Halifax council tightens security in bid to keep Travellers out - Yorkshire

From the Yorkshire Post

A YORKSHIRE council plagued by costly illegal Traveller encampments is planning to beef up security at vulnerable sites.

Calderdale Council in Halifax is forced to spend tens of thousands of pounds every year on security, legal and clean-up costs following unauthorised camps.

The authority is to review how it deals with the problem – and will consider whether to establish designated, authorised sites for gipsies and Travellers.

The council’s Cabinet member for communities, Councillor Steve Sweeney said: “On several occasions recently, Travellers have arrived at sites in Calderdale, causing distress to local people and leaving rubbish which can be costly to remove.

“So we are reviewing the way we deal with this problem. As part of the review we’ll be considering the merits of designated authorised sites, but our main focus is on how we work with the police to minimise the impact on communities when there are unauthorised encampments.

“Prevention is clearly the best option, so we have assessed all our parks and open spaces and will strengthen security at those that need it most.

“We will carry out any improvement works within our existing budget for managing parks and open spaces.”

Councillor Sweeney said the authority would act within the law but “will also be firm where necessary”.

He added: “We are assessing all of our vulnerable sites to see what measures can be put in place to deter Travellers.

“We have identified some funding which will be used to strengthen the security at those sites that need it most.

“It is important that we have a consistent and co-ordinated approach to unauthorised encampments, working closely with the West Yorkshire Police.

“We will take reasonable care and act within the law, but we will also be firm where necessary to minimise disruption and nuisance to our local communities.”

The council review of its Unauthorised Encampment Protocol will be considered by the Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police, fire and health services and Calderdale Council’s Cabinet. The review will begin in the winter.

In one recent incident, a group of Travellers took over a play area and sports field in Halifax. Caravans were parked up at Shelf Hall Park, Shelf in September.