From the BBC
Travellers at a site in Strabane, County Tyrone, claim they have been living in squalor since last year and are being denied basic human rights.
Winnie Maughan has lived at Greenbrae since August and said she had gone without electricity or proper plumbing for months.
A spokesperson for the Housing Executive apologised for the delay in restoring services.
They said there were a number of issues, including an unpaid bill.
The spokesperson said there had also been major damage to the substation that supplies electricity to the site.
Ms Maughan said there were no facilities of any sort in her caravan.
"The main priority that I need is electricity. There is no electricity at all. If you've no electricity you've no washing machine.
"There's no bins, there's no proper toilets, there's no sinks, there's a tap on the wall.
Temporary accommodation
"I have a stove in the caravan and if I hadn't got the stove, I don't know how I'd manage. I'd probably have had to go into hospital."
The council offered Travellers living on the site temporary accommodation in Londonderry over the winter.
"Why should I leave my home when my child is in school here, why should I have to go and live somewhere else. I should be allowed to live in my own home," Ms Maughan said.
The Housing Executive visited the site on Tuesday and said that each pitch had access to mains water.
"We did offer the families living on the site temporary accommodation in Derry, which was not accepted. This offer remains," the spokesperson added.
"Following the damage to the substation, the Housing Executive has been developing plans to upgrade the site, including the provision of individual electricity meters and keypads.
"Our plans are well advanced and we are currently awaiting quotations to enable the work to commence as soon as possible."
Friday, 28 February 2014
Erith Travellers leave behind tonnes of rubbish on Church Manorway site - London
From the News Shopper
A GROUP of Travellers who pulled up on private land next to the Tesco.com centre in Erith left the area strewn with rubbish since they left.
The fourteen caravans first of all appeared on Church Manorway last week and were told by the police and Bexley Council to move.
The caravans then moved across the road into privately owned land next to the distribution centre's carpark.
A man who didn't want to be named said: "They have left the land covered in rubbish and it looks horrible. They have now gone."
A spokesman for Bexley Council said: "This is privately owned land.
"The landowner responsible for the security of this land will also be responsible for clearing the rubbish.
"We would clear the site for a fee should the landowner wish us to do so."
A GROUP of Travellers who pulled up on private land next to the Tesco.com centre in Erith left the area strewn with rubbish since they left.
The fourteen caravans first of all appeared on Church Manorway last week and were told by the police and Bexley Council to move.
The caravans then moved across the road into privately owned land next to the distribution centre's carpark.
A man who didn't want to be named said: "They have left the land covered in rubbish and it looks horrible. They have now gone."
A spokesman for Bexley Council said: "This is privately owned land.
"The landowner responsible for the security of this land will also be responsible for clearing the rubbish.
"We would clear the site for a fee should the landowner wish us to do so."
Dragons’ Den star James Caan responds to Stevenage MP over derelict building occupied by Travellers - Stevenage
From Comet24
A former star of BBC programme Dragons’ Den has written to the Stevenage MP revealing his intention to sell a derelict building.
James Caan has responded to a letter from MP Stephen McPartland raising concerns about the state of the former Fujitsu building in King’s Road, Stevenage.
Mr Caan founded investment company Hamilton Bradshaw which owns the site – occupied by Travellers for a number of weeks until February 2.
Writing to Mr McPartland, he said: “The property has suffered quite a lot of misfortune in recent years; from a theft on an industrial scale to being occupied by Travellers.
“The signs appear to be that the property market is recovering and there is renewed interest in the property.”
He said the majority of discussions with interested parties “have reached an advanced stage” and he is “hopeful a sale can be concluded quickly”.
Mr McPartland said: “I’ve had a number of constituents get in touch with concerns about the site. It is in a very poor state of repair. I’m not sure the building can be reused - it might have to be demolished and rebuilt.”
Stevenage Borough Council has given Hamilton Bradshaw 28 days to make the site safe, secure and clear of rubbish while the building remains unused, or court action may be taken.
A former star of BBC programme Dragons’ Den has written to the Stevenage MP revealing his intention to sell a derelict building.
James Caan has responded to a letter from MP Stephen McPartland raising concerns about the state of the former Fujitsu building in King’s Road, Stevenage.
Mr Caan founded investment company Hamilton Bradshaw which owns the site – occupied by Travellers for a number of weeks until February 2.
Writing to Mr McPartland, he said: “The property has suffered quite a lot of misfortune in recent years; from a theft on an industrial scale to being occupied by Travellers.
“The signs appear to be that the property market is recovering and there is renewed interest in the property.”
He said the majority of discussions with interested parties “have reached an advanced stage” and he is “hopeful a sale can be concluded quickly”.
Mr McPartland said: “I’ve had a number of constituents get in touch with concerns about the site. It is in a very poor state of repair. I’m not sure the building can be reused - it might have to be demolished and rebuilt.”
Stevenage Borough Council has given Hamilton Bradshaw 28 days to make the site safe, secure and clear of rubbish while the building remains unused, or court action may be taken.
Tensions flare after Gypsy Council accuses Borough of Poole of failing Travellers by not providing permanent sites - Dorset
From the Daly Echo
THE Gypsy Council has accused Borough of Poole of failing Gypsies and Travellers by not providing permanent sites in the borough.
Joe Jones, chairman of the Gypsy Council, has also hit out at “disgusting behaviour” from councillors in treating the matter as a “political football”.
He said: “Councillors are creating racial tensions and anti-social behaviour from the wider community. What they are failing to say is that it is through their lack of commitment to identify land suitable for Gypsy and Traveller occupation, lack of carrying out policy, that has created the situation within the borough.”
Borough of Poole has identified two temporary transit sites, at Creekmoor and Oakdale, due to go before the planning committee in March, which have been opposed by residents and ward councillors. There is a residential site of 15 pitches at Mannings Heath which was completely refurbished within the last 10 years.
He added: “This disgusting behaviour from elected members has to stop. They are elected to represent every member of society, not to vilify and dogmatise those who have no power to change the situation.”
There seemed to be a consensus of where Gypsies and Travellers could not stay but a lack of information about where they could, he said and urged the community, MPs and councillors to get together to identify suitable land.
Council leader, Cllr Elaine Atkinson, said the council did not condone racial abuse or any behaviour contrary to the Equalities Act. She said they had worked hard to balance the needs of residents with the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
It had not been possible to identify a suitable permanent transit site but they were seeking a change in legislation to enable a joint provision with neighbours, she said.
“Poole and Bournemouth have similar problems in that they have boundaries with each other, heathland to the north and the sea to the south,” she added.
“Rather than ignore the problem, the council, in consultation with the police and residents across the borough, decided to look at the provision of a temporary stopping place for 2014,” she said.
THE Gypsy Council has accused Borough of Poole of failing Gypsies and Travellers by not providing permanent sites in the borough.
Joe Jones, chairman of the Gypsy Council, has also hit out at “disgusting behaviour” from councillors in treating the matter as a “political football”.
He said: “Councillors are creating racial tensions and anti-social behaviour from the wider community. What they are failing to say is that it is through their lack of commitment to identify land suitable for Gypsy and Traveller occupation, lack of carrying out policy, that has created the situation within the borough.”
Borough of Poole has identified two temporary transit sites, at Creekmoor and Oakdale, due to go before the planning committee in March, which have been opposed by residents and ward councillors. There is a residential site of 15 pitches at Mannings Heath which was completely refurbished within the last 10 years.
He added: “This disgusting behaviour from elected members has to stop. They are elected to represent every member of society, not to vilify and dogmatise those who have no power to change the situation.”
There seemed to be a consensus of where Gypsies and Travellers could not stay but a lack of information about where they could, he said and urged the community, MPs and councillors to get together to identify suitable land.
Council leader, Cllr Elaine Atkinson, said the council did not condone racial abuse or any behaviour contrary to the Equalities Act. She said they had worked hard to balance the needs of residents with the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
It had not been possible to identify a suitable permanent transit site but they were seeking a change in legislation to enable a joint provision with neighbours, she said.
“Poole and Bournemouth have similar problems in that they have boundaries with each other, heathland to the north and the sea to the south,” she added.
“Rather than ignore the problem, the council, in consultation with the police and residents across the borough, decided to look at the provision of a temporary stopping place for 2014,” she said.
Travellers leave a load of rubbish at Earls Road - Cheshire
From wilmslow.co.uk
A group of Travellers that set up camp on Earls Road last week have moved on leaving piles of rubble and rubbish behind them.
They arrived in the early hours of Tuesday, February 18th, and parked up nine caravans and 11 vehicles on council owned land, adjacent to the Handforth Dean retail park.
The Travellers moved on on Wednesday evening, having been served with a notice to quit by Monday, 24th February, by Cheshire East Council.
This is the same site where Travellers set up camp in August, September and November last year, however these were a different group.
On each occasion the Travellers have gained access by moving the two large tree stumps, which the Council placed across Earls Road to act as a blockage.
Wesley Hutton, Team Leader at Cheshire East Council, was at the site on Thursday to assess the clean up operation. They will return on Monday, 3rd February, to clean up all the litter that has been left behind. Then one day next week they will load up all the rubble onto a lorry and take it to a waste transfer site, as it will be too heavy for them to transport by tractor and trailor.
A group of Travellers that set up camp on Earls Road last week have moved on leaving piles of rubble and rubbish behind them.
They arrived in the early hours of Tuesday, February 18th, and parked up nine caravans and 11 vehicles on council owned land, adjacent to the Handforth Dean retail park.
The Travellers moved on on Wednesday evening, having been served with a notice to quit by Monday, 24th February, by Cheshire East Council.
This is the same site where Travellers set up camp in August, September and November last year, however these were a different group.
On each occasion the Travellers have gained access by moving the two large tree stumps, which the Council placed across Earls Road to act as a blockage.
Wesley Hutton, Team Leader at Cheshire East Council, was at the site on Thursday to assess the clean up operation. They will return on Monday, 3rd February, to clean up all the litter that has been left behind. Then one day next week they will load up all the rubble onto a lorry and take it to a waste transfer site, as it will be too heavy for them to transport by tractor and trailor.
Controversial St Cyrus Travellers’ site application to go before councillors - Aberdeenshire
From the Courier
One of the most controversial issues to hit the Mearns/Angus border in years is finally due to come before councillors.
Almost six months have passed since a group of Travellers set up a new home for themselves without notice on a patch of land near St Cyrus Nature Reserve.
Building work to create a 10-stance permanent caravan park and a turning/wash station for Travelling families was carried out without planning permission over three months, leaving the local community shocked and enraged at perceived local authority inaction.
Aberdeenshire Council moved against the site with planning enforcement and court interdicts, the proceedings of which have ambled on through the corridors of the council and Stonehaven Sheriff Court since October.
Now, after months of waiting, objectors and supporters of the controversial site will finally get to hear local councillors air their views on the two planning applications linked to the encampment when the topic comes before the Kincardine and Mearns area committee on March 25.
The meeting was initially scheduled for March 4, but was pushed back for further flooding investigations at the site.
One local resident said she was “completely baffled” that it had taken so long for the applications to come before the council.
The homeowner, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m disappointed that it has been pushed back another three weeks as that will be a whole six months since it all started.
“Would anyone else have been given six months’ time before it came up?
“I’m completely baffled how much consideration has been given to it as I feel that if I were to start building a bungalow in my back garden, I wouldn’t be given that amount of time.”
Councillor George Carr said that due process was paramount for the council throughout the whole situation.
“This is a retrospective planning application and it will be dealt with fairly and objectively,” said Mr Carr.
“It has taken a fair bit of time to get responses and it will be important to make sure we have all the information in front of us. Due process does take time and quite a number of consultees were involved in this.
“Our officers have a job to do and make sure they get all the facts. We would be equally criticised if we didn’t act professionally and investigate properly.
“The papers we have at the council meetings are always high quality and that’s down to the diligence of the officers and council agents, and we have to give them credit for that.”
In a quirk of procedural timing, the meeting is scheduled to take place in the same week that the first pieces of evidence will be led in the court case linked to the site.
Aberdeenshire Council successfully applied for an interdict against Traveller James McCallum, the lead applicant on the application for building works at site and landowner according to the planning application, to prohibit work there.
Mr McCallum denies a breach of that interdict and that he is the landowner and the court battle will begin in earnest on the week beginning March 24.
St Cyrus Community Council chairman Eric Herd said the community will be “curious” to see how each scenario plays out at council and court level.
“We knew that this would have been decided at some stage and would probably come before the committee, but we have not discussed it outwith the remit of the planning applications,” said Mr Herd.
“We are just waiting to see what the local authority does.”
One of the most controversial issues to hit the Mearns/Angus border in years is finally due to come before councillors.
Almost six months have passed since a group of Travellers set up a new home for themselves without notice on a patch of land near St Cyrus Nature Reserve.
Building work to create a 10-stance permanent caravan park and a turning/wash station for Travelling families was carried out without planning permission over three months, leaving the local community shocked and enraged at perceived local authority inaction.
Aberdeenshire Council moved against the site with planning enforcement and court interdicts, the proceedings of which have ambled on through the corridors of the council and Stonehaven Sheriff Court since October.
Now, after months of waiting, objectors and supporters of the controversial site will finally get to hear local councillors air their views on the two planning applications linked to the encampment when the topic comes before the Kincardine and Mearns area committee on March 25.
The meeting was initially scheduled for March 4, but was pushed back for further flooding investigations at the site.
One local resident said she was “completely baffled” that it had taken so long for the applications to come before the council.
The homeowner, who asked not to be named, said: “I’m disappointed that it has been pushed back another three weeks as that will be a whole six months since it all started.
“Would anyone else have been given six months’ time before it came up?
“I’m completely baffled how much consideration has been given to it as I feel that if I were to start building a bungalow in my back garden, I wouldn’t be given that amount of time.”
Councillor George Carr said that due process was paramount for the council throughout the whole situation.
“This is a retrospective planning application and it will be dealt with fairly and objectively,” said Mr Carr.
“It has taken a fair bit of time to get responses and it will be important to make sure we have all the information in front of us. Due process does take time and quite a number of consultees were involved in this.
“Our officers have a job to do and make sure they get all the facts. We would be equally criticised if we didn’t act professionally and investigate properly.
“The papers we have at the council meetings are always high quality and that’s down to the diligence of the officers and council agents, and we have to give them credit for that.”
In a quirk of procedural timing, the meeting is scheduled to take place in the same week that the first pieces of evidence will be led in the court case linked to the site.
Aberdeenshire Council successfully applied for an interdict against Traveller James McCallum, the lead applicant on the application for building works at site and landowner according to the planning application, to prohibit work there.
Mr McCallum denies a breach of that interdict and that he is the landowner and the court battle will begin in earnest on the week beginning March 24.
St Cyrus Community Council chairman Eric Herd said the community will be “curious” to see how each scenario plays out at council and court level.
“We knew that this would have been decided at some stage and would probably come before the committee, but we have not discussed it outwith the remit of the planning applications,” said Mr Herd.
“We are just waiting to see what the local authority does.”
New mobile home for Battle Traveller site? - Sussex
From the Rye and Battle Observer
COUNCILLORS have lodged a ‘strong objection’ to plans for a new mobile home on a Gypsy site in Battle.
A planning application has been submitted for the siting of a moblie home and ‘associated facility structures’ at Beeches Brook on Telham Lane.
The application, which has been lodged with Rother District Council, says the home is intended for the relative of the applicant, who has herself lived on the site for a number of years.
But Battle Town Council has objected to the plans, expressing fears about potential flooding and councillors say the application does not fit in with Rother’s Local Plan.
The town council added that it believes the application does not include enough information.
The council’s objection said: “The site is on a flood plain and requires a flood risk assessment.
“The application form stated that it is not and this is clearly a false and misleading response.
“The field within the site flooded even before the heavy rain on 12 February 2014.
“The application does not meet the requirements of HG6 - proposals for new Gypsy sites, extensions to existing Gypsy sites and sites for travelling show people; or HG10 - proposals for new dwellings in the countryside; as set out in RDC’s Local Plan.
“Consent has already been given for one elderly relative and it is not known what justification there is for this application.
“No details have been provided.
“The council very strongly objects to this application and intensification of use of this site.”
Two other objections have also been submitted to Rother.
The objectors have raised a number of concerns including the potential change of character of the area and possible flooding.
Rother District Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at a later date.
All comments must be submitted to the authority by February 25.
COUNCILLORS have lodged a ‘strong objection’ to plans for a new mobile home on a Gypsy site in Battle.
A planning application has been submitted for the siting of a moblie home and ‘associated facility structures’ at Beeches Brook on Telham Lane.
The application, which has been lodged with Rother District Council, says the home is intended for the relative of the applicant, who has herself lived on the site for a number of years.
But Battle Town Council has objected to the plans, expressing fears about potential flooding and councillors say the application does not fit in with Rother’s Local Plan.
The town council added that it believes the application does not include enough information.
The council’s objection said: “The site is on a flood plain and requires a flood risk assessment.
“The application form stated that it is not and this is clearly a false and misleading response.
“The field within the site flooded even before the heavy rain on 12 February 2014.
“The application does not meet the requirements of HG6 - proposals for new Gypsy sites, extensions to existing Gypsy sites and sites for travelling show people; or HG10 - proposals for new dwellings in the countryside; as set out in RDC’s Local Plan.
“Consent has already been given for one elderly relative and it is not known what justification there is for this application.
“No details have been provided.
“The council very strongly objects to this application and intensification of use of this site.”
Two other objections have also been submitted to Rother.
The objectors have raised a number of concerns including the potential change of character of the area and possible flooding.
Rother District Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at a later date.
All comments must be submitted to the authority by February 25.
Court application to evict Travellers from Marshgate Drive, Hertford, is postponed - Hertfordshire
From the Mercury
A COURT application to evict Travellers from a site in Hertford has been pushed back to Monday (March 3).
East Herts Council had been due to seek an application for possession of the car park in Marshgate Drive today.
The two caravans moved on to the land last Thursday.
Other Travellers moved on to the derelict Transco site on the same road on the same day, but they left at the weekend after being served the eviction order.
A COURT application to evict Travellers from a site in Hertford has been pushed back to Monday (March 3).
East Herts Council had been due to seek an application for possession of the car park in Marshgate Drive today.
The two caravans moved on to the land last Thursday.
Other Travellers moved on to the derelict Transco site on the same road on the same day, but they left at the weekend after being served the eviction order.
Traveller anger at ‘broken’ Peterborough Horse Fair vow - Cambridgeshire
From the Peterborough Telegraph
The leader of a Peterborough group of Travellers claims council officials have broken a promise to allow him to put on a summer horse fair.
Jack Cunningham (63) claims he was told late last year by Peterborough City Council that he would be allowed to stage a horse fair show in the summer on the Embankment.
Now he has vowed to press on with his plans regardless of whether he gets the go ahead or not.
The Travellers’ host a horse fair show on New Year’s Day each year at the Pleasure Meadow car park, in Peterborough, which is always well attended.
The event attracts visitors and Travellers from across the country and from overseas.
Mr Cunningham said: “I was promised last year by a council official that I would be allowed to put on a horse fair in the summer
“Now I have been told that’s not possible because there are no available dates left. I am very upset by this and I think the excuses I’ve been given are a just a load of nonsense.
“These events are hugely important to the travelling community. I want the council to work with us. If it won’t, I plan to hold a summer horse fair regardless of what the council says. It will go on.”
A council spokeswoman denied a promise had been made.
She said: “Mr Cunningham did contact us and request to use the Embankment for a horse fair this summer but unfortunately we have had to turn this request down. A number of events are already scheduled for the Embankment this summer and in addition we are trying to keep key locations such as this free in July and August for any events which may take place to mark the World War I centenary. As a result we have had to refuse a number of requests to use the site this summer.”
The leader of a Peterborough group of Travellers claims council officials have broken a promise to allow him to put on a summer horse fair.
Jack Cunningham (63) claims he was told late last year by Peterborough City Council that he would be allowed to stage a horse fair show in the summer on the Embankment.
Now he has vowed to press on with his plans regardless of whether he gets the go ahead or not.
The Travellers’ host a horse fair show on New Year’s Day each year at the Pleasure Meadow car park, in Peterborough, which is always well attended.
The event attracts visitors and Travellers from across the country and from overseas.
Mr Cunningham said: “I was promised last year by a council official that I would be allowed to put on a horse fair in the summer
“Now I have been told that’s not possible because there are no available dates left. I am very upset by this and I think the excuses I’ve been given are a just a load of nonsense.
“These events are hugely important to the travelling community. I want the council to work with us. If it won’t, I plan to hold a summer horse fair regardless of what the council says. It will go on.”
A council spokeswoman denied a promise had been made.
She said: “Mr Cunningham did contact us and request to use the Embankment for a horse fair this summer but unfortunately we have had to turn this request down. A number of events are already scheduled for the Embankment this summer and in addition we are trying to keep key locations such as this free in July and August for any events which may take place to mark the World War I centenary. As a result we have had to refuse a number of requests to use the site this summer.”
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Travellers occupy Firepool site - Somerset
From the Falmouth Packet
TRAVELLERS are currently occupying the site of the former market at Firepool in Taunton.
Several caravans were spotted arriving at the site near Priory Bridge Road yesterday (February 26).
A spokesman for Taunton Deane Council said: "The council is aware of the Travellers on our Firepool site.
"We have served notice to quit on the travellers and will pursue the necessary steps to clear the site as soon as possible."
TRAVELLERS are currently occupying the site of the former market at Firepool in Taunton.
Several caravans were spotted arriving at the site near Priory Bridge Road yesterday (February 26).
A spokesman for Taunton Deane Council said: "The council is aware of the Travellers on our Firepool site.
"We have served notice to quit on the travellers and will pursue the necessary steps to clear the site as soon as possible."
Poole council turns down £250k offer to buy land at Marshes End and stop it being used for Travellers - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
A POOLE commercial property company has offered £¼million to buy land at Marshes End and prevent it being used as a summer transit site for Travellers.
However Borough of Poole, which owns the land, has turned down flat the £250,000 offer from Forelle Estates for the site at Safety Drive.
The company says it could develop a landmark office building, creating up to 200 jobs – but fears jobs may be lost if the controversial plans for the 12-plot site goes ahead.
Forelle owns the office buildings WDS House and Phoenix House that adjoin the site at Creekmoor. They are occupied by WDS Xerox and Deverill, who employ more than 100 people.
In a letter to chief executive John McBride, Forelle’s managing director Michael Price said they had immediate cash resources to make the purchase and were fully aware of the ecological, contamination and flood risk issues of the site. The council has said it would cost £175,000 to provide the temporary stopping place (TSP).
“Our offer to purchase the site ... should therefore provide the council with more than enough funds to develop the TSP in an alternative location and not require use of council tax payer funds. We do, of course, object most strongly to the current planning application which will have an extremely negative impact on the companies that occupy our adjoining office buildings and will inevitably drive jobs away from the location,” he said.
The company has employed planning consultants Terence O’Rourke to make a formal planning objection.
“It seems unbelievable to us that the council should even consider the use of the Marshes End site for a TSP as it should be obvious that the site is significant as an extremely prominent piece of land at the western gateway into Poole,” he said.
A landmark office building of around 20,000 sq ft could provide up to 200 jobs, he said.
Borough of Poole chief executive John McBride confirmed that an offer had been received from Forelle to buy the land.
He said: “The council has no plans to sell the site and does
not consider that it would be in the best interests of local taxpayers to accept an offer for an important council asset without full and proper assessment of its market value.
“Establishing a temporary stopping place would help the council to manage this issue more effectively and enable the police to use their powers to move unauthorised encampments.
“Such action will enable us to minimise the impact that unauthorised encampments can have on our local communities.”
A POOLE commercial property company has offered £¼million to buy land at Marshes End and prevent it being used as a summer transit site for Travellers.
However Borough of Poole, which owns the land, has turned down flat the £250,000 offer from Forelle Estates for the site at Safety Drive.
The company says it could develop a landmark office building, creating up to 200 jobs – but fears jobs may be lost if the controversial plans for the 12-plot site goes ahead.
Forelle owns the office buildings WDS House and Phoenix House that adjoin the site at Creekmoor. They are occupied by WDS Xerox and Deverill, who employ more than 100 people.
In a letter to chief executive John McBride, Forelle’s managing director Michael Price said they had immediate cash resources to make the purchase and were fully aware of the ecological, contamination and flood risk issues of the site. The council has said it would cost £175,000 to provide the temporary stopping place (TSP).
“Our offer to purchase the site ... should therefore provide the council with more than enough funds to develop the TSP in an alternative location and not require use of council tax payer funds. We do, of course, object most strongly to the current planning application which will have an extremely negative impact on the companies that occupy our adjoining office buildings and will inevitably drive jobs away from the location,” he said.
The company has employed planning consultants Terence O’Rourke to make a formal planning objection.
“It seems unbelievable to us that the council should even consider the use of the Marshes End site for a TSP as it should be obvious that the site is significant as an extremely prominent piece of land at the western gateway into Poole,” he said.
A landmark office building of around 20,000 sq ft could provide up to 200 jobs, he said.
Borough of Poole chief executive John McBride confirmed that an offer had been received from Forelle to buy the land.
He said: “The council has no plans to sell the site and does
not consider that it would be in the best interests of local taxpayers to accept an offer for an important council asset without full and proper assessment of its market value.
“Establishing a temporary stopping place would help the council to manage this issue more effectively and enable the police to use their powers to move unauthorised encampments.
“Such action will enable us to minimise the impact that unauthorised encampments can have on our local communities.”
Big fat Gypsy waste of cash – council now spending £10k on consultants for Hartlepool Traveller site
From the Hartlepool Mail
A COUNCIL which threw out a planning blueprint because of the furore over plans for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site is spending £10,000 on consultants to assess the need for one in the first place.
Some angry councillors have slammed Hartlepool Borough Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment as a “waste of cash” as similar work had been carried out on the previous Local Plan axed in October.
That planning blueprint for the whole town had cost £1.5m and took five years to produce.
Officials say the new one is costing a further £250,000 but council leader Christopher Akers-Belcher believes the £10,000 gyspsy site consultancy work is a “sound investment” if it proves there is no need or demand for a permanent Traveller base.
The council had initially identified land in Hart Village, as required under European Law, but the 15-year plan was axed after a majority of councillors backed a Labour Group motion and work started again.
A previous Tees Valley-wide study from 2009 highlighted the need for six to 10 pitches but in town just one request for a pitch was made by a member of the Gypsy and Traveller community as part of a council consultation.
The £10,000 figure was revealed at the regeneration services committee and planning chiefs said the work is to purely assess the need, not to identify a site.
They confirmed similar work has been done before, but argue it needs updating as most evidence bases need refreshing every five years and the evidence from 2009 will soon be out of date.
Consultants were used four years ago to assess the need across the region, but the site selection was done in-house by Hartlepool Council.
Chris Pipe, the council’s planning services manager, said: “An updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment is required to contribute towards the Local Plan evidence base.
“Throughout December discussions have taken place with prospective consultants with a specialism in housing need relating to Gypsy and Travellers with a view to undertaking a new GTAA for the period 2016 to 2031.
“It gives us credibility moving forward and we thought this was the best way to go.”
Contracts have yet to be exchanged with the chosen consultancy firm.
Damien Wilson, the council’s assistant director of regeneration, told the committee: “This is a very specialised and sensitive area.We need that robust evidence that will stand up to scrutiny by having something that is independent and impartial.”
The consultancy fee has sparked a mixed bag of responses from senior councillors, with some arguing it is worth the investment in the long-term while others have blasted it.
Labour group leader Coun Akers-Belcher, said: “From my point of view the investment in the consultancy is a sound investment if it allays the fears of residents, proves there is no need or demand for a site in Hartlepool and may prevent expenditure in excess of £1m on a site, which may never be required.
“Also the critics may add more value to their wards and the council if they came up with credible solutions and suggestions rather than focusing on small scale items within the council’s budget.”
Conservative group leader Ray Martin-Wells said: “Many people have been questioning why this was not done properly last time and you can only agree with that sentiment, but that is no excuse for getting it wrong a second time. I fully support this piece of work as last time only one person expressed an interest. To have a whole village put through the trauma they were for one request seems completely unbalanced.”
Putting Hartlepool First group spokesman, councillor Geoff Lilley, said: “I don’t see how they can come up with any different figures than what we have used for the Local Plan before, that was so foolishly scrapped.
“The council has had to start from scratch and for all this is a waste of money, it also shows what a waste of money scrapping the plan was in the first place.”
Councillor Jonathan Brash said: “Is it really beyond the ability of the council to work out whether there is a demand for Gypsy and Traveller sites, without paying £10,000 for yet another consultant, especially as we have done it once already?”
Consultants will produce their draft findings in June and the final report in July.
The Local Plan will go before a planning inspector next summer, at which point weight can be given to it, but it could take up to three years before it is fully adopted.
A COUNCIL which threw out a planning blueprint because of the furore over plans for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site is spending £10,000 on consultants to assess the need for one in the first place.
Some angry councillors have slammed Hartlepool Borough Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment as a “waste of cash” as similar work had been carried out on the previous Local Plan axed in October.
That planning blueprint for the whole town had cost £1.5m and took five years to produce.
Officials say the new one is costing a further £250,000 but council leader Christopher Akers-Belcher believes the £10,000 gyspsy site consultancy work is a “sound investment” if it proves there is no need or demand for a permanent Traveller base.
The council had initially identified land in Hart Village, as required under European Law, but the 15-year plan was axed after a majority of councillors backed a Labour Group motion and work started again.
A previous Tees Valley-wide study from 2009 highlighted the need for six to 10 pitches but in town just one request for a pitch was made by a member of the Gypsy and Traveller community as part of a council consultation.
The £10,000 figure was revealed at the regeneration services committee and planning chiefs said the work is to purely assess the need, not to identify a site.
They confirmed similar work has been done before, but argue it needs updating as most evidence bases need refreshing every five years and the evidence from 2009 will soon be out of date.
Consultants were used four years ago to assess the need across the region, but the site selection was done in-house by Hartlepool Council.
Chris Pipe, the council’s planning services manager, said: “An updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment is required to contribute towards the Local Plan evidence base.
“Throughout December discussions have taken place with prospective consultants with a specialism in housing need relating to Gypsy and Travellers with a view to undertaking a new GTAA for the period 2016 to 2031.
“It gives us credibility moving forward and we thought this was the best way to go.”
Contracts have yet to be exchanged with the chosen consultancy firm.
Damien Wilson, the council’s assistant director of regeneration, told the committee: “This is a very specialised and sensitive area.We need that robust evidence that will stand up to scrutiny by having something that is independent and impartial.”
The consultancy fee has sparked a mixed bag of responses from senior councillors, with some arguing it is worth the investment in the long-term while others have blasted it.
Labour group leader Coun Akers-Belcher, said: “From my point of view the investment in the consultancy is a sound investment if it allays the fears of residents, proves there is no need or demand for a site in Hartlepool and may prevent expenditure in excess of £1m on a site, which may never be required.
“Also the critics may add more value to their wards and the council if they came up with credible solutions and suggestions rather than focusing on small scale items within the council’s budget.”
Conservative group leader Ray Martin-Wells said: “Many people have been questioning why this was not done properly last time and you can only agree with that sentiment, but that is no excuse for getting it wrong a second time. I fully support this piece of work as last time only one person expressed an interest. To have a whole village put through the trauma they were for one request seems completely unbalanced.”
Putting Hartlepool First group spokesman, councillor Geoff Lilley, said: “I don’t see how they can come up with any different figures than what we have used for the Local Plan before, that was so foolishly scrapped.
“The council has had to start from scratch and for all this is a waste of money, it also shows what a waste of money scrapping the plan was in the first place.”
Councillor Jonathan Brash said: “Is it really beyond the ability of the council to work out whether there is a demand for Gypsy and Traveller sites, without paying £10,000 for yet another consultant, especially as we have done it once already?”
Consultants will produce their draft findings in June and the final report in July.
The Local Plan will go before a planning inspector next summer, at which point weight can be given to it, but it could take up to three years before it is fully adopted.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Travellers pack up illegal encampment next to Leatherhead leisure centre - Surrey
From yourlocalguardian.co.uk
A group of Travellers have packed up and left their illegal encampment next to a leisure centre.
Twenty caravans and families moved on from a field by Leatherhead Leisure Centre’s car park earlier today.
Their departure comes just a day after Mole Valley Council announced it was allowing them to stay for two weeks on compassionate grounds because the group included pregnant women and children.
PC John Hockley, co-chairman of the Surrey Gypsy and Traveller Communities Relations Forum, said he had heard the families had been barred from the centre as a result of their behaviour.
PC Hockley said: "It sounds like they were behaving in a way that was not reasonable and had been abusing leisure centre facilities."
PC Hockley said it was not known where the Travellers had gone but he believed they were planning to go to a funeral was in Birmingham.
He said: "It’s been resolved. They were not local Travellers."
Leatherhead Councillor Bridget Lewis-Carr said she knew of no problems since the Travellers arrived last Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Coun Lewis-Carr said: "It was very well hidden. There was a bonfire last night and lots of children running around."
A group of Travellers have packed up and left their illegal encampment next to a leisure centre.
Twenty caravans and families moved on from a field by Leatherhead Leisure Centre’s car park earlier today.
Their departure comes just a day after Mole Valley Council announced it was allowing them to stay for two weeks on compassionate grounds because the group included pregnant women and children.
PC John Hockley, co-chairman of the Surrey Gypsy and Traveller Communities Relations Forum, said he had heard the families had been barred from the centre as a result of their behaviour.
PC Hockley said: "It sounds like they were behaving in a way that was not reasonable and had been abusing leisure centre facilities."
PC Hockley said it was not known where the Travellers had gone but he believed they were planning to go to a funeral was in Birmingham.
He said: "It’s been resolved. They were not local Travellers."
Leatherhead Councillor Bridget Lewis-Carr said she knew of no problems since the Travellers arrived last Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
Coun Lewis-Carr said: "It was very well hidden. There was a bonfire last night and lots of children running around."
Council’s High Court injunction moves Travellers on from Bury St Edmunds - Suffolk
From the Bury Free Press
A group of Travellers that pitched up in Bury St Edmunds last week were moved on in less than three days because of pre-emptive action by the council.
The group arrived at St Andrew’s car park, behind Wilkinson’s, at around 7.30pm on Monday and were gone on Thursday morning.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council obtained pre-emptive injunctions from the High Court last November to prevent Travellers from illegally camping on council-owned town centre car parks and Moreton Hall open spaces.
St Andrew’s is one of the car parks covered by the injunctions which, if not obeyed, put Travellers in contempt of court and at risk of being imprisoned.
A council spokeswoman said: “They were notified that they were in breach of that injunction and they moved on as a result of being told they couldn’t stay.”
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that another group of Travellers given a temporary winter stopping place on the Great Barton side of the boundary with Moreton Hall last year will need to move on by April 1.
Conditions imposed have limited the number of caravans and required a weekly fee to be paid for temporary toilets and waste collection.
The council spokeswoman said there was no possibility of the site becoming a permanent one.
A group of Travellers that pitched up in Bury St Edmunds last week were moved on in less than three days because of pre-emptive action by the council.
The group arrived at St Andrew’s car park, behind Wilkinson’s, at around 7.30pm on Monday and were gone on Thursday morning.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council obtained pre-emptive injunctions from the High Court last November to prevent Travellers from illegally camping on council-owned town centre car parks and Moreton Hall open spaces.
St Andrew’s is one of the car parks covered by the injunctions which, if not obeyed, put Travellers in contempt of court and at risk of being imprisoned.
A council spokeswoman said: “They were notified that they were in breach of that injunction and they moved on as a result of being told they couldn’t stay.”
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that another group of Travellers given a temporary winter stopping place on the Great Barton side of the boundary with Moreton Hall last year will need to move on by April 1.
Conditions imposed have limited the number of caravans and required a weekly fee to be paid for temporary toilets and waste collection.
The council spokeswoman said there was no possibility of the site becoming a permanent one.
Decision on Travellers’ site delayed for reports - Aberdeenshire
From the Press and Journal
A decision on whether a controversial Travellers site in Aberdeenshire will be allowed to remain has been delayed by three weeks.
Councillors had been due to determine a planning application for the site at Northwater Bridge, by St Cyrus, next Tuesday – but the application will now be heard on March 25.
The delay is due to more information being sought over recent flooding and whether the construction of the Travellers site, which is now home to around 20 caravans, contributed to recent waterlogging in the area.
A decision on whether a controversial Travellers site in Aberdeenshire will be allowed to remain has been delayed by three weeks.
Councillors had been due to determine a planning application for the site at Northwater Bridge, by St Cyrus, next Tuesday – but the application will now be heard on March 25.
The delay is due to more information being sought over recent flooding and whether the construction of the Travellers site, which is now home to around 20 caravans, contributed to recent waterlogging in the area.
Travellers move into Elstree Way in Borehamwood opposite Wickes - Hertfordshire
From the Borehamwood and Elstree Times
A group of Travellers has set up camp in a patch of land in Borehamwood.
Police were called at about 9.20pm yesterday to reports that a caravan was blocking the highway at the A1 Barnet Bypass near the Holiday Inn. The Travellers are believed to have moved onto the site at about 3pm yesterday.
When officers arrived, they found one caravan parked in a layby on the A1 and ten others parked opposite Wickes DIY outlet in Elstree Way.
But the caravans were not found to be guilty of any criminal offence as they were not blocking the road, meaning police had no power to move them on.
A police spokesman said it was up to the person who owned the land they were parked on to move them on.
see also: the Borehamwood and Elstree Times - Travellers in Elstree Way in Borehamwood threatened with court order to get out
A group of Travellers has set up camp in a patch of land in Borehamwood.
Police were called at about 9.20pm yesterday to reports that a caravan was blocking the highway at the A1 Barnet Bypass near the Holiday Inn. The Travellers are believed to have moved onto the site at about 3pm yesterday.
When officers arrived, they found one caravan parked in a layby on the A1 and ten others parked opposite Wickes DIY outlet in Elstree Way.
But the caravans were not found to be guilty of any criminal offence as they were not blocking the road, meaning police had no power to move them on.
A police spokesman said it was up to the person who owned the land they were parked on to move them on.
see also: the Borehamwood and Elstree Times - Travellers in Elstree Way in Borehamwood threatened with court order to get out
Travellers in Marshgate Drive, Hertford, to face court action - Hertfordshire
From the Mercury
TRAVELLERS who have illegally moved on to a site in Hertford are due to be taken to court tomorrow (February 27) in an attempt to evict them.
A number of caravans arrived at two locations in Marshgate Drive on Thursday morning.
Fourteen of them, which had settled at the derelict Transco land, left at the weekend after being served an eviction notice.
However, two that had based themselves at the East Herts Council-owned car park and were meant to leave on Monday were still there today.
The district council, which has been sorting out the issue with Hertfordshire Constabulary, will tomorrow go to court to seek an application for possession of the car park.
If the court agrees, they can order the remaining Travellers to leave within 21, 14, seven days or immediately.
A spokeswoman for the council said today: “We want the court to rule they have to leave immediately. Then we will serve an order on the group.”
The two caravans in the car park were the first to appear on the scene when the Travellers moved in.
The council spokeswoman said: “Two Traveller caravans arrived at the Marshgate Drive car park in Hertford on Thursday morning.
“East Herts Council reacted quickly to block the entrance until legal action for their removal could commence.
“This prevented a further influx of caravans from gaining access to the car park.
“Other caravans went on to set up on the nearby Transco site.
“The council and police are working closely together to resolve the matter and keep local businesses and other key parties informed.”
East Herts Chief Inspector Gerry McDonald said: “We have had an excellent joint working partnership with East Herts Council, who I found were willing and would go the extra mile to look for a solution to deal with this issue.
“The council put extra resources in and in essence this is testament to our partnership working in which, when required, people come up to the mark.”
The last time Travellers came to the district in 2011 and set up an illegal camp in Birch Green, the police and the council fell out over how to deal with them and they remained in the field for some weeks.
The Traveller family later appealed to have a site there, but their case was dismissed.
Chf Insp McDonald said: “We have learnt from previous incidences and built upon a great working relationship that has come forward from that.”
Some Marshgate Drive residents did not even realise that Travellers had moved into their road until the Mercury knocked on their door.
A man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Travellers do need somewhere to stay but they need to do it properly.
“I know some people get upset about Travellers.
“I think if they are staying there illegally they will have to move.”
A woman who worked in the area said: “I would imagine it would be quite concerning for the residents.”
TRAVELLERS who have illegally moved on to a site in Hertford are due to be taken to court tomorrow (February 27) in an attempt to evict them.
A number of caravans arrived at two locations in Marshgate Drive on Thursday morning.
Fourteen of them, which had settled at the derelict Transco land, left at the weekend after being served an eviction notice.
However, two that had based themselves at the East Herts Council-owned car park and were meant to leave on Monday were still there today.
The district council, which has been sorting out the issue with Hertfordshire Constabulary, will tomorrow go to court to seek an application for possession of the car park.
If the court agrees, they can order the remaining Travellers to leave within 21, 14, seven days or immediately.
A spokeswoman for the council said today: “We want the court to rule they have to leave immediately. Then we will serve an order on the group.”
The two caravans in the car park were the first to appear on the scene when the Travellers moved in.
The council spokeswoman said: “Two Traveller caravans arrived at the Marshgate Drive car park in Hertford on Thursday morning.
“East Herts Council reacted quickly to block the entrance until legal action for their removal could commence.
“This prevented a further influx of caravans from gaining access to the car park.
“Other caravans went on to set up on the nearby Transco site.
“The council and police are working closely together to resolve the matter and keep local businesses and other key parties informed.”
East Herts Chief Inspector Gerry McDonald said: “We have had an excellent joint working partnership with East Herts Council, who I found were willing and would go the extra mile to look for a solution to deal with this issue.
“The council put extra resources in and in essence this is testament to our partnership working in which, when required, people come up to the mark.”
The last time Travellers came to the district in 2011 and set up an illegal camp in Birch Green, the police and the council fell out over how to deal with them and they remained in the field for some weeks.
The Traveller family later appealed to have a site there, but their case was dismissed.
Chf Insp McDonald said: “We have learnt from previous incidences and built upon a great working relationship that has come forward from that.”
Some Marshgate Drive residents did not even realise that Travellers had moved into their road until the Mercury knocked on their door.
A man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Travellers do need somewhere to stay but they need to do it properly.
“I know some people get upset about Travellers.
“I think if they are staying there illegally they will have to move.”
A woman who worked in the area said: “I would imagine it would be quite concerning for the residents.”
5 Reasons Gypsies and Travellers Hate Eric Pickles (and Why You Should Too)
From http://wire.novaramedia.com
From the violent eviction of Travellers from Dale Farm in 2011 to more recent scaremongering over an influx of Roma ‘child snatchers’ and ‘beggars’ over the New Year, Travellers and Gypsies continue to be the media’s favourite folk devils and antiziganism shows no signs of ceasing to be the most socially acceptable form of racism. In this article, resident Romanichal Craig McVegas gives 5 reasons why travellers of all cultures hate Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and why you should too.
read more...
From the violent eviction of Travellers from Dale Farm in 2011 to more recent scaremongering over an influx of Roma ‘child snatchers’ and ‘beggars’ over the New Year, Travellers and Gypsies continue to be the media’s favourite folk devils and antiziganism shows no signs of ceasing to be the most socially acceptable form of racism. In this article, resident Romanichal Craig McVegas gives 5 reasons why travellers of all cultures hate Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and why you should too.
read more...
Leeds Travellers’ site expansion back under scrutiny - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
A final decision on controversial plans to extend the Travellers’ site at Cottingley Springs has been taken out the the city council’s hands by the Secretary of State.
Eric Pickles’s office confirmed yesterday that Leeds City Council’s decision to allow an extra dozen pitches on the site betweeen Gildersome and Beeston has been called in because he believes “the proposal concerns matters that may conflict with national policies”.
Over 800 people recorded objections to the application when it went before councillors in December .
Yesterday, Coun Robert Finnigan (Ind, Morley) described Mr Pickles’s decision as “not just a victory for local residents, but for the Travellers as well”.
Coun Finnigan said: “This was an application which was unwelcome but our job now is to get ready for the planning inqiry and, when we have the opportunity, to make sure that we are clear about why we see this proposal as unacceptable.”
The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE) also welcomed the Secretary of State’s decision, although spokeswoman Helen Jones lamented the time lost looking for alternative solutions.
“We know we need more pitches in Leeds - significantly more,” she said. “However, even if this site went ahead, there would still be a job to be done and it’s a shame Leeds City Council didn’t address it before. If it had, we might be much further down the road towards a solution.”
However, Leeds City Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and support services, Coun Peter Gruen, defended the council’s position.
He said: “Leeds has a record to be proud of when seeking to make sure the needs and wishes of both local and Gypsy and Traveller communities are taken into account.
“We are determined to be fair to everyone and reviewed over 200 sites before identifying Cottingley Springs as a suitable location.
“At the same time, we also believe it is important to make sure encampments in unsuitable locations are moved on.
“Now that the Secretary of State has called in the planning decision on the expansion of the Cottingley Springs site, we have no option but to wait on the outcome of this process.”
see also: The Morley Observer and Advertiser - Cottingley Springs Traveller site plan to go to inquiry
A final decision on controversial plans to extend the Travellers’ site at Cottingley Springs has been taken out the the city council’s hands by the Secretary of State.
Eric Pickles’s office confirmed yesterday that Leeds City Council’s decision to allow an extra dozen pitches on the site betweeen Gildersome and Beeston has been called in because he believes “the proposal concerns matters that may conflict with national policies”.
Over 800 people recorded objections to the application when it went before councillors in December .
Yesterday, Coun Robert Finnigan (Ind, Morley) described Mr Pickles’s decision as “not just a victory for local residents, but for the Travellers as well”.
Coun Finnigan said: “This was an application which was unwelcome but our job now is to get ready for the planning inqiry and, when we have the opportunity, to make sure that we are clear about why we see this proposal as unacceptable.”
The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE) also welcomed the Secretary of State’s decision, although spokeswoman Helen Jones lamented the time lost looking for alternative solutions.
“We know we need more pitches in Leeds - significantly more,” she said. “However, even if this site went ahead, there would still be a job to be done and it’s a shame Leeds City Council didn’t address it before. If it had, we might be much further down the road towards a solution.”
However, Leeds City Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and support services, Coun Peter Gruen, defended the council’s position.
He said: “Leeds has a record to be proud of when seeking to make sure the needs and wishes of both local and Gypsy and Traveller communities are taken into account.
“We are determined to be fair to everyone and reviewed over 200 sites before identifying Cottingley Springs as a suitable location.
“At the same time, we also believe it is important to make sure encampments in unsuitable locations are moved on.
“Now that the Secretary of State has called in the planning decision on the expansion of the Cottingley Springs site, we have no option but to wait on the outcome of this process.”
see also: The Morley Observer and Advertiser - Cottingley Springs Traveller site plan to go to inquiry
Former Dale Farm Travellers: Let us pay council tax - Essex
From the Basildon Recorder
TRAVELLERS who ended up living illegally on the roadside after being evicted from the nearby Dale Farm site say they want to pay council tax.
Stuart Carruthers, an activist from Norfolk, is to meet the Government’s Valuation Office Agency next month to discuss registering 20 caravans as official households.
The move comes as a blow to Dale Farm’s neighbours, who have endured caravans parked illegally in Oak Lane, Crays Hill, since the £7million 2011 Dale Farm eviction.
Mr Carruthers has been involved in a High Court battle which last week saw a judge tell the families they could stay in the lane until a public inquiry is heard.
The campaigner was also responsible for an 11th-hour injunction which delayed the 2011 eviction foramonth.
This week Mr Carruthers said: “The council got all the caravans removed from the council tax register after the eviction, but it is the caravan which is the household.
“They should have been reregistered, once they moved into Oak Lane. By not doing so, the council is losing revenue.
These people are ready and willing to pay the tax.”
He believes registration would help the Travellers’ case at the forthcoming inquiry by showing there have been “households” registered in the Dale Farm area for more than ten years.
However Oak Road resident Len Gridley, 55, is outraged at the move. He suffered so many Traveller-related problems officials even agreed to put his home in a cheaper council tax band.
He said: “The authorities should focus on moving the illegal caravans, not considering putting them back on the council tax list.”
About 50 illegal pitches on the Dale Farm site were billed for council tax by Basildon Council – even as the council worked to evict them.
They were all BandAproperties – the ones paying the cheapest council tax rate.
A council spokesman said it had previously considered registering the caravans in Oak Lane, but chose not to.
He added: “We came to the decision the roadside does not constitute a legal dwelling.
“In the case of making a caravan liable, it would be the pitch which was liable, not the caravan. There are no pitches in Oak Lane and they are therefore not liable for council tax.”
The final decision lies not with the council, but with the Government’s Valuation Office Agency.
An agency spokesman said: “We will review whether a council tax band should be applied to domestic properties – including permanently pitched caravans – when asked to by the local council or by the occupiers.”
The Travellers could be allowed to stay on the privately- owned verges in Oak Lane.
Judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis has said even if the Travellers lose at the forthcoming public inquiry into their right to stay, they would be able to appeal on human rights grounds.
Mr Justice Lewis’s judgment said even if it could be proved the Travellers had no legal right to be on the land, a case could be put forward that it would be disproportionate to evict them by force.
Despite their battle to stay in Oak Lane and their refusal to accept the offer of council homes, Travellers claim they don’t like living there.
One of them, Mary Sheridan, said: “I lived at Dale Farm eight years and was happy.
“But look at how we have to live now. We’re living in filth.”
Another Traveller woman said mothers living in the lane had to use soapy water to wash the lane every few hours to fend off rats.
TRAVELLERS who ended up living illegally on the roadside after being evicted from the nearby Dale Farm site say they want to pay council tax.
Stuart Carruthers, an activist from Norfolk, is to meet the Government’s Valuation Office Agency next month to discuss registering 20 caravans as official households.
The move comes as a blow to Dale Farm’s neighbours, who have endured caravans parked illegally in Oak Lane, Crays Hill, since the £7million 2011 Dale Farm eviction.
Mr Carruthers has been involved in a High Court battle which last week saw a judge tell the families they could stay in the lane until a public inquiry is heard.
The campaigner was also responsible for an 11th-hour injunction which delayed the 2011 eviction foramonth.
This week Mr Carruthers said: “The council got all the caravans removed from the council tax register after the eviction, but it is the caravan which is the household.
“They should have been reregistered, once they moved into Oak Lane. By not doing so, the council is losing revenue.
These people are ready and willing to pay the tax.”
He believes registration would help the Travellers’ case at the forthcoming inquiry by showing there have been “households” registered in the Dale Farm area for more than ten years.
However Oak Road resident Len Gridley, 55, is outraged at the move. He suffered so many Traveller-related problems officials even agreed to put his home in a cheaper council tax band.
He said: “The authorities should focus on moving the illegal caravans, not considering putting them back on the council tax list.”
About 50 illegal pitches on the Dale Farm site were billed for council tax by Basildon Council – even as the council worked to evict them.
They were all BandAproperties – the ones paying the cheapest council tax rate.
A council spokesman said it had previously considered registering the caravans in Oak Lane, but chose not to.
He added: “We came to the decision the roadside does not constitute a legal dwelling.
“In the case of making a caravan liable, it would be the pitch which was liable, not the caravan. There are no pitches in Oak Lane and they are therefore not liable for council tax.”
The final decision lies not with the council, but with the Government’s Valuation Office Agency.
An agency spokesman said: “We will review whether a council tax band should be applied to domestic properties – including permanently pitched caravans – when asked to by the local council or by the occupiers.”
The Travellers could be allowed to stay on the privately- owned verges in Oak Lane.
Judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis has said even if the Travellers lose at the forthcoming public inquiry into their right to stay, they would be able to appeal on human rights grounds.
Mr Justice Lewis’s judgment said even if it could be proved the Travellers had no legal right to be on the land, a case could be put forward that it would be disproportionate to evict them by force.
Despite their battle to stay in Oak Lane and their refusal to accept the offer of council homes, Travellers claim they don’t like living there.
One of them, Mary Sheridan, said: “I lived at Dale Farm eight years and was happy.
“But look at how we have to live now. We’re living in filth.”
Another Traveller woman said mothers living in the lane had to use soapy water to wash the lane every few hours to fend off rats.
Gypsy and Traveller charity offers to speak to worried residents - Sussex
From yourlocalguardian.co.uk
A charity representing the Gypsy and Traveller community has offered to meet residents worried about plans to create new permanent Traveller sites in the borough.
The offer came from Mike Doherty, of the Travellers Movement, together with George Lister, chairman of the Sussex Traveller and Gypsy Group, who wrote another open letter to Timothy Nathan, chairman of Stamford Ward Residents’ Association (SWRA).
Epsom Council is currently working on drawing up a list of sites, which Councillor Sheila Carlson revealed originally included areas of scrubland near the smart new Manor Park development and a portion of Hook Road Arena.
Prior to Coun Carlson’s comments, residents from Stamford Ward, where Manor Park is situated, had already contacted this newspaper saying the list of potential sites had been leaked to them.
The council had said it would publish the list on its website on February 10, along with a draft consultation paper on the issue, prior to it coming before the council’s planning policy committee on February 19.
But it was besieged by worried residents, and angry councillors who had not been briefed about the plans, and had to postpone releasing a list of potential sites until later in the year saying "more work" needs to be done on them.
In the open letter, Mr Doherty and Mr Lister last week said they would like to meet members of SWRA and bring along a representative from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Police Association, a professional membership organisation that represents the interests serving Gypsy, Roma and Traveller police officers.
The letter stated: "We are not sure if either ‘the job’ counts as a ‘normal job’, but we believe that a serving Roman Gypsy, Roma or Irish Traveller police office would be an ideal person to counter what we believes is the generally held misconception that Gypsies and Travellers are automatically criminals and/or parasites and outside of society."
At a meeting of Epsom’s full council last week, questions were raised around the issue.
Councillor Jean Steer asked Councillor Michael Arthur, chairman of the planning policy committee, about the current provision for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the borough and why the council is looking to increase it.
In his written reply, Coun Arthur said: "There are currently 30 pitches on the Traveller sites at Cox Lane and Kiln Lane.
"In accordance with government guidance the council is expected to review and maintain an adequate supply of pitches for Gypsies and Travellers to ensure existing and future projected needs can be met.
"Without adequate supply there is a risk that planning inspectors could make ad hoc decisions in response to planning applications leading to pitches being established in inappropriate locations."
Councillor Sheila Carlson asked Coun Arthur why the council’s consultation on proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites has been so "poorly managed" and whether the council had identified who had leaked information about the potential sites.
In his written reply, Coun Arthur said he did not accept that the process had been poorly managed.
He said: "Having reviewed the matter in discussion with the relevant officers, I have concluded that further work is required both to understand future need and to identify suitable sites.
"It is regrettable that premature and misleading information found its way into the media and I am of course aware of the concerns then expressed by our residents.
"It serves as a reminder of the need for information to be handled with sensitivity and tact before elected members have a chance to fully evaluate it."
A charity representing the Gypsy and Traveller community has offered to meet residents worried about plans to create new permanent Traveller sites in the borough.
The offer came from Mike Doherty, of the Travellers Movement, together with George Lister, chairman of the Sussex Traveller and Gypsy Group, who wrote another open letter to Timothy Nathan, chairman of Stamford Ward Residents’ Association (SWRA).
Epsom Council is currently working on drawing up a list of sites, which Councillor Sheila Carlson revealed originally included areas of scrubland near the smart new Manor Park development and a portion of Hook Road Arena.
Prior to Coun Carlson’s comments, residents from Stamford Ward, where Manor Park is situated, had already contacted this newspaper saying the list of potential sites had been leaked to them.
The council had said it would publish the list on its website on February 10, along with a draft consultation paper on the issue, prior to it coming before the council’s planning policy committee on February 19.
But it was besieged by worried residents, and angry councillors who had not been briefed about the plans, and had to postpone releasing a list of potential sites until later in the year saying "more work" needs to be done on them.
In the open letter, Mr Doherty and Mr Lister last week said they would like to meet members of SWRA and bring along a representative from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Police Association, a professional membership organisation that represents the interests serving Gypsy, Roma and Traveller police officers.
The letter stated: "We are not sure if either ‘the job’ counts as a ‘normal job’, but we believe that a serving Roman Gypsy, Roma or Irish Traveller police office would be an ideal person to counter what we believes is the generally held misconception that Gypsies and Travellers are automatically criminals and/or parasites and outside of society."
At a meeting of Epsom’s full council last week, questions were raised around the issue.
Councillor Jean Steer asked Councillor Michael Arthur, chairman of the planning policy committee, about the current provision for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in the borough and why the council is looking to increase it.
In his written reply, Coun Arthur said: "There are currently 30 pitches on the Traveller sites at Cox Lane and Kiln Lane.
"In accordance with government guidance the council is expected to review and maintain an adequate supply of pitches for Gypsies and Travellers to ensure existing and future projected needs can be met.
"Without adequate supply there is a risk that planning inspectors could make ad hoc decisions in response to planning applications leading to pitches being established in inappropriate locations."
Councillor Sheila Carlson asked Coun Arthur why the council’s consultation on proposed Gypsy and Traveller sites has been so "poorly managed" and whether the council had identified who had leaked information about the potential sites.
In his written reply, Coun Arthur said he did not accept that the process had been poorly managed.
He said: "Having reviewed the matter in discussion with the relevant officers, I have concluded that further work is required both to understand future need and to identify suitable sites.
"It is regrettable that premature and misleading information found its way into the media and I am of course aware of the concerns then expressed by our residents.
"It serves as a reminder of the need for information to be handled with sensitivity and tact before elected members have a chance to fully evaluate it."
Gypsy site to be refurbished - Wiltshire
From the Salisbury Journal
THE refurbishment of a Salisbury Gypsy site gained the approval of Salisbury City Council yesterday.
Wiltshire Council plans to use money received from central Government to bring the Dairy House Bridge site off Southampton Road in line with good practice guidance on Traveller sites.
The council has submitted plans to demolish existing brick amenity and refurbish the site, making its 18 pitches into 14 larger pitches with new amenity buildings and a management building.
The plans were considered by Salisbury City Council’s planning and transportation committee on Monday. Councillors said it would be a considerable improvement on the current sites.
They voted to support the plans subject to conditions laid out by Laverstock & Ford Parish Council.
THE refurbishment of a Salisbury Gypsy site gained the approval of Salisbury City Council yesterday.
Wiltshire Council plans to use money received from central Government to bring the Dairy House Bridge site off Southampton Road in line with good practice guidance on Traveller sites.
The council has submitted plans to demolish existing brick amenity and refurbish the site, making its 18 pitches into 14 larger pitches with new amenity buildings and a management building.
The plans were considered by Salisbury City Council’s planning and transportation committee on Monday. Councillors said it would be a considerable improvement on the current sites.
They voted to support the plans subject to conditions laid out by Laverstock & Ford Parish Council.
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Issues and Options:Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocations - Kent
From Swale Borough Council
The first part of our Local Plan for the Borough provides the overall planning strategy for the area. We are now preparing a second part to the Local Plan dealing with Gypsy and Traveller site allocations. This will identify and allocate sufficient sites to meet the future needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the Borough until 2031.
Government policy requires us to make an assessment of what future accommodation might be needed for Gypsies and Travellers and to identify land where it can be provided. These accommodation needs have been assessed by our recent Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) and this issues and options document is now the first step towards meeting those needs.
Before we allocate any sites, we are asking for your views on the key issues that are important to our community in allocating Gypsy and Traveller sites in the Borough. This document asks a number of questions, both general and more locally specific and gives potential options for the way forward. We have also produced a draft methodology to help us assess the suitability of individual sites at a later stage. Your views will assist us in moving this second part of the Local Plan onto its next stage - the identification of sites.
We are inviting comments between 24 February and 25 April 2014.
We have made no decision in favour of any site issue or option at this stage. Once the criteria which we intend to use to assess potential sites have been finalised, any changes required will be made and a second document looking at the site options will be published for consultation.
The Council has already undertaken some early consultation which involved a ‘call for sites’ which ended in December 2013. It is likely that further work will be needed on the identification of sites and responses to the 'call for sites' are still welcomed.
read more...
The first part of our Local Plan for the Borough provides the overall planning strategy for the area. We are now preparing a second part to the Local Plan dealing with Gypsy and Traveller site allocations. This will identify and allocate sufficient sites to meet the future needs of Gypsies and Travellers in the Borough until 2031.
Government policy requires us to make an assessment of what future accommodation might be needed for Gypsies and Travellers and to identify land where it can be provided. These accommodation needs have been assessed by our recent Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) and this issues and options document is now the first step towards meeting those needs.
Before we allocate any sites, we are asking for your views on the key issues that are important to our community in allocating Gypsy and Traveller sites in the Borough. This document asks a number of questions, both general and more locally specific and gives potential options for the way forward. We have also produced a draft methodology to help us assess the suitability of individual sites at a later stage. Your views will assist us in moving this second part of the Local Plan onto its next stage - the identification of sites.
We are inviting comments between 24 February and 25 April 2014.
We have made no decision in favour of any site issue or option at this stage. Once the criteria which we intend to use to assess potential sites have been finalised, any changes required will be made and a second document looking at the site options will be published for consultation.
The Council has already undertaken some early consultation which involved a ‘call for sites’ which ended in December 2013. It is likely that further work will be needed on the identification of sites and responses to the 'call for sites' are still welcomed.
read more...
A Travelling girl's story - help get the film made
From gofundme
Help support young Travellers from Smithy Fen in Cambridgeshire get this film made:
The story is told through the eyes of young Traveller girls who are struggling to get an education. These girls face discrimination on an everyday basis but are feisty, funny and full of life. The O'Briens, the Slatterys and the Hegartys have been fighting for a secure place for their families for over 10 years.
Yet a combination of conflict with the settled community, which no longer relies on their labour, and a pervasive discrimination – from the Council to local shopkeepers – has left the community devastated. John O'Brien will soon be expected to provide for his own family. In the film you will see him at Appleby Horse Fair. The struggle of these three families typifies the situation that Irish Travellers and Roma face up and down the country. They ask you to support this project with a donation that will fund the film. The film is intended to help all those who are fighting for a place to call home and will be used as an educational tool.
Help support young Travellers from Smithy Fen in Cambridgeshire get this film made:
The story is told through the eyes of young Traveller girls who are struggling to get an education. These girls face discrimination on an everyday basis but are feisty, funny and full of life. The O'Briens, the Slatterys and the Hegartys have been fighting for a secure place for their families for over 10 years.
Yet a combination of conflict with the settled community, which no longer relies on their labour, and a pervasive discrimination – from the Council to local shopkeepers – has left the community devastated. John O'Brien will soon be expected to provide for his own family. In the film you will see him at Appleby Horse Fair. The struggle of these three families typifies the situation that Irish Travellers and Roma face up and down the country. They ask you to support this project with a donation that will fund the film. The film is intended to help all those who are fighting for a place to call home and will be used as an educational tool.
Residents voice concerns over proposed Scunthorpe Gypsy & Traveller site - Lincolnshire
From the Scunthorpe Telegraph
A PUBLIC meeting was held for residents to discuss their feelings on the possibility of land in Ashby being earmarked for a Gypsy and Traveller site.
Around 20 people attended the meeting, held at the Hobbies Centre, off Bellingham Road.
It came after rumours circulated that North Lincolnshire Council was looking into the possibility of allocating a field between the centre and the Go Outdoors store for Travellers.
Residents at the meeting raised various concerns about the idea and it was agreed to oppose a site scheme if one is officially put forward.
The meeting was called by Robert Deutsch, the co-ordinator of the Franklin Crescent Neighbourhood Watch group.
Mr Deutsch, pictured, said: "We have a website page for the Bellingham Road Residents' Association, which I used to chair.
"I saw a message on there from one of our neighbours and a lot of residents reacted to it.
"I am going to speak to the main businesses around here, alert them to what is going on and try to get their support."
Mr Deutsch said he was pleased with the initial meeting.
He said: "I wanted to give people a chance to put this into action in an appropriate manner.
"I didn't expect this many people to come, but I just wanted a few people because it is really difficult to get positive direction when people are venting their anger.
"This is a charged issue and I want to aim that energy in the right direction."
A PUBLIC meeting was held for residents to discuss their feelings on the possibility of land in Ashby being earmarked for a Gypsy and Traveller site.
Around 20 people attended the meeting, held at the Hobbies Centre, off Bellingham Road.
It came after rumours circulated that North Lincolnshire Council was looking into the possibility of allocating a field between the centre and the Go Outdoors store for Travellers.
Residents at the meeting raised various concerns about the idea and it was agreed to oppose a site scheme if one is officially put forward.
The meeting was called by Robert Deutsch, the co-ordinator of the Franklin Crescent Neighbourhood Watch group.
Mr Deutsch, pictured, said: "We have a website page for the Bellingham Road Residents' Association, which I used to chair.
"I saw a message on there from one of our neighbours and a lot of residents reacted to it.
"I am going to speak to the main businesses around here, alert them to what is going on and try to get their support."
Mr Deutsch said he was pleased with the initial meeting.
He said: "I wanted to give people a chance to put this into action in an appropriate manner.
"I didn't expect this many people to come, but I just wanted a few people because it is really difficult to get positive direction when people are venting their anger.
"This is a charged issue and I want to aim that energy in the right direction."
Travellers take over Hatfield Tesco car park - Hertfordshire
From the Welwyn Hatfield Times
The Oldings Corner encampment’s establishment follows Gypsies brief appearance near Welwyn Garden City town centre.
It is understood the travellers were removed from a site near the former Shredded Wheat factory and the railway station sometime after 9.30pm.
Following their eviction caravans appeared in the carpark.
This follows Travellers being evicted from Hatfield’s New Barnfield site, and another camp in Manor Road.
Herts police told the Welwyn Hatfield Times it is likely the Travellers in the retail park are the same ones that were evicted from Welwyn Garden City.
A spokesman said: “We are working with land owners, it is down to them to make them leave.”
The Oldings Corner encampment’s establishment follows Gypsies brief appearance near Welwyn Garden City town centre.
It is understood the travellers were removed from a site near the former Shredded Wheat factory and the railway station sometime after 9.30pm.
Following their eviction caravans appeared in the carpark.
This follows Travellers being evicted from Hatfield’s New Barnfield site, and another camp in Manor Road.
Herts police told the Welwyn Hatfield Times it is likely the Travellers in the retail park are the same ones that were evicted from Welwyn Garden City.
A spokesman said: “We are working with land owners, it is down to them to make them leave.”
Monday, 24 February 2014
Brighton and Hove City Council launches legal bid to remove Travellers - Sussex
From the Argus
Brighton and Hove City Council has launched legal proceedings to remove three separate groups of Travellers from three different sites.
The council started proceedings against Irish Travellers and English Gypsies in 15 trailers in Black Rock.
On Tuesday the group left land opposite Stanley Deason Leisure Centre in Wilson Avenue, currently leased by City College Brighton and Hove.
Council officials will also be in Brighton County Court on Wednesday for a possession hearing after a group of people in five lived-in vehicles moved on to land at Stanmer Park last weekend.
The council will also be in court today in a legal bid to move 20 lived-in vehicles from Waterhall playing fields, which they gained access to via a broken gate.
Brighton and Hove City Council has launched legal proceedings to remove three separate groups of Travellers from three different sites.
The council started proceedings against Irish Travellers and English Gypsies in 15 trailers in Black Rock.
On Tuesday the group left land opposite Stanley Deason Leisure Centre in Wilson Avenue, currently leased by City College Brighton and Hove.
Council officials will also be in Brighton County Court on Wednesday for a possession hearing after a group of people in five lived-in vehicles moved on to land at Stanmer Park last weekend.
The council will also be in court today in a legal bid to move 20 lived-in vehicles from Waterhall playing fields, which they gained access to via a broken gate.
Leigh rugby club forced to close after Travellers set up camp on pitch - Lancashire
From Bolton News
A SPORTS club was forced to close for a few days after its car park and all-weather pitch were used by Travellers.
Leigh Rugby Union Football Club, in Pennington, closed on Wednesday when 14 caravans illegally moved on to the Hand Lane site.
The caravans have moved after being issued with an order to vacate the area on Friday, but the club said it had to pay £2,000 for a company which specialises in legally and forcibly removing Travellers.
A club spokesman said: “The site is clear and as secure as we can get it. We are pushing ahead to install sturdy height barriers at the gate area and also looking at vulnerable grassed areas in the vicinity that may be illegally accessed.”
The club is appealing for help to cover costs.
The spokesman said: “A great way to help is to join as a member for £10 and have a drink.
“That way we benefit from cash and you benefit in becoming a member with access to a CAMRA award winning hospitality.”
A SPORTS club was forced to close for a few days after its car park and all-weather pitch were used by Travellers.
Leigh Rugby Union Football Club, in Pennington, closed on Wednesday when 14 caravans illegally moved on to the Hand Lane site.
The caravans have moved after being issued with an order to vacate the area on Friday, but the club said it had to pay £2,000 for a company which specialises in legally and forcibly removing Travellers.
A club spokesman said: “The site is clear and as secure as we can get it. We are pushing ahead to install sturdy height barriers at the gate area and also looking at vulnerable grassed areas in the vicinity that may be illegally accessed.”
The club is appealing for help to cover costs.
The spokesman said: “A great way to help is to join as a member for £10 and have a drink.
“That way we benefit from cash and you benefit in becoming a member with access to a CAMRA award winning hospitality.”
Travellers told to leave Hatfield site - Hertfordshire
From the Welwyn and Hatfield News
Travellers who arrived at Hatfield’s New Barnfield site were this morning (Monday) told to leave.
Officials from Herts County Council, which owns the site off Travellers Lane, were told around 15 vehicles were on the site yesterday (Sunday).
It is thought the vehicles moved in yesterday morning.
A County Hall spokeswoman said police had been made aware.
Ward councillor Paul Zukowskyj said: “I do hope an assessment of the integrity of the buildings after such damage will be undertaken, again to ensure safety of local residents.
“I’m also really astonished that action to move these Travellers on can be put in place quite so quickly, given previous Traveller issues in car parks and on footpaths/verges have taken weeks or even months to get resolved.
“Some clarity as to why this sort of rapid action isn’t possible when residents are being directly inconvenienced, yet where they’re not, but a county asset is being damaged, it is, would be useful.”
Travellers who arrived at Hatfield’s New Barnfield site were this morning (Monday) told to leave.
Officials from Herts County Council, which owns the site off Travellers Lane, were told around 15 vehicles were on the site yesterday (Sunday).
It is thought the vehicles moved in yesterday morning.
A County Hall spokeswoman said police had been made aware.
Ward councillor Paul Zukowskyj said: “I do hope an assessment of the integrity of the buildings after such damage will be undertaken, again to ensure safety of local residents.
“I’m also really astonished that action to move these Travellers on can be put in place quite so quickly, given previous Traveller issues in car parks and on footpaths/verges have taken weeks or even months to get resolved.
“Some clarity as to why this sort of rapid action isn’t possible when residents are being directly inconvenienced, yet where they’re not, but a county asset is being damaged, it is, would be useful.”
Some Travellers leave Marshgate Drive in Hertford - Hertfordshire
From the Mercury
SOME of the Travellers who set up camp in Hertford have left after being served an eviction notice.
Those who settled at the derelict Transco site in Marshgate Drive on Thursday (February 20) left at the weekend, Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed today (February 24).
The other two caravans, which are based on the East Herts Council-owned land in Marshgate Drive, are due to leave today.
SOME of the Travellers who set up camp in Hertford have left after being served an eviction notice.
Those who settled at the derelict Transco site in Marshgate Drive on Thursday (February 20) left at the weekend, Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed today (February 24).
The other two caravans, which are based on the East Herts Council-owned land in Marshgate Drive, are due to leave today.
Travellers pull up on land near Tesco.com centre in Erith - London
From This Is Local London
FOURTEEN Traveller caravans pulled up on land opposite the new Tesco.com centre in Erith have now moved across the road.
The caravans were moved on by the police but they are now in a car park next to the distrbution centre in Church Manorway just off Bronze Age Way.
A man who didn't want to be named who works near the site said: "The caravans started appearing on Thursday morning.
"There used to be a concrete boulder blocking off the site but that has gone and they have made a right mess of the road where all the caravans have pulled in.
"They have left a lot of rubbish in the car park, it looks like an eyesore."
A spokesman for Bexley Council said: "Approximately 11 caravans moved onto a site at Church Manorway, Erith yesterday with a further three joining them this morning.
"We have been liaising with the police and hope that this matter will be resolved shortly."
FOURTEEN Traveller caravans pulled up on land opposite the new Tesco.com centre in Erith have now moved across the road.
The caravans were moved on by the police but they are now in a car park next to the distrbution centre in Church Manorway just off Bronze Age Way.
A man who didn't want to be named who works near the site said: "The caravans started appearing on Thursday morning.
"There used to be a concrete boulder blocking off the site but that has gone and they have made a right mess of the road where all the caravans have pulled in.
"They have left a lot of rubbish in the car park, it looks like an eyesore."
A spokesman for Bexley Council said: "Approximately 11 caravans moved onto a site at Church Manorway, Erith yesterday with a further three joining them this morning.
"We have been liaising with the police and hope that this matter will be resolved shortly."
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Residents urged to have their say on controversial proposals for transit Traveller site in Poole - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on contro-versial proposals to site a mini summer Traveller site in Oakdale, Poole.
As well as a 12-plot site at Marshes End, Creekmoor, Borough of Poole is also proposing a four-plot site off Broadstone Way, north of the B&Q car park.
An exhibition at Oakdale Library, which was open yesterday and this morning, is seeking views from residents, who can view the application – APP/14/0171 – on boroughofpoole.com and comment.
Ian Sutherland, who lives at Darby’s Corner, mid-way between the two applications said: “I’m not in favour of any site whatsoever. I believe the vast majority of people feel the same way as me.”
He added: “It’s not a democracy. The council takes no notice of the vast majority of people. Creekmoor residents in their dozens are saying they don’t want a site at Marshes End.”
Wife Jean Sutherland said: “I don’t think any site is a good site. Wherever you put them, nobody wants them on their doorstep.”
The Oakdale ward councillors have pointed out concerns including the smallness of the site, capital cost of £75,000, an “ugly fenced site” on the gateway to Poole, annual running costs of around £9,000 and child and road safety issues.
Oakdale ward councillors Peter Adams and Janet Walton have called on residents to let them know their concerns.
“Your three local councillors voted against the proposal on the basis that it was not value for money and insufficient consultation has taken place,” they said.
“We however understand the argument that the distance between the site and the nearest residents is quite large which should minimise any possible problems.”
Jeff Morley, team manager environmental and consumer protection, Borough of Poole said concerns had been raised about the access being on a 50mph road.
“Ninety per cent of Travellers come to Poole and the conurbation because they work,” he said. “When they have exhausted the work they will be moving on along the coast.”
RESIDENTS are being urged to give their views on contro-versial proposals to site a mini summer Traveller site in Oakdale, Poole.
As well as a 12-plot site at Marshes End, Creekmoor, Borough of Poole is also proposing a four-plot site off Broadstone Way, north of the B&Q car park.
An exhibition at Oakdale Library, which was open yesterday and this morning, is seeking views from residents, who can view the application – APP/14/0171 – on boroughofpoole.com and comment.
Ian Sutherland, who lives at Darby’s Corner, mid-way between the two applications said: “I’m not in favour of any site whatsoever. I believe the vast majority of people feel the same way as me.”
He added: “It’s not a democracy. The council takes no notice of the vast majority of people. Creekmoor residents in their dozens are saying they don’t want a site at Marshes End.”
Wife Jean Sutherland said: “I don’t think any site is a good site. Wherever you put them, nobody wants them on their doorstep.”
The Oakdale ward councillors have pointed out concerns including the smallness of the site, capital cost of £75,000, an “ugly fenced site” on the gateway to Poole, annual running costs of around £9,000 and child and road safety issues.
Oakdale ward councillors Peter Adams and Janet Walton have called on residents to let them know their concerns.
“Your three local councillors voted against the proposal on the basis that it was not value for money and insufficient consultation has taken place,” they said.
“We however understand the argument that the distance between the site and the nearest residents is quite large which should minimise any possible problems.”
Jeff Morley, team manager environmental and consumer protection, Borough of Poole said concerns had been raised about the access being on a 50mph road.
“Ninety per cent of Travellers come to Poole and the conurbation because they work,” he said. “When they have exhausted the work they will be moving on along the coast.”
West Sussex to get first transit site for Travellers
From the Argus
Travellers could soon have their first transit site in West Sussex.
A site proposed for a council depot in Westhampnett near Chichester has been given a £630,000 grant and a planning application has been submitted.
West Sussex hopes it can replicate the success of its neighbour East Sussex, which has seen a significant reduction in the amount of unauthorised encampments after creating a transit site in Southerham, near Lewes.
Travellers could soon have their first transit site in West Sussex.
A site proposed for a council depot in Westhampnett near Chichester has been given a £630,000 grant and a planning application has been submitted.
West Sussex hopes it can replicate the success of its neighbour East Sussex, which has seen a significant reduction in the amount of unauthorised encampments after creating a transit site in Southerham, near Lewes.
Travellers begin to leave Marshgate Drive, Hertford - Hertfordshire
From the Mercury
TRAVELLERS who arrived in Hertford recently are moving on after being served an eviction notice.
A number of caravans arrived at two locations in Marshgate Drive on Thursday (February 20) afternoon.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: “An eviction notice has been served, and the Travellers are starting to leave the site and will be gone within the next few days.
“Herts Police will be montioring the situation.”
TRAVELLERS who arrived in Hertford recently are moving on after being served an eviction notice.
A number of caravans arrived at two locations in Marshgate Drive on Thursday (February 20) afternoon.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: “An eviction notice has been served, and the Travellers are starting to leave the site and will be gone within the next few days.
“Herts Police will be montioring the situation.”
Leeds City Council seeks Traveller ban from 'sensitive sites' - Yorkshire
From the BBC
Travellers in Leeds face a ban on setting up encampments on land deemed to be environmentally sensitive, Leeds City Council has warned.
The council said it had applied for a "wide-ranging" injunction to forbid encampments on six sites in the city.
The areas identified were Roundhay Park and Soldiers Field, Holbeck Moor, Gassy Field, Wykebeck Valley, Kirkstall Abbey and the John Charles Centre for Sport.
All these sites had "suffered" due to previous encampments, the council said.
Councillor Peter Gruen, from Leeds City Council's executive board, said if the injunction bid was successful, it would "send a clear message that unlawful encampments will not be tolerated".
"The encampments tend to cause disruption to local people and incur a cost to the council with the tidying up and court fees associated with moving people on.
"We want a more robust solution to tackling unlawful encampments in these very visible and well-used locations."
see also: The Leeds Guardian - Leeds council to tackle Traveller hotspots
Travellers in Leeds face a ban on setting up encampments on land deemed to be environmentally sensitive, Leeds City Council has warned.
The council said it had applied for a "wide-ranging" injunction to forbid encampments on six sites in the city.
The areas identified were Roundhay Park and Soldiers Field, Holbeck Moor, Gassy Field, Wykebeck Valley, Kirkstall Abbey and the John Charles Centre for Sport.
All these sites had "suffered" due to previous encampments, the council said.
Councillor Peter Gruen, from Leeds City Council's executive board, said if the injunction bid was successful, it would "send a clear message that unlawful encampments will not be tolerated".
"The encampments tend to cause disruption to local people and incur a cost to the council with the tidying up and court fees associated with moving people on.
"We want a more robust solution to tackling unlawful encampments in these very visible and well-used locations."
see also: The Leeds Guardian - Leeds council to tackle Traveller hotspots
Village that vanquished the Travellers: How one tiny community terrorised by illegal Traveller invasions turned the tide after supreme court battle - Lancashire
From the Daily Mail
No one is entirely sure how the animals died. But then almost every aspect of this sorry story is shrouded in a fog of resentment, fear and political correctness.
What we do know is that on Monday morning, several ponies wandered off the unauthorised Travellers’ site at Hardhorn, Lancashire, and on to the B5266.
One, a Shetland, was then hit by a vehicle and killed. At around the same time, another suffered a similar fate.
A police officer, alerted to the scene, arrived to find a further four ponies out of control and in a state of neglect. Since no one claimed to own the animals, the officer decided to remove them for their own protection.
Then things turned ugly. Angry Travellers shouted that the officer would do no such thing because the ponies belonged ‘to the children’.
A child, conveniently, cannot be prosecuted for neglecting an animal.
As tempers rose, police reinforcements were summoned.
The police acknowledge that there may have been ‘threatening behaviour’ but are reluctant to go into further detail.
‘Following the death of two animals, we seized the remaining four under the Animal Welfare Act,’ says a spokeswoman for Lancashire Police. ‘There were no arrests.’
This was not the first time the police have had to rescue animals from this site. In fact, the latest seizures bring the total number removed to 12 ponies. And still no one is called to account.
As far as the residents are concerned, though, this was just a typical start to another week alongside the original ‘neighbours from hell’.
In the course of a short walk through the village, I hear tales about vandalism, about excrement, about threats to a man who witnessed a Traveller’s van driving into the back of a car shortly before Christmas.
Might this just be hearsay? Not when I am handed the police incident number for the smash.
But this bitter stand-off between villagers and Travellers may, finally, be about to change following an important court ruling this week.
After a four-year legal battle by the locals to have the six-acre site closed down, the highest court in the land has just come down squarely on the side of the villagers.
Coming on top of new enforcement powers for councils announced seven months ago, might this be the beginning of the end for the illegal sites blighting communities up and down the country?
Talk to the Travellers in Hardhorn — if you can get past the foul-mouthed ranter who threatens to ‘drown’ me in a ditch — and you will hear tales of hardship and of harassment by the authorities.
They explain that this is their land, that they are just simple Irish Travellers who want to do the best for their children and that they have nowhere else to go.
‘It’s racism against us,’ says Sharon Collins, 20, a mother of two. ‘If they did this to an Asian, they’d be in court.’
Talk to the residents and you find a cowed community, afraid of being named let alone photographed, for fear of reprisals.
‘The residents should be congratulated for their restraint,’ says district councillor Maxine Chew, one of the few willing to speak openly.
She takes me through a neighbourhood log of recent incidents at the site — ranging from brazen intimidation to fly-tipping and arson; from sheep-worrying to bare-knuckle fighting.
Just don’t get the villagers started on the subject of lavatorial habits.
‘The local residents have been extremely patient,’ says fellow district councillor Albert Pounder.
‘But what upsets them most is the sense of injustice.’
If the villagers ignored planning laws, he says, their property might be pulled down. Yet here is a section of society which feels entitled to build whatever it wants wherever it wants and call it a human right.
It was more than four years ago that an extended clan of Irish Travellers arrived in Hardhorn, a few miles inland from Blackpool.
They drove straight into a field, recently acquired by a man from Yorkshire, followed by a fleet of lorries.
And, in the course of a November weekend, they covered the land in concrete and caravans while putting a retrospective planning application under the door of Fylde District Council.
Even though permission was swiftly denied, they could now play the system.
They lodged a slow succession of appeals against the decision, first with the planning authorities and then on through successive tiers of the legal system.
Along the way, arguments about local planning policy were superseded by the great mantra of the age — human rights.
One judge ordered the council to give the place a postcode, even though it was an unauthorised site, ostensibly to help the emergency services find it on sat nav.
As the locals are swift to point out, this has also made it easier for the Travellers to register for state benefits — and has caused a few amusing moments, too.
One man, who shares the same postcode, recalls a visit from a car transporter trying to deliver him two brand new Audis.
The 78 Irish Travellers who hail from just four families had refused to budge despite eviction demands from three different courts
After another hearing, the council won an injunction preventing further development of the site and limiting the number of caravans to 30.
Yet when they reached double that number, nothing happened.
This week, however, the seemingly interminable legal deadlock was finally broken at the Supreme Court which ruled in favour of Fylde District Council and the residents.
The Travellers have now run out of appeals and it is down to the council to begin the eviction process.
YET, there are no signs of celebration in Hardhorn, even though they may be about to reclaim their panoramic views of the distant Forest of Bowland.
For even if every last caravan disappears by tomorrow, the local council taxpayers will still be left with a £200,000 legal bill.
The village of Hardhorn isn't far from Blackpool, where the Gypsies [sic] originally hailed from
And they can expect to pay the same again if they want the site transformed back to the green field it once was. Some Travellers have already said that they will refuse to leave.
‘We’ll go to jail if we have to,’ one 65-year-old Traveller tells me. ‘At least it’s warm there and they feed you.’
The site is reached by a potholed track off the B5266.
Walking along it, I encounter a Vauxhall coming the other way. A middle-aged man, who won’t give his name but says he is the landowner, orders me to leave.
I point out that the road has shared access to other land.
‘No one will talk to you and you are not to enter our site. And if you photograph our caravans, I’ll drown you in that water down there!’ he shouts and drives on.
At the site entrance, a few children are playing with a suitcase. Sharon Collins emerges from a caravan and is happy to talk to me. All these families, she explains, are only living here because there’s nowhere else to go.
The Government, she says, ‘are housing the Bosnians and all the others but not the people from their own country’.
The quiet and leafy village of Hardhorn which has been fighting a battle against the the incumbent Gypsy [sic] populaton
+8
The quiet and leafy village of Hardhorn which has been fighting a battle against the the incumbent Gypsy [sic] populaton
Though Sharon and her extended family describe themselves as Irish Travellers — and speak with Irish accents — she says that they are all British.
‘We have UK passports. My parents were born here, too. I’ve never travelled in Ireland.’
They have invested all their money in this site, she says. Now they have nothing left.
So how can they afford to fund a team of top barristers and take an appeal to the Supreme Court? ‘We’ve got family and friends helping.’
There is exhaustion in her voice. She looks older than her 20 years. But she is friendly; the little girls around her are well-behaved and nicely dressed.
I ask her about the villagers’ accusations of intimidation.
‘They’re exaggerating,’ she says, arguing that the Travellers encounter hostility everywhere, even in the local Catholic church on Sunday.
‘You’ve got some locals who won’t shake our hand when the priest says “peace be with you”.’
Whereupon the Vauxhall returns and screeches to a halt.
The angry driver I met earlier is now incandescent with rage, tripping over himself as he leaps out of his car.
Though I am not actually on his land, he shrieks a torrent of abuse and threats. ‘Just ******* **** off!’
The interview is over. No wonder neighbourly relations are beyond repair. The atmosphere is poisonous.
As I walk around the village, I spot one woman grooming a horse in a field.
She comes striding across to see what I am up to. She has no wish to pick a fight with anyone, she explains.
But she can barely conceal her anger when I ask her about the Travellers.
‘My husband has had to clear up more human excrement than anyone should ever have to see,’ she says with a quivering smile.
Another man — we shall call him Edward — tells me how he once tried to remonstrate with a Traveller about the amount of waste in his field.
‘He said to me: “How do you know it isn’t dogs?” I said: “Dogs don’t use toilet paper.” He said he’d see what he could do but nothing changed.’
The Traveller village has also resisted a planning inquiry and a battle by locals in Hardhorn, Lancs who accused the group of trashing their leafy village
Edward has visited the site several times to raise various issues and says that it is not the Travellers themselves who are making this mess but the Eastern European labourers who live on site in smaller caravans.
‘Some of the labourers are very dirty and the Travellers won’t let them share their facilities,’ he explains.
Scanning the logbook kept by the local residents’ action group, I spot an entry for December when a Polish man from the site was found sprawled at the side of the road.
Too inebriated to walk, he moaned that he was fed up with a life of ‘bricks, bricks, bricks’.
There is considerable sympathy for the local police who remind me that it is their duty to be ‘mediators’.
The locals know that, most of the time, there is nothing the cops can do and evidence is usually sketchy.
The distance from the Travellers camp and the village in Lancashire, which lies just outside the seaside destination of Blackpool
Councillor Maxine Chew can pinpoint instantly the night that a hedgerow next to the Travellers’ site was illegally torn out of the ground to widen out the turning on to the main road.
‘It just happened to be the night when the Queen was in Blackpool for the Royal Variety Performance, so the police were rather busy.’ The Travellers denied all knowledge at the time, only to admit responsibility later to a planning inspector.
Both Maxine Chew and Albert Pounder, who sit on the council’s planning committee, point out that this saga does terrible damage to the good name of Travellers elsewhere.
‘We’ve got a lovely group of Travellers near Blackpool,’ says Maxine. ‘They applied for permission for a site, which we granted. It’s far tidier than some of the land around it.
They recently applied to extend it and we agreed to that, too. All we expect is for people to work within the law.’
In the last 48 hours, a few caravans have already started to leave the Hardhorn site, while other owners have been seen taking down their satellite dishes.
The villagers are finally starting to wonder if the nightmare may be over. A man who wanted to sell his house in 2009 — only to see its value halved — may be able to plan his retirement once more.
The farmer who repeatedly tried to drain his ditches of rubbish and empty gas canisters — only to find it all thrown back — may be able to have another go.
But there is still going to be a hell of a mess to clear up. And, in the meantime, the police have another problem: what do you do with a dozen ponies?
No one is entirely sure how the animals died. But then almost every aspect of this sorry story is shrouded in a fog of resentment, fear and political correctness.
What we do know is that on Monday morning, several ponies wandered off the unauthorised Travellers’ site at Hardhorn, Lancashire, and on to the B5266.
One, a Shetland, was then hit by a vehicle and killed. At around the same time, another suffered a similar fate.
A police officer, alerted to the scene, arrived to find a further four ponies out of control and in a state of neglect. Since no one claimed to own the animals, the officer decided to remove them for their own protection.
Then things turned ugly. Angry Travellers shouted that the officer would do no such thing because the ponies belonged ‘to the children’.
A child, conveniently, cannot be prosecuted for neglecting an animal.
As tempers rose, police reinforcements were summoned.
The police acknowledge that there may have been ‘threatening behaviour’ but are reluctant to go into further detail.
‘Following the death of two animals, we seized the remaining four under the Animal Welfare Act,’ says a spokeswoman for Lancashire Police. ‘There were no arrests.’
This was not the first time the police have had to rescue animals from this site. In fact, the latest seizures bring the total number removed to 12 ponies. And still no one is called to account.
As far as the residents are concerned, though, this was just a typical start to another week alongside the original ‘neighbours from hell’.
In the course of a short walk through the village, I hear tales about vandalism, about excrement, about threats to a man who witnessed a Traveller’s van driving into the back of a car shortly before Christmas.
Might this just be hearsay? Not when I am handed the police incident number for the smash.
But this bitter stand-off between villagers and Travellers may, finally, be about to change following an important court ruling this week.
After a four-year legal battle by the locals to have the six-acre site closed down, the highest court in the land has just come down squarely on the side of the villagers.
Coming on top of new enforcement powers for councils announced seven months ago, might this be the beginning of the end for the illegal sites blighting communities up and down the country?
Talk to the Travellers in Hardhorn — if you can get past the foul-mouthed ranter who threatens to ‘drown’ me in a ditch — and you will hear tales of hardship and of harassment by the authorities.
They explain that this is their land, that they are just simple Irish Travellers who want to do the best for their children and that they have nowhere else to go.
‘It’s racism against us,’ says Sharon Collins, 20, a mother of two. ‘If they did this to an Asian, they’d be in court.’
Talk to the residents and you find a cowed community, afraid of being named let alone photographed, for fear of reprisals.
‘The residents should be congratulated for their restraint,’ says district councillor Maxine Chew, one of the few willing to speak openly.
She takes me through a neighbourhood log of recent incidents at the site — ranging from brazen intimidation to fly-tipping and arson; from sheep-worrying to bare-knuckle fighting.
Just don’t get the villagers started on the subject of lavatorial habits.
‘The local residents have been extremely patient,’ says fellow district councillor Albert Pounder.
‘But what upsets them most is the sense of injustice.’
If the villagers ignored planning laws, he says, their property might be pulled down. Yet here is a section of society which feels entitled to build whatever it wants wherever it wants and call it a human right.
It was more than four years ago that an extended clan of Irish Travellers arrived in Hardhorn, a few miles inland from Blackpool.
They drove straight into a field, recently acquired by a man from Yorkshire, followed by a fleet of lorries.
And, in the course of a November weekend, they covered the land in concrete and caravans while putting a retrospective planning application under the door of Fylde District Council.
Even though permission was swiftly denied, they could now play the system.
They lodged a slow succession of appeals against the decision, first with the planning authorities and then on through successive tiers of the legal system.
Along the way, arguments about local planning policy were superseded by the great mantra of the age — human rights.
One judge ordered the council to give the place a postcode, even though it was an unauthorised site, ostensibly to help the emergency services find it on sat nav.
As the locals are swift to point out, this has also made it easier for the Travellers to register for state benefits — and has caused a few amusing moments, too.
One man, who shares the same postcode, recalls a visit from a car transporter trying to deliver him two brand new Audis.
The 78 Irish Travellers who hail from just four families had refused to budge despite eviction demands from three different courts
After another hearing, the council won an injunction preventing further development of the site and limiting the number of caravans to 30.
Yet when they reached double that number, nothing happened.
This week, however, the seemingly interminable legal deadlock was finally broken at the Supreme Court which ruled in favour of Fylde District Council and the residents.
The Travellers have now run out of appeals and it is down to the council to begin the eviction process.
YET, there are no signs of celebration in Hardhorn, even though they may be about to reclaim their panoramic views of the distant Forest of Bowland.
For even if every last caravan disappears by tomorrow, the local council taxpayers will still be left with a £200,000 legal bill.
The village of Hardhorn isn't far from Blackpool, where the Gypsies [sic] originally hailed from
And they can expect to pay the same again if they want the site transformed back to the green field it once was. Some Travellers have already said that they will refuse to leave.
‘We’ll go to jail if we have to,’ one 65-year-old Traveller tells me. ‘At least it’s warm there and they feed you.’
The site is reached by a potholed track off the B5266.
Walking along it, I encounter a Vauxhall coming the other way. A middle-aged man, who won’t give his name but says he is the landowner, orders me to leave.
I point out that the road has shared access to other land.
‘No one will talk to you and you are not to enter our site. And if you photograph our caravans, I’ll drown you in that water down there!’ he shouts and drives on.
At the site entrance, a few children are playing with a suitcase. Sharon Collins emerges from a caravan and is happy to talk to me. All these families, she explains, are only living here because there’s nowhere else to go.
The Government, she says, ‘are housing the Bosnians and all the others but not the people from their own country’.
The quiet and leafy village of Hardhorn which has been fighting a battle against the the incumbent Gypsy [sic] populaton
+8
The quiet and leafy village of Hardhorn which has been fighting a battle against the the incumbent Gypsy [sic] populaton
Though Sharon and her extended family describe themselves as Irish Travellers — and speak with Irish accents — she says that they are all British.
‘We have UK passports. My parents were born here, too. I’ve never travelled in Ireland.’
They have invested all their money in this site, she says. Now they have nothing left.
So how can they afford to fund a team of top barristers and take an appeal to the Supreme Court? ‘We’ve got family and friends helping.’
There is exhaustion in her voice. She looks older than her 20 years. But she is friendly; the little girls around her are well-behaved and nicely dressed.
I ask her about the villagers’ accusations of intimidation.
‘They’re exaggerating,’ she says, arguing that the Travellers encounter hostility everywhere, even in the local Catholic church on Sunday.
‘You’ve got some locals who won’t shake our hand when the priest says “peace be with you”.’
Whereupon the Vauxhall returns and screeches to a halt.
The angry driver I met earlier is now incandescent with rage, tripping over himself as he leaps out of his car.
Though I am not actually on his land, he shrieks a torrent of abuse and threats. ‘Just ******* **** off!’
The interview is over. No wonder neighbourly relations are beyond repair. The atmosphere is poisonous.
As I walk around the village, I spot one woman grooming a horse in a field.
She comes striding across to see what I am up to. She has no wish to pick a fight with anyone, she explains.
But she can barely conceal her anger when I ask her about the Travellers.
‘My husband has had to clear up more human excrement than anyone should ever have to see,’ she says with a quivering smile.
Another man — we shall call him Edward — tells me how he once tried to remonstrate with a Traveller about the amount of waste in his field.
‘He said to me: “How do you know it isn’t dogs?” I said: “Dogs don’t use toilet paper.” He said he’d see what he could do but nothing changed.’
The Traveller village has also resisted a planning inquiry and a battle by locals in Hardhorn, Lancs who accused the group of trashing their leafy village
Edward has visited the site several times to raise various issues and says that it is not the Travellers themselves who are making this mess but the Eastern European labourers who live on site in smaller caravans.
‘Some of the labourers are very dirty and the Travellers won’t let them share their facilities,’ he explains.
Scanning the logbook kept by the local residents’ action group, I spot an entry for December when a Polish man from the site was found sprawled at the side of the road.
Too inebriated to walk, he moaned that he was fed up with a life of ‘bricks, bricks, bricks’.
There is considerable sympathy for the local police who remind me that it is their duty to be ‘mediators’.
The locals know that, most of the time, there is nothing the cops can do and evidence is usually sketchy.
The distance from the Travellers camp and the village in Lancashire, which lies just outside the seaside destination of Blackpool
Councillor Maxine Chew can pinpoint instantly the night that a hedgerow next to the Travellers’ site was illegally torn out of the ground to widen out the turning on to the main road.
‘It just happened to be the night when the Queen was in Blackpool for the Royal Variety Performance, so the police were rather busy.’ The Travellers denied all knowledge at the time, only to admit responsibility later to a planning inspector.
Both Maxine Chew and Albert Pounder, who sit on the council’s planning committee, point out that this saga does terrible damage to the good name of Travellers elsewhere.
‘We’ve got a lovely group of Travellers near Blackpool,’ says Maxine. ‘They applied for permission for a site, which we granted. It’s far tidier than some of the land around it.
They recently applied to extend it and we agreed to that, too. All we expect is for people to work within the law.’
In the last 48 hours, a few caravans have already started to leave the Hardhorn site, while other owners have been seen taking down their satellite dishes.
The villagers are finally starting to wonder if the nightmare may be over. A man who wanted to sell his house in 2009 — only to see its value halved — may be able to plan his retirement once more.
The farmer who repeatedly tried to drain his ditches of rubbish and empty gas canisters — only to find it all thrown back — may be able to have another go.
But there is still going to be a hell of a mess to clear up. And, in the meantime, the police have another problem: what do you do with a dozen ponies?
Can Travellers stay at Brigg site? - Lincolnshire
From the Scunthorpe Telegraph
TRAVELLERS in Brigg say they just want to get on with their lives after a planning inspector granted permission for their 12-plot site.
The decision by the inspector followed an inquiry in September and a lengthy battle between the Travellers and North Lincolnshire Council.
The plots on Mill Lane have been in place for at least four years, but have been rejected twice by planners.
The last time it came before North Lincolnshire Council planning committee it was turned down on the casting vote of chairman Arthur Bunyon.
TRAVELLERS in Brigg say they just want to get on with their lives after a planning inspector granted permission for their 12-plot site.
The decision by the inspector followed an inquiry in September and a lengthy battle between the Travellers and North Lincolnshire Council.
The plots on Mill Lane have been in place for at least four years, but have been rejected twice by planners.
The last time it came before North Lincolnshire Council planning committee it was turned down on the casting vote of chairman Arthur Bunyon.
Judge allows Travellers to stay in lane near Dale Farm...for now - Essex
From the Echo
A JUDGE has allowed Travellers to remain on a couple’s land following a High Court showdown...for the time being.
Joyce Palmer of Oak Road, Crays Hill, has been revealed as the owner of most of the land where up to 20 caravans have been illegally parked in Oak Lane since the Dale Farm eviction in October 2011.
Yesterday, High Court judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis prevented Basildon Council from carrying out a second eviction at the site.
He said by not objecting in person, Mrs Palmer and husband Andrew Palmer, a greyhound trainer in his 50s, could have “implied” the illegal occupants were welcome.
The Palmers, who back on to Dale Farm and the neighbouring legal site, feared reprisals and had been assured by the council it would tackle the unauthorised encampment on their land which sprung up within days of the £7million clearance through the planning process.
This meant they did not instigate private proceedings themselves as is usual for landowners.
Speaking after the court case, Mr Palmer said: “If you speak to the council you will find that we have objected. There are emails to show this. We couldn’t give a solicitor an open cheque book so where this goes now you tell me.”
Council leader Tony Ball said after the judgement: “The council had two options. We could have taken legal action against the landowners or deal with it ourselves. Because we used their land we saw them as victims and it would not have been right to prosecute them. The landowners also felt too intimdated to do it themselves because they had endured ten years living next to the site and felt there was still a risk as they would still be left living next to the legal site.”
Mr Ball was surprised by the decision and any precedent it may have in future cases of illegal camping on private land.
He added: "This is a hugely disappointing decision and will create further delays and public expenditure.”
Quashing his decision, Mr Lewis wrote: “Mrs Flynn had stationed her caravan on the land in November 2011, some 8 months before the enforcement notice was issued. There was no evidence of any objection to her presence on the land over that length of time. Even if she had originally entered on the land as a trespasser, it may be that, depending on the facts, the owner of the land had acquiesced and impliedly granted her a licence to remain.”
TIMELINE
*October 2011: Council used legal powers to use the Palmers’ field next to their home as a base for bailiffs to access Oak Lane during eviction.
*July 2012: Council served enforcement notices ordering the Travellers to go, but the Travellers appealed.
*September 2012: Mr Pickles threw out the appeal saying the families had no legal interest in the land and were not entitled to a public inquiry.
*late 2012: Travellers took it to the High Court.
*February 2014: Judge orders fresh public inquiry
see also: The BBC - Former Dale Farm mother wins appeal over planning decision
A JUDGE has allowed Travellers to remain on a couple’s land following a High Court showdown...for the time being.
Joyce Palmer of Oak Road, Crays Hill, has been revealed as the owner of most of the land where up to 20 caravans have been illegally parked in Oak Lane since the Dale Farm eviction in October 2011.
Yesterday, High Court judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis prevented Basildon Council from carrying out a second eviction at the site.
He said by not objecting in person, Mrs Palmer and husband Andrew Palmer, a greyhound trainer in his 50s, could have “implied” the illegal occupants were welcome.
The Palmers, who back on to Dale Farm and the neighbouring legal site, feared reprisals and had been assured by the council it would tackle the unauthorised encampment on their land which sprung up within days of the £7million clearance through the planning process.
This meant they did not instigate private proceedings themselves as is usual for landowners.
Speaking after the court case, Mr Palmer said: “If you speak to the council you will find that we have objected. There are emails to show this. We couldn’t give a solicitor an open cheque book so where this goes now you tell me.”
Council leader Tony Ball said after the judgement: “The council had two options. We could have taken legal action against the landowners or deal with it ourselves. Because we used their land we saw them as victims and it would not have been right to prosecute them. The landowners also felt too intimdated to do it themselves because they had endured ten years living next to the site and felt there was still a risk as they would still be left living next to the legal site.”
Mr Ball was surprised by the decision and any precedent it may have in future cases of illegal camping on private land.
He added: "This is a hugely disappointing decision and will create further delays and public expenditure.”
Quashing his decision, Mr Lewis wrote: “Mrs Flynn had stationed her caravan on the land in November 2011, some 8 months before the enforcement notice was issued. There was no evidence of any objection to her presence on the land over that length of time. Even if she had originally entered on the land as a trespasser, it may be that, depending on the facts, the owner of the land had acquiesced and impliedly granted her a licence to remain.”
TIMELINE
*October 2011: Council used legal powers to use the Palmers’ field next to their home as a base for bailiffs to access Oak Lane during eviction.
*July 2012: Council served enforcement notices ordering the Travellers to go, but the Travellers appealed.
*September 2012: Mr Pickles threw out the appeal saying the families had no legal interest in the land and were not entitled to a public inquiry.
*late 2012: Travellers took it to the High Court.
*February 2014: Judge orders fresh public inquiry
see also: The BBC - Former Dale Farm mother wins appeal over planning decision
Concern at plan for new Gypsy & Traveller site in Scunthorpe - Lincolnshire
From the Scunthorpe Telegraph
"CONCERN" and "disappointment" have been expressed at potential plans to house a Gypsy and Traveller site in Scunthorpe.
The three North Lincolnshire ward councillors wrote to residents after learning of plans to include land off Wesley Road in Ashby as a potential home for the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Residents previously expressed concerns about an illegal site in the same area and councillors say the plans would go against the views of local residents.
The letter states the plan "appears to be being progressed on the quiet and will have limited consultation".
The ward councillors also believe the plans would include land on Mortal Ash Hill.
Councillor Mick Grant, who sits on the authority's planning committee, told the Telegraph: "To my understanding there has been absolutely no scoping at all.
"There is a document coming out in the next couple of months that looks at allocating land for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
"I have found from talking to officers that the council was looking at land near Wesley Road and land up by Mortal Ash Hill as potential Gypsy sites so we are just making people aware.
"There have been issues there before and we felt that if we did not let people know about it then they may miss the chance to have their say.
"I used to live on Wesley Road so I know people's thoughts on the issue."
Mr Grant said it is understood that feedback is likely to be sought later this month when the document is published.
The letter adds: "We would suggest that if you would like your views to be known regarding these proposals that you keep an eye open for any future announcements."
Councillor Liz Redfern, leader of the ruling Conservative group, said the letters received by residents were "misleading" and "irresponsible".
She said: "The last Labour Government placed a requirement on local authorities to consult on potential Gypsy and Traveller sites.
"To comply with the law, North Lincolnshire Council will need to do this at some stage based on what the requirements are locally.
"I am completely resolved that if there are any requirements, they will not be sites paid for by local taxpayers, unlike under Labour's proposals.
"As to why the Labour Party would choose to write to local residents on local taxpayer- funded paper, and try to stir up communities about sites that may not even be considered at anytime for any type of development, I am completely at a loss.
"It is a fact that it was the Labour Party who first started this process of consultation.
"Let me be clear, I don't believe there is any need for further Traveller sites in North Lincolnshire, this is more a case of Labour being completely irresponsible and misleading local people."
"CONCERN" and "disappointment" have been expressed at potential plans to house a Gypsy and Traveller site in Scunthorpe.
The three North Lincolnshire ward councillors wrote to residents after learning of plans to include land off Wesley Road in Ashby as a potential home for the Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Residents previously expressed concerns about an illegal site in the same area and councillors say the plans would go against the views of local residents.
The letter states the plan "appears to be being progressed on the quiet and will have limited consultation".
The ward councillors also believe the plans would include land on Mortal Ash Hill.
Councillor Mick Grant, who sits on the authority's planning committee, told the Telegraph: "To my understanding there has been absolutely no scoping at all.
"There is a document coming out in the next couple of months that looks at allocating land for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
"I have found from talking to officers that the council was looking at land near Wesley Road and land up by Mortal Ash Hill as potential Gypsy sites so we are just making people aware.
"There have been issues there before and we felt that if we did not let people know about it then they may miss the chance to have their say.
"I used to live on Wesley Road so I know people's thoughts on the issue."
Mr Grant said it is understood that feedback is likely to be sought later this month when the document is published.
The letter adds: "We would suggest that if you would like your views to be known regarding these proposals that you keep an eye open for any future announcements."
Councillor Liz Redfern, leader of the ruling Conservative group, said the letters received by residents were "misleading" and "irresponsible".
She said: "The last Labour Government placed a requirement on local authorities to consult on potential Gypsy and Traveller sites.
"To comply with the law, North Lincolnshire Council will need to do this at some stage based on what the requirements are locally.
"I am completely resolved that if there are any requirements, they will not be sites paid for by local taxpayers, unlike under Labour's proposals.
"As to why the Labour Party would choose to write to local residents on local taxpayer- funded paper, and try to stir up communities about sites that may not even be considered at anytime for any type of development, I am completely at a loss.
"It is a fact that it was the Labour Party who first started this process of consultation.
"Let me be clear, I don't believe there is any need for further Traveller sites in North Lincolnshire, this is more a case of Labour being completely irresponsible and misleading local people."
Friday, 21 February 2014
Travellers win eviction court fight - Essex
From the Newmarket Journal
Travellers evicted from the Dale Farm site in Essex have won a High Court battle over appeal rights after being told they must move on from another place where they have pitched camp.
Mary Flynn and her daughter Nora Sheridan moved their caravans to a roadway track in the Metropolitan Green Belt which leads east from Oak Lane at Billericay in Essex to Dale Farm in November 2011, following the Dale Farm eviction, which made national headlines.
They and other Dale Farm Travellers who also set up home at the track were served with enforcement notices by Basildon District Council in July 2012.
They were accused of breaching planning controls by stationing residential caravans without gaining permission for "a material change of use" of the land.
Mrs Flynn lodged an appeal under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act. But the local government planning inspectorate decided on September 3 2012 her appeal was not valid because she did not have a legal interest in the land or a licence from the landowner to occupy it.
Mr Justice Lewis, sitting at London's High Court, allowed an appeal by both mother and daughter and ruled the inspectorate had "erred in law" because it failed to consider whether or not Mrs Flynn had "an implied licence" to occupy the land at the relevant time.
The judge said: "In my judgment, given the length of time that Mrs Flynn had been on the land, and given the fact that it was being said that the owners had not asked them to leave and were content with their occupation, the possibility of an implied licence was in issue.
"In those circumstances permission to apply for judicial review is granted and the decision of September 3 2012 will be quashed."
He said the inspectorate should now be allowed to consider whether in fact Mrs Flynn had an implied licence at the time the enforcement notice was served and the appeal brought.
A Government spokesman said: "This was a ruling on a technical point of planning law and how the planning inspectorate considered interests in land.
"Whether the claimant has a right of appeal will simply be re-considered with due process."
Travellers evicted from the Dale Farm site in Essex have won a High Court battle over appeal rights after being told they must move on from another place where they have pitched camp.
Mary Flynn and her daughter Nora Sheridan moved their caravans to a roadway track in the Metropolitan Green Belt which leads east from Oak Lane at Billericay in Essex to Dale Farm in November 2011, following the Dale Farm eviction, which made national headlines.
They and other Dale Farm Travellers who also set up home at the track were served with enforcement notices by Basildon District Council in July 2012.
They were accused of breaching planning controls by stationing residential caravans without gaining permission for "a material change of use" of the land.
Mrs Flynn lodged an appeal under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act. But the local government planning inspectorate decided on September 3 2012 her appeal was not valid because she did not have a legal interest in the land or a licence from the landowner to occupy it.
Mr Justice Lewis, sitting at London's High Court, allowed an appeal by both mother and daughter and ruled the inspectorate had "erred in law" because it failed to consider whether or not Mrs Flynn had "an implied licence" to occupy the land at the relevant time.
The judge said: "In my judgment, given the length of time that Mrs Flynn had been on the land, and given the fact that it was being said that the owners had not asked them to leave and were content with their occupation, the possibility of an implied licence was in issue.
"In those circumstances permission to apply for judicial review is granted and the decision of September 3 2012 will be quashed."
He said the inspectorate should now be allowed to consider whether in fact Mrs Flynn had an implied licence at the time the enforcement notice was served and the appeal brought.
A Government spokesman said: "This was a ruling on a technical point of planning law and how the planning inspectorate considered interests in land.
"Whether the claimant has a right of appeal will simply be re-considered with due process."
Debate on Gypsy sites in Warwick district to continue - Warwickshire
From the Courier
Councillors have stepped in to prevent their senior colleagues from pushing through proposals for permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites in Warwick district.
As we reported, district council officials selected five sites - all of which were in the south of the district, where most of the new housing in the Local Plan has been earmarked for - which were last week approved by councillors on the council’s executive committee for a six-week public consultation.
Another eight sites were selected for a ‘reserve list’ in case the consultation showed that the majority of people were unhappy with the selected five.
But five councillors have since requested that this decision is ‘called in’ - much like a decision concerning the Pump Room in Leamington last month - meaning that the issue must be debated further by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.
The five councillors felt that six weeks was not enough time for the consultation, that more sites should be selected as potential options - and they were unhappy that one of the sites was on green belt land.
Included in the earmarked sites is a hotly contested patch of land off the Fosse Way in Radford Semele, where the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre is sited - the owners of which have said they would be forced to sell their business should Gypsies and/or Travellers move there.
The consultation has been halted for the time being. The overview and scrutiny committee will meet at Leamington town hall on Wednesday.
Councillors have stepped in to prevent their senior colleagues from pushing through proposals for permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites in Warwick district.
As we reported, district council officials selected five sites - all of which were in the south of the district, where most of the new housing in the Local Plan has been earmarked for - which were last week approved by councillors on the council’s executive committee for a six-week public consultation.
Another eight sites were selected for a ‘reserve list’ in case the consultation showed that the majority of people were unhappy with the selected five.
But five councillors have since requested that this decision is ‘called in’ - much like a decision concerning the Pump Room in Leamington last month - meaning that the issue must be debated further by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee.
The five councillors felt that six weeks was not enough time for the consultation, that more sites should be selected as potential options - and they were unhappy that one of the sites was on green belt land.
Included in the earmarked sites is a hotly contested patch of land off the Fosse Way in Radford Semele, where the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre is sited - the owners of which have said they would be forced to sell their business should Gypsies and/or Travellers move there.
The consultation has been halted for the time being. The overview and scrutiny committee will meet at Leamington town hall on Wednesday.
Travellers move on to site in Marshgate Drive, Hertford - Hertfordshire
From the Mercury
TRAVELLERS have moved on to two sites in Hertford.
A number of caravans arrived at two locations in Marshgate Drive last night (February 20).
The Travellers advised the Mercury to leave when we visited and indicated they hadn’t made a decision about how long they planned to stay on the site.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said members of the public had reported the caravans at 2.45pm yesterday, after which officers visited the site.
She said: “We’ve been speaking with East Herts Council and are working with the landowners and speaking with the Travellers.
“There are two sites - the first one has two vehicles with associated caravans, the second one is much larger with 14 caravans.
“It’s down to the landowner to deal with it.”
The bigger site is on the derelict Transco land.
A woman who works in the area said: “We are hoping at the weekend we don’t receive another 100 caravans.
“I would imagine it would be quite concerning for the residents.”
A man who lives on Marshgate Drive, who did not wish to be named, did not realise the Travellers were there until the Mercury knocked on his door today.
He said: “Travellers do need somewhere to stay but they need to do it properly.
“I know some people get upset about Travellers.
“I think if they are staying there illegally they will have to move.”
TRAVELLERS have moved on to two sites in Hertford.
A number of caravans arrived at two locations in Marshgate Drive last night (February 20).
The Travellers advised the Mercury to leave when we visited and indicated they hadn’t made a decision about how long they planned to stay on the site.
A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokeswoman said members of the public had reported the caravans at 2.45pm yesterday, after which officers visited the site.
She said: “We’ve been speaking with East Herts Council and are working with the landowners and speaking with the Travellers.
“There are two sites - the first one has two vehicles with associated caravans, the second one is much larger with 14 caravans.
“It’s down to the landowner to deal with it.”
The bigger site is on the derelict Transco land.
A woman who works in the area said: “We are hoping at the weekend we don’t receive another 100 caravans.
“I would imagine it would be quite concerning for the residents.”
A man who lives on Marshgate Drive, who did not wish to be named, did not realise the Travellers were there until the Mercury knocked on his door today.
He said: “Travellers do need somewhere to stay but they need to do it properly.
“I know some people get upset about Travellers.
“I think if they are staying there illegally they will have to move.”
Leigh sports club forced to close as Travellers move onto site - Greater Manchester
From the Leigh Journal
A SPORTS club was forced to close for a week after its car park and all-weather pitch were accessed by Travellers.
Leigh Rugby Union Football Club in Pennington shut last Wednesday after around 14 caravans illegally moved on to the site on Hand Lane.
The caravans have now moved from the site after being issued with an order to vacate the area on Friday, but the club says it had to pay around £2,000 to hire a company which specialises in legally and forcibly removing Travellers.
A spokesman for the club said: "The site is clear and as secure as we can get it without undertaking structural work.
"We are pushing ahead to install sturdy height barriers at the gate area and also looking at vulnerable grassed areas in the vicinity that may be illegally accessed.
"It's all at cost, so if anyone can find money from various grants or sponsorship we would be grateful and there will be a secure donation box in the club for anyone who wants to help towards costs. However, a suggestion put forward by several people is that a great way to help is to join the club as a member for £10 and have a drink.
"That way we benefit from cash and you benefit in becoming a member with access to a CAMRA award winning hospitality."
The club thanked Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police for their support and advice.
A SPORTS club was forced to close for a week after its car park and all-weather pitch were accessed by Travellers.
Leigh Rugby Union Football Club in Pennington shut last Wednesday after around 14 caravans illegally moved on to the site on Hand Lane.
The caravans have now moved from the site after being issued with an order to vacate the area on Friday, but the club says it had to pay around £2,000 to hire a company which specialises in legally and forcibly removing Travellers.
A spokesman for the club said: "The site is clear and as secure as we can get it without undertaking structural work.
"We are pushing ahead to install sturdy height barriers at the gate area and also looking at vulnerable grassed areas in the vicinity that may be illegally accessed.
"It's all at cost, so if anyone can find money from various grants or sponsorship we would be grateful and there will be a secure donation box in the club for anyone who wants to help towards costs. However, a suggestion put forward by several people is that a great way to help is to join the club as a member for £10 and have a drink.
"That way we benefit from cash and you benefit in becoming a member with access to a CAMRA award winning hospitality."
The club thanked Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police for their support and advice.
Thursday, 20 February 2014
Horse breeders sing praises of Gypsy cob as Wales brings in new law to tackle strays
From the Travellers' Times
GYPSY cobs are enjoying a high profile in the horse breeding world, just as a new law passed in Wales and aimed at tackling "fly grazing" may have the Gypsy cob breed in its sights.
After the success of traditional cob Tiger Tim in the British Dressage National Championships last year, more riders are being encouraged to consider taking on cobs, known for their versatility and good nature.
Yet the past year has also seen a spate of news articles and petitions urging the authorities to deal with "fly grazing"- or grazing animals on land without permission.
Now, a new law passed in January this year will give councils the power to impound animals left to graze without permission, and to re-home or even destroy them if they see fit.
read more...
GYPSY cobs are enjoying a high profile in the horse breeding world, just as a new law passed in Wales and aimed at tackling "fly grazing" may have the Gypsy cob breed in its sights.
After the success of traditional cob Tiger Tim in the British Dressage National Championships last year, more riders are being encouraged to consider taking on cobs, known for their versatility and good nature.
Yet the past year has also seen a spate of news articles and petitions urging the authorities to deal with "fly grazing"- or grazing animals on land without permission.
Now, a new law passed in January this year will give councils the power to impound animals left to graze without permission, and to re-home or even destroy them if they see fit.
read more...
Burnley MP urges villagers to have say on Travellers' site - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Telegraph
AN MP is urging villagers to make their views known over a controversial proposal to open a Travellers site on farmland in Hapton.
Residents have bombarded Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle after the Lancashire Telegraph revealed that Spa Wood Farm had been earmarked as a potential home for Travellers in the borough’s Local Plan.
And Mr Birtwistle is now urging residents to take an active role in the plan’s consultation process - and lobby their local councillors.
Landowner Oathie Sykes was not even approached about the provenance of the site off Billington Road before it was highlighted by Burnley Council as a potential site for 28 pitches.
Mr Sykes, who now lives in Cumbria, has indicated he would be ‘open to a worthwhile offer’ for the three-acre site as it is his only asset.
But Mr Birtwistle, in letters to local residents, has highlighted the lack of consultation over the proposal, with a number of residents and Hapton Parish Council being kept in the dark until recently.
He said: “There also appears to be a number of incorrect statements about the Spa Wood site in the documents used to inform the proposal.
“These include the number of families living at the site and the research done to establish the need for a Traveller site.
“A number of complex issues have also arisen around the right of way via a private road owned by the farms in the area, so the proposal certainly doesn’t meet sustainable development criteria.”
The consultation on the continues until March 31.
AN MP is urging villagers to make their views known over a controversial proposal to open a Travellers site on farmland in Hapton.
Residents have bombarded Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle after the Lancashire Telegraph revealed that Spa Wood Farm had been earmarked as a potential home for Travellers in the borough’s Local Plan.
And Mr Birtwistle is now urging residents to take an active role in the plan’s consultation process - and lobby their local councillors.
Landowner Oathie Sykes was not even approached about the provenance of the site off Billington Road before it was highlighted by Burnley Council as a potential site for 28 pitches.
Mr Sykes, who now lives in Cumbria, has indicated he would be ‘open to a worthwhile offer’ for the three-acre site as it is his only asset.
But Mr Birtwistle, in letters to local residents, has highlighted the lack of consultation over the proposal, with a number of residents and Hapton Parish Council being kept in the dark until recently.
He said: “There also appears to be a number of incorrect statements about the Spa Wood site in the documents used to inform the proposal.
“These include the number of families living at the site and the research done to establish the need for a Traveller site.
“A number of complex issues have also arisen around the right of way via a private road owned by the farms in the area, so the proposal certainly doesn’t meet sustainable development criteria.”
The consultation on the continues until March 31.
Leeds Travellers appeal for long-term solutions - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
AN organisation which offers support and advice to the Leeds travelling community is appealing to local councillors not to use a camp on Cross Green Lane as a political football in the run-up to local elections.
Leeds City Council has been a leading light among local authorities with a progressive policies on the issue, working with Travellers to identify negoatiated stopping sites around the city which can be used as short-term solutions for families waiting for more permanent bases.
A site on Dolly Lane was used recently, the Travellers moving themselves without council intervention when the agreed three-month period expired. However, with no other site yet designated, some have since returned while others have set up camp off Cross Green Lane.
The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange say the Travellers’ arrival at the new site has prompted complaints from ward councillors, who have applied pressure on council officers to have the families moved.
Spokeswoman Helen Jones is concerned councillors may be motivated by impending elections and has appealed to members to take a broader view.
“I would urge councillors to check if the electorate really wants to shoulder the expense of constantly persuing these families and moving them on,” she said.
“The rules of gravity apply equally to them as the rest of us and and the laws of nature say their feet must fall somewhere on the planet.”
The Travellers claim they have nowhere else to go and have tried to cooperate with the wishes of council and local residents under the principles of negotiated settlement - which have worked well for both sides until now.
A notice requiring the families to move by noon yesterday was rescinded by the council’s legal team - but the families don’t yet know how long they will be allowed to stay.
“We tidied up the site when we arrived and we know we’re parked under a CCTV camera so the council can see what’s happening here,” said Traveller, Daniel. “If we’re moved, we have nowhere else to go.”
A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: “Unlawful encampments can have a detrimental impact on communities and we need to balance this with the welfare and needs of Travellers. We’re assessing the options available for this group of Travellers in line with our policies and the legal powers available to us.”
AN organisation which offers support and advice to the Leeds travelling community is appealing to local councillors not to use a camp on Cross Green Lane as a political football in the run-up to local elections.
Leeds City Council has been a leading light among local authorities with a progressive policies on the issue, working with Travellers to identify negoatiated stopping sites around the city which can be used as short-term solutions for families waiting for more permanent bases.
A site on Dolly Lane was used recently, the Travellers moving themselves without council intervention when the agreed three-month period expired. However, with no other site yet designated, some have since returned while others have set up camp off Cross Green Lane.
The Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange say the Travellers’ arrival at the new site has prompted complaints from ward councillors, who have applied pressure on council officers to have the families moved.
Spokeswoman Helen Jones is concerned councillors may be motivated by impending elections and has appealed to members to take a broader view.
“I would urge councillors to check if the electorate really wants to shoulder the expense of constantly persuing these families and moving them on,” she said.
“The rules of gravity apply equally to them as the rest of us and and the laws of nature say their feet must fall somewhere on the planet.”
The Travellers claim they have nowhere else to go and have tried to cooperate with the wishes of council and local residents under the principles of negotiated settlement - which have worked well for both sides until now.
A notice requiring the families to move by noon yesterday was rescinded by the council’s legal team - but the families don’t yet know how long they will be allowed to stay.
“We tidied up the site when we arrived and we know we’re parked under a CCTV camera so the council can see what’s happening here,” said Traveller, Daniel. “If we’re moved, we have nowhere else to go.”
A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: “Unlawful encampments can have a detrimental impact on communities and we need to balance this with the welfare and needs of Travellers. We’re assessing the options available for this group of Travellers in line with our policies and the legal powers available to us.”
York MP Wants Planned Travellers' Sites Ditched - Yorkshire
From 104.7 Minster FM
A York MP has called for plans for 36 new caravan pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the city to be abandoned.
Julian Sturdy, who represents York Outer, believes it's a waste of taxpayers' money and risks "further damage" to the city council's reputation. His main concern are plans for the sites on York's greenbelt which he calls "irresponsible and complacent" and accuses the authority of a "blatant disregard for the greenbelt".
The additional Traveller and Gypsy sites are part of the city council's controversial Local Plan, which sets out how York will develop over the next fifteen years. It also includes plans for 22,000 new houses in the city.
Julian Sturdy believes a recent case in Stanley near Wakefield, where plans to build 10 Traveller pitches on greenbelt land were refused shows there will be problems with the plans for York. The MP also stated comments from Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis which he says shows that even when there is a need more Traveller sites, this is not a good enough reason to build on the greenbelt.
But the city council has hit back, in a statement given to Minster FM, cabinet member Dave Merrett said:
"Plans for Traveller pitches within the draft Local Plan were consistent with Government policy on increasing the supply of pitches nationally. We are reviewing the evidence in the light of comments received and the latest Government guidance. The final target numbers, site allocations and green belt boundaries in the forthcoming submission version of the plan will be one of the issues on which the Local Plan will be judged sound, or otherwise."
"Conservative Group Leader Chris Steward publicly said this week that Conservatives are not against Green Belt development, so it appears that they are just against Traveller pitches. Planning permission recently for increased pitches at Osbaldwick has not been called in by the Government, indeed they are Government funded so it seems Mr Sturdy is completely at odds with both national and local planning policy on this issue."
see also: The Press - York MP Julian Sturdy’s plea to scrap Travellers’ site plans
A York MP has called for plans for 36 new caravan pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the city to be abandoned.
Julian Sturdy, who represents York Outer, believes it's a waste of taxpayers' money and risks "further damage" to the city council's reputation. His main concern are plans for the sites on York's greenbelt which he calls "irresponsible and complacent" and accuses the authority of a "blatant disregard for the greenbelt".
The additional Traveller and Gypsy sites are part of the city council's controversial Local Plan, which sets out how York will develop over the next fifteen years. It also includes plans for 22,000 new houses in the city.
Julian Sturdy believes a recent case in Stanley near Wakefield, where plans to build 10 Traveller pitches on greenbelt land were refused shows there will be problems with the plans for York. The MP also stated comments from Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis which he says shows that even when there is a need more Traveller sites, this is not a good enough reason to build on the greenbelt.
But the city council has hit back, in a statement given to Minster FM, cabinet member Dave Merrett said:
"Plans for Traveller pitches within the draft Local Plan were consistent with Government policy on increasing the supply of pitches nationally. We are reviewing the evidence in the light of comments received and the latest Government guidance. The final target numbers, site allocations and green belt boundaries in the forthcoming submission version of the plan will be one of the issues on which the Local Plan will be judged sound, or otherwise."
"Conservative Group Leader Chris Steward publicly said this week that Conservatives are not against Green Belt development, so it appears that they are just against Traveller pitches. Planning permission recently for increased pitches at Osbaldwick has not been called in by the Government, indeed they are Government funded so it seems Mr Sturdy is completely at odds with both national and local planning policy on this issue."
see also: The Press - York MP Julian Sturdy’s plea to scrap Travellers’ site plans
'Gypsy and Traveller sites discussion used as political football' - Surrey
From Your Local Guardian
A charity representing the Gypsy and Traveller community has warned local politicians not to use the issue of where new permanent pitches should be situated as a "political football".
Mike Doherty, of the Travellers Movement, together with George Lister, chairman of the Sussex Traveller and Gypsy Group, wrote an open letter to Timothy Nathan, chairman of Stamford Ward Residents’ Association, and Councillor Sheila Carlson.
They were responding to heated public debate this month over where new permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites should be built in Epsom and Ewell - something that is the subject of a review being undertaken by Epsom Council.
Coun Carlson revealed to this newspaper that areas of scrubland around the smart Manor Park housing development and a portion of Hook Road Arena were in the frame - and completely rejected the latter.
Their letter said: "Gypsies and Travellers living on authorised sites pay rates, bills and taxes in the same way as people living in houses.
"Epsom and Ewell Council has a duty to provide housing for all its residents, including Gypsies and Travellers.
"This is not ‘one law for them and one law for us’, it is equality and it is fair.
"When the proposals for new pitches finally come out and Gypsies and Travellers are again in danger of becoming a political football, can we please ask all the campaigners to mind their language and be aware of our common humanity."
The men said they have contacted the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to raise their concerns about campaigning "that may have a discriminatory element or contain prejudicial publicity".
Responding to their letter, Mr Nathan said he did not believe he had made any such statements.
He said: "I wonder if you are seeking and expecting prejudice and confrontation where there is none?
"It is interesting to hear your statement that Travellers have normal jobs and pay their taxes. There appears to be a body of opinion among those that contact us that they do not believe that to be generally true, and it is useful for us to be able to refute it.
"We would welcome the scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission."
Mr Doherty and Mr Lister also said the 20 pitches required for Gypsies and Travellers in Epsom and Ewell in the period up to 2026 is a "tiny part" of the council’s target for new homes - which is 3,600.
An Epsom Council spokesman could it not now provide any timescale for when the proposals would be published and considered except to confirm they will go to the planning policy committee "later in the year".
He said: "No decisions will be made without adequate opportunity being provided for input from interested parties.
"When the initial consultation takes place it will be on options only.
"The process for formal allocation of any sites would then involve a further six-week round of consultation and a formal examination in front of an independent inspector from the Planning Inspectorate.
"There will be ample opportunity for members of the public to make their views known."
A charity representing the Gypsy and Traveller community has warned local politicians not to use the issue of where new permanent pitches should be situated as a "political football".
Mike Doherty, of the Travellers Movement, together with George Lister, chairman of the Sussex Traveller and Gypsy Group, wrote an open letter to Timothy Nathan, chairman of Stamford Ward Residents’ Association, and Councillor Sheila Carlson.
They were responding to heated public debate this month over where new permanent Gypsy and Traveller sites should be built in Epsom and Ewell - something that is the subject of a review being undertaken by Epsom Council.
Coun Carlson revealed to this newspaper that areas of scrubland around the smart Manor Park housing development and a portion of Hook Road Arena were in the frame - and completely rejected the latter.
Their letter said: "Gypsies and Travellers living on authorised sites pay rates, bills and taxes in the same way as people living in houses.
"Epsom and Ewell Council has a duty to provide housing for all its residents, including Gypsies and Travellers.
"This is not ‘one law for them and one law for us’, it is equality and it is fair.
"When the proposals for new pitches finally come out and Gypsies and Travellers are again in danger of becoming a political football, can we please ask all the campaigners to mind their language and be aware of our common humanity."
The men said they have contacted the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to raise their concerns about campaigning "that may have a discriminatory element or contain prejudicial publicity".
Responding to their letter, Mr Nathan said he did not believe he had made any such statements.
He said: "I wonder if you are seeking and expecting prejudice and confrontation where there is none?
"It is interesting to hear your statement that Travellers have normal jobs and pay their taxes. There appears to be a body of opinion among those that contact us that they do not believe that to be generally true, and it is useful for us to be able to refute it.
"We would welcome the scrutiny of the Equality and Human Rights Commission."
Mr Doherty and Mr Lister also said the 20 pitches required for Gypsies and Travellers in Epsom and Ewell in the period up to 2026 is a "tiny part" of the council’s target for new homes - which is 3,600.
An Epsom Council spokesman could it not now provide any timescale for when the proposals would be published and considered except to confirm they will go to the planning policy committee "later in the year".
He said: "No decisions will be made without adequate opportunity being provided for input from interested parties.
"When the initial consultation takes place it will be on options only.
"The process for formal allocation of any sites would then involve a further six-week round of consultation and a formal examination in front of an independent inspector from the Planning Inspectorate.
"There will be ample opportunity for members of the public to make their views known."
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