From the Shields Gazette
OWN Hall officials are on a collision course with farm owners over “momentous” plans for South Tyneside’s first permanent Gypsy site.
Planners are recommending the go-ahead for construction of 11 four-metre-high brick buildings to provide kitchen and bathroom facilities, utility storage and general living space at the Travellers’ site in West Pastures, off Newcastle Road, West Boldon.
The 7,600 sq metres area is currently classed as a temporary site.
But if, as recommended, South Tyneside Council’s planning committee gives the application the go-ahead – it will become permanent.
The application has raised the hackles of nearby farm owners – including Scott’s House Farm, Northmoor Farm, Strother House Farm and West Moor Farm – who object to building on green belt agricultural land and claim the land “has been a mess” since Travellers used it.
In a report to the committee, a spokesman for Scott’s House Farm says: “There’s a burnt-out wagon, wrecked caravans and building rubbish.
“This proposal is a gross over-development of the site.
“They are our closest neighbour and we have been disturbed by noise late at night, and there has been an incident with a gun on the site.”
A spokesman for Strother House Farm adds: “The whole approach to the owners placing caravans on the site has been without regard to the planning authority, neighbours and the environment.
“Trees were felled, hedges destroyed and ground stripped of soil, levelled and hardstanding provided in a weekend.
“Then the caravans arrived and they took up residency, so that there was no danger of an enforcement order being served.
“The Travellers had then arrived and began to chisel away at the local authority to retrospectively grant permission to stay.”
After a public inquiry, temporary planning permission for the site was granted in March 2008 for a three-year period, which expired in March 2011.
It has since been identified as a “suitable site for Gypsy/Traveller development” in the council’s development plan.
Heine Planning Consultancy, representing the Travellers, stressed the importance of access to amenities in each of the caravan plots.
A council spokesman said: “All councils have a legal requirement to provide for the local accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
“The various issues and objections in connection with the application will be considered at the meeting.”
The committee will meet at South Shields Town Hall on Monday, December 9, from 10am.
see also: The Shields Gazette - Travellers’ planner praises South Tyneside Council for Gypsy site decision
The Shields Gazette - Inspector paved way for Gypsy camp decision
The Sunderland Echo - Farmers anger at plans for permanent Travellers site on Sunderland border
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Expansion plans opposed for Sandy site not in Gypsy plan - Bedfordshire
From the Advertiser
A councillor has condemned a scheme to allow more caravans at a site near Sandy, despite it not being short-listed for expansion in Gypsy plans.
In its Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan, which was consulted on earlier this year, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) identified several sites that might accept more members of the travelling community.
But if a new application for a lawful development certificate is granted, four extra caravans could be allowed at Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, despite the site not featuring in the local plan.
Though the site only has permission for one caravan at present, that could soon change if planners agree more wouldn’t constitute a change of the site’s use.
Sandy Town Council member Cllr Michael Scott, who covers the site as part of his Beeston Ward, told the Advertiser: “I personally would be vehemently against it.
“There has only even been one caravan on site, never five, so it does constitute a change of use.
“Permission for the existing one was only gained by default because CBC never enforced the removal of the caravan.
“This is a greenfield site being used for such a purpose unnecessarily when it is not one of the planned sites for Travellers being looked at by CBC.”
He added: “The access is totally unsuitable because it comes off of the A1. Unless they plan to rectify it – which coming out on to the A1 would be very expensive I believe – the access is unsafe.
“The site is also on the edge of a flood plain and therefore not suitable for development.”
A document submitted alongside the application argues: “The main issue in this case is whether an increase in the number of caravans from one to five constitutes a material change of use for planning purposes.
“Clearly, any increase in the number of caravans would be likely to result in more traffic, more on-site activity, and have a more intensive appearance.
“But provided these impacts constitute more of the same they will not result in a definable change in the character of the use.”
The document continues: “There are no nearby residential properties sufficiently close by to be unduly disturbed by additional residential activity on the appeal site.”
Cllr Scott also contested this claim, saying: “That is untrue. There are two immediate neighbours I know personally and they are very upset.”
A councillor has condemned a scheme to allow more caravans at a site near Sandy, despite it not being short-listed for expansion in Gypsy plans.
In its Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan, which was consulted on earlier this year, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) identified several sites that might accept more members of the travelling community.
But if a new application for a lawful development certificate is granted, four extra caravans could be allowed at Long Lake Meadow, High Road, Seddington, despite the site not featuring in the local plan.
Though the site only has permission for one caravan at present, that could soon change if planners agree more wouldn’t constitute a change of the site’s use.
Sandy Town Council member Cllr Michael Scott, who covers the site as part of his Beeston Ward, told the Advertiser: “I personally would be vehemently against it.
“There has only even been one caravan on site, never five, so it does constitute a change of use.
“Permission for the existing one was only gained by default because CBC never enforced the removal of the caravan.
“This is a greenfield site being used for such a purpose unnecessarily when it is not one of the planned sites for Travellers being looked at by CBC.”
He added: “The access is totally unsuitable because it comes off of the A1. Unless they plan to rectify it – which coming out on to the A1 would be very expensive I believe – the access is unsafe.
“The site is also on the edge of a flood plain and therefore not suitable for development.”
A document submitted alongside the application argues: “The main issue in this case is whether an increase in the number of caravans from one to five constitutes a material change of use for planning purposes.
“Clearly, any increase in the number of caravans would be likely to result in more traffic, more on-site activity, and have a more intensive appearance.
“But provided these impacts constitute more of the same they will not result in a definable change in the character of the use.”
The document continues: “There are no nearby residential properties sufficiently close by to be unduly disturbed by additional residential activity on the appeal site.”
Cllr Scott also contested this claim, saying: “That is untrue. There are two immediate neighbours I know personally and they are very upset.”
Friday, 29 November 2013
Evicted Travellers slam 'disgusting' treatment by council - Essex
From the Brentwood Gazette
A TRAVELLER evicted from his home in Ongar has admitted: "I don't know where my daughters are, I don't know where they have gone."
Patrick Gammell Junior was one of around 70 Travellers who fled the site in Epping Lane after Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) took them to court for breach of an injunction.
The High Court banned the group from pitching up but they returned in August this year.
After being summoned back to court on November 13, representatives Patrick Gammell and Patrick Donovan were thrown in the cells while the judge deliberated their case, a situation described as "petrifying" by one of the men.
Speaking to the Gazette, a tearful Patrick Gammell Junior said: "I don't know where my daughters are, I don't know where they have gone.
"My kids have been taken out of school and won't get an education.
"It was petrifying – the women just took their kids and ran.
Patrick Gammell Junior's father Patrick Gammell is co-owner of the land in Stapleford Tawney which is known as Birchfield.
Looking back at the moment Judge Seymour QC locked him up, Mr Gammell said: "It was one of the scariest moments of my life – I have never been in jail before and I have never been a criminal.
"We thought he must be joking when he passed down the sentence. It was a very nerve-racking few hours.
"We were falsely imprisoned, it wasn't the fault of the judge – Epping Forest got it wrong and our barrister had to get us freed.
"We were sentenced and released on the same day – I was in jail for five hours."
Judge Seymour later suspended their sentences and the two Travellers freed, on the agreement they vacate the site by 2pm on Wednesday.
Mr Gammell, who was in the process of hitching up his caravan when the Gazette spoke to him on Friday, continued: "The treatment of us by the council has been disgusting.
"They dared us and they threatened us that if we moved anywhere else in Epping they would get us.
"They stole our land, kicked us out of our home and stole our chickens. The treatment has been awful."
The Birchfield Traveller site has been the subject of legal action since 2006.
Leader of EFDC, Councillor Chris Whitbread, said: "I want to thank Judge Seymour for upholding the injunction and sending a clear message that the laws which protect our green belt and countryside apply to us all."
A TRAVELLER evicted from his home in Ongar has admitted: "I don't know where my daughters are, I don't know where they have gone."
Patrick Gammell Junior was one of around 70 Travellers who fled the site in Epping Lane after Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) took them to court for breach of an injunction.
The High Court banned the group from pitching up but they returned in August this year.
After being summoned back to court on November 13, representatives Patrick Gammell and Patrick Donovan were thrown in the cells while the judge deliberated their case, a situation described as "petrifying" by one of the men.
Speaking to the Gazette, a tearful Patrick Gammell Junior said: "I don't know where my daughters are, I don't know where they have gone.
"My kids have been taken out of school and won't get an education.
"It was petrifying – the women just took their kids and ran.
Patrick Gammell Junior's father Patrick Gammell is co-owner of the land in Stapleford Tawney which is known as Birchfield.
Looking back at the moment Judge Seymour QC locked him up, Mr Gammell said: "It was one of the scariest moments of my life – I have never been in jail before and I have never been a criminal.
"We thought he must be joking when he passed down the sentence. It was a very nerve-racking few hours.
"We were falsely imprisoned, it wasn't the fault of the judge – Epping Forest got it wrong and our barrister had to get us freed.
"We were sentenced and released on the same day – I was in jail for five hours."
Judge Seymour later suspended their sentences and the two Travellers freed, on the agreement they vacate the site by 2pm on Wednesday.
Mr Gammell, who was in the process of hitching up his caravan when the Gazette spoke to him on Friday, continued: "The treatment of us by the council has been disgusting.
"They dared us and they threatened us that if we moved anywhere else in Epping they would get us.
"They stole our land, kicked us out of our home and stole our chickens. The treatment has been awful."
The Birchfield Traveller site has been the subject of legal action since 2006.
Leader of EFDC, Councillor Chris Whitbread, said: "I want to thank Judge Seymour for upholding the injunction and sending a clear message that the laws which protect our green belt and countryside apply to us all."
Report says St Cyrus Travellers’ site fails on key policies - Aberdeenshire
From the Courier
Concerns from Mearns residents over a developing Travellers’ site near St Cyrus have been backed by a damning council report.
Aberdeenshire Council’s policy observations department has stated the site, which has been gradually developing since late September, fails to comply with five key planning policies, including rules on development in the countryside and safeguarding of resources and areas of conservation and agricultural land.
However, leading Angus organisation Article 12, which represents Travellers’ interests in Scotland, said the report does not take the human aspect of the application into account.
A two-month-long dispute has rumbled on in St Cyrus after a group of Travellers moved on to the land near Nether Warburton and began to dig it up to build a permanent caravan site in late September.
Work was started without planning permission and the land has been transformed into a functioning destination for the Travelling community, blocked off to the outside world by a large wooden perimeter fence.
A retrospective planning application was submitted by Traveller James McCallum to Aberdeenshire Council, seeking permission to build a 10 stance permanent holding for Gypsy caravans, the day after the group arrived on site.
A number of mixed representations have been received in response to the plans but the authority’s policy observations department has conclusively stated that the site breaks council planning policy on five counts.
The report, compiled by policy observations officer David Dunne, has been welcomed by those objecting to the site, as it reflects many of the previously aired public concerns for the environment and future of the site.
Mr Dunne said: “The development in question does not satisfy the criteria set out in SG RD1 (housing and business development in the countryside), as the development is not for the refurbishment or replacement of an existing or disused building; a suitable addition to the organic growth of a settlement or for the provision of a single dwelling associated with the succession of a viable farm.
“Additionally as the site is within the rural housing market area the following also apply — the site is not an employment proposal; it is not an addition to an existing cohesive group.
“It is also not clear that any specific social or economic need for development in this rural location, remote from services, has been identified.”
Mr Dunne’s report also outlines the application and site’s lack of compliance with planning policy for special housing needs and Aberdeenshire Council’s guidance for Traveller site development.
He added: “On sites which have not been allocated, such as this site, it is necessary that the application show ‘a newly arising need can be proven’.
In this case the application has not shown why it is necessary to provide a permanent or temporary halting site in this remote location. As such they have not shown compliance with this policy.
“Leaving the ‘proven need’ aside, it would still be necessary to show compliance with a series of criteria in relation to any particular site.
“Assessing the proposed site against these criteria again shows that the site fails to comply with the policy.”
A St Cyrus resident, who declined to be named because of what he sees as the potential for “serious conflict” that could arise from the situation, said that the report seems to “back up” many of the opposition comments to the development.
He added: “It is shocking that they have a need to, and have taken such a long time to, have someone let them know what their own policy is. Hopefully the council will follow policy, treat this as any other development would be and reject it outright.”
Despite the department’s firm stance on the site’s lack of compliance, other statutory consultees have shown no objection, including Sepa and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Lynne Tammini, spokesperson for Article 12, said that while the report from Mr Dunne completes its own objectives, it does not take the over-arching social aspects of the application in to account.
She said: “Mr Dunne has done his job and it has been done well. It’s an objective assessment of the planning policy but what the committee and planning officers need to do is make sure that the planning and policy is viewed with equal weight to the social benefits of the site being there.
“This situation has the potential to begin to address the tensions which we all know about between the two communities. It is well documented.
“The Scottish Government set up a working group a couple of years ago to look at ways of building bridges between them. If you never meet someone from the other side then that just increases the fear and lack of understanding.
“If the local authority really is committed to helping build bridges between the two communities then this is, in my opinion, a great starting point.”
Concerns from Mearns residents over a developing Travellers’ site near St Cyrus have been backed by a damning council report.
Aberdeenshire Council’s policy observations department has stated the site, which has been gradually developing since late September, fails to comply with five key planning policies, including rules on development in the countryside and safeguarding of resources and areas of conservation and agricultural land.
However, leading Angus organisation Article 12, which represents Travellers’ interests in Scotland, said the report does not take the human aspect of the application into account.
A two-month-long dispute has rumbled on in St Cyrus after a group of Travellers moved on to the land near Nether Warburton and began to dig it up to build a permanent caravan site in late September.
Work was started without planning permission and the land has been transformed into a functioning destination for the Travelling community, blocked off to the outside world by a large wooden perimeter fence.
A retrospective planning application was submitted by Traveller James McCallum to Aberdeenshire Council, seeking permission to build a 10 stance permanent holding for Gypsy caravans, the day after the group arrived on site.
A number of mixed representations have been received in response to the plans but the authority’s policy observations department has conclusively stated that the site breaks council planning policy on five counts.
The report, compiled by policy observations officer David Dunne, has been welcomed by those objecting to the site, as it reflects many of the previously aired public concerns for the environment and future of the site.
Mr Dunne said: “The development in question does not satisfy the criteria set out in SG RD1 (housing and business development in the countryside), as the development is not for the refurbishment or replacement of an existing or disused building; a suitable addition to the organic growth of a settlement or for the provision of a single dwelling associated with the succession of a viable farm.
“Additionally as the site is within the rural housing market area the following also apply — the site is not an employment proposal; it is not an addition to an existing cohesive group.
“It is also not clear that any specific social or economic need for development in this rural location, remote from services, has been identified.”
Mr Dunne’s report also outlines the application and site’s lack of compliance with planning policy for special housing needs and Aberdeenshire Council’s guidance for Traveller site development.
He added: “On sites which have not been allocated, such as this site, it is necessary that the application show ‘a newly arising need can be proven’.
In this case the application has not shown why it is necessary to provide a permanent or temporary halting site in this remote location. As such they have not shown compliance with this policy.
“Leaving the ‘proven need’ aside, it would still be necessary to show compliance with a series of criteria in relation to any particular site.
“Assessing the proposed site against these criteria again shows that the site fails to comply with the policy.”
A St Cyrus resident, who declined to be named because of what he sees as the potential for “serious conflict” that could arise from the situation, said that the report seems to “back up” many of the opposition comments to the development.
He added: “It is shocking that they have a need to, and have taken such a long time to, have someone let them know what their own policy is. Hopefully the council will follow policy, treat this as any other development would be and reject it outright.”
Despite the department’s firm stance on the site’s lack of compliance, other statutory consultees have shown no objection, including Sepa and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Lynne Tammini, spokesperson for Article 12, said that while the report from Mr Dunne completes its own objectives, it does not take the over-arching social aspects of the application in to account.
She said: “Mr Dunne has done his job and it has been done well. It’s an objective assessment of the planning policy but what the committee and planning officers need to do is make sure that the planning and policy is viewed with equal weight to the social benefits of the site being there.
“This situation has the potential to begin to address the tensions which we all know about between the two communities. It is well documented.
“The Scottish Government set up a working group a couple of years ago to look at ways of building bridges between them. If you never meet someone from the other side then that just increases the fear and lack of understanding.
“If the local authority really is committed to helping build bridges between the two communities then this is, in my opinion, a great starting point.”
Luton council begins legal proceedings against Travellers camped by the old Luton Regional Sports Centre building - Bedfordshire
From Luton On Sunday
THE council has started legal proceedings against a set of Travellers discovered this morning.
Workers from Luton council’s parks department first saw the caravans by the old Luton Regional Sports Centre building earlier today.
They then notified their colleagues at the town hall who have now begun taking steps to have them evicted.
A council spokesman said: “We are aware of Travellers by the old Luton Regional Sports Centre building and have started the legal process.”
THE council has started legal proceedings against a set of Travellers discovered this morning.
Workers from Luton council’s parks department first saw the caravans by the old Luton Regional Sports Centre building earlier today.
They then notified their colleagues at the town hall who have now begun taking steps to have them evicted.
A council spokesman said: “We are aware of Travellers by the old Luton Regional Sports Centre building and have started the legal process.”
Travellers invade Harrow car park - London
From Get West London
Travellers have moved into a car park causing neighbours concern about disturbance and their safety.
The council has confirmed that this is the biggest illegal camp to be set up in Harrow for the past five years.
Families arrived in about 15 caravans last night (Thursday November 28) and have set up home in the car park of the privately-owned Kodak Sports Ground in Harrow View, Wealdstone.
Lydia Heslin, who lives in a neighbouring road, said: “They came here in the night.
“The first we knew about it was this horrific sound, which was the sound of the generators that have been set up on the concrete. They are so noisy, we heard them all night long.”
The mother said there had been a police presence all night and today (Friday), but she was still concerned as some of the visitors had been acting aggressively towards neighbours.
She said: “My elderly neighbour went there to speak to them and they told him ‘get off my land’. I understand they need somewhere to live, but not in a car park in a residential area.”
There has been some suggestion that the group may have been displaced from Ealing borough.
The site is owned by Land Securities and is part of the Kodak and Zoom Leisure sites in Harrow View that are set to undergo a £320million redevelopment by the firm, which been working with Harrow Council on the project for the past three years.
Cllr Susan Hall, leader of Harrow Council, today condemned an illegal Traveller site which has set up in the grounds of the former Kodak factory in Harrow, north West London.
She said: “These people have no right to simply set up home anywhere they like in Harrow. This is nothing to do with ethnicity or lifestyle choice; the fact is being a Traveller does not mean you can take a pick and mix approach to the law, you have to abide by the same laws about where you can live as everyone else does.
“We will watch the situation carefully and if an eviction proves necessary, we entirely back the police in that.”
Police are currently assessing the situation.
see also: ITV - Harrow Council: Illegal Travellers 'must abide by law'
Travellers have moved into a car park causing neighbours concern about disturbance and their safety.
The council has confirmed that this is the biggest illegal camp to be set up in Harrow for the past five years.
Families arrived in about 15 caravans last night (Thursday November 28) and have set up home in the car park of the privately-owned Kodak Sports Ground in Harrow View, Wealdstone.
Lydia Heslin, who lives in a neighbouring road, said: “They came here in the night.
“The first we knew about it was this horrific sound, which was the sound of the generators that have been set up on the concrete. They are so noisy, we heard them all night long.”
The mother said there had been a police presence all night and today (Friday), but she was still concerned as some of the visitors had been acting aggressively towards neighbours.
She said: “My elderly neighbour went there to speak to them and they told him ‘get off my land’. I understand they need somewhere to live, but not in a car park in a residential area.”
There has been some suggestion that the group may have been displaced from Ealing borough.
The site is owned by Land Securities and is part of the Kodak and Zoom Leisure sites in Harrow View that are set to undergo a £320million redevelopment by the firm, which been working with Harrow Council on the project for the past three years.
Cllr Susan Hall, leader of Harrow Council, today condemned an illegal Traveller site which has set up in the grounds of the former Kodak factory in Harrow, north West London.
She said: “These people have no right to simply set up home anywhere they like in Harrow. This is nothing to do with ethnicity or lifestyle choice; the fact is being a Traveller does not mean you can take a pick and mix approach to the law, you have to abide by the same laws about where you can live as everyone else does.
“We will watch the situation carefully and if an eviction proves necessary, we entirely back the police in that.”
Police are currently assessing the situation.
see also: ITV - Harrow Council: Illegal Travellers 'must abide by law'
'Weight' and 'Gypsy' taunts led to attack, Scunthorpe court told - Lincolnshire
From the Scunthorpe Telegraph
TAUNTS about his weight and being a Gypsy led a man to kick and punch the perpetrator, a court in Scunthorpe heard.
Robert Beswick had gone to the shops to buy rice for his dad’s water-damaged phone when he came across a man who is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with his father.
Beswick, 20, of West Acridge in Barton, admitted assault occasioning harm at a hearing at North Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court.
Anthony Mowbray, prosecuting, told the court the incident was part of a longer running incident that is also going through the courts.
Beswick is said to have known about an alleged early altercation and saw the victim stood outside the Spice Lounge in Barton on his way home from the shops.
Mr Mowbray said Beswick attacked the victim who then fell to the floor. When he did, Beswick delivered punches and kicks to the victim who was later taken to Hull Royal Infirmary.
He sustained a fracture to the cheekbone, but there is no evidence this was a result of injuries sustained following the attack by Beswick.
In police interview, Beswick said he had been taunted about his weight and being a Gypsy and reacted.
However, he told police he acted in self-defence, fearing an attack by the other man.
Graham Rix, prosecuting, said Beswick believed he had not done anything to fracture the victim’s cheekbone and there was no evidence to suggest this.
Mr Rix said: “Some abuse was hurled his way – things that are not nice to be called by anyone. He confronted the man about an incident between him and his father and blows were struck.
“He should not have reacted in the way that the did – he lost his cool and this is a learning curve. He is not a man who will trouble the courts again.”
Beswick was given a 12-month community order, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 compensation, costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.
TAUNTS about his weight and being a Gypsy led a man to kick and punch the perpetrator, a court in Scunthorpe heard.
Robert Beswick had gone to the shops to buy rice for his dad’s water-damaged phone when he came across a man who is alleged to have been involved in an altercation with his father.
Beswick, 20, of West Acridge in Barton, admitted assault occasioning harm at a hearing at North Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court.
Anthony Mowbray, prosecuting, told the court the incident was part of a longer running incident that is also going through the courts.
Beswick is said to have known about an alleged early altercation and saw the victim stood outside the Spice Lounge in Barton on his way home from the shops.
Mr Mowbray said Beswick attacked the victim who then fell to the floor. When he did, Beswick delivered punches and kicks to the victim who was later taken to Hull Royal Infirmary.
He sustained a fracture to the cheekbone, but there is no evidence this was a result of injuries sustained following the attack by Beswick.
In police interview, Beswick said he had been taunted about his weight and being a Gypsy and reacted.
However, he told police he acted in self-defence, fearing an attack by the other man.
Graham Rix, prosecuting, said Beswick believed he had not done anything to fracture the victim’s cheekbone and there was no evidence to suggest this.
Mr Rix said: “Some abuse was hurled his way – things that are not nice to be called by anyone. He confronted the man about an incident between him and his father and blows were struck.
“He should not have reacted in the way that the did – he lost his cool and this is a learning curve. He is not a man who will trouble the courts again.”
Beswick was given a 12-month community order, 100 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 compensation, costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
City Travellers living in “extremely poor conditions” - Ireland
From the Limerick Post
THE Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) claims that families are living in “extremely poor conditions” with overcrowding and no facilities at halting sites and group housing schemes in the city.
In the wake of further reductions in the local authority Traveller accommodation budget for 2014, living conditions for Travellers will “worsen”, warns the ITM, a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community.
The lobby group issued a statement to the Limerick Post this week following a special briefing on the Limerick Local Authorities draft Traveller accommodation programme at City Hall.
“There are a number of group housing schemes and halting sites in Limerick City that are overcrowded and families living with no facilities. The halting sites and group housing schemes are in extremely poor condition that no human being should be subject to. There are still many families who have been included in the previous Traveller accommodation programme who are still waiting for accommodation,” the ITM statement explained.
“Almost 15 years and three accommodation programmes later, key questions’ must be asked as to what has changed for Travellers in regards to their accommodation needs in Limerick?
“Traveller accommodation is at a crisis level because of the failure to deliver and implement the Traveller accommodation programme. There seems to be little political will or commitment from Limerick City Council to deliver Traveller accommodation.”
“We are also aware that there are a high number of families looking for Traveller specific accommodation such as halting sites. This need was supposed to be met in the last Traveller accommodation programme and the programme before that but this was never delivered,” claims the ITM.
According to the lobby group, €50 million for Traveller accommodation has been underspent nationally, with local authorities failing to draw down their allocated funding for Traveller accommodation.
The ITM along with other national and local Travellers groups held a peaceful protest on Monday last, November 25, outside Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown, Dublin.
The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014-2018 will go on public display in Limerick at the end of January.
THE Irish Traveller Movement (ITM) claims that families are living in “extremely poor conditions” with overcrowding and no facilities at halting sites and group housing schemes in the city.
In the wake of further reductions in the local authority Traveller accommodation budget for 2014, living conditions for Travellers will “worsen”, warns the ITM, a national network of organisations and individuals working within the Traveller community.
The lobby group issued a statement to the Limerick Post this week following a special briefing on the Limerick Local Authorities draft Traveller accommodation programme at City Hall.
“There are a number of group housing schemes and halting sites in Limerick City that are overcrowded and families living with no facilities. The halting sites and group housing schemes are in extremely poor condition that no human being should be subject to. There are still many families who have been included in the previous Traveller accommodation programme who are still waiting for accommodation,” the ITM statement explained.
“Almost 15 years and three accommodation programmes later, key questions’ must be asked as to what has changed for Travellers in regards to their accommodation needs in Limerick?
“Traveller accommodation is at a crisis level because of the failure to deliver and implement the Traveller accommodation programme. There seems to be little political will or commitment from Limerick City Council to deliver Traveller accommodation.”
“We are also aware that there are a high number of families looking for Traveller specific accommodation such as halting sites. This need was supposed to be met in the last Traveller accommodation programme and the programme before that but this was never delivered,” claims the ITM.
According to the lobby group, €50 million for Traveller accommodation has been underspent nationally, with local authorities failing to draw down their allocated funding for Traveller accommodation.
The ITM along with other national and local Travellers groups held a peaceful protest on Monday last, November 25, outside Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown, Dublin.
The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014-2018 will go on public display in Limerick at the end of January.
Travellers move off sports ground car park - London
From the Enfield Advertiser
TRAVELLERS briefly set up camp in the car park of a football stadium on Tuesday, before moving on after negotiations with the council.
According to Enfield Town Football Club match secretary Keith Wortley, a number of caravans appeared in the car park alongside Enfield Playing Fields, on Tuesday morning.
The Travellers and police were initially engaged in a stand-off, however Enfield Council said there were “peaceful negotiations” throughout the day.
A council spokeswoman said: “At no point were there any altercations whatsoever, it was amicable throughout between the Travellers, council and the police.”
The council said it informed the Travellers it would be enforcing the parks' by-laws, however by 6pm the Travellers had left the site of their own accord.
Enfield Town’s Isthmian League Cup match with Harlow Town on Tuesday night went ahead as planned.
There is no official provision for Travellers anywhere in the borough.
TRAVELLERS briefly set up camp in the car park of a football stadium on Tuesday, before moving on after negotiations with the council.
According to Enfield Town Football Club match secretary Keith Wortley, a number of caravans appeared in the car park alongside Enfield Playing Fields, on Tuesday morning.
The Travellers and police were initially engaged in a stand-off, however Enfield Council said there were “peaceful negotiations” throughout the day.
A council spokeswoman said: “At no point were there any altercations whatsoever, it was amicable throughout between the Travellers, council and the police.”
The council said it informed the Travellers it would be enforcing the parks' by-laws, however by 6pm the Travellers had left the site of their own accord.
Enfield Town’s Isthmian League Cup match with Harlow Town on Tuesday night went ahead as planned.
There is no official provision for Travellers anywhere in the borough.
Major fears after static homes move onto Travellers' site - Essex
From the Basildon Recorder
FEARS are growing that a Travellers site in Thundersley could become permanent after two static homes were seen moving in.
Residents spotted Travellers moving static mobile homes on to Janda Field, in Fane Road.
Up until now, the Travellers have only had wheeled caravans on site.
Residents said they were outraged the Travellers had put static homes on the green belt site when they had been told it was not allowed.
Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Local Government, has yet to make a decision about whether the Travellers can stay on Janda Field.
Castle Point Council turned down Miles and Michael McCarthy’s permanent plans for a three-pitch site in December last year.
The application sparked fears it could lead to the borough’s own version of Dale Farm.
The decision was referred to a planning inspector and the council and Travellers fought it out in May.
But following an announcement in Parliament about protecting green belt land, the appeal was instead referred to Mr Pickles.
The final decision is due at any time.
Dave Blackwell, of Castle Point Council, hit out at Mr Pickles for dragging his feet.
He said: “I’m not surprised residents are getting frustrated.
“He just can’t seem to make his mind up what to do.
“When it comes to the crunch, it seems Mr Pickles doesn’t want to take action, which sends out the wrong message.”
Residents watched on yesterday as the second of two static caravans was put on to the site.
One resident, of Great Burches Road, said: “There are two very large mobile homes now. The second was only moved on there this afternoon.
“These are permanent homes and they have not got permission to live there.
“We’re still waiting for this decision and we just don’t know what’s going on anymore.
“Residents’ properties have gone down in value since they have been there.
The council won’t allow anyone else to build on the land and yet these Travellers are just living there.”
Castle Point Council said it was unable to take any action until the Government’s decision had been reached.
A spokeswoman said: “The Secretary of State has still not made a decision, but it is expected any time.
“We need to wait until the decision has been made because it will have an affect on what the council can do.”
FEARS are growing that a Travellers site in Thundersley could become permanent after two static homes were seen moving in.
Residents spotted Travellers moving static mobile homes on to Janda Field, in Fane Road.
Up until now, the Travellers have only had wheeled caravans on site.
Residents said they were outraged the Travellers had put static homes on the green belt site when they had been told it was not allowed.
Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Local Government, has yet to make a decision about whether the Travellers can stay on Janda Field.
Castle Point Council turned down Miles and Michael McCarthy’s permanent plans for a three-pitch site in December last year.
The application sparked fears it could lead to the borough’s own version of Dale Farm.
The decision was referred to a planning inspector and the council and Travellers fought it out in May.
But following an announcement in Parliament about protecting green belt land, the appeal was instead referred to Mr Pickles.
The final decision is due at any time.
Dave Blackwell, of Castle Point Council, hit out at Mr Pickles for dragging his feet.
He said: “I’m not surprised residents are getting frustrated.
“He just can’t seem to make his mind up what to do.
“When it comes to the crunch, it seems Mr Pickles doesn’t want to take action, which sends out the wrong message.”
Residents watched on yesterday as the second of two static caravans was put on to the site.
One resident, of Great Burches Road, said: “There are two very large mobile homes now. The second was only moved on there this afternoon.
“These are permanent homes and they have not got permission to live there.
“We’re still waiting for this decision and we just don’t know what’s going on anymore.
“Residents’ properties have gone down in value since they have been there.
The council won’t allow anyone else to build on the land and yet these Travellers are just living there.”
Castle Point Council said it was unable to take any action until the Government’s decision had been reached.
A spokeswoman said: “The Secretary of State has still not made a decision, but it is expected any time.
“We need to wait until the decision has been made because it will have an affect on what the council can do.”
Bournemouth councillors waiting for official confirmation over plans to share Traveller site - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
COUNCILLORS are still waiting for official confirmation that their plans to share a Traveller transit site will allow for swifter enforcement action.
Bournemouth council says it has nowhere suitable to build a transit site and so is looking to share a facility with Poole and Dorset councils.
Efforts to get this arrangement approved by the government appear to have paid off, with Secretary of State Eric Pickles saying he ‘very much welcomes’ the idea of local councils working together.
But at the last meeting of Bournemouth cabinet, councillors were told they had still not received written confirmation from the government that a shared site would be sufficient to allow the police to use their enforcement powers.
Dorset Police and Bournemouth council believe the law currently only allows for the use of enforcement powers if Travellers can be moved to an authorised site within the borough boundary.
Cllr John Beesley, leader of the council, pictured, said: “Mr Pickles has told us that greater flexibility can be interpreted through the legislation by the police but we’re awaiting confirmation of that in writing.
“That’s a different interpretation of the act that has been used by the police and our own legal representatives.
“It will be welcome news if he is able to confirm that it will mean people can use a site that is not necessarily in the borough boundaries.”
He said Bournemouth council’s view was unchanged, adding: “From our knowledge of Bournemouth and borough-wide analysis taken during the Dorset County Council consultation, it’s very unlikely that a suitable alternative will be forthcoming in Bournemouth.”
COUNCILLORS are still waiting for official confirmation that their plans to share a Traveller transit site will allow for swifter enforcement action.
Bournemouth council says it has nowhere suitable to build a transit site and so is looking to share a facility with Poole and Dorset councils.
Efforts to get this arrangement approved by the government appear to have paid off, with Secretary of State Eric Pickles saying he ‘very much welcomes’ the idea of local councils working together.
But at the last meeting of Bournemouth cabinet, councillors were told they had still not received written confirmation from the government that a shared site would be sufficient to allow the police to use their enforcement powers.
Dorset Police and Bournemouth council believe the law currently only allows for the use of enforcement powers if Travellers can be moved to an authorised site within the borough boundary.
Cllr John Beesley, leader of the council, pictured, said: “Mr Pickles has told us that greater flexibility can be interpreted through the legislation by the police but we’re awaiting confirmation of that in writing.
“That’s a different interpretation of the act that has been used by the police and our own legal representatives.
“It will be welcome news if he is able to confirm that it will mean people can use a site that is not necessarily in the borough boundaries.”
He said Bournemouth council’s view was unchanged, adding: “From our knowledge of Bournemouth and borough-wide analysis taken during the Dorset County Council consultation, it’s very unlikely that a suitable alternative will be forthcoming in Bournemouth.”
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Temporary winter stopping place identified for Travellers in Bury St Edmunds as court grants injunctions to prevent further encampments - Suffolk
From the Bury Free Press
A temporary winter stopping place has been identified for a family of Travellers who have been pitching up on sites around Bury St Edmunds for the last nine months.
A small piece of land, part of a former highway, will be made available near the railway bridge off Ortewell Road - on the Great Barton side of the boundary with Motreton Hall, St Edmundsbury Borough Council has confirmed.
The stopping place is for a defined period of time and conditions such as the number of caravans will be imposed while the Travellers will pay a weekly fee for temporary toilets and waste collection.
Meanwhile, the council has been granted pre-emptive injunctions by the High Court which prevent any Travellers from illegally camping on council-owned town centre car parks and Moreton Hall open spaces.
They cover Ram Meadow, St Andrews, Parkway surface, School Yard East and West and Cattle Market/arc car parks as well as Moreton Hall green spaces.
The notices are expected to be posted today and Travellers will be in contempt of court and may be sent to prison, fined or have their assets seized if they move on to one of them and they can be immediately removed.
Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Cabinet member for housing, said: “A tolerated stopping place gives us an opportunity to allow only the core members of the family, who have lived and worked in the borough for more than a year, to have a temporary place to stay over the winter months.”
She added the temporary stopping place will be actively monitored to ensure the conditions are met.
Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Localities, said: “This decision has been made following a case conference under the Suffolk Protocol for managing unauthorised encampments. Working together, all the agencies involved have agreed it is the best possible temporary place. I can reassure everyone that we have carefully assessed the risks and there will be tight controls, as well as regular monitoring, in place.”
A temporary winter stopping place has been identified for a family of Travellers who have been pitching up on sites around Bury St Edmunds for the last nine months.
A small piece of land, part of a former highway, will be made available near the railway bridge off Ortewell Road - on the Great Barton side of the boundary with Motreton Hall, St Edmundsbury Borough Council has confirmed.
The stopping place is for a defined period of time and conditions such as the number of caravans will be imposed while the Travellers will pay a weekly fee for temporary toilets and waste collection.
Meanwhile, the council has been granted pre-emptive injunctions by the High Court which prevent any Travellers from illegally camping on council-owned town centre car parks and Moreton Hall open spaces.
They cover Ram Meadow, St Andrews, Parkway surface, School Yard East and West and Cattle Market/arc car parks as well as Moreton Hall green spaces.
The notices are expected to be posted today and Travellers will be in contempt of court and may be sent to prison, fined or have their assets seized if they move on to one of them and they can be immediately removed.
Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Cabinet member for housing, said: “A tolerated stopping place gives us an opportunity to allow only the core members of the family, who have lived and worked in the borough for more than a year, to have a temporary place to stay over the winter months.”
She added the temporary stopping place will be actively monitored to ensure the conditions are met.
Cllr Beccy Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Localities, said: “This decision has been made following a case conference under the Suffolk Protocol for managing unauthorised encampments. Working together, all the agencies involved have agreed it is the best possible temporary place. I can reassure everyone that we have carefully assessed the risks and there will be tight controls, as well as regular monitoring, in place.”
The scrap metal millionaires
From the Daily Mail
As austerity continues to bite and metal prices soar, the sight of scrap metal men hurling old microwaves into the backs of vans is an increasingly common one.
The job's not glamorous, but what few realise is that while other industries are struggling, Britain's scrap metal industry is a thriving, £10billion-a-year business that makes serious money for those who work hard.
A fascinating new documentary lifts the lid on the secret world where the Rolex-wearing, Mercedes-driving scrapyard boss turns over £7million a year, and the rag and bone man makes £12 a day trawling the streets with his pony and cart.
Called Getting Rich In The Recession: Scrappers, the show focuses on the characters who make their living at Sydenham Scrap Metal in south London.
Packed with compacted old cars, vacuum cleaners, cables, washing machines and other sort of metal junk, the yard is a thriving business run by 31-year-old Michael (his surname is not given) and his staff of eight.
The yard turns over 200 tonnes of scrap metal each week and pays out £60,000 a week to an army of self-employed scrappers, who scour London's streets for rubbish they can turn into cash.
Tattooed Michael, whose grandparents set up the business with just £50 decades ago, now makes millions from his business buying metal from scrappers and selling it on to be recycled.
They use a magnet to sort the metals - if it sticks it's iron and not worth much, and if it doesn't it's precious metal - copper, brass or lead - and worth up to 100 times as much.
Michael said: 'I started here at 14, no exams, nothing, and I turned over £7m last year. This is my life, but I'm happy.
'I'm 31. Who runs a multi-million pound business at 31?'
One of Michael's busiest scrappers is Adam, who turned to scrapping after he found it hard to get a job when he got out prison.
Former criminal gang member Adam, 26, said: 'It was going in houses tying people up to make them open their safes - it was all stockbrokers, footballers, really wealthy rich people.
'A lot of people got hurt, traumatised by it, things like that.'
Sentenced to 10 years in prison for burglary, theft and possessing prohibited weapon at just 18, Adam got out three years ago after serving five years and now makes up to £800 a day scrapping.
He said: 'No-one wanted to give me a job. This isn't what I wanted to do but it's easy, it's good money and it's not really against the law.'
Metal theft is a problem that grows alongside the price of metal, and results in lead being taken from churches' roofs, bronze statues being stolen, and vital cables stripped from railway lines.
One of the UK's fastest-growing crimes, the problem is barely addressed in the show, but Sydenham Scrap Metal has always refused to buy goods they believe to be stolen.
Keen to stay on the right side of the law, Adam concentrates on working hard to earn as much as he can, getting up early to beat competitors to the old printers and radiators he finds left on the streets overnight.
He said: 'I don't really know what a recession is. The most I've earned in one day is about £700 or £800, and I can earn up to £100,000 a year.
'I want the nice things in life. I want to be eating steak three times a week, I want a nice car, I want to buy stuff.'
But Adam said he didn't see scrap metal as a long-term career for him, and hoped instead to make enough money from his 'embarrassing' trade to set up on his own as a car dealer.
He said: 'I don't want to do this much longer really but I don't want to go back inside and see my son growing up outside.
'I'm doing this for him. I want my son to be driving around in a brand new M3 when he's 18.'
While Adam has a white van, grandfather and grandson scrappers Charlie and Alfie trot through the south London streets in a pony and cart, as their ancestors have done for five generations.
Charlie estimates he makes around £12-14 a day, or maybe up to £29 by collecting old washing machines and saucepans and taking them to the yard.
At 15, Alfie left school last year to work full-time collecting scrap metal with his grandfather and their piebald pony, Crackerjack.
Charlie said: 'He's a little bit streetwise so what can you do? Look at the size of him, how can a little teacher tell him what to do?
He added: 'It's in the blood. We're like scavengers.'
Cars are the most prized items to be brought to the yard, as the men enjoy crushing them, but old tumble-dryers from laundrettes are also popular, particularly if they still have coins in them - the record is 880 pound coins in one machine they crushed.
The only female scrapper to visit the yard at Sydenham is Cheryl, a newly-single mother of three in her 30s who goes out scrapping all night when her children sleep to take her mind off her marriage breakdown.
Cheryl, whose father was in the same trade, is undeterred by her male competitors.
She said: 'Everything that someone throws away is something I can make money from. I'm going to register as self-employed and I'm going to be taking all the scrap from those men.'
Scrappers airs on Channel 4, Thursday 28th November at 9pm
As austerity continues to bite and metal prices soar, the sight of scrap metal men hurling old microwaves into the backs of vans is an increasingly common one.
The job's not glamorous, but what few realise is that while other industries are struggling, Britain's scrap metal industry is a thriving, £10billion-a-year business that makes serious money for those who work hard.
A fascinating new documentary lifts the lid on the secret world where the Rolex-wearing, Mercedes-driving scrapyard boss turns over £7million a year, and the rag and bone man makes £12 a day trawling the streets with his pony and cart.
Called Getting Rich In The Recession: Scrappers, the show focuses on the characters who make their living at Sydenham Scrap Metal in south London.
Packed with compacted old cars, vacuum cleaners, cables, washing machines and other sort of metal junk, the yard is a thriving business run by 31-year-old Michael (his surname is not given) and his staff of eight.
The yard turns over 200 tonnes of scrap metal each week and pays out £60,000 a week to an army of self-employed scrappers, who scour London's streets for rubbish they can turn into cash.
Tattooed Michael, whose grandparents set up the business with just £50 decades ago, now makes millions from his business buying metal from scrappers and selling it on to be recycled.
They use a magnet to sort the metals - if it sticks it's iron and not worth much, and if it doesn't it's precious metal - copper, brass or lead - and worth up to 100 times as much.
Michael said: 'I started here at 14, no exams, nothing, and I turned over £7m last year. This is my life, but I'm happy.
'I'm 31. Who runs a multi-million pound business at 31?'
One of Michael's busiest scrappers is Adam, who turned to scrapping after he found it hard to get a job when he got out prison.
Former criminal gang member Adam, 26, said: 'It was going in houses tying people up to make them open their safes - it was all stockbrokers, footballers, really wealthy rich people.
'A lot of people got hurt, traumatised by it, things like that.'
Sentenced to 10 years in prison for burglary, theft and possessing prohibited weapon at just 18, Adam got out three years ago after serving five years and now makes up to £800 a day scrapping.
He said: 'No-one wanted to give me a job. This isn't what I wanted to do but it's easy, it's good money and it's not really against the law.'
Metal theft is a problem that grows alongside the price of metal, and results in lead being taken from churches' roofs, bronze statues being stolen, and vital cables stripped from railway lines.
One of the UK's fastest-growing crimes, the problem is barely addressed in the show, but Sydenham Scrap Metal has always refused to buy goods they believe to be stolen.
Keen to stay on the right side of the law, Adam concentrates on working hard to earn as much as he can, getting up early to beat competitors to the old printers and radiators he finds left on the streets overnight.
He said: 'I don't really know what a recession is. The most I've earned in one day is about £700 or £800, and I can earn up to £100,000 a year.
'I want the nice things in life. I want to be eating steak three times a week, I want a nice car, I want to buy stuff.'
But Adam said he didn't see scrap metal as a long-term career for him, and hoped instead to make enough money from his 'embarrassing' trade to set up on his own as a car dealer.
He said: 'I don't want to do this much longer really but I don't want to go back inside and see my son growing up outside.
'I'm doing this for him. I want my son to be driving around in a brand new M3 when he's 18.'
While Adam has a white van, grandfather and grandson scrappers Charlie and Alfie trot through the south London streets in a pony and cart, as their ancestors have done for five generations.
Charlie estimates he makes around £12-14 a day, or maybe up to £29 by collecting old washing machines and saucepans and taking them to the yard.
At 15, Alfie left school last year to work full-time collecting scrap metal with his grandfather and their piebald pony, Crackerjack.
Charlie said: 'He's a little bit streetwise so what can you do? Look at the size of him, how can a little teacher tell him what to do?
He added: 'It's in the blood. We're like scavengers.'
Cars are the most prized items to be brought to the yard, as the men enjoy crushing them, but old tumble-dryers from laundrettes are also popular, particularly if they still have coins in them - the record is 880 pound coins in one machine they crushed.
The only female scrapper to visit the yard at Sydenham is Cheryl, a newly-single mother of three in her 30s who goes out scrapping all night when her children sleep to take her mind off her marriage breakdown.
Cheryl, whose father was in the same trade, is undeterred by her male competitors.
She said: 'Everything that someone throws away is something I can make money from. I'm going to register as self-employed and I'm going to be taking all the scrap from those men.'
Scrappers airs on Channel 4, Thursday 28th November at 9pm
Police called to Traveller site in Huncoat - Lancashire
From the Citizen
A GROUP of Travellers has arrived in Huncoat.
Around five caravans are on land on an industrial estate off Whiney Hill Road.
Police were called to the site this morning after reports of a dog behaving aggressively were reported to the dog warden.
A police spokesman said they would seize the dog if it was found to be dangerous.
A GROUP of Travellers has arrived in Huncoat.
Around five caravans are on land on an industrial estate off Whiney Hill Road.
Police were called to the site this morning after reports of a dog behaving aggressively were reported to the dog warden.
A police spokesman said they would seize the dog if it was found to be dangerous.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Familes living without water or electricity in oldest purpose-built Traveller site - Ireland
From the Irish Times
Labre Park in Ballyfermot, Dublin, built in 1967 and the oldest purpose-built Traveller halting-site in the State, is home to 19 families in houses and has space for 24 families in caravans.
There are, however, 43 families in caravans, eight of whom have no running water, sanitation or electricity. Seven without basic facilities have young children, including two with special needs.
The 35 who do have washing facilities were provided them in small steel outhouses, with toilets, showers and washing machines in late 2011. Dublin City Council says these are “temporary”.
The 43 caravans are parked tightly together, not in bays but in a disorganised fashion between cars, bikes, rubbish containers, piles of wood, metal piping and furniture. Children have no designated play areas.
It is, says resident Michael Berry (45), a father of seven children between 21 years and 15 months, “heaven compared to what it used to be”.
“Before we got the outhouse I’d have to bring the children to McDonald’s to get a wash.”
The family live in an uninsulated van, where two of the children share a bed with his wife, three sleep in beds and two sleep on the floor with him. After heavy rain water comes through the floor of the van. “When I take up the mattress in the morning after rain, it’s wet on the bottom.”
In a nearby van, his nephew, Thomas Berry, lives with his wife Simone and their three year-old son. They have no toilet, running water or electricity. In another van, Gerry and Mary Devine live in a one-room van, with a two-year-old and six-month old baby. They share facilities with Gerry’s mother Anne, who lives alone in the adjacent van.
They would like their own space but have nowhere to go. Gerry has fashioned heating for the two vans with a boiler and stove in a shed he made, with pipes running from it into each of the vans to heat radiators. “Only for him I’d be frozen in that van,” says his mother.
Several of the outhouses seen by The Irish Times last week had mildew on the ceiling. One had mushrooms growing in the shower, in another one of the walls was falling apart.
Promised units
Labre Park has been included in every five-year Traveller Accommodation Programme drawn up by Dublin City Council since 1999. Thirteen new units of accommodation were promised for the site in the first (for the period 1999-2003) and 22 in each of the following two (2004-2008 and 2009-2013). None has been built.
This is despite the fact planning permission was granted for new units on the site, and refurbishment, in 2006. Funding was made available in principle by the Department of the Environment in 2008, pending clarification of a number of matters.
The council says “antisocial” behaviour on the site prevented the plan proceeding. This is rejected by Lorraine McMahon, project co-ordinator with Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project. “This issue was resolved by the end of 2009,” she says.
Slabs of demolished houses
The council agrees the site is overcrowded, saying new and returning families have come on to the estate and occupied the slabs of demolished houses and other areas that were never designed for accommodation.
“The City Council has applied for funding for the provision of further emergency facilities to facilitate these families and we would hope to have these in place in the near future.” It planned to redevelop the site. “In the short term we recognise that the families who left other serviced accommodation are currently in need of facilities and are working to have these in place as soon as possible.”
Labre Park in Ballyfermot, Dublin, built in 1967 and the oldest purpose-built Traveller halting-site in the State, is home to 19 families in houses and has space for 24 families in caravans.
There are, however, 43 families in caravans, eight of whom have no running water, sanitation or electricity. Seven without basic facilities have young children, including two with special needs.
The 35 who do have washing facilities were provided them in small steel outhouses, with toilets, showers and washing machines in late 2011. Dublin City Council says these are “temporary”.
The 43 caravans are parked tightly together, not in bays but in a disorganised fashion between cars, bikes, rubbish containers, piles of wood, metal piping and furniture. Children have no designated play areas.
It is, says resident Michael Berry (45), a father of seven children between 21 years and 15 months, “heaven compared to what it used to be”.
“Before we got the outhouse I’d have to bring the children to McDonald’s to get a wash.”
The family live in an uninsulated van, where two of the children share a bed with his wife, three sleep in beds and two sleep on the floor with him. After heavy rain water comes through the floor of the van. “When I take up the mattress in the morning after rain, it’s wet on the bottom.”
In a nearby van, his nephew, Thomas Berry, lives with his wife Simone and their three year-old son. They have no toilet, running water or electricity. In another van, Gerry and Mary Devine live in a one-room van, with a two-year-old and six-month old baby. They share facilities with Gerry’s mother Anne, who lives alone in the adjacent van.
They would like their own space but have nowhere to go. Gerry has fashioned heating for the two vans with a boiler and stove in a shed he made, with pipes running from it into each of the vans to heat radiators. “Only for him I’d be frozen in that van,” says his mother.
Several of the outhouses seen by The Irish Times last week had mildew on the ceiling. One had mushrooms growing in the shower, in another one of the walls was falling apart.
Promised units
Labre Park has been included in every five-year Traveller Accommodation Programme drawn up by Dublin City Council since 1999. Thirteen new units of accommodation were promised for the site in the first (for the period 1999-2003) and 22 in each of the following two (2004-2008 and 2009-2013). None has been built.
This is despite the fact planning permission was granted for new units on the site, and refurbishment, in 2006. Funding was made available in principle by the Department of the Environment in 2008, pending clarification of a number of matters.
The council says “antisocial” behaviour on the site prevented the plan proceeding. This is rejected by Lorraine McMahon, project co-ordinator with Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project. “This issue was resolved by the end of 2009,” she says.
Slabs of demolished houses
The council agrees the site is overcrowded, saying new and returning families have come on to the estate and occupied the slabs of demolished houses and other areas that were never designed for accommodation.
“The City Council has applied for funding for the provision of further emergency facilities to facilitate these families and we would hope to have these in place in the near future.” It planned to redevelop the site. “In the short term we recognise that the families who left other serviced accommodation are currently in need of facilities and are working to have these in place as soon as possible.”
Hove park to get new security measures after Traveller encampment - Sussex
From the Argus
New security measures will be put in place around the entrance to a park to prevent caravans and trailers from entering.
Brighton and Hove City Council is spending £2,500 on steel and concrete bollards to restrict access to Greenleas playing fields in Hove.
The work is expected to begin within the next few days.
The bollards will be removable to allow council vehicles to enter the park for maintenance.
The move comes just weeks after the arrival of ten Traveller vehicles disrupted a football match.
The encampment lasted for almost a fortnight before the group moved on to a nearby supermarket car park.
Hangleton and Knoll councillor Dawn Barnett said: “Residents are very pleased about this and it will give them peace of mind knowing that Travellers will not be able to get back on to the park.
"They were frightened while the camp was here this month.”
Coun Barnett added residents were frustrated that no council officials attended a meeting with residents and police on Wednesday night to discuss the Traveller situation, and has called on council leader Jason Kitcat and envi¬ ronment committee leader Pete West to meet residents.
A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “This meeting was arranged by the police, for them to meet residents.
“The council was invited later at short notice and unfortunately neither of the Traveller liaison team managers was able to go due to prior commitments, though a ward councillor did attend.”
New security measures will be put in place around the entrance to a park to prevent caravans and trailers from entering.
Brighton and Hove City Council is spending £2,500 on steel and concrete bollards to restrict access to Greenleas playing fields in Hove.
The work is expected to begin within the next few days.
The bollards will be removable to allow council vehicles to enter the park for maintenance.
The move comes just weeks after the arrival of ten Traveller vehicles disrupted a football match.
The encampment lasted for almost a fortnight before the group moved on to a nearby supermarket car park.
Hangleton and Knoll councillor Dawn Barnett said: “Residents are very pleased about this and it will give them peace of mind knowing that Travellers will not be able to get back on to the park.
"They were frightened while the camp was here this month.”
Coun Barnett added residents were frustrated that no council officials attended a meeting with residents and police on Wednesday night to discuss the Traveller situation, and has called on council leader Jason Kitcat and envi¬ ronment committee leader Pete West to meet residents.
A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: “This meeting was arranged by the police, for them to meet residents.
“The council was invited later at short notice and unfortunately neither of the Traveller liaison team managers was able to go due to prior commitments, though a ward councillor did attend.”
Traveller protest at ‘total failure’ of accommodation strategy - Ireland
From the Irish Times
Hundreds of people have protested in Dublin at what they described as the “total failure” of the 15-year-old Traveller accommodation strategy.
The protest outside Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown was attended by groups from west Cork, Cork city, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick and Offaly, as well as from Ballyfermot, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin and Fingal in Dublin.
They called for the issue to be taken away from city and county councils and for an independent Traveller accommodation agency to be set up. Failing that, they called on Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to use the Housing Act to intervene where local authorities were failing to address Traveller accommodation needs.
Under the 1998 Traveller Accommodation Act, every local authority is mandated to draw up four-yearly Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs).
To date none, across the 34 local authorities, has been fully delivered. Figures from the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee show that while 303 Traveller families are living on unauthorised sites, a further 952 are either sharing sites or housing with other families or living long-term on transient sites.
The committee says there are thus more than 1,200 families effectively homeless, more than in 1999. There are 9,911 Traveller families in the State.
Martin Collins, director of Pavee Point, said he was there in solidarity with “all Traveller families living in overcrowded, Third World conditions”.
“The local authorities, the Department of the Environment and successive governments have failed the Travelling people. Government has failed to impose any sanctions on local authorities who have shown they have no will to provide housing for Travellers.”
Brigid Quilligan, director of the Irish Traveller Movement, said given cuts to the national Traveller accommodation budget to less than €4 million next year, “we can expect there will be no new units built next year, no refurbishments”.
A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan had ordered mid-term reviews of Traveller Accommodation Programmes to run from 2014 to 2018.
see also: Travellers' Times - Travellers fight for rights in Dublin
uslive.org - Ireland: Hundreds protest Traveller conditions at Fingal County Council
Hundreds of people have protested in Dublin at what they described as the “total failure” of the 15-year-old Traveller accommodation strategy.
The protest outside Fingal County Council offices in Blanchardstown was attended by groups from west Cork, Cork city, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick and Offaly, as well as from Ballyfermot, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin and Fingal in Dublin.
They called for the issue to be taken away from city and county councils and for an independent Traveller accommodation agency to be set up. Failing that, they called on Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to use the Housing Act to intervene where local authorities were failing to address Traveller accommodation needs.
Under the 1998 Traveller Accommodation Act, every local authority is mandated to draw up four-yearly Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs).
To date none, across the 34 local authorities, has been fully delivered. Figures from the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee show that while 303 Traveller families are living on unauthorised sites, a further 952 are either sharing sites or housing with other families or living long-term on transient sites.
The committee says there are thus more than 1,200 families effectively homeless, more than in 1999. There are 9,911 Traveller families in the State.
Martin Collins, director of Pavee Point, said he was there in solidarity with “all Traveller families living in overcrowded, Third World conditions”.
“The local authorities, the Department of the Environment and successive governments have failed the Travelling people. Government has failed to impose any sanctions on local authorities who have shown they have no will to provide housing for Travellers.”
Brigid Quilligan, director of the Irish Traveller Movement, said given cuts to the national Traveller accommodation budget to less than €4 million next year, “we can expect there will be no new units built next year, no refurbishments”.
A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan had ordered mid-term reviews of Traveller Accommodation Programmes to run from 2014 to 2018.
see also: Travellers' Times - Travellers fight for rights in Dublin
uslive.org - Ireland: Hundreds protest Traveller conditions at Fingal County Council
Travellers set up outside Enfield Town FC ground - London
From Enfield Today
TRAVELLERS have set up camp in the car park of a football stadium and at time of press were refusing to move on from the site.
According to the match secretary of Enfield Town Football Club Keith Wortley, this morning five or six caravans appeared in the car park of the Queen Elizabeth stadium in Donkey Lane, Enfield.
However, although the Travellers were engaged in a stand-off with police and council officers who were seeking to evict them from the site throughout the morning, Mr Wortley insisted that as far as he was concerned Tuesday night's match with Harlow Town is planned to go ahead as normal with kick-off still scheduled for 7.45pm.
A council spokesman confirmed that the authority was trying to evict the Travellers from the site.
There is no official provision for Travellers anywhere in the borough.
TRAVELLERS have set up camp in the car park of a football stadium and at time of press were refusing to move on from the site.
According to the match secretary of Enfield Town Football Club Keith Wortley, this morning five or six caravans appeared in the car park of the Queen Elizabeth stadium in Donkey Lane, Enfield.
However, although the Travellers were engaged in a stand-off with police and council officers who were seeking to evict them from the site throughout the morning, Mr Wortley insisted that as far as he was concerned Tuesday night's match with Harlow Town is planned to go ahead as normal with kick-off still scheduled for 7.45pm.
A council spokesman confirmed that the authority was trying to evict the Travellers from the site.
There is no official provision for Travellers anywhere in the borough.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Barnet Police monitoring Travellers who set up camp in Bunns Lane, near M1 bridge in Mill Hill - London
From This Is Local London
A large group of Travellers have set up camp on a plot of wasteland in Mill Hill.
Around two dozen caravans arrived at the gated site in Bunns Lane, at the junction with Flower Lane, on Friday night.
Police who visited the site on Saturday morning were told by the group they would be moving to the south coast today (Monday).
Officers were called at 8am on Saturday morning and have been carrying out patrols in the area over the weekend.
A Barnet Police spokesman said: “The Travellers told the officers that they were on the way to the south coast and would move on today (Monday).
“Barnet officers are monitoring the location and providing reassurance patrols whilst the Travellers stay in the field.”
Barnet Council said it is working to establish who owns the land and is sending officers to the site today.
The Times Series visited the camp this morning with Hale ward councillor Hugh Rayner.
The Conservative politician said it may be difficult to move the camp on if they do not do so willingly.
He said: “They have actually got to get in their vans and drive out. It appears to be private land, which makes it a little more complicated.
“Whenever there is open land, there is always a threat Travellers might move in.”
see also: This Is Local London - Travellers in Bunns Lane, Mill Hill, served with eviction notice by Barnet Police on site owned by Taylor Wimpey
This Is Local London - Barnet Police remove Travellers in Bunns Lane, Mill Hill, from land owned by Taylor Wimpey
A large group of Travellers have set up camp on a plot of wasteland in Mill Hill.
Around two dozen caravans arrived at the gated site in Bunns Lane, at the junction with Flower Lane, on Friday night.
Police who visited the site on Saturday morning were told by the group they would be moving to the south coast today (Monday).
Officers were called at 8am on Saturday morning and have been carrying out patrols in the area over the weekend.
A Barnet Police spokesman said: “The Travellers told the officers that they were on the way to the south coast and would move on today (Monday).
“Barnet officers are monitoring the location and providing reassurance patrols whilst the Travellers stay in the field.”
Barnet Council said it is working to establish who owns the land and is sending officers to the site today.
The Times Series visited the camp this morning with Hale ward councillor Hugh Rayner.
The Conservative politician said it may be difficult to move the camp on if they do not do so willingly.
He said: “They have actually got to get in their vans and drive out. It appears to be private land, which makes it a little more complicated.
“Whenever there is open land, there is always a threat Travellers might move in.”
see also: This Is Local London - Travellers in Bunns Lane, Mill Hill, served with eviction notice by Barnet Police on site owned by Taylor Wimpey
This Is Local London - Barnet Police remove Travellers in Bunns Lane, Mill Hill, from land owned by Taylor Wimpey
No homes to go to - Ireland
From the Irish Times
Nine families, including 15 children, live in caravans near a former dump in Dunsink, in Finglas, north Dublin. For 15 years they have shared one dribbling tap. They have no flushing toilets, and electricity comes from a generator they clubbed together to buy .
The extended McDonnell family, made up of these nine families and four others that have left to live in private rented accommodation, have been included in Fingal County Council’s Traveller accommodation programmes since 2004. “If we had known 15 years ago that we would still be living like this,” says Geraldine McDonnell, “I don’t know if we’d have stuck it out.”
The portable toilet cabins, which each family bought, are outside their vans; the council cleans them once a week. Although McDonnell’s van is warmed on a bitter day by a coal stove, it is uninsulated and “freezing in the mornings before the stove is lit”.
Her 24-year-old daughter, Anne-Marie Collins, lives on the site with her husband and two-year-old daughter, Kelly. “It’s very hard having to bring her out in the cold to a toilet that doesn’t flush,” says Collins.
They heat water from the single tap to make baths for the children. Once or twice a week they go to a local leisure centre and pay €6 to use the showers. They have no fridge and only a few solar lamps. The conditions, says McDonnell, make everything – keeping food fresh, cooking, keeping clean, keeping children safe – “just harder”.
The children all attend local schools, and the extended family is stable and settled. Anne-Marie Collins works and is studying at NUI Maynooth. “What we would like,” says McDonnell, “is either a group housing scheme or a serviced halting site, whichever is handier for the council.”
The council says the family was offered Traveller-specific accommodation but refused it. Geraldine McDonnell agrees that there were two offers, but she says one was on a temporary site “more hazardous” than the one in Dunsink. “We were afraid that if we took it we’d end up being left there.” The other was in an isolated area 30km away.
The county council says that it remains in regular dialogue with the McDonnells and that a proposal for their accommodation is included in Fingal County Council’s draft traveller programme for 2014-18.
Nine families, including 15 children, live in caravans near a former dump in Dunsink, in Finglas, north Dublin. For 15 years they have shared one dribbling tap. They have no flushing toilets, and electricity comes from a generator they clubbed together to buy .
The extended McDonnell family, made up of these nine families and four others that have left to live in private rented accommodation, have been included in Fingal County Council’s Traveller accommodation programmes since 2004. “If we had known 15 years ago that we would still be living like this,” says Geraldine McDonnell, “I don’t know if we’d have stuck it out.”
The portable toilet cabins, which each family bought, are outside their vans; the council cleans them once a week. Although McDonnell’s van is warmed on a bitter day by a coal stove, it is uninsulated and “freezing in the mornings before the stove is lit”.
Her 24-year-old daughter, Anne-Marie Collins, lives on the site with her husband and two-year-old daughter, Kelly. “It’s very hard having to bring her out in the cold to a toilet that doesn’t flush,” says Collins.
They heat water from the single tap to make baths for the children. Once or twice a week they go to a local leisure centre and pay €6 to use the showers. They have no fridge and only a few solar lamps. The conditions, says McDonnell, make everything – keeping food fresh, cooking, keeping clean, keeping children safe – “just harder”.
The children all attend local schools, and the extended family is stable and settled. Anne-Marie Collins works and is studying at NUI Maynooth. “What we would like,” says McDonnell, “is either a group housing scheme or a serviced halting site, whichever is handier for the council.”
The council says the family was offered Traveller-specific accommodation but refused it. Geraldine McDonnell agrees that there were two offers, but she says one was on a temporary site “more hazardous” than the one in Dunsink. “We were afraid that if we took it we’d end up being left there.” The other was in an isolated area 30km away.
The county council says that it remains in regular dialogue with the McDonnells and that a proposal for their accommodation is included in Fingal County Council’s draft traveller programme for 2014-18.
Travellers cause road delays - Wiltshire
From the Salisbury Journal
TRAVELLERS are causing delays along Odstock Road in Salisbury this morning. Twelve caravans, which spent the weekend at the coach park in Salisbury, are currently parked in the road and on verges near the travellers’ site.
The group has been denied access as Wiltshire Council is not accepting any new leaseholders ahead of the site being refurbished in January next year.
Wiltshire Police is working with Wiltshire Council to ensure there are no obstructions on the road while a solution is found.
TRAVELLERS are causing delays along Odstock Road in Salisbury this morning. Twelve caravans, which spent the weekend at the coach park in Salisbury, are currently parked in the road and on verges near the travellers’ site.
The group has been denied access as Wiltshire Council is not accepting any new leaseholders ahead of the site being refurbished in January next year.
Wiltshire Police is working with Wiltshire Council to ensure there are no obstructions on the road while a solution is found.
Chichester District Council to discuss possible Travellers’ site in Westhampnett - Sussex
From the Bognor Regis Observer
A TRANSIT site for Travellers could be created in Chichester – situated at the Westhampnett depot.
The potential site will be discussed at the district council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 3, and then at full council on Tuesday, December 17,
A Chichester District Council spokeswoman said: “Leading councillors across West Sussex and Sussex Police have been working together to find a suitable solution to reduce the number of unauthorised encampments in the county.
“Council leaders across West Sussex are recommending to their councillors that they enter into a multi-agency partnership agreement to manage and reduce unauthorised encampments in the area.”
She said as part of this work, councillors would discuss possible plans for a short-stay transit site for Travellers on the outskirts of Chichester.
“Following the introduction of a similar site, East Sussex has seen a significant reduction in the amount of unauthorised encampments and it is hoped that this could be replicated in West Sussex,” she said.
“All councils have been looking for a suitable site that could be used for this purpose. As part of Chichester District Council’s redevelopment of its Westhampnett Depot, it has identified half an acre of land that could be used to accommodate nine short-stay pitches. This has been identified as a suitable location, due to its proximity to main roads and amenities.
“It is hoped that it would reduce the significant cost and disruption to the taxpayer and local land owners caused by unauthorised encampments, as well as providing the police with greater powers to take action.
“If the project is given the go-ahead and planning permission is granted, it could be introduced by March 2015.”
If the site was given the go-ahead, all councils across West Sussex would share the costs of providing the scheme and West Sussex County Council would be responsible for running the site and developing the multi-agency enforcement protocols. It is also hoped that the scheme would attract grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.
Leader of Chichester District Council Heather Caird said: “We are in a very difficult situation because the district alone has had 51 unauthorised encampments in the past year.
“We need to find a suitable solution that provides an appropriate stopping site for the gypsy and Traveller community and reduces disruption to our local communities.
“Research and evidence shows that a transit site is the best solution.
“The proposed location is surrounded by our depot and is close to the main road, which is why I am convinced that it is a good proposal.
“If the project is given the go-ahead we will work closely with those who live and work close to the proposed site.
“We have sent out letters to make them aware of the proposals and explained the steps we will take to involve them if it is agreed by council.”
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I am very aware of the issues surrounding unauthorised encampments in West Sussex and the disruption they cause to local residents.
“Many communities across the county are affected at some point during the year and the concerns from local people form a significant part of the correspondence to my office.
“I have been working closely with all the partner agencies and am fully supportive of their work with Sussex Police to resolve this on-going issue.
“A transit site will enable Sussex Police to use all the powers at their disposal and direct the unauthorised encampment to the transit site or instruct them to leave the county and not return within three months.
“I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that Sussex Police maintains a consistent approach. It is also vital that local people are kept fully informed at every stage and I will continue to make sure that the police are working closely with councillors and other agencies to resolve matters as and when they occur.”
Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “This was a project that was first put forward by the West Sussex Cooperative, a multi-agency group that is focused on the achievement of specific strategic priorities that benefit residents.
“I share the view that this will help reduce the disruption to the taxpayer and local land owners caused by unauthorised encampments, as well as providing the police with greater powers to take action.”
see also The News - Redeveloped council depot could accommodate Travellers
A TRANSIT site for Travellers could be created in Chichester – situated at the Westhampnett depot.
The potential site will be discussed at the district council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 3, and then at full council on Tuesday, December 17,
A Chichester District Council spokeswoman said: “Leading councillors across West Sussex and Sussex Police have been working together to find a suitable solution to reduce the number of unauthorised encampments in the county.
“Council leaders across West Sussex are recommending to their councillors that they enter into a multi-agency partnership agreement to manage and reduce unauthorised encampments in the area.”
She said as part of this work, councillors would discuss possible plans for a short-stay transit site for Travellers on the outskirts of Chichester.
“Following the introduction of a similar site, East Sussex has seen a significant reduction in the amount of unauthorised encampments and it is hoped that this could be replicated in West Sussex,” she said.
“All councils have been looking for a suitable site that could be used for this purpose. As part of Chichester District Council’s redevelopment of its Westhampnett Depot, it has identified half an acre of land that could be used to accommodate nine short-stay pitches. This has been identified as a suitable location, due to its proximity to main roads and amenities.
“It is hoped that it would reduce the significant cost and disruption to the taxpayer and local land owners caused by unauthorised encampments, as well as providing the police with greater powers to take action.
“If the project is given the go-ahead and planning permission is granted, it could be introduced by March 2015.”
If the site was given the go-ahead, all councils across West Sussex would share the costs of providing the scheme and West Sussex County Council would be responsible for running the site and developing the multi-agency enforcement protocols. It is also hoped that the scheme would attract grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.
Leader of Chichester District Council Heather Caird said: “We are in a very difficult situation because the district alone has had 51 unauthorised encampments in the past year.
“We need to find a suitable solution that provides an appropriate stopping site for the gypsy and Traveller community and reduces disruption to our local communities.
“Research and evidence shows that a transit site is the best solution.
“The proposed location is surrounded by our depot and is close to the main road, which is why I am convinced that it is a good proposal.
“If the project is given the go-ahead we will work closely with those who live and work close to the proposed site.
“We have sent out letters to make them aware of the proposals and explained the steps we will take to involve them if it is agreed by council.”
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I am very aware of the issues surrounding unauthorised encampments in West Sussex and the disruption they cause to local residents.
“Many communities across the county are affected at some point during the year and the concerns from local people form a significant part of the correspondence to my office.
“I have been working closely with all the partner agencies and am fully supportive of their work with Sussex Police to resolve this on-going issue.
“A transit site will enable Sussex Police to use all the powers at their disposal and direct the unauthorised encampment to the transit site or instruct them to leave the county and not return within three months.
“I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that Sussex Police maintains a consistent approach. It is also vital that local people are kept fully informed at every stage and I will continue to make sure that the police are working closely with councillors and other agencies to resolve matters as and when they occur.”
Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: “This was a project that was first put forward by the West Sussex Cooperative, a multi-agency group that is focused on the achievement of specific strategic priorities that benefit residents.
“I share the view that this will help reduce the disruption to the taxpayer and local land owners caused by unauthorised encampments, as well as providing the police with greater powers to take action.”
see also The News - Redeveloped council depot could accommodate Travellers
Travellers protest living conditions in Blanchardstown - Ireland
From breakingnews.ie
National and local Traveller groups are protesting in Blanchardstown today to highlight what they describe as "unbearable living conditions."
The demonstration is to coincide with Fingal County Council's meeting of the Housing Strategy Policy Committee.
The protestors will include one Finglas family who say that despite 14 years of promises, they're still living in an unofficial halting site with no access to running water or electricity.
National and local Traveller groups are protesting in Blanchardstown today to highlight what they describe as "unbearable living conditions."
The demonstration is to coincide with Fingal County Council's meeting of the Housing Strategy Policy Committee.
The protestors will include one Finglas family who say that despite 14 years of promises, they're still living in an unofficial halting site with no access to running water or electricity.
Pulborough Gypsy family application disputed - Sussex
From the West Sussex County Times
Villagers raised concerns over a proposal to change the use of land to a permanent caravan site for a Gypsy family.
Two residents raised objection over the application to change Parsons Field Stables, Pickhurst Lane in Pulborough into a permanent residence for a Gypsy family.
Neighbour Robert Houston told a Horsham District Council planning meeting on Tuesday: “This report is inconsistent and incorrect. It says the applicant has fitted in with the community when there have been 18 objections against them.”
Mr Houston also claimed that there had been 31 police complaints, concerning the applicant’s family, made to Sussex Police since 2007, and that the mobile home’s location was putting the applicant’s son’s education at risk.
Another resident Jonathan Wells said that it was inappropriate to have a caravan site in such a ‘tranquil’ place.
Applicant Sarah Barnes said she was ‘overwhelmed’ by Mr Houston’s comments .
She told councillors that the police complaints claim was a ‘lie’.
She added: “To be honest, I’m completely overwhelmed by Mr Houston’s statement that my son’s education is in jeopardy, and all we want is what everyone else takes for granted,” said Mrs Barnes.
“We were homeless travelling around and, as you know, we cannot pick up an education on the roadside.
“I’m speechless. I don’t think his comments conclude to much at all.”
Mrs Barnes proposed that the council drop two conditions from the original application. One of these stated that the family could only occupy the site until April 2013, by which time they would be advised to vacate; the other which stated that the site could only be occupied by Mrs Barnes, her partner and son.
But district councillors voted unanimously not to relax the conditions in place, and instead delegate for further consultation with a view to extend the time in which the family could occupy the land. Roger Paterson (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) said that the applicant was originally granted permission to occupy the site on a temporary basis so the son could attend the local school. “I think we should not allow the removal of the two conditions,” Mr Paterson said.
Brian Donnelly (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) agreed, but said that West
Sussex County Council had yet to identify appropriate sites for travellers.
Philip Circus (Con, Chanctonbury) added: “There’s quite a gap between what the human rights industry requires and what the law actually says in individual cases.”
Villagers raised concerns over a proposal to change the use of land to a permanent caravan site for a Gypsy family.
Two residents raised objection over the application to change Parsons Field Stables, Pickhurst Lane in Pulborough into a permanent residence for a Gypsy family.
Neighbour Robert Houston told a Horsham District Council planning meeting on Tuesday: “This report is inconsistent and incorrect. It says the applicant has fitted in with the community when there have been 18 objections against them.”
Mr Houston also claimed that there had been 31 police complaints, concerning the applicant’s family, made to Sussex Police since 2007, and that the mobile home’s location was putting the applicant’s son’s education at risk.
Another resident Jonathan Wells said that it was inappropriate to have a caravan site in such a ‘tranquil’ place.
Applicant Sarah Barnes said she was ‘overwhelmed’ by Mr Houston’s comments .
She told councillors that the police complaints claim was a ‘lie’.
She added: “To be honest, I’m completely overwhelmed by Mr Houston’s statement that my son’s education is in jeopardy, and all we want is what everyone else takes for granted,” said Mrs Barnes.
“We were homeless travelling around and, as you know, we cannot pick up an education on the roadside.
“I’m speechless. I don’t think his comments conclude to much at all.”
Mrs Barnes proposed that the council drop two conditions from the original application. One of these stated that the family could only occupy the site until April 2013, by which time they would be advised to vacate; the other which stated that the site could only be occupied by Mrs Barnes, her partner and son.
But district councillors voted unanimously not to relax the conditions in place, and instead delegate for further consultation with a view to extend the time in which the family could occupy the land. Roger Paterson (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) said that the applicant was originally granted permission to occupy the site on a temporary basis so the son could attend the local school. “I think we should not allow the removal of the two conditions,” Mr Paterson said.
Brian Donnelly (Con, Pulborough and Coldwaltham) agreed, but said that West
Sussex County Council had yet to identify appropriate sites for travellers.
Philip Circus (Con, Chanctonbury) added: “There’s quite a gap between what the human rights industry requires and what the law actually says in individual cases.”
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Travellers leave former Burnley school site - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Telegraph
TRAVELLERS who had camped on the former site of Ivy Bank High School on Byron Street left yesterday afternoon.
They had been there since Wednesday and Lancashire County Council had issued a notice for them to leave by 4pm on Thursday.
A spokesman for the council confirmed they were now securing the site.
TRAVELLERS who had camped on the former site of Ivy Bank High School on Byron Street left yesterday afternoon.
They had been there since Wednesday and Lancashire County Council had issued a notice for them to leave by 4pm on Thursday.
A spokesman for the council confirmed they were now securing the site.
Travellers fail in appeal to return to Meriden site - West Midlands
From the Birmingham Post
A last-ditch attempt by Travellers to return to green belt land in Meriden has been thrown out by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.
The group, who were evicted from the site, near Solihull, earlier this year, had launched an appeal.
Mr Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities, agreed with an earlier decision by a planning inspector that the Travellers’ appeal should be dismissed.
Almost 200 villagers undertook a lengthy 24-hour-a-day vigil after Travellers invaded a field, in Eaves Green Lane, on a Bank Holiday weekend in 2010.
David McGrath, who led the Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) group, welcomed the latest decision against the Travellers, led by Noah Burton who made the appeal.
“This is unsurprising news,” he said. “More than 20 previous decisions show that it’s inappropriate to develop this land because of a combination of factors.
“These range from flooding, poor access, accidents and its position within the greenbelt.
“If the Travellers had done their homework, rather than rushing in with bulldozers and barristers, they would have found this out.”
Mr Pickles backed concerns about changing the status of the land from agricultural to residential.
A report from the Department for Communities said: “The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the caravan site would, by definition, be harmful to the Green Belt.”
The Travellers finally left in April ending the three-year stand-off – 24 hours before the deadline imposed by a court.
Inspector Diane Lewis held an inquiry in August into an appeal against Solihull Council’s decision to refuse planning permission to change the use of land for caravans.
A last-ditch attempt by Travellers to return to green belt land in Meriden has been thrown out by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles.
The group, who were evicted from the site, near Solihull, earlier this year, had launched an appeal.
Mr Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities, agreed with an earlier decision by a planning inspector that the Travellers’ appeal should be dismissed.
Almost 200 villagers undertook a lengthy 24-hour-a-day vigil after Travellers invaded a field, in Eaves Green Lane, on a Bank Holiday weekend in 2010.
David McGrath, who led the Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) group, welcomed the latest decision against the Travellers, led by Noah Burton who made the appeal.
“This is unsurprising news,” he said. “More than 20 previous decisions show that it’s inappropriate to develop this land because of a combination of factors.
“These range from flooding, poor access, accidents and its position within the greenbelt.
“If the Travellers had done their homework, rather than rushing in with bulldozers and barristers, they would have found this out.”
Mr Pickles backed concerns about changing the status of the land from agricultural to residential.
A report from the Department for Communities said: “The Secretary of State agrees with the Inspector that the caravan site would, by definition, be harmful to the Green Belt.”
The Travellers finally left in April ending the three-year stand-off – 24 hours before the deadline imposed by a court.
Inspector Diane Lewis held an inquiry in August into an appeal against Solihull Council’s decision to refuse planning permission to change the use of land for caravans.
Traveller accommodation crisis - Ireland
From the Irish Times
In 1999, a year after the passage of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, which required every local authority to address the accommodation needs of its “indigenous” Travellers, 1,203 Traveller families were living by the sides of roads, without running water, electricity, toilets or refuse collection. It was a crisis that the 1998 Act had promised to solve for a relatively small number of citizens.
Today, according to the Department of the Environment, just 330 families live on such “unauthorised sites”. It looks like a success, but it’s not the full picture. The numbers at the right of this article show how many Travellers the department says live in other types of accommodation. Among these there are 952 families in overcrowded, inadequate or other “crisis” accommodation, according to Colette Spears of the Irish Traveller Movement. Add the 330 by the sides of roads and that’s 1,282 inappropriately housed Traveller families, she says.
“There is a crisis like never before, and it is getting worse, because Travellers are giving up hope that local authorities are ever going to provide Traveller accommodation. And they are losing hope that anyone in central Government cares.”
She adds that the large numbers now in standard rented accommodation are not all there by choice, as local authorities would claim. A significant number had given up on getting Traveller-specific accommodation and, particularly if they had young children, felt they had no other option if they wanted to escape the squalor of unofficial sites.
On Monday, Travellers from across the State will converge outside Fingal County Council’s offices in Blanchardstown, in northwest Dublin, to protest at what they describe as the “total failure of the Traveller accommodation strategy”. They will highlight what they say is the typical case of the McDonnell family (below), on Dunsink Lane, near a former dump in Finglas, who remain in appalling conditions a decade and a half after first seeking Traveller-specific accommodation.
Every local authority is, at the moment, fulfilling its obligation to draw up a new traveller-accommodation programme. Draft 2014-18 plans have been put out for public consultation, and all must be formally adopted by the councils by April 30th.
But some of those drafts indicate little progress. Dublin City Council, for example, said in its 2009-13 programme that it would build 118 new units of Traveller-specific accommodation. It built one. Fingal County Council in its 2009-13 programme said that it would provide between 79 and 91 new units. It provided 30.
There was local concern this week that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s draft programme earmarks a picturesque site on Mount Anville Road for Traveller housing. Fearful residents may be reassured to know that the site was also earmarked in the last programme for a group-housing scheme, and in the one before that.
Local authorities, explaining the lack of progress, cite the downturn. Some, including Dublin City Council, say: “Regrettably, some schemes did not advance because of on-site antisocial behaviour and criminality.” Some have said that residents’ opposition has prevented plans.
Chris Flood, the former Fianna Fáil minister of state who chaired the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee from 2002 to 2005, and who remains an advocate of Traveller rights, rejects such explanations.
“Cost clearly has not been an issue,” he says. “Over €30 million has been made available in some of the years of current programmes. On a number of years the money made available by the department was not even being drawn down.”
Of the €170 million available to councils between 2007 and 2012 for Traveller accommodation, just €119 million was drawn down.
“If you look at the programmes that are drawn up,” says Flood, “they tend to be well done. They even specify sites and schemes. But when it comes to delivery the political will just isn’t there.”
Flood rejects local opposition as a valid defence for the failure to provide accommodation. “If objections are raised it cannot mean you don’t proceed. Travellers have a human right to housing. You can’t just not do it. The experience is that where Traveller accommodation is provided, even in the face of strong opposition, if it is well managed and well serviced by the local authority, relations between the communities will be positive.”
Access all areas: Martin Collins of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre. Photograph: Brenda FitzsimonsAffluent residents ‘have the resources and the power’ to resist halting sites
Asking for change: Geraldine McDonnell with her father, Tom; and her granddaughter Kelly. Photograph: Alan BetsonNo homes to go to
Councillor Brid Smith of People Before Profit chairs Dublin City Council’s Traveller accommodation committee. “The excuse that antisocial behaviour by some Travellers means a whole community doesn’t get accommodation is not acceptable. Imagine if they tried to say that antisocial behaviour meant any of the regeneration programmes had to be cancelled. There’d be war.”
Why have councils been so slow to deliver – or not to deliver – Traveller accommodation? Smith says most local authorities would like all Travellers to move into standard housing. “I think to most officials Travellers are a nuisance. They would like them absorbed and to go away as an issue. So if they can thwart their aspirations, and just get them all into flats and houses, that would be the end of the matter.
“Of course there’s the political reality that advocating for Travellers is not going to win you any votes. But it’s a human-rights issue, and while councils refuse to face that, Traveller families and Traveller children are growing up in Third World conditions we should all be ashamed of.”
As the national Traveller accommodation budget is to be cut further next year, to an almost meaningless €3 million, Traveller groups believe local authorities may not even try to implement their proposals. Most draft programmes make no mention of costs, and almost all contain a proviso similar to that in Dublin City Council’s: delivery “is based on the premise that there will be available funding”.
The Irish Traveller Movement wants the matter taken out of the hands of local councils. “We want an independent Traveller accommodation agency established with the power to compulsorily purchase land if necessary,” says Colette Spears.
Failing that, they want Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan to exercise her power under the Housing Act of 1966 to order local authorities to perform their housing functions if the Minister believes they have failed in those duties.
O’Sullivan has expressed her concern about the delivery of Traveller accommodation and ordered, for the first time, that there be midterm reviews of all the 2014-18 programmes. “This will ensure that any slippage in achieving goals is addressed over the lifetime of each Traveller accommodation plan,” says a department spokesman.
On every human indicator Travellers’ lives are blighted far beyond those of their settled neighbours: in unemployment, poverty, life expectancy, child mortality, literacy, numeracy, depression, addiction, homelessness and suicide.
“Nothing meaningful can be done to address these until Travellers’ housing needs are met first,” says Chris Flood. “It’s as simple as that. This is a small number of families. It cannot be beyond our capacity as a State to meet their very modest housing needs.”
In 1999, a year after the passage of the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act, which required every local authority to address the accommodation needs of its “indigenous” Travellers, 1,203 Traveller families were living by the sides of roads, without running water, electricity, toilets or refuse collection. It was a crisis that the 1998 Act had promised to solve for a relatively small number of citizens.
Today, according to the Department of the Environment, just 330 families live on such “unauthorised sites”. It looks like a success, but it’s not the full picture. The numbers at the right of this article show how many Travellers the department says live in other types of accommodation. Among these there are 952 families in overcrowded, inadequate or other “crisis” accommodation, according to Colette Spears of the Irish Traveller Movement. Add the 330 by the sides of roads and that’s 1,282 inappropriately housed Traveller families, she says.
“There is a crisis like never before, and it is getting worse, because Travellers are giving up hope that local authorities are ever going to provide Traveller accommodation. And they are losing hope that anyone in central Government cares.”
She adds that the large numbers now in standard rented accommodation are not all there by choice, as local authorities would claim. A significant number had given up on getting Traveller-specific accommodation and, particularly if they had young children, felt they had no other option if they wanted to escape the squalor of unofficial sites.
On Monday, Travellers from across the State will converge outside Fingal County Council’s offices in Blanchardstown, in northwest Dublin, to protest at what they describe as the “total failure of the Traveller accommodation strategy”. They will highlight what they say is the typical case of the McDonnell family (below), on Dunsink Lane, near a former dump in Finglas, who remain in appalling conditions a decade and a half after first seeking Traveller-specific accommodation.
Every local authority is, at the moment, fulfilling its obligation to draw up a new traveller-accommodation programme. Draft 2014-18 plans have been put out for public consultation, and all must be formally adopted by the councils by April 30th.
But some of those drafts indicate little progress. Dublin City Council, for example, said in its 2009-13 programme that it would build 118 new units of Traveller-specific accommodation. It built one. Fingal County Council in its 2009-13 programme said that it would provide between 79 and 91 new units. It provided 30.
There was local concern this week that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s draft programme earmarks a picturesque site on Mount Anville Road for Traveller housing. Fearful residents may be reassured to know that the site was also earmarked in the last programme for a group-housing scheme, and in the one before that.
Local authorities, explaining the lack of progress, cite the downturn. Some, including Dublin City Council, say: “Regrettably, some schemes did not advance because of on-site antisocial behaviour and criminality.” Some have said that residents’ opposition has prevented plans.
Chris Flood, the former Fianna Fáil minister of state who chaired the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee from 2002 to 2005, and who remains an advocate of Traveller rights, rejects such explanations.
“Cost clearly has not been an issue,” he says. “Over €30 million has been made available in some of the years of current programmes. On a number of years the money made available by the department was not even being drawn down.”
Of the €170 million available to councils between 2007 and 2012 for Traveller accommodation, just €119 million was drawn down.
“If you look at the programmes that are drawn up,” says Flood, “they tend to be well done. They even specify sites and schemes. But when it comes to delivery the political will just isn’t there.”
Flood rejects local opposition as a valid defence for the failure to provide accommodation. “If objections are raised it cannot mean you don’t proceed. Travellers have a human right to housing. You can’t just not do it. The experience is that where Traveller accommodation is provided, even in the face of strong opposition, if it is well managed and well serviced by the local authority, relations between the communities will be positive.”
Access all areas: Martin Collins of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre. Photograph: Brenda FitzsimonsAffluent residents ‘have the resources and the power’ to resist halting sites
Asking for change: Geraldine McDonnell with her father, Tom; and her granddaughter Kelly. Photograph: Alan BetsonNo homes to go to
Councillor Brid Smith of People Before Profit chairs Dublin City Council’s Traveller accommodation committee. “The excuse that antisocial behaviour by some Travellers means a whole community doesn’t get accommodation is not acceptable. Imagine if they tried to say that antisocial behaviour meant any of the regeneration programmes had to be cancelled. There’d be war.”
Why have councils been so slow to deliver – or not to deliver – Traveller accommodation? Smith says most local authorities would like all Travellers to move into standard housing. “I think to most officials Travellers are a nuisance. They would like them absorbed and to go away as an issue. So if they can thwart their aspirations, and just get them all into flats and houses, that would be the end of the matter.
“Of course there’s the political reality that advocating for Travellers is not going to win you any votes. But it’s a human-rights issue, and while councils refuse to face that, Traveller families and Traveller children are growing up in Third World conditions we should all be ashamed of.”
As the national Traveller accommodation budget is to be cut further next year, to an almost meaningless €3 million, Traveller groups believe local authorities may not even try to implement their proposals. Most draft programmes make no mention of costs, and almost all contain a proviso similar to that in Dublin City Council’s: delivery “is based on the premise that there will be available funding”.
The Irish Traveller Movement wants the matter taken out of the hands of local councils. “We want an independent Traveller accommodation agency established with the power to compulsorily purchase land if necessary,” says Colette Spears.
Failing that, they want Minister of State for Housing Jan O’Sullivan to exercise her power under the Housing Act of 1966 to order local authorities to perform their housing functions if the Minister believes they have failed in those duties.
O’Sullivan has expressed her concern about the delivery of Traveller accommodation and ordered, for the first time, that there be midterm reviews of all the 2014-18 programmes. “This will ensure that any slippage in achieving goals is addressed over the lifetime of each Traveller accommodation plan,” says a department spokesman.
On every human indicator Travellers’ lives are blighted far beyond those of their settled neighbours: in unemployment, poverty, life expectancy, child mortality, literacy, numeracy, depression, addiction, homelessness and suicide.
“Nothing meaningful can be done to address these until Travellers’ housing needs are met first,” says Chris Flood. “It’s as simple as that. This is a small number of families. It cannot be beyond our capacity as a State to meet their very modest housing needs.”
Friday, 22 November 2013
Travellers set up camp opposite Gloucestershire police HQ - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucester Citizen
Travellers have set up camp opposite Gloucestershire police headquarters.
Three caravans were parked at the former Kodak premises off Davy Way in Waterwells.
Four years ago a larger group of Travellers set up camp nearby off Marconi Way, leaving behind litter and a large scorch mark on the ground from a fire.
The visitors to the former Kodak car park do not appear to have caused public concern but it is understood the landlord is aware of their presence and they will have to move on.
A Gloucestershire police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the caravans parked on private land in Quedgeley. We have not received any complaints about crime or anti social behaviour."
The owner of a nearby property has taken the proactive step of warning those considering a camp at its car park to think again, warning bailiffs will be called in to evict them.
None of the caravans was occupied this morning.
Travellers have set up camp opposite Gloucestershire police headquarters.
Three caravans were parked at the former Kodak premises off Davy Way in Waterwells.
Four years ago a larger group of Travellers set up camp nearby off Marconi Way, leaving behind litter and a large scorch mark on the ground from a fire.
The visitors to the former Kodak car park do not appear to have caused public concern but it is understood the landlord is aware of their presence and they will have to move on.
A Gloucestershire police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the caravans parked on private land in Quedgeley. We have not received any complaints about crime or anti social behaviour."
The owner of a nearby property has taken the proactive step of warning those considering a camp at its car park to think again, warning bailiffs will be called in to evict them.
None of the caravans was occupied this morning.
Spotlight on parish council's handling of new Travellers' site - Berkshire
From the Slough and South Bucks Observer
A DEBATE is to be held about how a parish council handled an application for a new Travellers’ site.
Datchet parish council will debate how they handled the application for the 10-pitch Traveller and Gypsy site on land in Datchet Common, Horton Road, at a meeting on Monday, December 2.
The motion submitted by former vice chairman of the council Ewan Larcombe was approved at a meeting on Monday (18/11) and will be discussed in the public part of the meeting, rather than behind closed doors in a 'part two’ style.
Cllr Larcombe believes the application was inadequately handled by the parish council and residents were 'disenfranchised’ during the process.
Cllr Larcombe said: “I am happy we will be debating it in public and not behind closed doors in a part two.”
The Royal Borough has agreed to put forward £350,000 funding to help build the site and entered into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land at £30,000 per year.
Cllr Larcombe is to also complain about this to the Royal Borough.
UKIP cllr Tom Bursnall has raised similar concerns and this week vowed to not let the issue drop.
Cllr David Coppinger, cabinet member for adult services which includes housing, has previously said the council had no choice about the arrangement.
The plan is awaiting final approval from the secretary of state due to the fact the Windsor Urban Development Control panel overruled their planning officers in giving the proposal the thumbs up, despite warnings over flood risk.
A DEBATE is to be held about how a parish council handled an application for a new Travellers’ site.
Datchet parish council will debate how they handled the application for the 10-pitch Traveller and Gypsy site on land in Datchet Common, Horton Road, at a meeting on Monday, December 2.
The motion submitted by former vice chairman of the council Ewan Larcombe was approved at a meeting on Monday (18/11) and will be discussed in the public part of the meeting, rather than behind closed doors in a 'part two’ style.
Cllr Larcombe believes the application was inadequately handled by the parish council and residents were 'disenfranchised’ during the process.
Cllr Larcombe said: “I am happy we will be debating it in public and not behind closed doors in a part two.”
The Royal Borough has agreed to put forward £350,000 funding to help build the site and entered into a 99-year lease for the Mill Place land at £30,000 per year.
Cllr Larcombe is to also complain about this to the Royal Borough.
UKIP cllr Tom Bursnall has raised similar concerns and this week vowed to not let the issue drop.
Cllr David Coppinger, cabinet member for adult services which includes housing, has previously said the council had no choice about the arrangement.
The plan is awaiting final approval from the secretary of state due to the fact the Windsor Urban Development Control panel overruled their planning officers in giving the proposal the thumbs up, despite warnings over flood risk.
Travellers on Burnley former high school ‘will quit site today’ - Lancashire
From This Is Lancashire
A GROUP of Travellers who set up camp at a former Burnley high school were expected to leave today.
Residents reacted angrily after around 12 caravans and other vehicles arrived at the old Ivy Bank High School site in Byron Street on Wednesday.
It is not known how the Travellers got into the site but it is thought that they may have broken the locks on the gate.
Lancashire County Council issued a notice for them to leave by 4pm yesterday but one of the Travellers said they would move off the land today.
He said they were only passing through Burnley and may move on to London.
Laura Barrett, who lives opposite the school, said she had spoken to the council about the problem.
She said: “We’re not happy about it.
“We’ve had kids knocking on the door and running off, we don’t know what else will happen.
“Someone from the council said they would be gone by 4pm but I’m not sure, it might take up to a week.”
Neighbour Vera Crorken said: “How did they get in in the first place? They gates have always been closed, they must have broken in.
“I’ve had a little one shout at me already.
“I have lived here all my life and kids here would love to play on this area here but they’re not allowed.
“I certainly don’t want anything to do with them. It’s a disgrace that this has happened. They’re going to leave such a mess.”
Neighbour Janet Hill agreed, saying: “I don’t think they should be there. I can’t understand how they got there.
“Our kids are not allowed on there but they’re there. It’s not fair, we’re not happy.”
Phil Jeffrey, estate surveyor for Lancashire County Council, said: “We are aware of this issue and are working with the police to resolve it.
“We have already served notice demanding that they leave the site by 4pm.
“The gates are usually padlocked and there are security arrangements in place for the site, including regular patrols.
“We are looking into how this group got onto the site.”
A GROUP of Travellers who set up camp at a former Burnley high school were expected to leave today.
Residents reacted angrily after around 12 caravans and other vehicles arrived at the old Ivy Bank High School site in Byron Street on Wednesday.
It is not known how the Travellers got into the site but it is thought that they may have broken the locks on the gate.
Lancashire County Council issued a notice for them to leave by 4pm yesterday but one of the Travellers said they would move off the land today.
He said they were only passing through Burnley and may move on to London.
Laura Barrett, who lives opposite the school, said she had spoken to the council about the problem.
She said: “We’re not happy about it.
“We’ve had kids knocking on the door and running off, we don’t know what else will happen.
“Someone from the council said they would be gone by 4pm but I’m not sure, it might take up to a week.”
Neighbour Vera Crorken said: “How did they get in in the first place? They gates have always been closed, they must have broken in.
“I’ve had a little one shout at me already.
“I have lived here all my life and kids here would love to play on this area here but they’re not allowed.
“I certainly don’t want anything to do with them. It’s a disgrace that this has happened. They’re going to leave such a mess.”
Neighbour Janet Hill agreed, saying: “I don’t think they should be there. I can’t understand how they got there.
“Our kids are not allowed on there but they’re there. It’s not fair, we’re not happy.”
Phil Jeffrey, estate surveyor for Lancashire County Council, said: “We are aware of this issue and are working with the police to resolve it.
“We have already served notice demanding that they leave the site by 4pm.
“The gates are usually padlocked and there are security arrangements in place for the site, including regular patrols.
“We are looking into how this group got onto the site.”
Planners back permanent Travellers site - Aberdeenshire
From the Press and Journal
Plans to set up a permanent Gypsy-Traveller camp near Aberdeen International Airport have been recommended for approval by city council planners.
George Stewart and his family have applied for permission, partly in retrospect, for pitches with space for up to six caravans at the former waterworks, Standing Stones, Dyce.
Councillors will consider the proposal next week, but it has already met opposition, from neighbouring landowners and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
Plans to set up a permanent Gypsy-Traveller camp near Aberdeen International Airport have been recommended for approval by city council planners.
George Stewart and his family have applied for permission, partly in retrospect, for pitches with space for up to six caravans at the former waterworks, Standing Stones, Dyce.
Councillors will consider the proposal next week, but it has already met opposition, from neighbouring landowners and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Meeting the needs of the travelling community - Cambridgeshire
From the Fenland Citizen
Enough pitches have already been identified to meet the estimated needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community in Fenland between now and 2031.
That is the main conclusion of a report going to Fenland District Council’s Cabinet this Thursday (November 21).
It is based on the latest update of the Fenland Gypsies and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (GTANA).
The report says that the update indicates “that there will be a modest requirement of 18 new pitches in Fenland up until 2031, but that these can be met by unimplemented planning permissions comprising 19 pitches”.
Sites that already have planning permission for pitches that have not yet been implemented are at Bar Drove, Friday Bridge (2 pitches), Seadyke Bank, Murrow (1 pitch) and Ponderosa Farm, Wisbech St Mary (1 pitch).
A fourth site at Oakdale Place, Wisbech, has planning permission for 18 pitches, but only three are currently occupied by Gypsies and Travellers. The remaining 15 are occupied by people that could not be described as Gypsies and Travellers.
Compliance action has recently been restarted to ensure those are made available for Gypsies and Travellers only.
The report concludes: “The 19 pitches identified will be sufficient to provide for the Council’s current identified need of 13 pitches for the next five and indeed for all of the new pitches required for the period up to 2031.
“However, the need may well vary over time and in determining planning pplications Officers and Members will need to ensure that all material considerations (including any GTANA in place at the time) are taken into account in reaching a decision about a particular proposal.”
Enough pitches have already been identified to meet the estimated needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community in Fenland between now and 2031.
That is the main conclusion of a report going to Fenland District Council’s Cabinet this Thursday (November 21).
It is based on the latest update of the Fenland Gypsies and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (GTANA).
The report says that the update indicates “that there will be a modest requirement of 18 new pitches in Fenland up until 2031, but that these can be met by unimplemented planning permissions comprising 19 pitches”.
Sites that already have planning permission for pitches that have not yet been implemented are at Bar Drove, Friday Bridge (2 pitches), Seadyke Bank, Murrow (1 pitch) and Ponderosa Farm, Wisbech St Mary (1 pitch).
A fourth site at Oakdale Place, Wisbech, has planning permission for 18 pitches, but only three are currently occupied by Gypsies and Travellers. The remaining 15 are occupied by people that could not be described as Gypsies and Travellers.
Compliance action has recently been restarted to ensure those are made available for Gypsies and Travellers only.
The report concludes: “The 19 pitches identified will be sufficient to provide for the Council’s current identified need of 13 pitches for the next five and indeed for all of the new pitches required for the period up to 2031.
“However, the need may well vary over time and in determining planning pplications Officers and Members will need to ensure that all material considerations (including any GTANA in place at the time) are taken into account in reaching a decision about a particular proposal.”
Ombudsman raps Travellers site scheme - Yorkshire
From the Press
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to create a new Gypsy and Traveller site close to a Selby village has been criticised by the Local Government Ombudsman.
More than 50 residents of Burn, including Travellers from an existing site, attended a planning meeting last month at which plans for a new 15-pitch site at Burn Airfield were refused in a vote of seven to four against the scheme, following months of opposition and campaigning by locals.
In the run-up to the meeting, one resident, who called herself Mrs X, appealed to the Local Government Ombudsman claiming the council had not followed proper procedure when selecting Burn as a location for the new site.
A report released by the LGO this week agreed, stated: “There is evidence of fault in how the council selected a site in a village for a Gypsy and Travellers’ site.
“The council’s decision-making was not transparent. As a result, the council’s decision looks to be arbitrary.”
The report also said: “It may also be difficult for the council to submit a further planning application for the site given the planning committee’s reasons for refusing the application.”
Graham Rawlings, of action group Burn Against New Site, said: “If Selby District Council does decide to resubmit an application, we intend to pursue this matter again.”
He added that, following comments made in the planning meeting and advice from the Ombudsman, village residents would be meeting shortly to discuss making a further complaint.
A spokeswoman for Selby District Council said: “The council has a legal requirement to provide a five-year supply of sites for Traveller pitches.
“Delivering these is, inevitably, a complex and emotive issue. We consider that we did take reasonable steps to consider a range of options for identifying potential sites.
“This report, of course, follows the rejection of the proposed development of new pitches at Burn by the council’s Planning Committee. In light of this decision, we intend to bring forward proposals for how we can meet our legal obligation to provide these sites within the district.”
A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to create a new Gypsy and Traveller site close to a Selby village has been criticised by the Local Government Ombudsman.
More than 50 residents of Burn, including Travellers from an existing site, attended a planning meeting last month at which plans for a new 15-pitch site at Burn Airfield were refused in a vote of seven to four against the scheme, following months of opposition and campaigning by locals.
In the run-up to the meeting, one resident, who called herself Mrs X, appealed to the Local Government Ombudsman claiming the council had not followed proper procedure when selecting Burn as a location for the new site.
A report released by the LGO this week agreed, stated: “There is evidence of fault in how the council selected a site in a village for a Gypsy and Travellers’ site.
“The council’s decision-making was not transparent. As a result, the council’s decision looks to be arbitrary.”
The report also said: “It may also be difficult for the council to submit a further planning application for the site given the planning committee’s reasons for refusing the application.”
Graham Rawlings, of action group Burn Against New Site, said: “If Selby District Council does decide to resubmit an application, we intend to pursue this matter again.”
He added that, following comments made in the planning meeting and advice from the Ombudsman, village residents would be meeting shortly to discuss making a further complaint.
A spokeswoman for Selby District Council said: “The council has a legal requirement to provide a five-year supply of sites for Traveller pitches.
“Delivering these is, inevitably, a complex and emotive issue. We consider that we did take reasonable steps to consider a range of options for identifying potential sites.
“This report, of course, follows the rejection of the proposed development of new pitches at Burn by the council’s Planning Committee. In light of this decision, we intend to bring forward proposals for how we can meet our legal obligation to provide these sites within the district.”
Council told policies for affordable housing and Travellers are unsound - Yorkshire
From Inside Housing
Leeds Council has been warned its core planning strategy is ‘not sound’ because of its policies on affordable housing and Gypsy and Traveller sites.
A planning inspector said the policy on affordable housing was not sufficiently ‘certain, viable and deliverable’ because it failed to set ‘local standards for thresholds and targets.’
The council has sought to include its affordable housing targets in supplementary planning guidance rather than the local plan, although this move was also branded inconsistent with policy by the inspector.
The council was also told to carry out a needs assessment for Gypsy and Traveller sites and to amend its target of 41 pitches if necessary.
The current assessment, completed in 2008, was said to be out of date. Projections based on the council’s waiting list was also said to be potentially insufficient as many Travellers may not have signed up with the council.
The city’s core strategy, which sets out policies up until 2028, estimates the city will need 74,000 new dwellings over that period.
It is currently being scrutinized by planning inspectors.
Leeds Council has been warned its core planning strategy is ‘not sound’ because of its policies on affordable housing and Gypsy and Traveller sites.
A planning inspector said the policy on affordable housing was not sufficiently ‘certain, viable and deliverable’ because it failed to set ‘local standards for thresholds and targets.’
The council has sought to include its affordable housing targets in supplementary planning guidance rather than the local plan, although this move was also branded inconsistent with policy by the inspector.
The council was also told to carry out a needs assessment for Gypsy and Traveller sites and to amend its target of 41 pitches if necessary.
The current assessment, completed in 2008, was said to be out of date. Projections based on the council’s waiting list was also said to be potentially insufficient as many Travellers may not have signed up with the council.
The city’s core strategy, which sets out policies up until 2028, estimates the city will need 74,000 new dwellings over that period.
It is currently being scrutinized by planning inspectors.
Travellers set up camp on Earls Road again - Cheshire
From Wilmslow.co.uk
Travellers have once again removed a road block to enable them to set up camp near Handforth Dean.
They moved the two large tree stumps, which the Council had placed across Earls Road, on Tuesday evening and six caravans are now parked at the end of the road.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "The Council is aware of a group of Travellers, consisting of six caravans, based on the verge of Earls Road, a cul de sac in Handforth. They arrived on Tuesday evening (November 19).
"Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site."
This is the second time in just over a month that Travellers have moved the road block to gain access and set up camp at the end of Earl Road.
Travellers have once again removed a road block to enable them to set up camp near Handforth Dean.
They moved the two large tree stumps, which the Council had placed across Earls Road, on Tuesday evening and six caravans are now parked at the end of the road.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "The Council is aware of a group of Travellers, consisting of six caravans, based on the verge of Earls Road, a cul de sac in Handforth. They arrived on Tuesday evening (November 19).
"Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site."
This is the second time in just over a month that Travellers have moved the road block to gain access and set up camp at the end of Earl Road.
Victory for residents’ campaign to block plans for new Travellers’ site in Wimblington - Cambridgeshire
From Steve Barclay
It’s great news that Fenland District Council has refused planning permission for a Travellers’ site at Hook Road in Wimblington.
I wrote to the planning committee regarding plans to develop eight Travellers’ pitches at the site on Hook Road after residents contacted me highlighting their concerns at the suitability of land earmarked for development as well as the knock on impact this would have on the local village community.
The proposed development would have seen the land used to site 4 mobile homes and 4 touring caravan pitches. Amongst the principal objections were the lack of basic street lighting and sewage management systems as well as a lack of access roads.
This decision is an example of local people having a real voice in planning decisions that directly affect them and I am very glad that the Council has responded so positively to our calls to halt these plans.
The developers of the proposed site now have six months to appeal the Council’s decision and I will continue to support local residents in their campaign to ensure that that plans for development in Wimblington stand to benefit the wider community.
It’s great news that Fenland District Council has refused planning permission for a Travellers’ site at Hook Road in Wimblington.
I wrote to the planning committee regarding plans to develop eight Travellers’ pitches at the site on Hook Road after residents contacted me highlighting their concerns at the suitability of land earmarked for development as well as the knock on impact this would have on the local village community.
The proposed development would have seen the land used to site 4 mobile homes and 4 touring caravan pitches. Amongst the principal objections were the lack of basic street lighting and sewage management systems as well as a lack of access roads.
This decision is an example of local people having a real voice in planning decisions that directly affect them and I am very glad that the Council has responded so positively to our calls to halt these plans.
The developers of the proposed site now have six months to appeal the Council’s decision and I will continue to support local residents in their campaign to ensure that that plans for development in Wimblington stand to benefit the wider community.
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
New twist in Travellers saga - Derbyshire
From Derbyshire Dales District Council
The decision by Travellers to quit a temporary site created for them in Rowsley could have discharged Derbyshire Dales District Council of its homelessness duty to the family.
The District Council wrote to the family after the Travellers on 12 October voluntarily vacated the temporary site at Old Station Close.
Under the terms of the Housing Act 1996, a local authority can discharge its duty to provide temporary and permanent accommodation if an applicant leaves suitable accommodation without giving reasonable grounds.
However, representatives for the Traveller family have this month requested a review of the District Council's claim that it has now discharged its duty. The review has to be carried out within 56 days of the challenge.
The District Council has been actively seeking a permanent site for the family on the basis that ignoring its duty could result in costly legal action that would have to be borne by Derbyshire Dales Council Tax payers. Planning permission for the temporary site at Rowsley was granted earlier this year for a maximum nine months from the first day of occupancy.
Homesford wood yardThe family's decision to leave Rowsley soon after moving onto the site - and the District Council's subsequent legal claim - mean a planning application for a permanent site for the family at Homesford wood yard could now be put on hold.
Another new development is that two potential alternative permanent sites to Homesford - both at Bolehill - are likely to be dismissed on the grounds of unsuitability.
A meeting of the District Council's Corporate Committee will consider on Monday (25 November) the latest developments.
Two months ago the same committee instructed officers to agree a price for the wood yard site – with the proviso it could not exceed an independent valuation commissioned by the District Council and that any contract to buy the land should be dependent on a successful planning application.
Monday's meeting will be recommended to allow land negotiations to continue, but will hear that the landowners have challenged various aspects of the independent valuation.
So the picture remains complex. The reviewing officer can make one of two decisions: either that the Rowsley site was not suitable and alternative temporary accommodation must be found by the District Council; or that the site was suitable and the decision to end the homelessness duty was correct.
Further complicating the picture is that even when a homelessness duty is discharged, a fresh claim for assistance can be made by the same applicant.
Already this year the District Council has rejected 13 potential permanent sites – many suggested by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) - for the Traveller family using an evaluation matrix that takes into account many relevant factors, including site size, ownership, availability, proximity to residential properties, vehicular access, bus routes, shops and schools, ground conditions and access to health services.
That total could rise to 15 next week. Further examination of two remaining alternative sites to Homesford wood yard – both at Bolehill – has found them "unsuitable", so they could be dismissed by the committee. One is a grassed area alongside the B5036 road next to the Black Rocks car park. The other is a triangular piece of land nearby.
Even if homelessness duty owed to the family is deemed remain, ultimately the District Council would only needs to successfully identify one permanent site, with Homesford currently the most advanced.
At the end of July, the District Council published the results of a detailed community consultation on the Homesford site, which at that time was the only feasible permanent solution identified by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG).
The consultation process, which ended in April, included a public meeting at which local residents, businesses and the parish council were invited to have their say. Feedback was also invited by post, via email and online to a series of questions about the wood yard site.
As part of the consultation, local people were asked to suggest suitable alternative sites – but none came forward.
The temporary Traveller site in Rowsley, granted planning permission earlier this year, was made ready for occupation for the Traveller family at the end of September for a maximum period of nine months from the first day of occupation.
The decision by Travellers to quit a temporary site created for them in Rowsley could have discharged Derbyshire Dales District Council of its homelessness duty to the family.
The District Council wrote to the family after the Travellers on 12 October voluntarily vacated the temporary site at Old Station Close.
Under the terms of the Housing Act 1996, a local authority can discharge its duty to provide temporary and permanent accommodation if an applicant leaves suitable accommodation without giving reasonable grounds.
However, representatives for the Traveller family have this month requested a review of the District Council's claim that it has now discharged its duty. The review has to be carried out within 56 days of the challenge.
The District Council has been actively seeking a permanent site for the family on the basis that ignoring its duty could result in costly legal action that would have to be borne by Derbyshire Dales Council Tax payers. Planning permission for the temporary site at Rowsley was granted earlier this year for a maximum nine months from the first day of occupancy.
Homesford wood yardThe family's decision to leave Rowsley soon after moving onto the site - and the District Council's subsequent legal claim - mean a planning application for a permanent site for the family at Homesford wood yard could now be put on hold.
Another new development is that two potential alternative permanent sites to Homesford - both at Bolehill - are likely to be dismissed on the grounds of unsuitability.
A meeting of the District Council's Corporate Committee will consider on Monday (25 November) the latest developments.
Two months ago the same committee instructed officers to agree a price for the wood yard site – with the proviso it could not exceed an independent valuation commissioned by the District Council and that any contract to buy the land should be dependent on a successful planning application.
Monday's meeting will be recommended to allow land negotiations to continue, but will hear that the landowners have challenged various aspects of the independent valuation.
So the picture remains complex. The reviewing officer can make one of two decisions: either that the Rowsley site was not suitable and alternative temporary accommodation must be found by the District Council; or that the site was suitable and the decision to end the homelessness duty was correct.
Further complicating the picture is that even when a homelessness duty is discharged, a fresh claim for assistance can be made by the same applicant.
Already this year the District Council has rejected 13 potential permanent sites – many suggested by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) - for the Traveller family using an evaluation matrix that takes into account many relevant factors, including site size, ownership, availability, proximity to residential properties, vehicular access, bus routes, shops and schools, ground conditions and access to health services.
That total could rise to 15 next week. Further examination of two remaining alternative sites to Homesford wood yard – both at Bolehill – has found them "unsuitable", so they could be dismissed by the committee. One is a grassed area alongside the B5036 road next to the Black Rocks car park. The other is a triangular piece of land nearby.
Even if homelessness duty owed to the family is deemed remain, ultimately the District Council would only needs to successfully identify one permanent site, with Homesford currently the most advanced.
At the end of July, the District Council published the results of a detailed community consultation on the Homesford site, which at that time was the only feasible permanent solution identified by the Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG).
The consultation process, which ended in April, included a public meeting at which local residents, businesses and the parish council were invited to have their say. Feedback was also invited by post, via email and online to a series of questions about the wood yard site.
As part of the consultation, local people were asked to suggest suitable alternative sites – but none came forward.
The temporary Traveller site in Rowsley, granted planning permission earlier this year, was made ready for occupation for the Traveller family at the end of September for a maximum period of nine months from the first day of occupation.
‘Put Travellers in permanent accommodation’ says Limerick councillor - Ireland
From the Limerick Leader
INDEPENDENT councillor John Gilligan says it is time to force Travellers to live in permanent accommodation.
At a briefing session for councillors on the council’s new Traveller Accommodation Programme, Cllr Gilligan said there is a sense of “deja vu” in what the authority is doing on accommodation.
He said: “Travellers are pushed to the edge of society. Are we going to help with this? Is that what we want to do in the future? We have to say that travellers need to realise that to fulfil their potential they must be reintroduced back into society.”
He added: “There is a thinking that they are some ethnic group - they are not - they are Irish people.”
However, housing director of service Seamus O’Connor said not offering Travellers the option of halting-site accommodation is not allowed in law.
“The opportunity to apply for a halting site is in the legislation. It is forbidden to specify traveller specific accommodation,” he explained.
Sinn Fein councillor Maurice Quinlivan said he finds it very difficult to be on the Traveller advisory committee, due to the low representation of Travellers.
He said: “We need to sit down with Travellers. It is difficult because they do not have much faith in the systems.”
Labour’s northside councillor Tom Shortt sounded a note of caution, when he said many people feel “threatened” when Travellers move into permanent homes in their estates.
INDEPENDENT councillor John Gilligan says it is time to force Travellers to live in permanent accommodation.
At a briefing session for councillors on the council’s new Traveller Accommodation Programme, Cllr Gilligan said there is a sense of “deja vu” in what the authority is doing on accommodation.
He said: “Travellers are pushed to the edge of society. Are we going to help with this? Is that what we want to do in the future? We have to say that travellers need to realise that to fulfil their potential they must be reintroduced back into society.”
He added: “There is a thinking that they are some ethnic group - they are not - they are Irish people.”
However, housing director of service Seamus O’Connor said not offering Travellers the option of halting-site accommodation is not allowed in law.
“The opportunity to apply for a halting site is in the legislation. It is forbidden to specify traveller specific accommodation,” he explained.
Sinn Fein councillor Maurice Quinlivan said he finds it very difficult to be on the Traveller advisory committee, due to the low representation of Travellers.
He said: “We need to sit down with Travellers. It is difficult because they do not have much faith in the systems.”
Labour’s northside councillor Tom Shortt sounded a note of caution, when he said many people feel “threatened” when Travellers move into permanent homes in their estates.
Swansea Council leader declines to reveal his concerns over Travellers' site process
From the South Wales Evening Post
Swansea Council leader David Phillips has declined to reveal his concerns over the process for selecting potential Travellers’ sites - or comment on whether he had faced a revolt over the issue from Labour colleagues.
The challenge to the council leader during a meeting of the full council came after an email he sent to colleagues over the process of finding a new Travellers site in the city was leaked to The Evening Post last month.
In it, he told colleagues he had
“significant and fundamental concerns” about the report process which had shortlisted two potential sites for Travellers, at the former greyhound racing track in Fforestfach, and in Llansamlet.
The authority has now decided to reconsider the process.
Opposition leader Chris Holley asked Mr Phillips to reveal exactly his concerns over the process
Mr Phillips said it would be difficult to calculate how much the process had cost to date, but said a ‘significant amount of officers time had been committed’ to the process. And he declined to comment further on his email because it had been confidential.
Mr Holley said: “I am disappointed he cannot share what his problems with the process were. To say the email was confidential is not enough. I know talk of back benchers and a vote of no confidence may be rumour, but I believe it is right and proper he share those concerns with the people of Swansea”.
Mr Phillips added: “I am not going to reveal anything sent to colleagues in a confidential document.
“You can speculate what it was about and people can assume what it was about. But I do not intend to add to my answer”.
Swansea Council leader David Phillips has declined to reveal his concerns over the process for selecting potential Travellers’ sites - or comment on whether he had faced a revolt over the issue from Labour colleagues.
The challenge to the council leader during a meeting of the full council came after an email he sent to colleagues over the process of finding a new Travellers site in the city was leaked to The Evening Post last month.
In it, he told colleagues he had
“significant and fundamental concerns” about the report process which had shortlisted two potential sites for Travellers, at the former greyhound racing track in Fforestfach, and in Llansamlet.
The authority has now decided to reconsider the process.
Opposition leader Chris Holley asked Mr Phillips to reveal exactly his concerns over the process
Mr Phillips said it would be difficult to calculate how much the process had cost to date, but said a ‘significant amount of officers time had been committed’ to the process. And he declined to comment further on his email because it had been confidential.
Mr Holley said: “I am disappointed he cannot share what his problems with the process were. To say the email was confidential is not enough. I know talk of back benchers and a vote of no confidence may be rumour, but I believe it is right and proper he share those concerns with the people of Swansea”.
Mr Phillips added: “I am not going to reveal anything sent to colleagues in a confidential document.
“You can speculate what it was about and people can assume what it was about. But I do not intend to add to my answer”.
'Frustrating' High Court set back in Waltham St Lawrence Travellers' saga - Berkshire
From the Royal Borough Observer
A FOUR-YEAR saga over a Travellers’ site is set to rumble on after a council suffered a 'frustrating’ High Court setback.
Occupants of an illegal Travellers’ site in Shurlock Road, Waltham St Lawrence, have been granted a judicial review of the Royal Borough’s decision to take direct action to remove them from the site in February this year.
Justice Mostyn said, on Wednesday last week, it is arguable the council’s decision to take direct action 'failed to give any meaningful weight to [the council’s] failure to provide alternative pitches in circumstances where both the inspector and the Secretary of State in 2011 had expected that it would’.
Councillor Michael John Saunders, cabinet member for planning and property, said: “We are of course disappointed that the court has come to this conclusion, especially after ruling in the council’s favour on all previous occasions.
“It is particularly frustrating because the reason given is the council’s failure to provide alternative pitches, a challenge we have diligently worked towards resolving despite a real lack of suitable sites in the borough and the recent go ahead for an extension with 10 pitches at Mill Place in Datchet.
“However, we fully respect and will continue to uphold the due process of the law.”
The occupants’ bid to force a judicial review over the council’s decision to decline to determine a planning application in February was thrown out by the same judge on the same day.
Travellers moved on to the site on December 19, 2009. An enforcement notice for them to leave the site was issued five days later.
An unsuccessful appeal by the landowner led to the period of compliance of the enforcement notice to vacate the site to be extended to Monday, February 11, 2013.
A FOUR-YEAR saga over a Travellers’ site is set to rumble on after a council suffered a 'frustrating’ High Court setback.
Occupants of an illegal Travellers’ site in Shurlock Road, Waltham St Lawrence, have been granted a judicial review of the Royal Borough’s decision to take direct action to remove them from the site in February this year.
Justice Mostyn said, on Wednesday last week, it is arguable the council’s decision to take direct action 'failed to give any meaningful weight to [the council’s] failure to provide alternative pitches in circumstances where both the inspector and the Secretary of State in 2011 had expected that it would’.
Councillor Michael John Saunders, cabinet member for planning and property, said: “We are of course disappointed that the court has come to this conclusion, especially after ruling in the council’s favour on all previous occasions.
“It is particularly frustrating because the reason given is the council’s failure to provide alternative pitches, a challenge we have diligently worked towards resolving despite a real lack of suitable sites in the borough and the recent go ahead for an extension with 10 pitches at Mill Place in Datchet.
“However, we fully respect and will continue to uphold the due process of the law.”
The occupants’ bid to force a judicial review over the council’s decision to decline to determine a planning application in February was thrown out by the same judge on the same day.
Travellers moved on to the site on December 19, 2009. An enforcement notice for them to leave the site was issued five days later.
An unsuccessful appeal by the landowner led to the period of compliance of the enforcement notice to vacate the site to be extended to Monday, February 11, 2013.
Anger as Travellers camp at former Burnley school - Lancashire
From the Burnley Express
Travellers are reported to have set up camp on a former Burnley school site.
Neighbours say Travellers smashed their way on to land at the old Ivy Bank High School off Byron Street today.
Around 10 caravans and a number of vehicles have reportedly moved on to the school’s car park.
Officials from Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council are now investigating the matter.
see also: The Burnley Express - Neighbours’ anger as Travellers camp on former Burnley school.
Travellers are reported to have set up camp on a former Burnley school site.
Neighbours say Travellers smashed their way on to land at the old Ivy Bank High School off Byron Street today.
Around 10 caravans and a number of vehicles have reportedly moved on to the school’s car park.
Officials from Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council are now investigating the matter.
see also: The Burnley Express - Neighbours’ anger as Travellers camp on former Burnley school.
Wing Gypsy Site To Be Sold - Buckinghamshire
From Mix96
Buckinghamshire county council is selling off a former Gypsy site.
The land on the Cublington road near Wing had fallen into disrepair.
The council said that as nobody lived there anymore, there was no point holding onto the land.
They've asked people to make an offer on the land measuring 2.69 hectares, and by the deadline in September had received 5 bids which they'll now look at.
A spokesperson for Bucks County Council said:
"Buckinghamshire County Council has received a number of offers for the Former Gipsy Site at Wing.
"Planning permission was obtained in 1978 for a gipsy site, but the site may be suitable for other uses subject to any necessary consents being obtained."
Buckinghamshire county council is selling off a former Gypsy site.
The land on the Cublington road near Wing had fallen into disrepair.
The council said that as nobody lived there anymore, there was no point holding onto the land.
They've asked people to make an offer on the land measuring 2.69 hectares, and by the deadline in September had received 5 bids which they'll now look at.
A spokesperson for Bucks County Council said:
"Buckinghamshire County Council has received a number of offers for the Former Gipsy Site at Wing.
"Planning permission was obtained in 1978 for a gipsy site, but the site may be suitable for other uses subject to any necessary consents being obtained."
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Scrapyard Boys - London
From HERO Magazine
If you were to ask what traditional Traveller families do for a living the list would be focused: roofing, building or labouring, scrap metal dealing, hawking or maybe horse breeding.
HERO catches a glimpse into the lives of this particular group of Traveller boys from the confines of their East London manor.
read more...
If you were to ask what traditional Traveller families do for a living the list would be focused: roofing, building or labouring, scrap metal dealing, hawking or maybe horse breeding.
HERO catches a glimpse into the lives of this particular group of Traveller boys from the confines of their East London manor.
read more...
Negotiated Stopping features in Big Issue in the North - Yorkshire
From LeedsGATE
With less money available to local authorities for costly evictions and clean up associated with unauthorised and unmanaged encampments, Negotiated Stopping, first piloted here in Leeds is attracting attention. You can read how the Big Issue in the North has covered the issue here. BITN NS Article
With less money available to local authorities for costly evictions and clean up associated with unauthorised and unmanaged encampments, Negotiated Stopping, first piloted here in Leeds is attracting attention. You can read how the Big Issue in the North has covered the issue here. BITN NS Article
In Defence of the Rule of Law
From the Travellers' Times
LORD Avebury and Baroness Whitaker accompanied by Chris Johnson from the Travellers Advice Team (TAT) had a meeting with Lord McNally in the Houses of Parliament on the 30th October 2013 to discuss the Ministry of Justice consultation paper: Judicial Review : Proposals for further Reform and the implications of this consultation for Gypsies and Travellers. Lord McNally listened carefully to what was said and asked pertinent questions. He asked for a summary of the submissions that had been made and this summary has been submitted to him. Here is that summary:-
read more...
LORD Avebury and Baroness Whitaker accompanied by Chris Johnson from the Travellers Advice Team (TAT) had a meeting with Lord McNally in the Houses of Parliament on the 30th October 2013 to discuss the Ministry of Justice consultation paper: Judicial Review : Proposals for further Reform and the implications of this consultation for Gypsies and Travellers. Lord McNally listened carefully to what was said and asked pertinent questions. He asked for a summary of the submissions that had been made and this summary has been submitted to him. Here is that summary:-
read more...
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY TO HIGHLIGHT THE FAILURE TO DELIVER ON TRAVELLER-SPECIFIC ACCOMMODATION, MONDAY 25TH NOVEMBER - Ireland
From Pavee Point
Time: 2:30-4:30pm (Housing Strategic Policy Committee Meeting at 4pm)
Location: Outside Fingal County Council Offices, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group would like to invite you to support a National Protest to highlight the failure of local authorities to deliver on Traveller-specific Accommodation, on Monday 25th November at 2.30pm outside the FCC offices in Blanchardstown (see poster attached).
Travellers and organisations from all over the country will be coming together in solidarity to highlight the injustices that Travellers face in Ireland. Local authorities and the Irish government have failed to deliver accommodation for many Traveller families over the past 15 years, and now is the time to protest around the lack of investment in Traveller-specific accommodation and the impact this is having on Traveller families and especially on Traveller children.
In this protest we will highlight the plight of the Mc Donnell families on Dunsink Lane. These are 14 families living in an unofficial halting site in Dunsink Lane for the past 15years. Their site lack basic services such as hot water, electricity and flushing toilets, bin collection, no postal service or suitable play area for children and they have been affected by flooding several times. The Local Authority in Fingal Co Council has failed to provide accommodation for this family despite commitments made for the past 15 years.
Local organisations are being asked to mobilise as many staff and people from the community for this day of protest. It is vital that we show a strong, collective movement that stands in solidarity with the many Traveller families being denied their basic legal right to culturally appropriate accommodation.
For further information, please contact BTDG on 01 8207812 or drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or by email to info@pavee.ie.
Time: 2:30-4:30pm (Housing Strategic Policy Committee Meeting at 4pm)
Location: Outside Fingal County Council Offices, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group would like to invite you to support a National Protest to highlight the failure of local authorities to deliver on Traveller-specific Accommodation, on Monday 25th November at 2.30pm outside the FCC offices in Blanchardstown (see poster attached).
Travellers and organisations from all over the country will be coming together in solidarity to highlight the injustices that Travellers face in Ireland. Local authorities and the Irish government have failed to deliver accommodation for many Traveller families over the past 15 years, and now is the time to protest around the lack of investment in Traveller-specific accommodation and the impact this is having on Traveller families and especially on Traveller children.
In this protest we will highlight the plight of the Mc Donnell families on Dunsink Lane. These are 14 families living in an unofficial halting site in Dunsink Lane for the past 15years. Their site lack basic services such as hot water, electricity and flushing toilets, bin collection, no postal service or suitable play area for children and they have been affected by flooding several times. The Local Authority in Fingal Co Council has failed to provide accommodation for this family despite commitments made for the past 15 years.
Local organisations are being asked to mobilise as many staff and people from the community for this day of protest. It is vital that we show a strong, collective movement that stands in solidarity with the many Traveller families being denied their basic legal right to culturally appropriate accommodation.
For further information, please contact BTDG on 01 8207812 or drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or by email to info@pavee.ie.
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