seven as South Wales Police search the site for human remains.
Six men aged 66, 42, 36 53, 38 and 20, and a 42-year-old women are all being questioned in relation to the ring that has rocked the Newport and Cardiff area.
The police’s Operation Imperial was launched after a "vulnerable" British man was found earlier in the year living in poor conditions on Cariad Farm in Peterstone.
The site is described locally as Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.
The alleged victim has been named as Darrell Simester, a 43-year-old Worcestershire resident who had been missing for 13 years after disappearing while holidaying in Porthcawl, south Wales.
He was found with torn clothes and several of his teeth missing, and told police that he was forced to work 12 hours a day by his cruel captors after being lured in by the offer of a job.
Another victim, a Polish man, was discovered on the site on Monday, and the traumatised man has been taken to "a place of safety" to have his mental and physical health assessed.
And a third victim, a 60-year-old man, was allegedly discovered at an address in St Brides, Newport.
A Home Office spokesman said: "It is an appalling reminder of the extent to which slavery has reappeared in our country.
"The Home Secretary has made clear her determination to tackle the scourge of modern slavery and the organised criminal gangs behind it.
This is a fast-moving and complicated investigation and we are grateful to the public for the continued assistance and support they have shown so far
Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths
"We are already taking action on a number of fronts. We are working with front line professionals to help them better identify and support potential victims."
Detective Superintendent Paul Griffiths called for support from the public for the investigation: "This is a fast-moving and complicated investigation and we are grateful to the public for the continued assistance and support they have shown so far.
"I'm still appealing for anyone with any information to contact us on 101 quoting log 66 23/09/13.
"Alternatively if anyone has information and would rather not pass this directly to the police then I would urge them to contact Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police and guarantees complete anonymity, on 0800 555111."
Wales, Newport, Cardiff, raid
Hart Gypsy site ‘least sustainable’ says Hartlepool planning officer at packed meeting - County Durham
From the Hartlepool Mail
A SENIOR council planning officer admitted the land chosen as the preferred choice for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site was the “least sustainable” of the 16 shortlisted sites.
But despite that revelation, by Chris Pipe, the council’s planning services manager, and the fact it is the 14th most costly site, Hartlepool Borough Council planning bosses admitted that – other than the two sites chosen – none of the other sites are now being considered.
That is despite all of the shortlisted sites fitting the criteria which council planning officers set out at the start of the process to designate land for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the town.
Earlier this summer, Hartlepool Borough Council’s finance and policy committee opted for Hart Smallholdings West, to the west of Hart Village, as their preferred site with Hart Smallholdings East as the back-up option.
More than 100 Hart residents and ward councillors packed into a lecture theatre at Hartlepool College of Further Education yesterday as the Government’s planning inspector Kevin Ward resumed his examination into the council’s Local Plan.
And a panel including resident representatives, Hart Parish Council chairman John Littlefair and James Hall of planning and design consultancy firm Barton Willmore, took the opportunity to fire a number of concerns they have about the decision to planning officers and council staff.
Campaigners against the decision pressed the planning officers on why members of the council’s finance and policy committee opted for the two sites in Hart.
Chris Pipe, the council’s planning services manager, explained how a selection process had whittled 465 sites down to a shortlist of just 16, all of which fitted the criteria of being sustainable, suitable and deliverable.
It was then down to the committee members to make the final decision which was carried out on a meeting on August 8.
But Ms Pipe added: “Officers considered them all to be deliverable.
“What weight they gave to the evidence in front of them was to the transgression of the decision maker.”
Andrew Carter, senior planning officer, said all of the shortlisted sites were sustainable but admitted Hart Smallholdings West is “essentially the least sustainable of the 16 sites.”
The examination also heard how, despite Hart Smallholdings West being deemed to be suitable, sustainable and deliverable, there are waiting lists for places at Hart Primary School and the next nearest primary school, Clavering.
Parish council chair Mr Littlefair also aired his concerns about damage to the farmland where the site is being planned, flooding in the area, traffic on the busy A179 and access to hospital and medical services.
The examination, which was suspended earlier this year after Mr Ward called on officers to carry out further work to find an appropriate Gypsy and Traveller site, will continue today when Mr Ward will discuss the overall housing provision and tomorrow with the discussion of site allocation at Tunstall Farm.
A SENIOR council planning officer admitted the land chosen as the preferred choice for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site was the “least sustainable” of the 16 shortlisted sites.
But despite that revelation, by Chris Pipe, the council’s planning services manager, and the fact it is the 14th most costly site, Hartlepool Borough Council planning bosses admitted that – other than the two sites chosen – none of the other sites are now being considered.
That is despite all of the shortlisted sites fitting the criteria which council planning officers set out at the start of the process to designate land for a Gypsy and Traveller site in the town.
Earlier this summer, Hartlepool Borough Council’s finance and policy committee opted for Hart Smallholdings West, to the west of Hart Village, as their preferred site with Hart Smallholdings East as the back-up option.
More than 100 Hart residents and ward councillors packed into a lecture theatre at Hartlepool College of Further Education yesterday as the Government’s planning inspector Kevin Ward resumed his examination into the council’s Local Plan.
And a panel including resident representatives, Hart Parish Council chairman John Littlefair and James Hall of planning and design consultancy firm Barton Willmore, took the opportunity to fire a number of concerns they have about the decision to planning officers and council staff.
Campaigners against the decision pressed the planning officers on why members of the council’s finance and policy committee opted for the two sites in Hart.
Chris Pipe, the council’s planning services manager, explained how a selection process had whittled 465 sites down to a shortlist of just 16, all of which fitted the criteria of being sustainable, suitable and deliverable.
It was then down to the committee members to make the final decision which was carried out on a meeting on August 8.
But Ms Pipe added: “Officers considered them all to be deliverable.
“What weight they gave to the evidence in front of them was to the transgression of the decision maker.”
Andrew Carter, senior planning officer, said all of the shortlisted sites were sustainable but admitted Hart Smallholdings West is “essentially the least sustainable of the 16 sites.”
The examination also heard how, despite Hart Smallholdings West being deemed to be suitable, sustainable and deliverable, there are waiting lists for places at Hart Primary School and the next nearest primary school, Clavering.
Parish council chair Mr Littlefair also aired his concerns about damage to the farmland where the site is being planned, flooding in the area, traffic on the busy A179 and access to hospital and medical services.
The examination, which was suspended earlier this year after Mr Ward called on officers to carry out further work to find an appropriate Gypsy and Traveller site, will continue today when Mr Ward will discuss the overall housing provision and tomorrow with the discussion of site allocation at Tunstall Farm.
New ‘Pitch–Up Points’ For Travellers? - Humberside
From The Glanforder
At Monday evening’s meeting of Brigg Town Council a question was raised as to whether new electrical ‘pitch–up points’ for Travellers are being installed at Station Yard in Brigg.
The installation is currently three plastic tubes imbedded in the ground, along with a junction box. It sits at the far end of Station Yard nearest to Bigby Road. The work was done about one to two weeks ago.
The question over its purpose was asked by Cllr Penny Smith who has heard that it will provide an electricity outlet for Travellers staying on Station Yard. Cllr Karl Sherwood said that he did not know about the installation but will seek to find out and report back.
At Monday evening’s meeting of Brigg Town Council a question was raised as to whether new electrical ‘pitch–up points’ for Travellers are being installed at Station Yard in Brigg.
The installation is currently three plastic tubes imbedded in the ground, along with a junction box. It sits at the far end of Station Yard nearest to Bigby Road. The work was done about one to two weeks ago.
The question over its purpose was asked by Cllr Penny Smith who has heard that it will provide an electricity outlet for Travellers staying on Station Yard. Cllr Karl Sherwood said that he did not know about the installation but will seek to find out and report back.
Vandals trash Travellers’ site in Dundee
From the Courier
Residents at the Balmuir Wood Caravan Park, which is run by Dundee City Council, woke up on Saturday to find the site strewn with rubbish, abandoned caravans and faeces.
The wreckage of nine caravans has been left abandoned on the site. Bins were emptied with black rubbish bags littered across the camp.
One 92-year-old man said the people who left the mess gave Travellers a bad name.
“There were about 30 of them got up and left,” he said.
“They all got drunk. They were all contractors making big money. We don’t call them Travellers. They are a different class. They just run from site to site leaving a mess.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division confirmed the force had received a report of vandalism in the Tealing area.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “We are assessing the damage before undertaking a clean-up. The incident has been reported to Police Scotland.”
see also: thetele.co.uk - Dundee Travellers’ site trashed in trail of destruction
Residents at the Balmuir Wood Caravan Park, which is run by Dundee City Council, woke up on Saturday to find the site strewn with rubbish, abandoned caravans and faeces.
The wreckage of nine caravans has been left abandoned on the site. Bins were emptied with black rubbish bags littered across the camp.
One 92-year-old man said the people who left the mess gave Travellers a bad name.
“There were about 30 of them got up and left,” he said.
“They all got drunk. They were all contractors making big money. We don’t call them Travellers. They are a different class. They just run from site to site leaving a mess.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland’s Tayside Division confirmed the force had received a report of vandalism in the Tealing area.
A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “We are assessing the damage before undertaking a clean-up. The incident has been reported to Police Scotland.”
see also: thetele.co.uk - Dundee Travellers’ site trashed in trail of destruction
Tensions running high as Travellers take residence on Swindon Rugby Club Grounds - Wiltshire
From FLIC Wiltshire
Tensions are running high at Swindon Rugby Club after a group of Travellers turned up overnight and set up camp on the club's grounds.
The Travellers entered the site via the Twickenham Close access point at some point during the night and have taken up residence on the Mini and Junior field.
Wiltshire Police have attended the site and have said that extra patrols will be maintaining vigilance.
Stratton Parish Council and staff from the Rubgy Club have also spoken to the Travellers, who say that they will be leaving by Saturday morning.
The Rugby Club has said that understandably the situation has caused "highly charged feelings"
"We have spoken with the Travellers, and are now working with the relevant authoritative bodies to resolve the situation lawfully, fairly and in a timely manner to ensure that the said persons vacate the area by Saturday morning latest.
Whilst this fluid situation exists, the committee and Stratton Parish Council would request all SRFC members undertake extra vigilance on security of the club premises, motor vehicles parked on site, sports equipment and personal possessions. In the interests of personal safety and security the committee also asks that all members please refrain from any verbal or personal contact with the Travellers.
Further information will be communicated as events unfold, but we realistically expect them to be in situ until Saturday AM taking into account the many factors involved in such a matter.We would thank the several members and friends of the club who communicated the issue so promptly early this morning."
Tensions are running high at Swindon Rugby Club after a group of Travellers turned up overnight and set up camp on the club's grounds.
The Travellers entered the site via the Twickenham Close access point at some point during the night and have taken up residence on the Mini and Junior field.
Wiltshire Police have attended the site and have said that extra patrols will be maintaining vigilance.
Stratton Parish Council and staff from the Rubgy Club have also spoken to the Travellers, who say that they will be leaving by Saturday morning.
The Rugby Club has said that understandably the situation has caused "highly charged feelings"
"We have spoken with the Travellers, and are now working with the relevant authoritative bodies to resolve the situation lawfully, fairly and in a timely manner to ensure that the said persons vacate the area by Saturday morning latest.
Whilst this fluid situation exists, the committee and Stratton Parish Council would request all SRFC members undertake extra vigilance on security of the club premises, motor vehicles parked on site, sports equipment and personal possessions. In the interests of personal safety and security the committee also asks that all members please refrain from any verbal or personal contact with the Travellers.
Further information will be communicated as events unfold, but we realistically expect them to be in situ until Saturday AM taking into account the many factors involved in such a matter.We would thank the several members and friends of the club who communicated the issue so promptly early this morning."
Conservatives slam Green National Park Traveller site plans - Sussex
From Brighton and Hove Conservatives
Conservatives are calling on the South Downs National Park Authority to reject an application by the Green Administration of Brighton & Hove City Council, supported by the Labour Group, to build a new permanent Traveller site in the National Park at Horsdean, next to the existing transit site.
The planning application was submitted yesterday (23rd September) and will be determined by the National Park Authority’s Planning Committee. The public consultation period is expected to open in two weeks time.
Conservatives have raised a number of fundamental concerns with the plans:
• It would set a dangerous precedent for further development in the South Downs National Park
• The site sits right on top of the aquifer that supplies much of Brighton & Hove’s drinking water, leading to serious risk of contamination
• The cost of the infrastructure required to connect the site to the mains sewer (involving drilling piping under the A27 bypass) will be exorbitant
• Locating the permanent and transit sites together will inevitably mean costly management and traffic problems caused by having high numbers of Travellers (up to over 100 at any time) and vehicles in one place, particularly with access off the busy A27.
Cllr. Geoffrey Theobald, Conservative Group Leader and Ward Councillor for Patcham, where the site will be located, said: “The Patcham Conservative councillors are astonished that the Greens, supported by Labour, are still going ahead with this planning application given all the problems. Residents campaigned long and hard for the National Park and I don’t think they will be too happy if one of its first big decisions is to give the green light for a large and unsightly caravan park. We still have serious concerns about the potential for contamination of the water aquifer that supplies much of Brighton & Hove and the proposed solution of building a pipe under the A27 will be extremely expensive.”
Conservative Parliamentary candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency, Clarence Mitchell, added: “As usual, the Greens, with Labour’s support, appear to be putting ideology before the wishes of the electorate. The residents of Patcham and Hollingbury are united in their opposition to this extension of the existing transit site. Nor will the plan do anything to solve the ongoing problems caused by unauthorised Traveller encampments. This is an unnecessary, expensive and unwanted proposal from a party of the environment that at times appears intent on damaging it. I call on the SDNPA’s Planning Committee to reject the plan in its entirety.”
Conservatives are calling on the South Downs National Park Authority to reject an application by the Green Administration of Brighton & Hove City Council, supported by the Labour Group, to build a new permanent Traveller site in the National Park at Horsdean, next to the existing transit site.
The planning application was submitted yesterday (23rd September) and will be determined by the National Park Authority’s Planning Committee. The public consultation period is expected to open in two weeks time.
Conservatives have raised a number of fundamental concerns with the plans:
• It would set a dangerous precedent for further development in the South Downs National Park
• The site sits right on top of the aquifer that supplies much of Brighton & Hove’s drinking water, leading to serious risk of contamination
• The cost of the infrastructure required to connect the site to the mains sewer (involving drilling piping under the A27 bypass) will be exorbitant
• Locating the permanent and transit sites together will inevitably mean costly management and traffic problems caused by having high numbers of Travellers (up to over 100 at any time) and vehicles in one place, particularly with access off the busy A27.
Cllr. Geoffrey Theobald, Conservative Group Leader and Ward Councillor for Patcham, where the site will be located, said: “The Patcham Conservative councillors are astonished that the Greens, supported by Labour, are still going ahead with this planning application given all the problems. Residents campaigned long and hard for the National Park and I don’t think they will be too happy if one of its first big decisions is to give the green light for a large and unsightly caravan park. We still have serious concerns about the potential for contamination of the water aquifer that supplies much of Brighton & Hove and the proposed solution of building a pipe under the A27 will be extremely expensive.”
Conservative Parliamentary candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency, Clarence Mitchell, added: “As usual, the Greens, with Labour’s support, appear to be putting ideology before the wishes of the electorate. The residents of Patcham and Hollingbury are united in their opposition to this extension of the existing transit site. Nor will the plan do anything to solve the ongoing problems caused by unauthorised Traveller encampments. This is an unnecessary, expensive and unwanted proposal from a party of the environment that at times appears intent on damaging it. I call on the SDNPA’s Planning Committee to reject the plan in its entirety.”
Action to move on Travellers - Worcestershire
From the Redditch Standard
ACTION has been taken to move on Travellers staying on land at the back of the Abbey Stadium.
The group moved into the area on Monday evening (September 23) but court proceedings have been started by landowners Redditch Borough Council.
A spokeswoman for the council said a total of 18 transit pitches, which can be used by Travellers, have been earmarked for the borough in the Local Plan - which sets out future development in the town before 2030 - based on a report done in 2008.
"These will be updated and exact transit pitch locations determined once the local plan has been accepted."
A West Mercia Police spokesman confirmed the police had been informed and attended the site on Monday.
"We are monitoring the site and liaising with the landowners."
ACTION has been taken to move on Travellers staying on land at the back of the Abbey Stadium.
The group moved into the area on Monday evening (September 23) but court proceedings have been started by landowners Redditch Borough Council.
A spokeswoman for the council said a total of 18 transit pitches, which can be used by Travellers, have been earmarked for the borough in the Local Plan - which sets out future development in the town before 2030 - based on a report done in 2008.
"These will be updated and exact transit pitch locations determined once the local plan has been accepted."
A West Mercia Police spokesman confirmed the police had been informed and attended the site on Monday.
"We are monitoring the site and liaising with the landowners."
Residents turn out in force to oppose A16 Travellers’ site - Lincolnshire
From the Boston Standard
Concerned villagers from Stickford, East Keal and the surrounding area turned out in force to a meeting last night (Tuesday) in which they made their opposition to a Travellers site in the area clear.
More than 130 people attended a heated debate in which they questioned representatives of county and district councils on issues such as a lack of consultation, where sites might go, the fact no planning application had gone in, need for amenities (and lack of in Stickford and East Keal), cost and how to oppose decision.
It was revealed that the council had commissioned a report by Ark Housing Consultancy into gypsy and Travellers needs.
This included recommendations for 20 stopping places, three transit sites (in Mablethorpe, Skegness and ‘somewhere along the A16 from Boston to Spilsby’) and a permanent site - however, Coun Craig Leyland, the Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration for East Lindsey District Council refused to guarantee that no site would be placed in Stickford or say where any other sites would be considered.
Residents were assured that no planning application had gone in and that when the process did take place in the new year, probably April, they would have a chance to have their say.
see also: The Boston Standard - VIDEO: Woman ejected from meeting about Travellers sites on the A16
The BBC - Stickford villagers voice Traveller camp fears
Concerned villagers from Stickford, East Keal and the surrounding area turned out in force to a meeting last night (Tuesday) in which they made their opposition to a Travellers site in the area clear.
More than 130 people attended a heated debate in which they questioned representatives of county and district councils on issues such as a lack of consultation, where sites might go, the fact no planning application had gone in, need for amenities (and lack of in Stickford and East Keal), cost and how to oppose decision.
It was revealed that the council had commissioned a report by Ark Housing Consultancy into gypsy and Travellers needs.
This included recommendations for 20 stopping places, three transit sites (in Mablethorpe, Skegness and ‘somewhere along the A16 from Boston to Spilsby’) and a permanent site - however, Coun Craig Leyland, the Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration for East Lindsey District Council refused to guarantee that no site would be placed in Stickford or say where any other sites would be considered.
Residents were assured that no planning application had gone in and that when the process did take place in the new year, probably April, they would have a chance to have their say.
see also: The Boston Standard - VIDEO: Woman ejected from meeting about Travellers sites on the A16
The BBC - Stickford villagers voice Traveller camp fears
Travellers who camped near Derby have left the area - Derbyshire
From the Derby Telegraph
A GROUP of more than 70 Travellers who camped next to a by-pass on the outskirts of Derby have left the site.
More than 30 caravans had arrived on land next to the A6 between Alvaston and Thulston.
They began arriving on Monday and continued in to Tuesday but by 11pm on Tuesday night had left the area.
The camp included a number of grazing horses.
Police were in the process of issuing the group with a code of conduct which, when signed, sees them agree to behave in "an appropriate manner" while on the land.
But now they have left the area and it is not known where they have travelled to.
Inspector Nigel Lidsey is in charge of policing in South Derbyshire.
He said: “We conducted patrols in the area to check on the site and by 11pm on Tuesday the Travellers had left.
“It is now known where they have gone or if they are still in South Derbyshire.”
When the Derby Telegraph went to the site, on Tuesday afternoon, no-one from the camp wanted to speak.
But Jane Thornton, who lives locally, was walking her dog by the underpass.
She said: "This is a very popular route where people like me take their dogs walking to Elvaston Castle and they blocked it off.
"It is intimidating having to walk through a camp like this where there are so many people and animals.”
A GROUP of more than 70 Travellers who camped next to a by-pass on the outskirts of Derby have left the site.
More than 30 caravans had arrived on land next to the A6 between Alvaston and Thulston.
They began arriving on Monday and continued in to Tuesday but by 11pm on Tuesday night had left the area.
The camp included a number of grazing horses.
Police were in the process of issuing the group with a code of conduct which, when signed, sees them agree to behave in "an appropriate manner" while on the land.
But now they have left the area and it is not known where they have travelled to.
Inspector Nigel Lidsey is in charge of policing in South Derbyshire.
He said: “We conducted patrols in the area to check on the site and by 11pm on Tuesday the Travellers had left.
“It is now known where they have gone or if they are still in South Derbyshire.”
When the Derby Telegraph went to the site, on Tuesday afternoon, no-one from the camp wanted to speak.
But Jane Thornton, who lives locally, was walking her dog by the underpass.
She said: "This is a very popular route where people like me take their dogs walking to Elvaston Castle and they blocked it off.
"It is intimidating having to walk through a camp like this where there are so many people and animals.”
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