From the Gazette
Red tape has put a stop to Travellers moving off land they have lived on without planning permission since 2009.
The lengthy process to remove Travellers from the land off Fairfield Road, Hardhorn, had seen them lose a final appeal in the Supreme Court, but a legal wrangle means they will remain there for the coming months.
The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the Travellers’ appeal comes after the Court of Appeal’s decision to throw out their application to stay on the 2.4 hectare site in 2013.
Residents in the village have backed the legal battle to remove the Travellers, and say they are prepared to wait a few months longer before seeing the Travellers leave.
A spokesman for Residents Against Inappropriate Development in Hardhorn, Staining, Singleton and Poulton, said: “While it is frustrating the length of time involved, we will remain patient while the council produces the report to make a decision.
“The enforcement notice to remove all the caravans and restore the land is an order from the courts to the land owner who should now be complying with this.
“We would ask the Travellers to do the right thing and comply with the notice and leave the land peacefully.
“They have to accept the decision.”
A spokesman for Fylde Council added: “The result of the case means the council can now decide what action to take in respect of the enforcement notice for the site to be cleared and restored to its previous condition.
“Officers of the council are working with residents, the Travellers and other agencies to produce a report that covers all the issues involved.
“Councillors will consider the report at a meeting in May.”
Four families have lived in caravans on the site, on Fairfield Road, Hardhorn, since November 2009.
They applied for permission to stay on the land, but the Court of Appeal threw this out in 2013.
This was challenged in January at the Supreme Court in London, but the Travellers were unsuccessful.
Fylde Council is working to compile documents concerning the case, and will put a report to
councillors in May at the earliest.
Monday, 31 March 2014
Selby Travellers’ site build hangs in balance - Yorkshire
From the Press
COUNCIL leaders in Selby have admitted they are unlikely to build a new Travellers’ site in the district by next spring, putting a funding offer in jeopardy.
Plans for a new 15-pitch site at Burn Airfield were rejected by Selby District Council’s planning committee last year after residents campaigned against the scheme, with the authority later being criticised by the Local Government Ombudsman over the way it selected the site.
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has now withdrawn its “willingness” to sell part of the airfield to the council for Travellers’ accommodation, and although it extended the deadline to find an alternative, it did not give the authority more time to complete the site.
A report which will go before the council’s executive this week said that if the HCA’s remaining offer of a grant is to be accepted, a new site will have to be completed by next March and this timescale is unlikely to be met.
Two possible sites – on land off the A163 at Barlby, and on Hazel Old Lane in Hensall – may be looked at, but another potential option in Bondgate, Selby, is not immediately available.
Officials said it was not yet clear whether the HCA might extend its completion deadline, but the council could make a request if it identifies a new site and starts work on delivering it.
COUNCIL leaders in Selby have admitted they are unlikely to build a new Travellers’ site in the district by next spring, putting a funding offer in jeopardy.
Plans for a new 15-pitch site at Burn Airfield were rejected by Selby District Council’s planning committee last year after residents campaigned against the scheme, with the authority later being criticised by the Local Government Ombudsman over the way it selected the site.
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has now withdrawn its “willingness” to sell part of the airfield to the council for Travellers’ accommodation, and although it extended the deadline to find an alternative, it did not give the authority more time to complete the site.
A report which will go before the council’s executive this week said that if the HCA’s remaining offer of a grant is to be accepted, a new site will have to be completed by next March and this timescale is unlikely to be met.
Two possible sites – on land off the A163 at Barlby, and on Hazel Old Lane in Hensall – may be looked at, but another potential option in Bondgate, Selby, is not immediately available.
Officials said it was not yet clear whether the HCA might extend its completion deadline, but the council could make a request if it identifies a new site and starts work on delivering it.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Irish Travellers close to formal recognition as a distinct ethnic group - Ireland
From Irish Central
The Irish travelling community has received a major boost in its bid to be recognised formally as a distinct ethnic group.
A key parliamentary committee has backed the bid by Irish Travellers for formal recognition.
The justice committee of the Irish parliament will now call on the Prime Minister Enda Kenny and Justice Minister Alan Shatter to ratify the call.
The Sunday Times reports that a draft report on Traveller ethnicity by Sinn Fein justice spokesman Pádraig Mac Lochlainn will be approved by members of the justice committee next month.
The paper says the committee will then call on the government to formally recognise the travelling community’s distinct ethnicity.
Martin Collins, a Traveller and co-director of the lobby group Pavee Point, told the paper: “If the Taoiseach (prime minister) stood up in the Dail (parliament) and recognised the ethnicity of Travellers, it would demonstrate that we belong here.
“My people are an integral part of this island and have been since the 5th century. Recognising our ethnicity would show we are valued and respected for who we are - something we don’t feel at the moment.”
Ireland has yet to follow the lead set by authorities in Britain and Northern Ireland who already acknowledge Traveller ethnicity.
The reports says the move would give the travelling community the protection of international human rights conventions for the first time.Collins added that ethnic status would mean Traveller culture would have to be recognised and valued in the Irish education system.
He said: “The Irish government would have to support and facilitate the nomadic lifestyle if it wanted to treat Travellers as something more than failed settled people.”
The Sunday Times report also states that Brigid Quilligan of the Irish Traveller Movement told the justice committee that Travellers, ‘once a strong, proud people’, had been devalued within Irish society.
She said: “Never before in my lifetime have I seen such hate as I have seen in the past five years.
“If one opens a newspaper or turns on the television if one looks at Facebook, Twitter or anything at all, anti-Traveller sentiment is fired at one. As Travellers, we experience this in our daily lives and we try to set about changing that by making people aware of us and by working in partnership with people.”
The draft report from the justice committee argues: “Ireland has maintained a position for decades that amounts to ethnicity denial without having presented any evidence-based defence of this position to our international partners nor indeed the travelling community.
“The formal recognition by this state of Traveller ethnicity will not be a magic wand or formula that on its own can address all of those challenges.
“But it will be a major step in the right direction towards a permanent and positive realignment of the relationship between the settled community and the Traveller community in Ireland.”
see also: The Irish Post - Travellers close to formal recognition as distinct ethnic group
The Independent.ie - Travellers want separate status? Give it to them...
The Irish travelling community has received a major boost in its bid to be recognised formally as a distinct ethnic group.
A key parliamentary committee has backed the bid by Irish Travellers for formal recognition.
The justice committee of the Irish parliament will now call on the Prime Minister Enda Kenny and Justice Minister Alan Shatter to ratify the call.
The Sunday Times reports that a draft report on Traveller ethnicity by Sinn Fein justice spokesman Pádraig Mac Lochlainn will be approved by members of the justice committee next month.
The paper says the committee will then call on the government to formally recognise the travelling community’s distinct ethnicity.
Martin Collins, a Traveller and co-director of the lobby group Pavee Point, told the paper: “If the Taoiseach (prime minister) stood up in the Dail (parliament) and recognised the ethnicity of Travellers, it would demonstrate that we belong here.
“My people are an integral part of this island and have been since the 5th century. Recognising our ethnicity would show we are valued and respected for who we are - something we don’t feel at the moment.”
Ireland has yet to follow the lead set by authorities in Britain and Northern Ireland who already acknowledge Traveller ethnicity.
The reports says the move would give the travelling community the protection of international human rights conventions for the first time.Collins added that ethnic status would mean Traveller culture would have to be recognised and valued in the Irish education system.
He said: “The Irish government would have to support and facilitate the nomadic lifestyle if it wanted to treat Travellers as something more than failed settled people.”
The Sunday Times report also states that Brigid Quilligan of the Irish Traveller Movement told the justice committee that Travellers, ‘once a strong, proud people’, had been devalued within Irish society.
She said: “Never before in my lifetime have I seen such hate as I have seen in the past five years.
“If one opens a newspaper or turns on the television if one looks at Facebook, Twitter or anything at all, anti-Traveller sentiment is fired at one. As Travellers, we experience this in our daily lives and we try to set about changing that by making people aware of us and by working in partnership with people.”
The draft report from the justice committee argues: “Ireland has maintained a position for decades that amounts to ethnicity denial without having presented any evidence-based defence of this position to our international partners nor indeed the travelling community.
“The formal recognition by this state of Traveller ethnicity will not be a magic wand or formula that on its own can address all of those challenges.
“But it will be a major step in the right direction towards a permanent and positive realignment of the relationship between the settled community and the Traveller community in Ireland.”
see also: The Irish Post - Travellers close to formal recognition as distinct ethnic group
The Independent.ie - Travellers want separate status? Give it to them...
George Borrow Society conference comes to Peterborough - Cambridgeshire
From Peterborough Today
The George Borrow Society will be meeting for their Easter Conference at the Bull Hotel in Peterborough in April.
Members of the public would be very welcome to attend what promises to be an interesting and informative event.
There will be three talks on the Saturday morning of the event, which takes place on 12 and 13 April:
* George Borrow, local poet John Clare and their interest in Gypsies.
* An incident concerning a Gypsy and a snake at nearby Norman Cross.
* How the Nazis might have misused Borrow’s views on Gypsies.
On the Sunday there will be a coach trip, visiting Norman Cross and the site of a prisoner of war camp during the Napoleonic war, Holm Fen Posts and Whittlesea Mere Nature Reserve and the Romany Museum at Spalding.
George Borrow was a 19th Century writer, whose work hovers between autobiography, fiction and travel – he does not fit neatly into any category!
He had a talent for languages from a young age, translating an amazing 47 languages.
His interest in Gypsies and their way of life threads through his work and travels. He visited places as far apart as Hungary, Russia, and Spain.
His best-known books are probably “Lavengro”, “Wild Wales” and the “Bible in Spain”, his visits to Peterborough being described in the first two.
Borrow was born in 1803 at Dereham in Norfolk.His father was a recruiting sergeant for the Norfolk Militia and so the family travelled all over the British Isles until finally settling at Borrow House in Norwich, a place of interest for tourists to this day.
Although George was apprenticed to a local solicitor, he deserted a conventional career for a life of travel, writing and study of poetry. In later life he married a local widow and lived near Yarmouth, regularly visiting his mother at Borrow House. He died in 1881 and is buried at Brompton Cemetery .
The George Borrow Society has about 130 members from all walks of life and all parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, publishes the George Borrow Bulletin twice a year, and members meet once or twice a year in places associated with Borrow to hear papers and to follow in his footsteps.
To attend all or part of the conference contact secretary Tim Lannon at timlannon@talktalk.net or visit the registration desk at 9.30 at the Bull Hotel on Saturday, 12 April.
The George Borrow Society will be meeting for their Easter Conference at the Bull Hotel in Peterborough in April.
Members of the public would be very welcome to attend what promises to be an interesting and informative event.
There will be three talks on the Saturday morning of the event, which takes place on 12 and 13 April:
* George Borrow, local poet John Clare and their interest in Gypsies.
* An incident concerning a Gypsy and a snake at nearby Norman Cross.
* How the Nazis might have misused Borrow’s views on Gypsies.
On the Sunday there will be a coach trip, visiting Norman Cross and the site of a prisoner of war camp during the Napoleonic war, Holm Fen Posts and Whittlesea Mere Nature Reserve and the Romany Museum at Spalding.
George Borrow was a 19th Century writer, whose work hovers between autobiography, fiction and travel – he does not fit neatly into any category!
He had a talent for languages from a young age, translating an amazing 47 languages.
His interest in Gypsies and their way of life threads through his work and travels. He visited places as far apart as Hungary, Russia, and Spain.
His best-known books are probably “Lavengro”, “Wild Wales” and the “Bible in Spain”, his visits to Peterborough being described in the first two.
Borrow was born in 1803 at Dereham in Norfolk.His father was a recruiting sergeant for the Norfolk Militia and so the family travelled all over the British Isles until finally settling at Borrow House in Norwich, a place of interest for tourists to this day.
Although George was apprenticed to a local solicitor, he deserted a conventional career for a life of travel, writing and study of poetry. In later life he married a local widow and lived near Yarmouth, regularly visiting his mother at Borrow House. He died in 1881 and is buried at Brompton Cemetery .
The George Borrow Society has about 130 members from all walks of life and all parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, publishes the George Borrow Bulletin twice a year, and members meet once or twice a year in places associated with Borrow to hear papers and to follow in his footsteps.
To attend all or part of the conference contact secretary Tim Lannon at timlannon@talktalk.net or visit the registration desk at 9.30 at the Bull Hotel on Saturday, 12 April.
Progress made in plans to sell Traveller sites in Yateley and Hartley Wintney - Hampshire
From Get Hampshire
Two permanent Traveller sites in Hart look finally set to be sold.
Hampshire County Council is planning to off-load the Star Hill Caravan Park in Hartley Wintney and the Penny Hill Caravan Park in Yateley after years of negotiations.
Council leader Roy Perry was due to agree that an offer to buy the sites be approved on March 11, but he deferred making a decision to allow further details to be obtained and reported to next month’s meeting following a representation from Yateley East county councillor Adrian Collett.
After the meeting, Cllr Collett said that he couldn’t fully disclose details on the issue as the council report was still confidential, as is the name of the buyer.
“I spoke on this issue because I recognise how important it is that we make sure that these sites are kept open for the long-term,” he said.
“Prior to the Penny Hill site opening around 20 years ago there were regular illegal encampments on local sites just about every week.
“This was awful for local residents and it was awful for the Gypsy and Traveller families who had nowhere to go. Since this site opened illegal encampments have been quite rare, which shows what a good move this was for everyone concerned.”
He said he raised a number of questions when the issue of selling the site was considered.
“I’m pleased to say that my questions were treated very seriously and that is why the decision has been deferred, in order to make sure that the county council knows the full implications of what it is doing before any final decision is made.”
The council had planned to hand over the Star Hill and Penny Hill sites to Hart District Council to save money.
Years of talks
Former council leader Ken Thornber started discussions about the move in January 2010. A report prepared by officers for Cllr Thornber at the time said the council managed four permanent Traveller sites with a total of 78 individual pitches. Each pitch costs £45 per week, plus £7 per week for water.
It said that since a change in the law in 1994, the county council was no longer required to provide and maintain Traveller sites and that the plan to transfer ownership comes after a review of the service in 2008.
The report added that the county council’s Traveller and Gypsy service, with five full-time equivalent staff, loses about £107,000 a year, with most of it connected to the permanent sites, which cost £330,000 a year to run.
But despite negotiations, Hampshire received no firm offers from Hart to take on the service.
The latest report to Cllr Perry said approving the offer to buy the sites would end its responsibility for delivering the non-statutory function. It added the move would also secure a capital receipt while providing the “best option for ensuring continuation of the level of service to these communities”.
Two permanent Traveller sites in Hart look finally set to be sold.
Hampshire County Council is planning to off-load the Star Hill Caravan Park in Hartley Wintney and the Penny Hill Caravan Park in Yateley after years of negotiations.
Council leader Roy Perry was due to agree that an offer to buy the sites be approved on March 11, but he deferred making a decision to allow further details to be obtained and reported to next month’s meeting following a representation from Yateley East county councillor Adrian Collett.
After the meeting, Cllr Collett said that he couldn’t fully disclose details on the issue as the council report was still confidential, as is the name of the buyer.
“I spoke on this issue because I recognise how important it is that we make sure that these sites are kept open for the long-term,” he said.
“Prior to the Penny Hill site opening around 20 years ago there were regular illegal encampments on local sites just about every week.
“This was awful for local residents and it was awful for the Gypsy and Traveller families who had nowhere to go. Since this site opened illegal encampments have been quite rare, which shows what a good move this was for everyone concerned.”
He said he raised a number of questions when the issue of selling the site was considered.
“I’m pleased to say that my questions were treated very seriously and that is why the decision has been deferred, in order to make sure that the county council knows the full implications of what it is doing before any final decision is made.”
The council had planned to hand over the Star Hill and Penny Hill sites to Hart District Council to save money.
Years of talks
Former council leader Ken Thornber started discussions about the move in January 2010. A report prepared by officers for Cllr Thornber at the time said the council managed four permanent Traveller sites with a total of 78 individual pitches. Each pitch costs £45 per week, plus £7 per week for water.
It said that since a change in the law in 1994, the county council was no longer required to provide and maintain Traveller sites and that the plan to transfer ownership comes after a review of the service in 2008.
The report added that the county council’s Traveller and Gypsy service, with five full-time equivalent staff, loses about £107,000 a year, with most of it connected to the permanent sites, which cost £330,000 a year to run.
But despite negotiations, Hampshire received no firm offers from Hart to take on the service.
The latest report to Cllr Perry said approving the offer to buy the sites would end its responsibility for delivering the non-statutory function. It added the move would also secure a capital receipt while providing the “best option for ensuring continuation of the level of service to these communities”.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
£400,000 land offer agreed - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
POOLE councillors voted to accept a £400,000 offer tonight for land previously earmarked for a Travellers’ temporary stopping site.
Commercial property company Forelle Estates wants to develop the plot, at Marshes End, Creekmoor, Poole, into a landmark office building that could create 200 jobs.
Speaking at Poole Civic Centre’s extraordinary council meeting, initially called for by the town’s three Creekmoor ward councillors, Borough of Poole leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson said: “I believe the offer went up and up to try to influence the planning committee, but this didn't happen. I don't think people were influenced on the planning committee, I think that the planning committee sat and made their decision on the reports that were before them.
"Whilst I agree that the money was offered to buy us off and I agree it was tainted, the site is tainted. Let's get on with it, let's sell it, let's get some office accommodation on there, and let’s have a real gateway.
"We still have the influence through planning to say what it should look like and what it should do, and I think on that basis it should go forward."
Meanwhile, Creekmoor ward councillor Judy Butt, who says the money raised could be used to finance a private land deal to help end the borough’s search for a suitable Traveller transit site, said: "This is an opportune moment for us and we should be taking it up."
She added: "I urge everyone in the chamber to think long and hard. Failure to accept this bid will lead to having the same old scruffy piece of land there for another 20 years."
Forelle Estates lodged its increased offer days before Borough of Poole planning committee members met to consider the Travellers’ sites applications. These two proposals were eventually ruled against.
The company’s initial £250,000 offer for Marshes End was turned down in February by the borough’s chief executive John McBride.
Forelle then upped its offer to £350,000 and finally to £400,000 three days before the planning committee convened at Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre.
After planning committee members ruled against the Traveller site proposals, there was speculation the Forelle offer – which only remains on the table until Monday (March 31) – may have been withdrawn.
But the Poole property company, which owns Forelle House and Phoenix House next to the Marshes End site, insists it is serious about forging ahead with the new office build.
Managing director Michael Price says Poole is in need of extra office space and that the £400,000 offer is twice the level of an independent open market valuation for the plot.
The council voted to accept the offer with 17 for, 12 against and two abstentions.
POOLE councillors voted to accept a £400,000 offer tonight for land previously earmarked for a Travellers’ temporary stopping site.
Commercial property company Forelle Estates wants to develop the plot, at Marshes End, Creekmoor, Poole, into a landmark office building that could create 200 jobs.
Speaking at Poole Civic Centre’s extraordinary council meeting, initially called for by the town’s three Creekmoor ward councillors, Borough of Poole leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson said: “I believe the offer went up and up to try to influence the planning committee, but this didn't happen. I don't think people were influenced on the planning committee, I think that the planning committee sat and made their decision on the reports that were before them.
"Whilst I agree that the money was offered to buy us off and I agree it was tainted, the site is tainted. Let's get on with it, let's sell it, let's get some office accommodation on there, and let’s have a real gateway.
"We still have the influence through planning to say what it should look like and what it should do, and I think on that basis it should go forward."
Meanwhile, Creekmoor ward councillor Judy Butt, who says the money raised could be used to finance a private land deal to help end the borough’s search for a suitable Traveller transit site, said: "This is an opportune moment for us and we should be taking it up."
She added: "I urge everyone in the chamber to think long and hard. Failure to accept this bid will lead to having the same old scruffy piece of land there for another 20 years."
Forelle Estates lodged its increased offer days before Borough of Poole planning committee members met to consider the Travellers’ sites applications. These two proposals were eventually ruled against.
The company’s initial £250,000 offer for Marshes End was turned down in February by the borough’s chief executive John McBride.
Forelle then upped its offer to £350,000 and finally to £400,000 three days before the planning committee convened at Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre.
After planning committee members ruled against the Traveller site proposals, there was speculation the Forelle offer – which only remains on the table until Monday (March 31) – may have been withdrawn.
But the Poole property company, which owns Forelle House and Phoenix House next to the Marshes End site, insists it is serious about forging ahead with the new office build.
Managing director Michael Price says Poole is in need of extra office space and that the £400,000 offer is twice the level of an independent open market valuation for the plot.
The council voted to accept the offer with 17 for, 12 against and two abstentions.
Travellers in shadow of Hull's KC Stadium to be evicted from Walton Street car park - Yorkshire
From the Hull Daily Mail
TRAVELLERS who have set up camp in the shadow of the KC Stadium are set to be evicted. A number of caravans moved into Walton Street car park in west Hull earlier this week.
Residents have complained to Hull City Council, while the nearby New Walton Street Club says it is concerned Travellers will attempt to use its facilities.
Last night, the local authority said steps are being taken to have the group removed.
Mark McEgan, the council’s area director, said: “We’re aware that Travellers have set up an illegal encampment on the Walton Street fairground land.
“We have started our internal procedures, working with our multi-agency partners, in dealing with unlawful encampments.
“We will continue to monitor this area and would encourage any residents with concerns to report them.”
There has been a long-standing problem regarding illegal camps in the city, particularly in west Hull.
People living on the Boothferry estate have seen Travellers come and go several times over the past couple of years.
An inquiry was launched by the council’s west area committee in 2012 after the handling of Travellers on a site off the Boothferry estate.
Despite the council taking court action to have the Travellers removed, questions were raised over whether the situation could have been better handled.
There have been concerns raised over the amount of time it takes to remove Travellers from sites where they have set up illegally.
In 2012, about 30 caravans parked on the council-owned playing field near homes in the Boothferry estate for four weeks, when residents complained of piles of rubbish being dotted around the field.
Indeed, 2012 proved a particularly challenging year with the council effectively playing a game of cat and mouse with Travellers. They would move on shortly after the council began court proceedings.
During that summer, Travellers camped at Kelvin Hall School, playing fields at the Boothferry estate, the site of the former Lambwath School, off Saltshouse Road, east Hull, Haltemprice Street and the Amy Johnson regeneration site in west Hull.
Travellers have provoked further anger by breaking through on to land. Last year, Hull North MP Diana Johnson called for police to investigate criminal damage at a park occupied by Travellers. A gate and lock were damaged shortly after the group of about a dozen caravans arrived on council land off Kesteven Way, north Hull.
By occupying land close to homes, the Travellers provoked criticism from residents. But those representing Travellers have argued the council needs to provide more legal sites for Travellers to occupy.
TRAVELLERS who have set up camp in the shadow of the KC Stadium are set to be evicted. A number of caravans moved into Walton Street car park in west Hull earlier this week.
Residents have complained to Hull City Council, while the nearby New Walton Street Club says it is concerned Travellers will attempt to use its facilities.
Last night, the local authority said steps are being taken to have the group removed.
Mark McEgan, the council’s area director, said: “We’re aware that Travellers have set up an illegal encampment on the Walton Street fairground land.
“We have started our internal procedures, working with our multi-agency partners, in dealing with unlawful encampments.
“We will continue to monitor this area and would encourage any residents with concerns to report them.”
There has been a long-standing problem regarding illegal camps in the city, particularly in west Hull.
People living on the Boothferry estate have seen Travellers come and go several times over the past couple of years.
An inquiry was launched by the council’s west area committee in 2012 after the handling of Travellers on a site off the Boothferry estate.
Despite the council taking court action to have the Travellers removed, questions were raised over whether the situation could have been better handled.
There have been concerns raised over the amount of time it takes to remove Travellers from sites where they have set up illegally.
In 2012, about 30 caravans parked on the council-owned playing field near homes in the Boothferry estate for four weeks, when residents complained of piles of rubbish being dotted around the field.
Indeed, 2012 proved a particularly challenging year with the council effectively playing a game of cat and mouse with Travellers. They would move on shortly after the council began court proceedings.
During that summer, Travellers camped at Kelvin Hall School, playing fields at the Boothferry estate, the site of the former Lambwath School, off Saltshouse Road, east Hull, Haltemprice Street and the Amy Johnson regeneration site in west Hull.
Travellers have provoked further anger by breaking through on to land. Last year, Hull North MP Diana Johnson called for police to investigate criminal damage at a park occupied by Travellers. A gate and lock were damaged shortly after the group of about a dozen caravans arrived on council land off Kesteven Way, north Hull.
By occupying land close to homes, the Travellers provoked criticism from residents. But those representing Travellers have argued the council needs to provide more legal sites for Travellers to occupy.
Friday, 28 March 2014
Traveller plan responses - Bedfordshire
from Bedford Today
This is your last chance to have your say about Central Beds Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.
The consultation ends on Monday (March 31).
Complete it at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/gypsytravelllerplan or pick up a paper copy from your nearest library or council offices.
Responses will go to the planning inspector.
This is your last chance to have your say about Central Beds Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.
The consultation ends on Monday (March 31).
Complete it at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/gypsytravelllerplan or pick up a paper copy from your nearest library or council offices.
Responses will go to the planning inspector.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
Travellers camped in Tiverton say they have 'nowhere else to go' - Devon
From the Gazette
Travellers camped on a piece of grass in Tiverton say they will move on in a few days.
Two caravans and a van parked up next to Rainbow Superstore in Tiverton Business Park last night.
The Gazette has spoken to the family and they have said they are only there because there are no local authority sites for them to travel to.
Once they have found somewhere, which they hope will be in the next few days, they will move on.
Tiverton police say they have been informed and are aware of the vehicles.
Travellers camped on a piece of grass in Tiverton say they will move on in a few days.
Two caravans and a van parked up next to Rainbow Superstore in Tiverton Business Park last night.
The Gazette has spoken to the family and they have said they are only there because there are no local authority sites for them to travel to.
Once they have found somewhere, which they hope will be in the next few days, they will move on.
Tiverton police say they have been informed and are aware of the vehicles.
Worries over site’s growing Travellers camp - owner - Yorkshire
From the Star
A Travellers camp adjacent to Sheffield Ski Village could prove a spanner in the works for future developments, the site’s current owner has suggested.
In a letter to Sheffield Council, owner Kevin Pullan said: “If allowed to remain, the expanding camp proves the need for additional camps in Sheffield, and it is only a short step to assume that what was an illegal camp at Parkwood Springs will become a permanent facility.”
A council spokesman said: “We have set up a project group to look at how we can regenerate the area. Those plans involve discussions about the Travellers and we will be assessing all the options available to us.”
A Travellers camp adjacent to Sheffield Ski Village could prove a spanner in the works for future developments, the site’s current owner has suggested.
In a letter to Sheffield Council, owner Kevin Pullan said: “If allowed to remain, the expanding camp proves the need for additional camps in Sheffield, and it is only a short step to assume that what was an illegal camp at Parkwood Springs will become a permanent facility.”
A council spokesman said: “We have set up a project group to look at how we can regenerate the area. Those plans involve discussions about the Travellers and we will be assessing all the options available to us.”
Travellers leave St George's Field car park in York after being given notice to quit by council - Yorkshire
From the Press
TRAVELLERS who descended on St George’s Field Car park in York have left after being notice to quit by City of York Council.
A local resident contacted The Press yesterday to complain that about a dozen caravans and vehicles had been parked at the end of the riverside car park near the Foss Flood Barrier since earlier in the week.
He said the encampment meant about 70 parking spaces had been made inaccessible, rubbish had been strewn around and motorists had been driving in to the car park and then driving straight out again when they saw the caravans, losing the council revenue. He said later that the travellers left together yesterday lunchtime, leaving rubbish behind.
After the Travellers left, our photographer discovered that steps near the flood barrier had been defecated on.
Russell Stone, head of public realm at City of York Council, said: “After our officers approached the groups and issued direction orders, the caravans moved off. We have already started the clear-up operation”.
TRAVELLERS who descended on St George’s Field Car park in York have left after being notice to quit by City of York Council.
A local resident contacted The Press yesterday to complain that about a dozen caravans and vehicles had been parked at the end of the riverside car park near the Foss Flood Barrier since earlier in the week.
He said the encampment meant about 70 parking spaces had been made inaccessible, rubbish had been strewn around and motorists had been driving in to the car park and then driving straight out again when they saw the caravans, losing the council revenue. He said later that the travellers left together yesterday lunchtime, leaving rubbish behind.
After the Travellers left, our photographer discovered that steps near the flood barrier had been defecated on.
Russell Stone, head of public realm at City of York Council, said: “After our officers approached the groups and issued direction orders, the caravans moved off. We have already started the clear-up operation”.
Gypsy site has WWI grenades and horse carcasses under it say campaigners - Nottinghammshire
From the Retford Times
Planners are being urged to halt consideration of proposals for a Romani Gypsy site in Haughton after claims anthrax-riddled horse carcasses and munitions were dumped there.
A Walesby resident says at the closure of a temporary military post off Retford Road, World War I soldiers were told to bury diseased horse carcasses in three pits spaced across the site.
Grenades and ammunition were also buried in separate pits, the man said, adding that the location of these burials includes the area of the site application.
The written and oral evidence of the staging post, and the burial of infected horse carcasses and live munitions, comes from the late grandfather of resident, Tom Wood, who has lived in and around the area for almost 70 years.
Mr Wood said: “I know the land referred to in the planning application in Walesby and the immediate surrounding area is the area described by my grandfather.
“This area is contaminated and very dangerous as a result of horse carcasses infected with anthrax being buried there and live munitions being present in the ground.”
Mr Wood said he spent a great deal of time as a boy with his grandfather searching for war mementos on the land immediately surrounding the site of the application but was told never to venture on ‘dangerous areas’.
He says he distinctly remembers the exact areas his grandfather refused to let him walk or dig and this includes the two paddocks outlined in the planning application for a Romani Gypsy site.
Mr Wood said: “Each and every time we walked in these fields, grandfather would tell me that I must not go searching in the land over to the left, which was the land towards the Retford Road and which includes the land contained within the planning application, and he would always say I had to stay to the right”
Alan Smith, chair of campaign group Haughton, Walesby and Bothamsall Residents Against Inappropriate Development, which strongly opposes the planning application, said: “This information is extremely serious and worrying.
“It would be a careless and high-risk strategy for Bassetlaw District Council to approve the continuation of examination of this application until the landowner has proven beyond doubt that any planned excavations, would not have devastating and dangerous consequences.
“Anthrax spores are known to survive for decades and decades. This is crucial information, but it is just one of a whole host of reasons why this site is totally inappropriate for any development.”
The application is for a permanent site for three generations of the same Romani gypsy family.
The proposal is for six log cabin-style mobile homes, six touring caravans and six log cabin-style dayrooms with parking for 12 vehicles in total, along with a children's play area and new access.
The applicant's planning statement pointed out that the family would be able to access schools and healthcare from a 'settled and secure' base and they would not have to 'suffer the hardship that a nomadic way of life would entail'.
It added that the applicant and his family would want to develop the site at their own expense.
Local residents are expected to make a full case to Bassetlaw Council, highlighting what they call a number of shortcomings about the proposed application site ranging from concerns over highways safety, to the impact on the nationally important, historic setting, of the Haughton Duck Decoy.
Planners are being urged to halt consideration of proposals for a Romani Gypsy site in Haughton after claims anthrax-riddled horse carcasses and munitions were dumped there.
A Walesby resident says at the closure of a temporary military post off Retford Road, World War I soldiers were told to bury diseased horse carcasses in three pits spaced across the site.
Grenades and ammunition were also buried in separate pits, the man said, adding that the location of these burials includes the area of the site application.
The written and oral evidence of the staging post, and the burial of infected horse carcasses and live munitions, comes from the late grandfather of resident, Tom Wood, who has lived in and around the area for almost 70 years.
Mr Wood said: “I know the land referred to in the planning application in Walesby and the immediate surrounding area is the area described by my grandfather.
“This area is contaminated and very dangerous as a result of horse carcasses infected with anthrax being buried there and live munitions being present in the ground.”
Mr Wood said he spent a great deal of time as a boy with his grandfather searching for war mementos on the land immediately surrounding the site of the application but was told never to venture on ‘dangerous areas’.
He says he distinctly remembers the exact areas his grandfather refused to let him walk or dig and this includes the two paddocks outlined in the planning application for a Romani Gypsy site.
Mr Wood said: “Each and every time we walked in these fields, grandfather would tell me that I must not go searching in the land over to the left, which was the land towards the Retford Road and which includes the land contained within the planning application, and he would always say I had to stay to the right”
Alan Smith, chair of campaign group Haughton, Walesby and Bothamsall Residents Against Inappropriate Development, which strongly opposes the planning application, said: “This information is extremely serious and worrying.
“It would be a careless and high-risk strategy for Bassetlaw District Council to approve the continuation of examination of this application until the landowner has proven beyond doubt that any planned excavations, would not have devastating and dangerous consequences.
“Anthrax spores are known to survive for decades and decades. This is crucial information, but it is just one of a whole host of reasons why this site is totally inappropriate for any development.”
The application is for a permanent site for three generations of the same Romani gypsy family.
The proposal is for six log cabin-style mobile homes, six touring caravans and six log cabin-style dayrooms with parking for 12 vehicles in total, along with a children's play area and new access.
The applicant's planning statement pointed out that the family would be able to access schools and healthcare from a 'settled and secure' base and they would not have to 'suffer the hardship that a nomadic way of life would entail'.
It added that the applicant and his family would want to develop the site at their own expense.
Local residents are expected to make a full case to Bassetlaw Council, highlighting what they call a number of shortcomings about the proposed application site ranging from concerns over highways safety, to the impact on the nationally important, historic setting, of the Haughton Duck Decoy.
Application for Gypsy site in Derwent Valley - Derbyshire
From the Derbyshire Times
A Gypsy liaison group has submitted a planning application for a Traveller site at a sought after Derwent Valley location.
The Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group, based in Darley Dale, has submitted the application for the Homesford Wood Yard site to house a family of Gyspsies.
Derbyshire Dales District Council confirmed the application had been received, however the details are not likely to be available on the authority’s website until next week.
The site, off the A6, is also subject to another planning application for six holiday chalets.
Owners Paul and Andrea Hodgkinson, want to sell the site so they can move to their dream home in Norway.
Paul commented: “The site is still available on the open market. It is available to whoever.”
He said he has no objection to Gypsies living on the site.
The council is currently considering the application for tourism lodges.
An earlier application for holiday lodges was previously refused by the authority on the grounds that there were too many chalets.
To view and comment on the application online, visit the planning section of www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk and search for application reference ‘14/00117/FUL’.
A Gypsy liaison group has submitted a planning application for a Traveller site at a sought after Derwent Valley location.
The Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group, based in Darley Dale, has submitted the application for the Homesford Wood Yard site to house a family of Gyspsies.
Derbyshire Dales District Council confirmed the application had been received, however the details are not likely to be available on the authority’s website until next week.
The site, off the A6, is also subject to another planning application for six holiday chalets.
Owners Paul and Andrea Hodgkinson, want to sell the site so they can move to their dream home in Norway.
Paul commented: “The site is still available on the open market. It is available to whoever.”
He said he has no objection to Gypsies living on the site.
The council is currently considering the application for tourism lodges.
An earlier application for holiday lodges was previously refused by the authority on the grounds that there were too many chalets.
To view and comment on the application online, visit the planning section of www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk and search for application reference ‘14/00117/FUL’.
Planning inspectors to debate Gypsy site extension refusal - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
A PLANNING appeal into Darlington Borough Council’s decision to refuse permission for an extension to a Gypsy site will be heard next month.
Billy Cairney is appealing the decision to refuse plans to extend the existing site off Aycliffe Lane, Brafferton.
The plans for three additional pitches, amenities blocks and hard standing were refused last year.
Council chiefs felt the form and scale of the application would be visually intrusive within the open rural countryside location.
The appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate at the Town Hall, at 10am, on Tuesday, April 8.
A PLANNING appeal into Darlington Borough Council’s decision to refuse permission for an extension to a Gypsy site will be heard next month.
Billy Cairney is appealing the decision to refuse plans to extend the existing site off Aycliffe Lane, Brafferton.
The plans for three additional pitches, amenities blocks and hard standing were refused last year.
Council chiefs felt the form and scale of the application would be visually intrusive within the open rural countryside location.
The appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate at the Town Hall, at 10am, on Tuesday, April 8.
Travellers play for time on St Cyrus caravan site - Aberdeenshire
From the Courier
Travellers have admitted they are “buying time” after withdrawing controversial plans for a St Cyrus caravan site just hours before they were due to be recommended for refusal.
The group has been in residence at the site without permission for the past six months.
Edinburgh-based architect and town planning consultant Forbes Rowan-Spencer Marr said the group pulled the plug on their retrospective planning applications at the 11th hour after getting wind that Aberdeenshire Council planning officers had recommended the council refuse the proposals.
The group of travelling families, working with Mr Marr’s advice, will now examine the concerns, which would have been announced by the council, in a bid to re-apply.
Mr Marr said: “We are investigating all the planning concerns with a view to reapplying. Part of my advice was that they withdraw as a result of an unfinished consultation which was heading for refusal on the grounds of flood risk.
“At the moment the parties concerned have withdrawn with a view to re-submitting once we have addressed the terms of the flood risk assessment. What we are really doing is buying time in an effort to resolve these issues.”
Travellers James McCallum and William Docherty dramatically ditched their retrospective planning applications for a permanent gypsy caravan site and turning station after discovering planning officers were set to refuse the divisive plans and recommended the council follow suit.
That recommendation was backed by three out of the four of the locally elected members for the area, George Carr, Bill Howatson and Jean Dick.
Independent member Dave Stewart referred the decision to full council without approving or refusing the objections.
The decision to retract the plans, almost six months to the day since the travelling families first moved their caravans and heavy working gear on to the site, has cast a veil of uncertainty over the future of the area.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The council, through following its processes for determination, were close to making a decision on both planning applications relating to the Travellers site developments adjacent to Eskview Farm, St Cyrus.
“However, before these decisions could be formally issued, the applicants withdrew the planning applications.”
The spokeswoman added: “The applicants have intimated their intention to resubmit the applications, in order to try and address some of the issues of concern which have been raised by the council.”
The plans were set to be refused on the back of a flood risk assessment carried out by engineering firm Fairhurst, concerns over the site being developed in a coastal zone, its conflicts with council policy and its impact on residential amenity.
The flood risk report stated: “The site was found to be at risk of fluvial flooding associated with the North Esk during the 200 year event, with predicted flood depths within the site ranging up to 0.5m.
“The inherent flexibility of the proposed development means that it may be possible to provide sufficient mitigation at the site to accommodate the residential units. This could be achieved without increasing flood risk elsewhere.
“Dry access cannot be achieved in the 200yr event due to the level restrictions associated with the public road. Other existing properties will be similarly affected.
“It may be possible to set up management procedures, such as responding to SEPA flood warnings/alerts which could limit the risk to residents.”
Councillor George Carr said the decision to withdraw the plans was “disappointing” and added that anyone who had responded to the now redundant applications will have to do so again if new ones are submitted.
“It is disappointing that this is just going to cause more delay and it just means that the whole process is going to have to start all over again,” said Mr Carr.
“All the letters and objections that people submitted are now redundant and if people have views that they want to put forward then they will have to resubmit them on the basis that they will have new applications.”
Mr Marr’s design company has handled a number of planning applications from the travelling community in the past, including one to Aberdeenshire Council in April 2010 for a five stance permanent site with associated facilities at Dunnlay Heights in Portlethen.
The application was refused by the local authority in March 2011, as it conflicted with a number of objectives of the local plan, but an appeal was lodged in May 2011.
The council’s local review body dismissed the appeal in January 2012, almost two years after the application was first lodged.
Travellers have admitted they are “buying time” after withdrawing controversial plans for a St Cyrus caravan site just hours before they were due to be recommended for refusal.
The group has been in residence at the site without permission for the past six months.
Edinburgh-based architect and town planning consultant Forbes Rowan-Spencer Marr said the group pulled the plug on their retrospective planning applications at the 11th hour after getting wind that Aberdeenshire Council planning officers had recommended the council refuse the proposals.
The group of travelling families, working with Mr Marr’s advice, will now examine the concerns, which would have been announced by the council, in a bid to re-apply.
Mr Marr said: “We are investigating all the planning concerns with a view to reapplying. Part of my advice was that they withdraw as a result of an unfinished consultation which was heading for refusal on the grounds of flood risk.
“At the moment the parties concerned have withdrawn with a view to re-submitting once we have addressed the terms of the flood risk assessment. What we are really doing is buying time in an effort to resolve these issues.”
Travellers James McCallum and William Docherty dramatically ditched their retrospective planning applications for a permanent gypsy caravan site and turning station after discovering planning officers were set to refuse the divisive plans and recommended the council follow suit.
That recommendation was backed by three out of the four of the locally elected members for the area, George Carr, Bill Howatson and Jean Dick.
Independent member Dave Stewart referred the decision to full council without approving or refusing the objections.
The decision to retract the plans, almost six months to the day since the travelling families first moved their caravans and heavy working gear on to the site, has cast a veil of uncertainty over the future of the area.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “The council, through following its processes for determination, were close to making a decision on both planning applications relating to the Travellers site developments adjacent to Eskview Farm, St Cyrus.
“However, before these decisions could be formally issued, the applicants withdrew the planning applications.”
The spokeswoman added: “The applicants have intimated their intention to resubmit the applications, in order to try and address some of the issues of concern which have been raised by the council.”
The plans were set to be refused on the back of a flood risk assessment carried out by engineering firm Fairhurst, concerns over the site being developed in a coastal zone, its conflicts with council policy and its impact on residential amenity.
The flood risk report stated: “The site was found to be at risk of fluvial flooding associated with the North Esk during the 200 year event, with predicted flood depths within the site ranging up to 0.5m.
“The inherent flexibility of the proposed development means that it may be possible to provide sufficient mitigation at the site to accommodate the residential units. This could be achieved without increasing flood risk elsewhere.
“Dry access cannot be achieved in the 200yr event due to the level restrictions associated with the public road. Other existing properties will be similarly affected.
“It may be possible to set up management procedures, such as responding to SEPA flood warnings/alerts which could limit the risk to residents.”
Councillor George Carr said the decision to withdraw the plans was “disappointing” and added that anyone who had responded to the now redundant applications will have to do so again if new ones are submitted.
“It is disappointing that this is just going to cause more delay and it just means that the whole process is going to have to start all over again,” said Mr Carr.
“All the letters and objections that people submitted are now redundant and if people have views that they want to put forward then they will have to resubmit them on the basis that they will have new applications.”
Mr Marr’s design company has handled a number of planning applications from the travelling community in the past, including one to Aberdeenshire Council in April 2010 for a five stance permanent site with associated facilities at Dunnlay Heights in Portlethen.
The application was refused by the local authority in March 2011, as it conflicted with a number of objectives of the local plan, but an appeal was lodged in May 2011.
The council’s local review body dismissed the appeal in January 2012, almost two years after the application was first lodged.
‘Kick Gypsy and Traveller site plans into touch’ - Warwickshire
From the Courier
Villagers in Harbury have called for plans to provide sites for Gypsy and Travellers in Warwick and Stratford districts to be scrapped.
Warwick District Council held a drop-in session in the village on Monday to coincide with its public consultation into proposals for preferred and alternative sites - the former of which includes land at Harbury Lane off the Fosse Way.
The initial consultation into the preferred sites received more than 3,500 objections and Rob Darlison, of the Harbury Community Group, said many are opposed to the proposals.
He said; “We feel that it’s about time District and Parish Councils, all over the country, worked with their residents in opposing these flawed plans.
“Various MPs are already asking for this piece of legislation to be kicked into touch.
“To give a sector of society special rights above everyone else is fundamentally wrong; it does not bring about equality but undermines it.
“At a time when all we see are cutbacks in services, with libraries and doctor’s surgeries at risk nationally, it simply makes no sense that councils are wasting a fortune on this.” Of the 238 members of the public who attended the session, 230 signed in opposition to the council’s plans, which reserve the right to invoke compulsory purchase of land where the owner is unwilling to sell.
The six-week consultation into the plan is ongoing.
More information and details can be found on the www.warwickdc.gov.uk website by searching for Gypsy and Traveller site allocations.
Villagers in Harbury have called for plans to provide sites for Gypsy and Travellers in Warwick and Stratford districts to be scrapped.
Warwick District Council held a drop-in session in the village on Monday to coincide with its public consultation into proposals for preferred and alternative sites - the former of which includes land at Harbury Lane off the Fosse Way.
The initial consultation into the preferred sites received more than 3,500 objections and Rob Darlison, of the Harbury Community Group, said many are opposed to the proposals.
He said; “We feel that it’s about time District and Parish Councils, all over the country, worked with their residents in opposing these flawed plans.
“Various MPs are already asking for this piece of legislation to be kicked into touch.
“To give a sector of society special rights above everyone else is fundamentally wrong; it does not bring about equality but undermines it.
“At a time when all we see are cutbacks in services, with libraries and doctor’s surgeries at risk nationally, it simply makes no sense that councils are wasting a fortune on this.” Of the 238 members of the public who attended the session, 230 signed in opposition to the council’s plans, which reserve the right to invoke compulsory purchase of land where the owner is unwilling to sell.
The six-week consultation into the plan is ongoing.
More information and details can be found on the www.warwickdc.gov.uk website by searching for Gypsy and Traveller site allocations.
A hidden world, where our children can't have friends over - Ireland
From the Cork Independent
In the last few weeks there has been a lot of coverage in the media about the Spring Lane halting site near Ballyvolane, as the site residents and local Traveller organisations campaign to bring the dire living conditions on site out of the shadows. Considering that almost 2 out of 3 people living on site are children under 18 years (over 90 children live on Spring Lane), this week we have decided to look at what life on Spring Lane is like for Theresa who is 9 years old.
Theresa’s mum Linda McCarthy is a lone mother with 6 children. Linda grew up on Spring Lane with her own parents and siblings. Linda’s two-bedroom mobile home is parked on sand and gravel, on an un-serviced plot shared by three other families. The mobile was donated by the Saint Vincent de Paul in 2012 after Cork City Council refused to replace the old cramped and unsuitable one-bedroom caravan the family lived in at the time. Soaking in puddles of rainwater, extension leads run from an overloaded electricity box across the other side of the bay into Linda’s window. Linda has no running water, no toilets or shower, and she and her children use the toilet and running water from her brother’s bay, which already accommodates a family of 10 people. Before Christmas 2012, Linda asked Cork City Council if they could help plumb up the indoor toilet and the sink so the family could have a toilet and running water in time for the holiday. She was refused assistance, and told that if CCC did for her, they would have to do it for everyone.
read more...
In the last few weeks there has been a lot of coverage in the media about the Spring Lane halting site near Ballyvolane, as the site residents and local Traveller organisations campaign to bring the dire living conditions on site out of the shadows. Considering that almost 2 out of 3 people living on site are children under 18 years (over 90 children live on Spring Lane), this week we have decided to look at what life on Spring Lane is like for Theresa who is 9 years old.
Theresa’s mum Linda McCarthy is a lone mother with 6 children. Linda grew up on Spring Lane with her own parents and siblings. Linda’s two-bedroom mobile home is parked on sand and gravel, on an un-serviced plot shared by three other families. The mobile was donated by the Saint Vincent de Paul in 2012 after Cork City Council refused to replace the old cramped and unsuitable one-bedroom caravan the family lived in at the time. Soaking in puddles of rainwater, extension leads run from an overloaded electricity box across the other side of the bay into Linda’s window. Linda has no running water, no toilets or shower, and she and her children use the toilet and running water from her brother’s bay, which already accommodates a family of 10 people. Before Christmas 2012, Linda asked Cork City Council if they could help plumb up the indoor toilet and the sink so the family could have a toilet and running water in time for the holiday. She was refused assistance, and told that if CCC did for her, they would have to do it for everyone.
read more...
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Rise in Gypsy and Traveller caravans and sites - Wales
From the BBC
The number of Gypsy and Traveller caravans in 21 of Wales' 22 local authorities has increased by 19%, with the number of sites also on the rise.
Figures from the Welsh government showed there were six more sites, both authorised and unauthorised, in the year to July 2013.
At authorised sites, the number of caravans increased by 97, up 14% on the previous year.
A new housing bill could require local councils to provide sites.
The Housing (Wales) Bill currently going through the assembly would place a duty on local authorities to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers where a need is identified.
Counts of this kind are carried out twice a year on a voluntary basis by councils. Powys was the only council not to respond to the latest one.
The count recorded a total of 928 caravans.
The surveys found the increase of caravans at authorised sites was largely down to more use of local authority sites in Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, Flintshire and Merthyr Tydfil.
However it noted that the total number of pitches had dropped by 21.
'Restricted'
Of the unauthorised sites, there were 38 caravans on land owned by Gypsies and Travellers, accounting for 4% of all caravans and a further 166 on others.
The total number of caravans pitched on unauthorised sites rose by 39% from the previous year.
Joseph Jones, a Gypsy Council spokesman on planning issues and site provision, told BBC Wales the increase in caravans was likely to reflect the higher number of children born to Gypsy and Traveller families.
He said: "As they grow up they need more places to live. The sites haven't kept pace with the increase in the population. If you have a pitch on a site, you are often restricted in the number of caravans you can have on it.
"There are reasons why sites need to be regulated, for health and safety reasons, so sites will naturally be limited."
A number of councils are in the process of trying to identify locations for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
In October, Swansea councillors rejected recommended options in Cockett or Llansamlet and voted to start again.
In Newport, which has no official sites, 14,000 people objected to three planned sites in Ringland and Duffryn in December.
The final decision is to be made by the Welsh government.
The number of Gypsy and Traveller caravans in 21 of Wales' 22 local authorities has increased by 19%, with the number of sites also on the rise.
Figures from the Welsh government showed there were six more sites, both authorised and unauthorised, in the year to July 2013.
At authorised sites, the number of caravans increased by 97, up 14% on the previous year.
A new housing bill could require local councils to provide sites.
The Housing (Wales) Bill currently going through the assembly would place a duty on local authorities to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers where a need is identified.
Counts of this kind are carried out twice a year on a voluntary basis by councils. Powys was the only council not to respond to the latest one.
The count recorded a total of 928 caravans.
The surveys found the increase of caravans at authorised sites was largely down to more use of local authority sites in Cardiff, Pembrokeshire, Flintshire and Merthyr Tydfil.
However it noted that the total number of pitches had dropped by 21.
'Restricted'
Of the unauthorised sites, there were 38 caravans on land owned by Gypsies and Travellers, accounting for 4% of all caravans and a further 166 on others.
The total number of caravans pitched on unauthorised sites rose by 39% from the previous year.
Joseph Jones, a Gypsy Council spokesman on planning issues and site provision, told BBC Wales the increase in caravans was likely to reflect the higher number of children born to Gypsy and Traveller families.
He said: "As they grow up they need more places to live. The sites haven't kept pace with the increase in the population. If you have a pitch on a site, you are often restricted in the number of caravans you can have on it.
"There are reasons why sites need to be regulated, for health and safety reasons, so sites will naturally be limited."
A number of councils are in the process of trying to identify locations for Gypsy and Traveller sites.
In October, Swansea councillors rejected recommended options in Cockett or Llansamlet and voted to start again.
In Newport, which has no official sites, 14,000 people objected to three planned sites in Ringland and Duffryn in December.
The final decision is to be made by the Welsh government.
Perth council considering new Travellers site - Perth and Kinross
From thetele.co.uk
Perth and Kinross Council is looking at another possible site for the Travelling community.
The move comes after a group of Irish Travellers was asked to leave Perth on Tuesday.
A group of eight caravans had pitched up at the city’s Broxden Park and Ride facility.
A legal notice to quit was served on the Travellers at noon that day by the local authority.
This was the second time in a matter of months that Travellers had arrived at the Park and Ride — a different group made camp there in October last year.
A council spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross Council acknowledges that Gypsy/Traveller communities have specific requirements and is committed to ensuring they receive the same level of protection from discrimination and abuse as the rest of the area’s minority ethnic communities.
“The council is working to identify land which could be used to establish further permanent sites as well as transit sites for Gypsy/Travellers.”
Some Travellers are based at the Double Dykes caravan site, located on the outskirts of Perth, which has been in existence officially for more than 30 years. However, it has been suggested that it cannot meet the demand.
The contentious issue has led councillor Willie Wilson, one of the representatives for the Perth City South ward, to say: “We need to find official sites for Travellers over and above the current provision.”
Perth and Kinross Council is looking at another possible site for the Travelling community.
The move comes after a group of Irish Travellers was asked to leave Perth on Tuesday.
A group of eight caravans had pitched up at the city’s Broxden Park and Ride facility.
A legal notice to quit was served on the Travellers at noon that day by the local authority.
This was the second time in a matter of months that Travellers had arrived at the Park and Ride — a different group made camp there in October last year.
A council spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross Council acknowledges that Gypsy/Traveller communities have specific requirements and is committed to ensuring they receive the same level of protection from discrimination and abuse as the rest of the area’s minority ethnic communities.
“The council is working to identify land which could be used to establish further permanent sites as well as transit sites for Gypsy/Travellers.”
Some Travellers are based at the Double Dykes caravan site, located on the outskirts of Perth, which has been in existence officially for more than 30 years. However, it has been suggested that it cannot meet the demand.
The contentious issue has led councillor Willie Wilson, one of the representatives for the Perth City South ward, to say: “We need to find official sites for Travellers over and above the current provision.”
£1,500 bill for Firepool Travellers - Somerset
From the Somerset County Gazette
IT cost council tax payers almost £1,500 to remove a group of Travellers who set up camp on a disused market.
The bill for cleaning up household waste, broken glass and other rubbish totalled £875, with a mechanical sweeper called in.
And legal charge for booting them off Firepool, in Taunton, after more than a week this month was £600.
Taunton Deane Council, which took action after the caravans were parked on the former livestock market, off Priory Bridge Road, at the start of March, says it will consider measures to save council taxpayers’ money if there is a repeat.
Cllr Mark Edwards, council deputy leader, said: “We will give consideration to placing a skip in situation if similar situations occurs in the future to reduce the burden on the council taxpayer.”
IT cost council tax payers almost £1,500 to remove a group of Travellers who set up camp on a disused market.
The bill for cleaning up household waste, broken glass and other rubbish totalled £875, with a mechanical sweeper called in.
And legal charge for booting them off Firepool, in Taunton, after more than a week this month was £600.
Taunton Deane Council, which took action after the caravans were parked on the former livestock market, off Priory Bridge Road, at the start of March, says it will consider measures to save council taxpayers’ money if there is a repeat.
Cllr Mark Edwards, council deputy leader, said: “We will give consideration to placing a skip in situation if similar situations occurs in the future to reduce the burden on the council taxpayer.”
Travellers blamed for litter shame - Ayreshire
From the Irvine Times
THE COUNCIL have been urged to take action to stop Travellers repeatedly setting up camp at the same spot in Irvine.
MP Brian Donohoe has urged for more to be done to block Travellers accessing ground at Meadowhead Avenue, which has been left strewn with rubbish, allegedly following the latest encampment.
The Central Ayrshire MP - who is well-known for his vehement campaigning on issues relating to the travelling community, submitted these pictures to the Times as he called on North Ayrshire Council to install a barricade at the site.
He commented: “The Travellers have moved on from Meadowhead Avenue, where they had been illegally camping for some time. However, they never take their waste with them and I was told the operation to clear the fly-tipping and dumped domestic waste could take more than a day.
“Those are wages paid and a stretched service having to deal with the mess left behind by these lawless types of Travellers who encroach on our beauty spots and areas of industry where they think they can get away with leaving their mess without disturbance.
“More must be done to remove these people as soon as possible after their arrival, they are pussy footed around far too much.
“On top of this, I have asked the council to have a look at taking steps to install some sort of barricade which will stop them being able to rock up to this particular area again as local businesses have complained to me that they use this area quite often and they feel the council does not do enough to tackle the problem.
“Apparently they frequent the area more in the summer months and it is not a good thing to have clients or potential clients seeing such mess when visiting a business premises so perhaps North Ayrshire Council will see fit to install some form of deterrent to stop them from being able to park their caravans there in the future.”
THE COUNCIL have been urged to take action to stop Travellers repeatedly setting up camp at the same spot in Irvine.
MP Brian Donohoe has urged for more to be done to block Travellers accessing ground at Meadowhead Avenue, which has been left strewn with rubbish, allegedly following the latest encampment.
The Central Ayrshire MP - who is well-known for his vehement campaigning on issues relating to the travelling community, submitted these pictures to the Times as he called on North Ayrshire Council to install a barricade at the site.
He commented: “The Travellers have moved on from Meadowhead Avenue, where they had been illegally camping for some time. However, they never take their waste with them and I was told the operation to clear the fly-tipping and dumped domestic waste could take more than a day.
“Those are wages paid and a stretched service having to deal with the mess left behind by these lawless types of Travellers who encroach on our beauty spots and areas of industry where they think they can get away with leaving their mess without disturbance.
“More must be done to remove these people as soon as possible after their arrival, they are pussy footed around far too much.
“On top of this, I have asked the council to have a look at taking steps to install some sort of barricade which will stop them being able to rock up to this particular area again as local businesses have complained to me that they use this area quite often and they feel the council does not do enough to tackle the problem.
“Apparently they frequent the area more in the summer months and it is not a good thing to have clients or potential clients seeing such mess when visiting a business premises so perhaps North Ayrshire Council will see fit to install some form of deterrent to stop them from being able to park their caravans there in the future.”
Travellers move into Hainault Recreation Ground - council assessing children’s ‘welfare’ - Essex
From the Ilford Recorder
A group of Travellers have moved into Hainault Recreation Ground.
About 11 caravans reportedly appeared at 8pm last night and police are at the scene.
A witness said five police cars were in the park this afternoon and officers were knocking on caravan doors.
The appearance this morning prompted the closure of all parks in Redbridge to vehicles.
A statement on the Redbridge Council website said officers are visiting the park in Forest Road, Hainault.
It added: “The situation at Hainault Recreation Ground is being assessed, as is the welfare of the Travellers and safety of their children.
“We are working with partners to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
“Vehicle access to parks has been temporarily suspended. There is still pedestrian access to all parks.
“We apologise for the inconvenience.”
A group of Travellers have moved into Hainault Recreation Ground.
About 11 caravans reportedly appeared at 8pm last night and police are at the scene.
A witness said five police cars were in the park this afternoon and officers were knocking on caravan doors.
The appearance this morning prompted the closure of all parks in Redbridge to vehicles.
A statement on the Redbridge Council website said officers are visiting the park in Forest Road, Hainault.
It added: “The situation at Hainault Recreation Ground is being assessed, as is the welfare of the Travellers and safety of their children.
“We are working with partners to resolve the situation as soon as possible.
“Vehicle access to parks has been temporarily suspended. There is still pedestrian access to all parks.
“We apologise for the inconvenience.”
Caravan torched at Smithy Fen Travellers' site in Cottenham - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
An apparently unwanted caravan was set ablaze last night at a Travellers’ site in Cambridgeshire yesterday.
Firefighters were called to a fire of a trailer at the Smithy Fen site in Cottenham at 6.22pm.
Nobody was inside the burning caravan and fire crews extinguished the blaze by 7pm.
An investigation by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service determined the fire was caused deliberately, but police said no arrests were made at the scene and they will not be investigating the matter.
It is believed the caravan was no longer in use by the residents of the site.
An apparently unwanted caravan was set ablaze last night at a Travellers’ site in Cambridgeshire yesterday.
Firefighters were called to a fire of a trailer at the Smithy Fen site in Cottenham at 6.22pm.
Nobody was inside the burning caravan and fire crews extinguished the blaze by 7pm.
An investigation by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service determined the fire was caused deliberately, but police said no arrests were made at the scene and they will not be investigating the matter.
It is believed the caravan was no longer in use by the residents of the site.
Complaints as Travellers set up near Bromsgrove business park - Worcestershire
From the Bromsgrove Standard
BUSINESS owners in Bromsgrove have hit out about Travellers who have been camped near Buntsford Hill Business Park since March 11.
The Standard was contacted about several issues, including horses running loose in the road, access to businesses being blocked, damage to property and the siting of human and animal waste.
One person who got in touch said it was happening on a regular basis and more needed to be done to find a long-term solution.
"Every month we are plagued by a group of Travellers who park at least six caravans with their accompanying vehicles, children and animals and cause chaos on the park.
"They are always evicted eventually but always return within the month.
"They are an intimidating presence as well as being a health risk with the fly-tipping and waste that accompanies them."
She said she also feared, if the situation continued as it had done, new businesses would be put off setting up their firms on the park.
West Mercia Police confirmed they had been contacted about the Travellers amidst complaints about excrement being found outside one of the premises, horses roaming around untethered and anti-social behaviour, such as children shouting, screaming and throwing stones.
The spokesperson said officers had spoken to the group this morning (March 25) and the Travellers told the police they would be moving at the weekend.
From speaking to business representatives, The Standard understands an order was issued to them last week to move on, but we are still awaiting a reply from the landowner.
BUSINESS owners in Bromsgrove have hit out about Travellers who have been camped near Buntsford Hill Business Park since March 11.
The Standard was contacted about several issues, including horses running loose in the road, access to businesses being blocked, damage to property and the siting of human and animal waste.
One person who got in touch said it was happening on a regular basis and more needed to be done to find a long-term solution.
"Every month we are plagued by a group of Travellers who park at least six caravans with their accompanying vehicles, children and animals and cause chaos on the park.
"They are always evicted eventually but always return within the month.
"They are an intimidating presence as well as being a health risk with the fly-tipping and waste that accompanies them."
She said she also feared, if the situation continued as it had done, new businesses would be put off setting up their firms on the park.
West Mercia Police confirmed they had been contacted about the Travellers amidst complaints about excrement being found outside one of the premises, horses roaming around untethered and anti-social behaviour, such as children shouting, screaming and throwing stones.
The spokesperson said officers had spoken to the group this morning (March 25) and the Travellers told the police they would be moving at the weekend.
From speaking to business representatives, The Standard understands an order was issued to them last week to move on, but we are still awaiting a reply from the landowner.
Travellers move on after short stay in Port - Inverclyde
From the Greenock Telegraph
Two caravans, pictured, arrived over the weekend and parked up outside Ferguson’s on Castle Road in a small carpark between the shipyard and nearby Newark Castle.
It has been a popular location for the travelling community in recent years.
But barriers were installed by Inverclyde Council in summer 2012, preventing high-sided vehicles from getting any further than Ferguson’s.
Surveillance cameras were also put up for authorities to keep an eye on the area in an attempt to prevent any illegal encampments from being set up close to the historic 15th century castle. One of the Travellers, who moved on yesterday, told the Tele they were stopping off in Inverclyde en route from Ireland to London.
A council spokesman said they kept tabs on the area and regular visits took place.
He added: “The site has been visited and we will continue to monitor the situation following agreed council policy.
“Any issues will be dealt with as and when they arise.”
The presence of Travellers in Inverclyde has been a subject of huge debate in recent times, following plans by the council to set up a £50,000 official transit site for the travelling community in the Port’s Kelburn Park.
Officials said the plans were designed to give the council more power to move any illegal camps on.
But the proposals sparked outrage and, following a period of public consultation, the council ditched the idea.
Councillors instead vowed to use the cash to repair damage caused by previous unauthorised camps at Kelburn Park.
A new policy for dealing with Travellers was also introduced by the council in November.
Two caravans, pictured, arrived over the weekend and parked up outside Ferguson’s on Castle Road in a small carpark between the shipyard and nearby Newark Castle.
It has been a popular location for the travelling community in recent years.
But barriers were installed by Inverclyde Council in summer 2012, preventing high-sided vehicles from getting any further than Ferguson’s.
Surveillance cameras were also put up for authorities to keep an eye on the area in an attempt to prevent any illegal encampments from being set up close to the historic 15th century castle. One of the Travellers, who moved on yesterday, told the Tele they were stopping off in Inverclyde en route from Ireland to London.
A council spokesman said they kept tabs on the area and regular visits took place.
He added: “The site has been visited and we will continue to monitor the situation following agreed council policy.
“Any issues will be dealt with as and when they arise.”
The presence of Travellers in Inverclyde has been a subject of huge debate in recent times, following plans by the council to set up a £50,000 official transit site for the travelling community in the Port’s Kelburn Park.
Officials said the plans were designed to give the council more power to move any illegal camps on.
But the proposals sparked outrage and, following a period of public consultation, the council ditched the idea.
Councillors instead vowed to use the cash to repair damage caused by previous unauthorised camps at Kelburn Park.
A new policy for dealing with Travellers was also introduced by the council in November.
Taxpayer to foot the bill for clean up as Travellers leave enormous piles of waste behind in Brogborough - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
TRAVELLERS have left behind what looks to be tonnes of rubbish at Brogborough Lake after illegally occupying the land for three weeks.
This was the scene in Brogborough yesterday after the group, travelling in 30 caravans, left the area around the lake and the slip-road near to where the A421 meets the M1.
It is understood the gypsies and Travellers had been in the area for three weeks, although Central Bedfordshire Council said it only believed they had arrived on Monday, March 3.
On Friday, March 14 they were given a removal notice to vacate the land within 24 hours. This was ignored and so the authority proceeded with court action to remove them, with a hearing held at Bedford Magistrates' Court yesterday. However by the time of the court hearing the Travellers had already disappeared.
Last Friday a spokesman for the council said: "We have followed statutory legislation in regard to moving the Travellers on. We issued removal notices for the three sites, giving the Travellers 24 hours to leave. The notices were not complied with and we have now moved to the next stage in the process where will seek to gain permission from the Court to serve an Order for Removal of Persons and Vehicles. If the court agrees to this we will appoint bailiffs to evict the Travellers from the three sites."
Questions are now being raised about why more was not done to remove the group before they had the chance to leave the area in such a mess and how much this will cost the taxpayer to clean up.
Speaking to Bedfordshire on Sunday, Brogborough resident Alan Thomas said: "The site is a disgusting mess of rubbish, litter and grime. They have turned the area into a bomb site. It will cost thousands of pounds to clear this site and questions need to be asked as to who is going to pay and how do they constantly get away with destroying our countryside."
Another resident, Mike Davis said: "Someone will have to pay for this and it has been allowed to go on for too long. It is sheer destruction of the environment. Brogborough is an important place for bird watching and attracts people from all over the country but to see all that going on is disgusting."
A response from Central Bedfordshire Council is expected later today.
TRAVELLERS have left behind what looks to be tonnes of rubbish at Brogborough Lake after illegally occupying the land for three weeks.
This was the scene in Brogborough yesterday after the group, travelling in 30 caravans, left the area around the lake and the slip-road near to where the A421 meets the M1.
It is understood the gypsies and Travellers had been in the area for three weeks, although Central Bedfordshire Council said it only believed they had arrived on Monday, March 3.
On Friday, March 14 they were given a removal notice to vacate the land within 24 hours. This was ignored and so the authority proceeded with court action to remove them, with a hearing held at Bedford Magistrates' Court yesterday. However by the time of the court hearing the Travellers had already disappeared.
Last Friday a spokesman for the council said: "We have followed statutory legislation in regard to moving the Travellers on. We issued removal notices for the three sites, giving the Travellers 24 hours to leave. The notices were not complied with and we have now moved to the next stage in the process where will seek to gain permission from the Court to serve an Order for Removal of Persons and Vehicles. If the court agrees to this we will appoint bailiffs to evict the Travellers from the three sites."
Questions are now being raised about why more was not done to remove the group before they had the chance to leave the area in such a mess and how much this will cost the taxpayer to clean up.
Speaking to Bedfordshire on Sunday, Brogborough resident Alan Thomas said: "The site is a disgusting mess of rubbish, litter and grime. They have turned the area into a bomb site. It will cost thousands of pounds to clear this site and questions need to be asked as to who is going to pay and how do they constantly get away with destroying our countryside."
Another resident, Mike Davis said: "Someone will have to pay for this and it has been allowed to go on for too long. It is sheer destruction of the environment. Brogborough is an important place for bird watching and attracts people from all over the country but to see all that going on is disgusting."
A response from Central Bedfordshire Council is expected later today.
Wild Park Travellers move to Stanmer Park - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers escaped eviction by leaving just one day before officers were due to remove them from their camp.
The travelling group have moved on from Wild Park in Brighton and made their way to a new encampment at Stanmer Park.
The group of Travellers moved from the Moulescoomb site over the weekend to a new pitch on land in Stanmer.
Brighton and Hove City Council officials visited the site with police and are currently undertaking a community impact assessment to determine the most appropriate course of action.
A council spokesman said: “The group of Travellers moved of their own accord over the weekend.
“They were due to be evicted at 9am on Monday as we obtained a possession order for the land in the county court.
“Eviction notices were served on March 20.”
Some residents expressed concern over the gate at Wild Park – which had previously been opened after the Travellers’ unauthorised arrival for health and safety reasons.
But the council assured it has been closed and a council spokesman said: “We checked with our team and the gate has been locked. We visited the site again yesterday to double check but the gate is still locked.”
A group of van dwellers moved onto land adjacent to Lynchet Close on the weekend of March 15 after vacating land in Sheepcote Valley and land at 39 Acres.
There were approximately 24 lived-in vehicles on site following a joint visit by police and council officials.
Residents and business owners in Moulsecoomb previously told of the difficulties and frustrations they faced when dealing with previous encampments.
Rose Cresswell, 52, owner of Monroe’s Hair and Beauty Salon, said she saw a noticeable drop in footfall outside of her shop.
Travellers escaped eviction by leaving just one day before officers were due to remove them from their camp.
The travelling group have moved on from Wild Park in Brighton and made their way to a new encampment at Stanmer Park.
The group of Travellers moved from the Moulescoomb site over the weekend to a new pitch on land in Stanmer.
Brighton and Hove City Council officials visited the site with police and are currently undertaking a community impact assessment to determine the most appropriate course of action.
A council spokesman said: “The group of Travellers moved of their own accord over the weekend.
“They were due to be evicted at 9am on Monday as we obtained a possession order for the land in the county court.
“Eviction notices were served on March 20.”
Some residents expressed concern over the gate at Wild Park – which had previously been opened after the Travellers’ unauthorised arrival for health and safety reasons.
But the council assured it has been closed and a council spokesman said: “We checked with our team and the gate has been locked. We visited the site again yesterday to double check but the gate is still locked.”
A group of van dwellers moved onto land adjacent to Lynchet Close on the weekend of March 15 after vacating land in Sheepcote Valley and land at 39 Acres.
There were approximately 24 lived-in vehicles on site following a joint visit by police and council officials.
Residents and business owners in Moulsecoomb previously told of the difficulties and frustrations they faced when dealing with previous encampments.
Rose Cresswell, 52, owner of Monroe’s Hair and Beauty Salon, said she saw a noticeable drop in footfall outside of her shop.
Firm warning for Gypsy encampments - Yorkshire
From the Barnsley Chronicle
ILLEGAL Gypsy and Traveller encampments at two town centre parks will now be given just eight hours to leave before police are brought in to remove them.
The fast-track removal of encampments at Penny Pie Park and Keresforth / Broadway playing fields was approved by Barnsley Council this month.
Prior to this, the sites had to be assessed, welfare checks carried out and a meeting held between the council and the police before action could be taken to remove them - which could take up to ten days.
However, immediate action can now be taken as the two sites have been designated as 'special sites' by the council.
This is because Penny Pie Park, Pogmoor, must be kept clear as the landing point for an emergency rescue helicopter and Keresforth / Broadway playing fields adjoin a unit for people with profound learning difficulties and there are concerns over keeping them safe from harm and abuse.
Gypsy Travellers set up at Keresforth / Broadway playing fields three times and once at Penny Pie Park in 2013/14.
ILLEGAL Gypsy and Traveller encampments at two town centre parks will now be given just eight hours to leave before police are brought in to remove them.
The fast-track removal of encampments at Penny Pie Park and Keresforth / Broadway playing fields was approved by Barnsley Council this month.
Prior to this, the sites had to be assessed, welfare checks carried out and a meeting held between the council and the police before action could be taken to remove them - which could take up to ten days.
However, immediate action can now be taken as the two sites have been designated as 'special sites' by the council.
This is because Penny Pie Park, Pogmoor, must be kept clear as the landing point for an emergency rescue helicopter and Keresforth / Broadway playing fields adjoin a unit for people with profound learning difficulties and there are concerns over keeping them safe from harm and abuse.
Gypsy Travellers set up at Keresforth / Broadway playing fields three times and once at Penny Pie Park in 2013/14.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Travellers turn yard into illegal ‘fortress’ Merseyside
From the St. Helens Reporter
A St Helens travelling family converted an old transport yard into a “fortress” to protect themselves from violent attacks.
The claims were made at a council meeting where the owner, Andrew Smith, applied for retrospective planning permission for the Glover Street site.
Planning chiefs had knocked back an earlier application by Mr Smith after he built on the site before securing planning permission.
Two static caravans have already been placed on the site, which is just outside the Shires housing estate, along with a 2.4 metre high boundary fence complete with concrete pillars.
Council officer John Waddelow told the hearing the boundary fencing, particularly at the front, was too “austere” and would isolate the site’s residents from the community. Barbed wire can also be seen at the top of sections of a boundary fence.
One resident described the site as being “like a fortress”.
Mr Waddelow said: “We do want the site to be secure but this feels like more than just being secure - it feels like too much.
“I don’t want anyone to feel insecure in their own home but we have to have in mind how that security is achieved.”
Mr Smith argued that the level of security was necessary because a bricks had been thrown at the site.
He said: “We need to be closed in because other people are targeting us constantly. Where are we meant to go?”
Planners also say they are concerned about the effect the fencing has on the overal character of the area. A decision by the planning inspectorate is expected next month.
A St Helens travelling family converted an old transport yard into a “fortress” to protect themselves from violent attacks.
The claims were made at a council meeting where the owner, Andrew Smith, applied for retrospective planning permission for the Glover Street site.
Planning chiefs had knocked back an earlier application by Mr Smith after he built on the site before securing planning permission.
Two static caravans have already been placed on the site, which is just outside the Shires housing estate, along with a 2.4 metre high boundary fence complete with concrete pillars.
Council officer John Waddelow told the hearing the boundary fencing, particularly at the front, was too “austere” and would isolate the site’s residents from the community. Barbed wire can also be seen at the top of sections of a boundary fence.
One resident described the site as being “like a fortress”.
Mr Waddelow said: “We do want the site to be secure but this feels like more than just being secure - it feels like too much.
“I don’t want anyone to feel insecure in their own home but we have to have in mind how that security is achieved.”
Mr Smith argued that the level of security was necessary because a bricks had been thrown at the site.
He said: “We need to be closed in because other people are targeting us constantly. Where are we meant to go?”
Planners also say they are concerned about the effect the fencing has on the overal character of the area. A decision by the planning inspectorate is expected next month.
Move to find new Gypsy sites in Cumbria due to illegal camps
From the News and Star
Local authorities are trying to identify possible sites – both permanent and temporary – after a report showed the scale of unauthorised encampments across the county – 98 – from 2010 to 2013.
A report showed 61 Gypsy and Traveller pitches are needed over the next five years, and 20 plots for travelling showpeople.
Fifteen Traveller places are earmarked for Carlisle, 27 for Eden, 10 in Allerdale and three in Copeland.
An extra 50 transit – or temporary – pitches are also needed, 10 in Allerdale, eight in Carlisle, five in Copeland and up to 12 in Eden.
A meeting heard how HomeSpace, a not-for-profit organisation which provides Gypsy and Traveller accommodation nationally, has won £1.4m to provide 40 pitches across the county. To receive the funding, it must have a site in operation by the end of March 2015 and is working with district councils to identify suitable land.
“Sites will be assessed against a list of criteria, including its size, location and viability,” Allerdale housing officer Emma Burdock said in a report presented to Allerdale scrutiny committee. Any site developed by HomeSpace would need to contain approximately seven pitches.”
She said the tenure of the site – whether permanent or temporary – would be decided after consultation with community groups and Gypsies and Travellers currently living in the area. HomeSpace wants councils to lease land to them as the funding they receive doesn’t cover the cost of buying it.
A report last year identified the areas most often used as unauthorised encampments and suggested they could provide transit provision. They include up to 10 pitches at Workington and Flimby, eight in Carlisle – at Borland Avenue, Chandler Way and Fletcher Way, at Kingstown - and up to 12 at Gilwilly industrial estate in Penrith.
Local authorities are trying to identify possible sites – both permanent and temporary – after a report showed the scale of unauthorised encampments across the county – 98 – from 2010 to 2013.
A report showed 61 Gypsy and Traveller pitches are needed over the next five years, and 20 plots for travelling showpeople.
Fifteen Traveller places are earmarked for Carlisle, 27 for Eden, 10 in Allerdale and three in Copeland.
An extra 50 transit – or temporary – pitches are also needed, 10 in Allerdale, eight in Carlisle, five in Copeland and up to 12 in Eden.
A meeting heard how HomeSpace, a not-for-profit organisation which provides Gypsy and Traveller accommodation nationally, has won £1.4m to provide 40 pitches across the county. To receive the funding, it must have a site in operation by the end of March 2015 and is working with district councils to identify suitable land.
“Sites will be assessed against a list of criteria, including its size, location and viability,” Allerdale housing officer Emma Burdock said in a report presented to Allerdale scrutiny committee. Any site developed by HomeSpace would need to contain approximately seven pitches.”
She said the tenure of the site – whether permanent or temporary – would be decided after consultation with community groups and Gypsies and Travellers currently living in the area. HomeSpace wants councils to lease land to them as the funding they receive doesn’t cover the cost of buying it.
A report last year identified the areas most often used as unauthorised encampments and suggested they could provide transit provision. They include up to 10 pitches at Workington and Flimby, eight in Carlisle – at Borland Avenue, Chandler Way and Fletcher Way, at Kingstown - and up to 12 at Gilwilly industrial estate in Penrith.
Fury as Travellers set up in Monikie - Angus
From thetele.co.uk
Residents in a quiet village spoke of their fury after Travellers parked their caravans on the site of a housing development.
The group turned up late last Thursday night behind Granary Terrace and Granary Wynd in Monikie, inside a fenced plot earmarked for 24 new properties.
Neighbours have complained of noise from the Travellers’ generators and children who were swinging golf clubs and kicking footballs on the land.
There are currently two caravans in place, but people living nearby fear an influx of further Travellers moving in.
One resident who did not wish to be named said: “We actually received a letter a few weeks back saying a company would soon be building houses on the site.
“It was just when I was going to my bed that I first realised someone was there, as all I could hear was a generator running.
“Initially I thought it might be workmen starting to live there but then the next day I saw two kids and a dog running around, which suggested it was Travellers.
“I can’t work out how they knew they could get in there.
“There have never been Travellers here before. I just don’t think they should be here, it’s not what we want.
“Monikie is a lovely quiet place and these properties getting built are going to be selling for about £500,000.
“I actually live in a housing association property, but that doesn’t matter, I still pay my rent and council tax — I shouldn’t have to look out on to Travellers. Hopefully this is it, and there will not be any more turning up.”
Receptionist Violetta Taylor, 45, whose property overlooks the Travellers, said she was concerned.
She said: “I didn’t realise they were here as it was dark when they arrived, but my neighbour was very angry when he told me.
“Although there are only two caravans, I saw three kids and a pram and there must have been a few men and about four women.
The Travellers are set up on the site of a proposed construction of 24 new houses by Stirling-based developers Ogilvie Group.
The company was asked to comment but had not done so by the time of going to press.
Residents in a quiet village spoke of their fury after Travellers parked their caravans on the site of a housing development.
The group turned up late last Thursday night behind Granary Terrace and Granary Wynd in Monikie, inside a fenced plot earmarked for 24 new properties.
Neighbours have complained of noise from the Travellers’ generators and children who were swinging golf clubs and kicking footballs on the land.
There are currently two caravans in place, but people living nearby fear an influx of further Travellers moving in.
One resident who did not wish to be named said: “We actually received a letter a few weeks back saying a company would soon be building houses on the site.
“It was just when I was going to my bed that I first realised someone was there, as all I could hear was a generator running.
“Initially I thought it might be workmen starting to live there but then the next day I saw two kids and a dog running around, which suggested it was Travellers.
“I can’t work out how they knew they could get in there.
“There have never been Travellers here before. I just don’t think they should be here, it’s not what we want.
“Monikie is a lovely quiet place and these properties getting built are going to be selling for about £500,000.
“I actually live in a housing association property, but that doesn’t matter, I still pay my rent and council tax — I shouldn’t have to look out on to Travellers. Hopefully this is it, and there will not be any more turning up.”
Receptionist Violetta Taylor, 45, whose property overlooks the Travellers, said she was concerned.
She said: “I didn’t realise they were here as it was dark when they arrived, but my neighbour was very angry when he told me.
“Although there are only two caravans, I saw three kids and a pram and there must have been a few men and about four women.
The Travellers are set up on the site of a proposed construction of 24 new houses by Stirling-based developers Ogilvie Group.
The company was asked to comment but had not done so by the time of going to press.
Looking at ways of meeting the needs of the travelling community - Lancashire
From West Lancashire Borough Council
West Lancashire Borough Council is taking another look at ways to meet the needs of the travelling community.
At its meeting on Tuesday 18 March Cabinet did not approve the officers’ recommendation that the report ‘Provision for Traveller Sites Development Plan Document: Options and Preferred options’ be approved for public consultation.
Cabinet resolved:
That the Assistant Director Planning explore the possibility of identifying a single deliverable site in a suitable and sustainable location along the M58 corridor to meet the Borough’s identified needs for Travelling communities (excluding travelling showpeople) to 2028 in a way which minimises the impact on the Borough’s Green Belt and the non-travelling community.
Cabinet took this decision because the sites identified in the report as preferred sites for travellers were in the Green Belt, and members were concerned about the cumulative loss of Green Belt across the borough by having several sites. Cabinet believe it would be better to have one site, as this would minimise the impact on the Green Belt.
Given that the Council would now be looking to have a single site for Travelling communities (excluding travelling showpeople) they felt this should be along the M58 corridor to make it easily accessible.
As a result of this decision the Development Plan Document considered by Cabinet will not be subject of a consultation exercise in April – May 2014. This means there are currently no sites earmarked as preferred options for the Travelling communities.
The Assistant Director Planning will undertake the exercise required by Cabinet and submit a further report to Cabinet in due course.
The authority is required by national planning policy to ensure that enough sites in West Lancashire are made available to meet the needs of the travelling community. At the current time, no sites within West Lancs are allocated by the Local Plan for use by Travellers.
If the Council does not comply with this obligation, and allocate suitable and deliverable sites, it will be more vulnerable to the establishment of illegal encampments and sites in the Borough. The lack of allocated sites weakens the ability of the Council to take quick and effective action to secure the removal of such illegal encampments and sites.
West Lancashire Borough Council is taking another look at ways to meet the needs of the travelling community.
At its meeting on Tuesday 18 March Cabinet did not approve the officers’ recommendation that the report ‘Provision for Traveller Sites Development Plan Document: Options and Preferred options’ be approved for public consultation.
Cabinet resolved:
That the Assistant Director Planning explore the possibility of identifying a single deliverable site in a suitable and sustainable location along the M58 corridor to meet the Borough’s identified needs for Travelling communities (excluding travelling showpeople) to 2028 in a way which minimises the impact on the Borough’s Green Belt and the non-travelling community.
Cabinet took this decision because the sites identified in the report as preferred sites for travellers were in the Green Belt, and members were concerned about the cumulative loss of Green Belt across the borough by having several sites. Cabinet believe it would be better to have one site, as this would minimise the impact on the Green Belt.
Given that the Council would now be looking to have a single site for Travelling communities (excluding travelling showpeople) they felt this should be along the M58 corridor to make it easily accessible.
As a result of this decision the Development Plan Document considered by Cabinet will not be subject of a consultation exercise in April – May 2014. This means there are currently no sites earmarked as preferred options for the Travelling communities.
The Assistant Director Planning will undertake the exercise required by Cabinet and submit a further report to Cabinet in due course.
The authority is required by national planning policy to ensure that enough sites in West Lancashire are made available to meet the needs of the travelling community. At the current time, no sites within West Lancs are allocated by the Local Plan for use by Travellers.
If the Council does not comply with this obligation, and allocate suitable and deliverable sites, it will be more vulnerable to the establishment of illegal encampments and sites in the Borough. The lack of allocated sites weakens the ability of the Council to take quick and effective action to secure the removal of such illegal encampments and sites.
Big Fat Gypsy Wedding campaigners in High Court battle with Ofcom
From the Evening Standard
Gypsy campaigners are coming to the High Court over Ofcom's handling of their complaints about the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding television programmes.
The Traveller Movement, a charity supporting Gypsies and Travellers, has won permission to seek a judicial review against the communications watchdog.
It accuses Ofcom of conducting a flawed and biased investigation into accusations by the movement and eight individual women that the BFGW programmes perpetuated racist stereotypes.
They also complain the Channel 4 series broke broadcasting regulations regarding consent, sexually exploited Traveller children and "caused untold harm to social cohesion" by reinforcing misconceptions and prejudices.
The movement has been given the go-ahead to argue in court that Ofcom unlawfully dismissed its complaints after following flawed procedures and acting contrary to natural justice.
Ofcom has indicated it will defend its actions and contends the Gypsy case is unarguable.
Traveller Movement chief executive Yvonne MacNamara said: "Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy programmes harmed children, promoted discrimination and racism and fuelled misunderstanding, bullying and hostility towards these already marginalised communities."
Ms MacNamara described Ofcom's handling of the complaints as "shocking, incompetent and unfair."
David Enright, a partner with law firm Howe & Co, is acting for the Travellers and said: "This is a case of significant public importance.
"Ofcom's handling of the Traveller Movement's complaints has exposed deeply worrying flaws in Ofcom's procedures.
"Simply put, powerful broadcasters are treated more favourably by Ofcom than ordinary people who look to Ofcom to protect them and their children from harmful and offensive broadcasts."
The application for judicial review is expected to come on for hearing by the week beginning April 7.
Gypsy campaigners are coming to the High Court over Ofcom's handling of their complaints about the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding television programmes.
The Traveller Movement, a charity supporting Gypsies and Travellers, has won permission to seek a judicial review against the communications watchdog.
It accuses Ofcom of conducting a flawed and biased investigation into accusations by the movement and eight individual women that the BFGW programmes perpetuated racist stereotypes.
They also complain the Channel 4 series broke broadcasting regulations regarding consent, sexually exploited Traveller children and "caused untold harm to social cohesion" by reinforcing misconceptions and prejudices.
The movement has been given the go-ahead to argue in court that Ofcom unlawfully dismissed its complaints after following flawed procedures and acting contrary to natural justice.
Ofcom has indicated it will defend its actions and contends the Gypsy case is unarguable.
Traveller Movement chief executive Yvonne MacNamara said: "Channel 4's Big Fat Gypsy programmes harmed children, promoted discrimination and racism and fuelled misunderstanding, bullying and hostility towards these already marginalised communities."
Ms MacNamara described Ofcom's handling of the complaints as "shocking, incompetent and unfair."
David Enright, a partner with law firm Howe & Co, is acting for the Travellers and said: "This is a case of significant public importance.
"Ofcom's handling of the Traveller Movement's complaints has exposed deeply worrying flaws in Ofcom's procedures.
"Simply put, powerful broadcasters are treated more favourably by Ofcom than ordinary people who look to Ofcom to protect them and their children from harmful and offensive broadcasts."
The application for judicial review is expected to come on for hearing by the week beginning April 7.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Work starts on Travellers' site expansion in Osbaldwick - Yorkshire
From the Press
WORK on expanding a York Travellers site was today beginning, with six new pitches being created.
The scheme at the Osbaldwick site will also include a play area, with City of York Council saying the expansion is needed to allow the authority to meet its responsibilities to provide accommodation for Travellers due to a shortfall of space.
The plans have sparked fierce local opposition amid claims the site has been badly managed by the council in the past and extra pitches will create more problems.
The authority has borrowed £340,000 for the scheme, saying this will be repaid through additional rent income, with the Homes and Communities Agency providing a £423,500 grant.
The council said a site office will be built for one-to-one meetings, along with training and workshops by officials and other organisations on areas such as education, employment, training and public health.
The land will include several acres of grazing for Travellers to rent, with the work being done by contractor Woodhouse Barry. and completed by August.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, said: "These pitches are our first steps to easing overcrowding on our sites and meeting the shortfall of 36 pitches in York,"
WORK on expanding a York Travellers site was today beginning, with six new pitches being created.
The scheme at the Osbaldwick site will also include a play area, with City of York Council saying the expansion is needed to allow the authority to meet its responsibilities to provide accommodation for Travellers due to a shortfall of space.
The plans have sparked fierce local opposition amid claims the site has been badly managed by the council in the past and extra pitches will create more problems.
The authority has borrowed £340,000 for the scheme, saying this will be repaid through additional rent income, with the Homes and Communities Agency providing a £423,500 grant.
The council said a site office will be built for one-to-one meetings, along with training and workshops by officials and other organisations on areas such as education, employment, training and public health.
The land will include several acres of grazing for Travellers to rent, with the work being done by contractor Woodhouse Barry. and completed by August.
Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care, said: "These pitches are our first steps to easing overcrowding on our sites and meeting the shortfall of 36 pitches in York,"
Zero tolerance - not the only way
From the Travellers' Times
A Leeds-based project intending to end the cycle of unauthorised encampment, eviction, stress and mess of ‘zero-tolerance’ approaches to roadside Traveller encampments has been given a thumbs-up by Leeds Travellers.
The new ‘negotiated stopping’ scheme involves temporary agreements between a group of Leeds Gypsies and Travellers and Leeds City Council that allow the Travellers to camp for up to three months on specified areas of vacant council land. In return, the Gypsies and Travellers sign a contract agreeing to keep the area clean and to move off at the end of the agreed period. The project also has the support of Yorkshire police who say that the new scheme is a “win-win” situation that saves money and resources and allows them to engage with the negotiated sites using a local community policing model – the same model that is used for the neighbouring streets and estates.
read more...
A Leeds-based project intending to end the cycle of unauthorised encampment, eviction, stress and mess of ‘zero-tolerance’ approaches to roadside Traveller encampments has been given a thumbs-up by Leeds Travellers.
The new ‘negotiated stopping’ scheme involves temporary agreements between a group of Leeds Gypsies and Travellers and Leeds City Council that allow the Travellers to camp for up to three months on specified areas of vacant council land. In return, the Gypsies and Travellers sign a contract agreeing to keep the area clean and to move off at the end of the agreed period. The project also has the support of Yorkshire police who say that the new scheme is a “win-win” situation that saves money and resources and allows them to engage with the negotiated sites using a local community policing model – the same model that is used for the neighbouring streets and estates.
read more...
Sunday, 23 March 2014
Shock that Shoreham field could be turned over to Travellers - Kent
From the Sevenoaks Chronicle
SHOREHAM residents have been rocked by suggestions that a Traveller community could be established in a nearby farmer’s field.
The parish council says it had no idea the village would feature in a draft consultation document looking at site provision for Gypsies.
And it claims it only found out when Otford and Shoreham district councillor John Edwards-Winser spotted it in a round-robin e-mail from Sevenoaks planning chiefs on Monday evening.
The parish’s vice-chairman, Richard Inniss, said: “We’re supposed to live in an age of localism – that means parish councils should be told about these things up-front; we shouldn’t have to hunt for them in a pile of paperwork.”
The district council’s controversial thinking revolves around centres on land at Timberden Farm – 2.71 hectares owned by the local authority. Although it is a field currently used for growing crops and sits in both the green belt and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sevenoaks planners say its proximity to the southern end of the village – and amenities like a school, shop, railway station and public houses – makes it a candidate for an encampment.
Mr Inniss said: “Last year the district council wanted to develop the field into social housing, now it’s a possible Traveller site. It’s like they can’t think what to do with it next.”
SHOREHAM residents have been rocked by suggestions that a Traveller community could be established in a nearby farmer’s field.
The parish council says it had no idea the village would feature in a draft consultation document looking at site provision for Gypsies.
And it claims it only found out when Otford and Shoreham district councillor John Edwards-Winser spotted it in a round-robin e-mail from Sevenoaks planning chiefs on Monday evening.
The parish’s vice-chairman, Richard Inniss, said: “We’re supposed to live in an age of localism – that means parish councils should be told about these things up-front; we shouldn’t have to hunt for them in a pile of paperwork.”
The district council’s controversial thinking revolves around centres on land at Timberden Farm – 2.71 hectares owned by the local authority. Although it is a field currently used for growing crops and sits in both the green belt and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sevenoaks planners say its proximity to the southern end of the village – and amenities like a school, shop, railway station and public houses – makes it a candidate for an encampment.
Mr Inniss said: “Last year the district council wanted to develop the field into social housing, now it’s a possible Traveller site. It’s like they can’t think what to do with it next.”
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Disappointment at Shropshire Travellers’ site ruling
From the Shropshire Star
Campaigners said today they are disappointed a Traveller family has won a battle to stay on land in a Shropshire village.
But they say the fact the family has been only given a three-year temporary permission is “some consolation” to objectors.
A planning inspector has ruled Jerry and Michelle Berry should be allowed to live on land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club at Gobowen after the family appealed against Shropshire Council’s decision to refuse permission.
The family has lived on the site since 2010 without planning permission and twice applied to have formal permission to be allowed to stay. Their first application,which attracted dozens of objections from villagers and neighbouring businesses, was refused by Shropshire Council and rejected on appeal.
Their second bid, for a smaller development, was also refused by Shropshire Council but inspector Richard McCoy ruled their appeal should be allowed.
However, he said the family should only have temporary permission, saying the three-year window will allow Shropshire Council to provide an alternative site.
Councillor David Lloyd, who represents Gobowen on Shropshire Council, said: “This news will come as a big disappointment to the many people who objected to the application. The fact that it is a three-year temporary permission provides some consolation particularly because plans are proceeding to provide additional pitches at the nearby Park Hall Travellers’ site. I do think that three years is a little generous, however.”
Among several conditions attached to the permission is that the land must be vacated after three years and all “caravans, buildings, structures, materials and equipment brought on to the land or works undertaken to it in connection with that use shall be removed and the land restored to its condition before the residential use took place”.
Councillor Lloyd said: “The real test of the reality of their case will come when the council offers an alternative site in three years.”
Campaigners said today they are disappointed a Traveller family has won a battle to stay on land in a Shropshire village.
But they say the fact the family has been only given a three-year temporary permission is “some consolation” to objectors.
A planning inspector has ruled Jerry and Michelle Berry should be allowed to live on land opposite Henlle Park Golf Club at Gobowen after the family appealed against Shropshire Council’s decision to refuse permission.
The family has lived on the site since 2010 without planning permission and twice applied to have formal permission to be allowed to stay. Their first application,which attracted dozens of objections from villagers and neighbouring businesses, was refused by Shropshire Council and rejected on appeal.
Their second bid, for a smaller development, was also refused by Shropshire Council but inspector Richard McCoy ruled their appeal should be allowed.
However, he said the family should only have temporary permission, saying the three-year window will allow Shropshire Council to provide an alternative site.
Councillor David Lloyd, who represents Gobowen on Shropshire Council, said: “This news will come as a big disappointment to the many people who objected to the application. The fact that it is a three-year temporary permission provides some consolation particularly because plans are proceeding to provide additional pitches at the nearby Park Hall Travellers’ site. I do think that three years is a little generous, however.”
Among several conditions attached to the permission is that the land must be vacated after three years and all “caravans, buildings, structures, materials and equipment brought on to the land or works undertaken to it in connection with that use shall be removed and the land restored to its condition before the residential use took place”.
Councillor Lloyd said: “The real test of the reality of their case will come when the council offers an alternative site in three years.”
Travellers set up camp at Aberdeen golf course - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
YOUTHS on quad bikes have damaged an Aberdeen golf course a week after it opened for the season.
An illicit Travellers encampment pitched up at Nigg Bay Golf Club on Wednesday, the day before the quad bikes tore over the greens.
Today club officials said the problem could put club funds – and competitions – in jeopardy.
Club secretary Frank Marr said he was “furious” about the damage, which took place on Thursday, and coincided with the arrival of the Travellers.
Frank said: “Everybody has a right to live the life they choose to live, but they have not got the right to destroy private property.
“There is a high demand for the course.
“A lot of members play and they are just starting qualifiers for competitions.
“Members of the public use the course as well, and if it is not in good condition they are not going to come back.
“People often go to the restaurant for a meal after a game and we will lose trade because of this.
“The damage is going to make it difficult to put on competitions because if you get near these divets on the green you can’t play your shot.
“People are upset about the course being damaged, especially so early in the season. We are really furious.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer is monitoring the situation and we will be looking to go to court for an eviction order.”
YOUTHS on quad bikes have damaged an Aberdeen golf course a week after it opened for the season.
An illicit Travellers encampment pitched up at Nigg Bay Golf Club on Wednesday, the day before the quad bikes tore over the greens.
Today club officials said the problem could put club funds – and competitions – in jeopardy.
Club secretary Frank Marr said he was “furious” about the damage, which took place on Thursday, and coincided with the arrival of the Travellers.
Frank said: “Everybody has a right to live the life they choose to live, but they have not got the right to destroy private property.
“There is a high demand for the course.
“A lot of members play and they are just starting qualifiers for competitions.
“Members of the public use the course as well, and if it is not in good condition they are not going to come back.
“People often go to the restaurant for a meal after a game and we will lose trade because of this.
“The damage is going to make it difficult to put on competitions because if you get near these divets on the green you can’t play your shot.
“People are upset about the course being damaged, especially so early in the season. We are really furious.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officer is monitoring the situation and we will be looking to go to court for an eviction order.”
Travellers still not moved from council land in Brogborough - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
A LARGE group of Travellers given 24 hours last Friday to vacate land they are illegally encamped on in Brogborough still have not been moved.
The group, which have now been on the land near Brogborough Lake and where the A421 joins the M1 for at least two weeks, were given notice to leave within 24 hours on March 13 but have not done so.
Central Bedfordshire Council says it is now in the process of obtaining a court order to have them moved, the hearing for which will take place on Tuesday.
A spokesman for Central Beds council said: “We have followed statutory legislation in regard to moving the Travellers on. We issued removal notices for the three sites, giving the Travellers 24 hours to leave. The notices were not complied with and we have now moved to the next stage in the process where will seek to gain permission from the court to serve an order for removal of persons and vehicles. If the court agrees to this we will appoint bailiffs to evict the Travellers from the three sites. The court hearing is due to take place on March 25.
"In total, there are 28 caravans on the three sites, of which 13 are on the first Brogborough Lake site."
A LARGE group of Travellers given 24 hours last Friday to vacate land they are illegally encamped on in Brogborough still have not been moved.
The group, which have now been on the land near Brogborough Lake and where the A421 joins the M1 for at least two weeks, were given notice to leave within 24 hours on March 13 but have not done so.
Central Bedfordshire Council says it is now in the process of obtaining a court order to have them moved, the hearing for which will take place on Tuesday.
A spokesman for Central Beds council said: “We have followed statutory legislation in regard to moving the Travellers on. We issued removal notices for the three sites, giving the Travellers 24 hours to leave. The notices were not complied with and we have now moved to the next stage in the process where will seek to gain permission from the court to serve an order for removal of persons and vehicles. If the court agrees to this we will appoint bailiffs to evict the Travellers from the three sites. The court hearing is due to take place on March 25.
"In total, there are 28 caravans on the three sites, of which 13 are on the first Brogborough Lake site."
Bovingdon Gypsy site plans unanimously rejected for a second time by Dacorum planners - Hertfordshire
From Hemel Today
A planning application to transform land next to Bovingdon’s Bobsleigh Hotel into a Gypsy site was thrown out by councillors for the second time last night.
Plans submitted by Michael Cash for eight Traveller families to set up on green fields next to the iconic Hempstead Road hotel were again unanimously rejected by Dacorum Borough Council’s development control committee.
The application, which would house two caravans per family as well as a utility building with two toilets, was first considered by the committee last September.
At yesterday’s meeting in the Civic Centre on Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, the village’s parish council chairman Glenn Povey and two other speakers, one representing Bovingdon Action Group, urged councillors to reject the proposals in line with planning officers’ recommendations.
Mr Povey said: “When the parish council first heard this application in September 2013, more than 230 residents attended to voice their concerns.
“This was an unprecedented number and I am pleased to say the parish council voted unanimously against the application, and did so again in January of this year.
“The residents of Bovingdon continue to send a very clear message, supported by the parish council, that this represents inappropriate development on the Green Belt and goes against the Dacorum Core Strategy as well as local and national planning frameworks.”
Borough councillors Jack Organ and Gbola Adeleke, who both represent the Bovingdon ward, also spoke in objection.
Councillor Adeleke said: “The plans would be harmful to wildlife and biodiversity, and what about to Bovingdon itself? The site is Green Belt and should therefore be protected. It is essential to the visual amenity of Bovingdon and the surrounding villages, and given the huge strength of feeling behind this application, I appeal to you to refuse it.”
All present members of the committee voted to reject the application, to the applause of representatives from Bovingdon Action Group and other residents who had filled the Council Chambers.
A planning application to transform land next to Bovingdon’s Bobsleigh Hotel into a Gypsy site was thrown out by councillors for the second time last night.
Plans submitted by Michael Cash for eight Traveller families to set up on green fields next to the iconic Hempstead Road hotel were again unanimously rejected by Dacorum Borough Council’s development control committee.
The application, which would house two caravans per family as well as a utility building with two toilets, was first considered by the committee last September.
At yesterday’s meeting in the Civic Centre on Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, the village’s parish council chairman Glenn Povey and two other speakers, one representing Bovingdon Action Group, urged councillors to reject the proposals in line with planning officers’ recommendations.
Mr Povey said: “When the parish council first heard this application in September 2013, more than 230 residents attended to voice their concerns.
“This was an unprecedented number and I am pleased to say the parish council voted unanimously against the application, and did so again in January of this year.
“The residents of Bovingdon continue to send a very clear message, supported by the parish council, that this represents inappropriate development on the Green Belt and goes against the Dacorum Core Strategy as well as local and national planning frameworks.”
Borough councillors Jack Organ and Gbola Adeleke, who both represent the Bovingdon ward, also spoke in objection.
Councillor Adeleke said: “The plans would be harmful to wildlife and biodiversity, and what about to Bovingdon itself? The site is Green Belt and should therefore be protected. It is essential to the visual amenity of Bovingdon and the surrounding villages, and given the huge strength of feeling behind this application, I appeal to you to refuse it.”
All present members of the committee voted to reject the application, to the applause of representatives from Bovingdon Action Group and other residents who had filled the Council Chambers.
Search for possible Gypsy and Traveller sites in south Bucks begins - Buckinghamshire
From Get Bucks
People are being asked to help find possible locations for Traveller and Gypsy sites in south Bucks.
South Bucks District Council has launched a consultation looking at options for sites for Gypsies and travelling communities.
The consultation runs until Wednesday, April 16 to help the council prepare a Gypsies and Travellers Plan to determine what additional accommodation should be provided for the travelling community.
The ‘Issues and Options and Call for Sites’ paper is the first stage in the preparation of the plan.
It aims to provide an understanding of Traveller communities and their accommodation needs in a ten-year period to 2023.
The paper explores a series of options that could help to meet that need.
People are invited to submit sites in the South Bucks District that they think might be suitable, available and achievable to develop as a Traveller site.
Comments and site suggestions can be submitted by email to ldf@southbucks.gov.uk or by post to the planning policy team at the South Bucks District Council offices, Capswood, in Oxford Road, Denham UB9 4LH.
Visit www.southbucks.gov.uk.
People are being asked to help find possible locations for Traveller and Gypsy sites in south Bucks.
South Bucks District Council has launched a consultation looking at options for sites for Gypsies and travelling communities.
The consultation runs until Wednesday, April 16 to help the council prepare a Gypsies and Travellers Plan to determine what additional accommodation should be provided for the travelling community.
The ‘Issues and Options and Call for Sites’ paper is the first stage in the preparation of the plan.
It aims to provide an understanding of Traveller communities and their accommodation needs in a ten-year period to 2023.
The paper explores a series of options that could help to meet that need.
People are invited to submit sites in the South Bucks District that they think might be suitable, available and achievable to develop as a Traveller site.
Comments and site suggestions can be submitted by email to ldf@southbucks.gov.uk or by post to the planning policy team at the South Bucks District Council offices, Capswood, in Oxford Road, Denham UB9 4LH.
Visit www.southbucks.gov.uk.
Friday, 21 March 2014
Action considered against unofficial Travellers’ site in Selby - Yorkshire
From the Press
FURTHER action is being considered against a development of an unofficial Travellers’ site in Selby.
Earlier this month, Selby District Council took legal action after caravans and JCBs appeared next to the legal caravan site in Carlton, and some reports claimed a rough access road had been created to the private land in Race Lane and Lynwith Lane.
A court injunction was granted to prevent further development. A council spokeswoman said: “We continue to monitor compliance with the court injunction we were granted, as we seek to prevent any further development at the site.
"We’re currently working through options for any further enforcement action we can take against the development that’s already taken place there.”
FURTHER action is being considered against a development of an unofficial Travellers’ site in Selby.
Earlier this month, Selby District Council took legal action after caravans and JCBs appeared next to the legal caravan site in Carlton, and some reports claimed a rough access road had been created to the private land in Race Lane and Lynwith Lane.
A court injunction was granted to prevent further development. A council spokeswoman said: “We continue to monitor compliance with the court injunction we were granted, as we seek to prevent any further development at the site.
"We’re currently working through options for any further enforcement action we can take against the development that’s already taken place there.”
Travellers moved from council car park set up camp in other parts of Radcliffe - Lancashire
From the Bolton News
TRAVELLERS who were moved from a council car park near the former East Lancashire Paper Mill site have now set up camp in other areas of Radcliffe.
Yesterday (March 20) caravans were seen on the site of the old Kwik Save in Foundry Street, near the market hall and in the car park in Close Park.
The Travellers were previously camped in a council-owned car park in Church Street East, near the now-derelict Papermakers Arms pub, but were served notices by the council to leave by last Wednesday (March 19).
The Kwik Save site is the proposed site for a supermarket retail scheme to be completed by February 2016 as part of Bury Council’s regeneration plans for the town.
TRAVELLERS who were moved from a council car park near the former East Lancashire Paper Mill site have now set up camp in other areas of Radcliffe.
Yesterday (March 20) caravans were seen on the site of the old Kwik Save in Foundry Street, near the market hall and in the car park in Close Park.
The Travellers were previously camped in a council-owned car park in Church Street East, near the now-derelict Papermakers Arms pub, but were served notices by the council to leave by last Wednesday (March 19).
The Kwik Save site is the proposed site for a supermarket retail scheme to be completed by February 2016 as part of Bury Council’s regeneration plans for the town.
Hemley Hill latest planning application refused - Buckinghamshire
From the Bucks Free Press
A PLANNING application for caravans at Hemley Hill has been refused by Wycombe District Council.
Travellers moved onto the site near Princes Risborough over the Easter weekend in 2009.
Since then, there has been a long dispute to move the families off the land, and last July they were given 18 months to leave.
But in December Travellers put in a further planning application to WDC for a change of use of land for a private Gypsy/Traveller site for four families including four mobile homes, four caravans and four utility buildings.
The application was refused under powers delegated to the head of planning and sustainability at WDC.
Harm to the Green Belt and to the future public enjoyment of the area was given as two reasons as to why it was refused.
A lack of provision of utilities on the site was another reason given, as was the detrimental impact upon the amenity of neighbouring residential properties due to the poor layout.
WDC has spent more than £60,000 following the legal procedures since Gypsies moved onto the site.
The applicants have the right to appeal the decision within 28 days of the notice, which was made last Friday.
A PLANNING application for caravans at Hemley Hill has been refused by Wycombe District Council.
Travellers moved onto the site near Princes Risborough over the Easter weekend in 2009.
Since then, there has been a long dispute to move the families off the land, and last July they were given 18 months to leave.
But in December Travellers put in a further planning application to WDC for a change of use of land for a private Gypsy/Traveller site for four families including four mobile homes, four caravans and four utility buildings.
The application was refused under powers delegated to the head of planning and sustainability at WDC.
Harm to the Green Belt and to the future public enjoyment of the area was given as two reasons as to why it was refused.
A lack of provision of utilities on the site was another reason given, as was the detrimental impact upon the amenity of neighbouring residential properties due to the poor layout.
WDC has spent more than £60,000 following the legal procedures since Gypsies moved onto the site.
The applicants have the right to appeal the decision within 28 days of the notice, which was made last Friday.
Travellers set up at former Tesco distribution centre - Dundee
From the Courier
Travellers have set up a new unauthorised camp on another site in Dundee’s Dryburgh area.
The camp is thought to have been set up on Tuesday evening on the site of the former Tesco distribution centre on Baird Avenue.
The group has said they were planning on staying on the land until this weekend.
A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are aware that a camp was set up on our site on Baird Avenue earlier this week. We’re taking action to have the caravans removed as they are parked on the land without our permission.”
Travellers have set up a new unauthorised camp on another site in Dundee’s Dryburgh area.
The camp is thought to have been set up on Tuesday evening on the site of the former Tesco distribution centre on Baird Avenue.
The group has said they were planning on staying on the land until this weekend.
A spokesman for Tesco said: “We are aware that a camp was set up on our site on Baird Avenue earlier this week. We’re taking action to have the caravans removed as they are parked on the land without our permission.”
Barton residents present thousands of objections over Gypsy site to Central Bedfordshire Council
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
A LIST of more than 3,000 signatures objecting to the creation of a Gypsy and Traveller site in Barton le Clay has been submitted to the council.
Members of the Barton Residents Action Group (BRAG) presented their evidence, showing why the site shouldn’t be allowed to open, to Central Bedfordshire Council on Wednesday.
BRAG member, James Knight said: “In addition to presenting the objections of over 3,200 residents, (180 pages of signatures) in addition we will be providing the inspector with a map street by street as to where those residents live, with a colour coded percentage.
“At this time it represents over 60 per cent of all the houses in the village with more coming in every day.”
The group is still encouraging residents to submit their own objections if they have not already done so before the public consultation ends on March 31 which can be done at: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/surveys/G&T/form.htm
Following that, Central Beds Council will present all of the information to a state inspector who will hold a public inquiry on the council’s Gypsy and Traveller plan later this year.
A LIST of more than 3,000 signatures objecting to the creation of a Gypsy and Traveller site in Barton le Clay has been submitted to the council.
Members of the Barton Residents Action Group (BRAG) presented their evidence, showing why the site shouldn’t be allowed to open, to Central Bedfordshire Council on Wednesday.
BRAG member, James Knight said: “In addition to presenting the objections of over 3,200 residents, (180 pages of signatures) in addition we will be providing the inspector with a map street by street as to where those residents live, with a colour coded percentage.
“At this time it represents over 60 per cent of all the houses in the village with more coming in every day.”
The group is still encouraging residents to submit their own objections if they have not already done so before the public consultation ends on March 31 which can be done at: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/surveys/G&T/form.htm
Following that, Central Beds Council will present all of the information to a state inspector who will hold a public inquiry on the council’s Gypsy and Traveller plan later this year.
Up to 25 thugs trash Southminster family's mobile homes - police treating it as a hate crime - Essex
From the Chelmsford Weekly News
A mob of up to 25 masked men smashed a family’s mobile homes in front of a terrified mum and her two young daughters.
The victim, a Romany Gypsy, said death threats and verbal abuse were hurled at them before the gang realised there were children on the site and left within about 12 minutes.
Police are investigating the incident in Scalby Road, Southminster, as a hate crime.
The young mum, who did not wish to be identified, said it will cost about £15,000 to repair the damage to the two mobile homes, which are not insured.
A mob of up to 25 masked men smashed a family’s mobile homes in front of a terrified mum and her two young daughters.
The victim, a Romany Gypsy, said death threats and verbal abuse were hurled at them before the gang realised there were children on the site and left within about 12 minutes.
Police are investigating the incident in Scalby Road, Southminster, as a hate crime.
The young mum, who did not wish to be identified, said it will cost about £15,000 to repair the damage to the two mobile homes, which are not insured.
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Temporary Poole Traveller sites rejected - Dorset
From the BBC
Plans for two temporary sites for Gypsies and Travellers in Dorset have been rejected by the council's planning committee.
The sites at Marshes End in Creekmoor and Broadstone Way in Oakdale, Poole, had been recommended for approval.
But hundreds of residents and a number of councillors objected to the plans. The Gypsy Council also said both were unsuitable.
About 200 people attended the meeting at Poole's Lighthouse theatre.
At the moment there are no temporary stopping places in Poole.
The council had said the 12-pitch site, off Safety Drive in Creekmoor, and the six-pitch one near the B&Q car park in Oakdale would be a way of meeting the needs of both residents and Travellers as "a number of unauthorised encampments each year" caused "public concern".
'Methane contamination'
After a heated debate with several interruptions from concerned residents, the committee voted against both plans.
The Gypsy Council told the meeting that Travellers have said they would not use the Creekmoor site if approved because of the "known threat of methane contamination" and risk of flooding.
It said the other site was too close to a very busy road.
Pete Polowski, committee chairman, said he could not support the Creekmoor application as it was at such a "gateway location" to the town and added that he had a number of policy concerns.
The council said it was now "back to square one" in the search for suitable sites.
see also; The Dorset Echo - Temporary Traveller sites for Marshes End and Broadstone Way refused planning permission at crunch meeting
Plans for two temporary sites for Gypsies and Travellers in Dorset have been rejected by the council's planning committee.
The sites at Marshes End in Creekmoor and Broadstone Way in Oakdale, Poole, had been recommended for approval.
But hundreds of residents and a number of councillors objected to the plans. The Gypsy Council also said both were unsuitable.
About 200 people attended the meeting at Poole's Lighthouse theatre.
At the moment there are no temporary stopping places in Poole.
The council had said the 12-pitch site, off Safety Drive in Creekmoor, and the six-pitch one near the B&Q car park in Oakdale would be a way of meeting the needs of both residents and Travellers as "a number of unauthorised encampments each year" caused "public concern".
'Methane contamination'
After a heated debate with several interruptions from concerned residents, the committee voted against both plans.
The Gypsy Council told the meeting that Travellers have said they would not use the Creekmoor site if approved because of the "known threat of methane contamination" and risk of flooding.
It said the other site was too close to a very busy road.
Pete Polowski, committee chairman, said he could not support the Creekmoor application as it was at such a "gateway location" to the town and added that he had a number of policy concerns.
The council said it was now "back to square one" in the search for suitable sites.
see also; The Dorset Echo - Temporary Traveller sites for Marshes End and Broadstone Way refused planning permission at crunch meeting
Travellers take over Javelin Park site near M5 junction 12 - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucester Citizen
TRAVELLERS have taken over the Javelin Park site near junction 12 of the M5.
The site is near the gateway to Gloucester and adjacent to the location for the planned incinerator which would deal with the county’s waste.
The Travellers moved several caravans onto the site earlier this week but there have so far been no reported incidents that have involved police activity.
A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said: “Police are aware of the Travellers on the site and have visited the area but we cannot do anything until contact has been made with the landowners who we are still trying to locate.”
The Travellers have been visited by a Gloucestershire County Council representative.
Paul Kenyon, principal Traveller services officer at the county council, said: “We manage four sites through Traveller services officers and liaise when necessary for day-to-day running.
“Despite the fact that in this case the land isn’t owned by us, we’ve visited this location at Javelin Park and will be speaking with the landowner to help achieve a successful outcome.”
Javelin Park spans across 15 acres and has planning permission for some 272,700 sq ft of unit space for distribution facilities.
The sale of units on the land off Stonehouse Road is managed by London-based firm Grafton Gate, who did not respond to requests for a comment.
The firm market the site on a website, which says: “Javelin Park is unique. It is adjacent to the motorway and is on the edge of both the city and the countryside. An extensive range of warehousing planning permissions are in place and buildings can be delivered within six months.”
The neighbouring site has been earmarked for the proposed development of an energy-from-waste facility, which would be built and run by Urbaser Balfour Beatty as part of a contract with Gloucestershire County Council. The plans were refused and a planning appeal into the decision has now concluded.
TRAVELLERS have taken over the Javelin Park site near junction 12 of the M5.
The site is near the gateway to Gloucester and adjacent to the location for the planned incinerator which would deal with the county’s waste.
The Travellers moved several caravans onto the site earlier this week but there have so far been no reported incidents that have involved police activity.
A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said: “Police are aware of the Travellers on the site and have visited the area but we cannot do anything until contact has been made with the landowners who we are still trying to locate.”
The Travellers have been visited by a Gloucestershire County Council representative.
Paul Kenyon, principal Traveller services officer at the county council, said: “We manage four sites through Traveller services officers and liaise when necessary for day-to-day running.
“Despite the fact that in this case the land isn’t owned by us, we’ve visited this location at Javelin Park and will be speaking with the landowner to help achieve a successful outcome.”
Javelin Park spans across 15 acres and has planning permission for some 272,700 sq ft of unit space for distribution facilities.
The sale of units on the land off Stonehouse Road is managed by London-based firm Grafton Gate, who did not respond to requests for a comment.
The firm market the site on a website, which says: “Javelin Park is unique. It is adjacent to the motorway and is on the edge of both the city and the countryside. An extensive range of warehousing planning permissions are in place and buildings can be delivered within six months.”
The neighbouring site has been earmarked for the proposed development of an energy-from-waste facility, which would be built and run by Urbaser Balfour Beatty as part of a contract with Gloucestershire County Council. The plans were refused and a planning appeal into the decision has now concluded.
Council reject planning bid for Gypsy/Traveller site in Corringham - Essex
From Your Thurrock
A PLANNING application for a Gypsy Traveller site in Corringham has been thrown out by Thurrock Council.
The application came in two parts. The main part was for a temporary change of use for a five year period that would see more mobile homes on the site.
The councillors that spoke at the meeting were keen to stress that the application was being viewed on its own merits. They may have stressed this point after a police investigation was undertaken following comments made by Corringham and Fobbing councillor, Mark Coxshall.
Below is a nineteen minute recording of the item where all parties laid out their reasons for promotion or rejection of the application.
A PLANNING application for a Gypsy Traveller site in Corringham has been thrown out by Thurrock Council.
The application came in two parts. The main part was for a temporary change of use for a five year period that would see more mobile homes on the site.
The councillors that spoke at the meeting were keen to stress that the application was being viewed on its own merits. They may have stressed this point after a police investigation was undertaken following comments made by Corringham and Fobbing councillor, Mark Coxshall.
Below is a nineteen minute recording of the item where all parties laid out their reasons for promotion or rejection of the application.
Old water pump site could become Traveller pitches - Sussex
From the Littlehampton Gazette
A FORMER water waste treatment works in Littlehampton could be converted into a Gypsy Traveller site, if plans are approved by Arun District Council.
An application has been submitted on behalf of Mr F. Vine to turn the old pumping station site in Ferry Road, Littlehampton, into six permanent pitches for Travellers.
People living in the area have already written letters of objection to Arun, which is due to consider the application by April 14.
One letter, which says the average age of residents in the area is around 70, reads: “I do not think that a Gypsy site is appropriate in the area, where the safety and security is of prime importance and transient residents would not fit in…
“I therefore absolutely oppose this planning application. It will certainly spoil our community and I believe it would not be at all welcome. ”
Residents have also pointed to the fact the site is within the Littlehampton to Middleton strategic gap.
However, a report on accommodation needs for Gypsies and Travellers, commissioned by the Coastal West Sussex Authorities, of which Arun is one, concluded Arun needs a minimum of 12 additional pitches between 2012 and 2017.
In addition, the report said Arun needs a further three pitches between 2018 and 2022, and three pitches between 2023 and 2027.
Because the council’s local plan has not been formally adopted, any policies contained within it ‘can be given no weight in determination of any applications and appeals’, the planning statement says.
The statement adds: “The site is well suited to Gypsy and Traveller use as it is a quiet area with little vehicular traffic. The application site is previously developed land and the proposal would return a vacant site to use with the benefit of providing additional pitches for Gypsies and Travellers.
“Furthermore, the application site has been used as an unauthorised Gypsy pitch for many years and there would be a clear advantage regularising the existing pitch and providing additional pitches on Ferry Road rather than seeking to provide elsewhere, where Gypsy accommodation is not established. Therefore, redevelopment of the site as a Gypsy and Traveller’s site would be acceptable in principle.”
For the full story, read this week’s Littlehampton Gazette, out from Thursday, March 13.
A FORMER water waste treatment works in Littlehampton could be converted into a Gypsy Traveller site, if plans are approved by Arun District Council.
An application has been submitted on behalf of Mr F. Vine to turn the old pumping station site in Ferry Road, Littlehampton, into six permanent pitches for Travellers.
People living in the area have already written letters of objection to Arun, which is due to consider the application by April 14.
One letter, which says the average age of residents in the area is around 70, reads: “I do not think that a Gypsy site is appropriate in the area, where the safety and security is of prime importance and transient residents would not fit in…
“I therefore absolutely oppose this planning application. It will certainly spoil our community and I believe it would not be at all welcome. ”
Residents have also pointed to the fact the site is within the Littlehampton to Middleton strategic gap.
However, a report on accommodation needs for Gypsies and Travellers, commissioned by the Coastal West Sussex Authorities, of which Arun is one, concluded Arun needs a minimum of 12 additional pitches between 2012 and 2017.
In addition, the report said Arun needs a further three pitches between 2018 and 2022, and three pitches between 2023 and 2027.
Because the council’s local plan has not been formally adopted, any policies contained within it ‘can be given no weight in determination of any applications and appeals’, the planning statement says.
The statement adds: “The site is well suited to Gypsy and Traveller use as it is a quiet area with little vehicular traffic. The application site is previously developed land and the proposal would return a vacant site to use with the benefit of providing additional pitches for Gypsies and Travellers.
“Furthermore, the application site has been used as an unauthorised Gypsy pitch for many years and there would be a clear advantage regularising the existing pitch and providing additional pitches on Ferry Road rather than seeking to provide elsewhere, where Gypsy accommodation is not established. Therefore, redevelopment of the site as a Gypsy and Traveller’s site would be acceptable in principle.”
For the full story, read this week’s Littlehampton Gazette, out from Thursday, March 13.
Kent home of first Gypsy Police Association
From the Dover Express
THE first Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association in the country has been set up in Kent.
The Association is a national organisation, but Kent Police is the first force to launch it locally.
It aims to unite and support all officers and other staff who are from Gypsy Roma Traveller backgrounds, as well as foster good relationships between the Police and Gypsy Roma Traveller communities.
Crime commissioner Ann Barnes said: “Both the Chief Constable and I are determined that our police force should look like, speak like, think like and be like the people it serves.
“It shows what a forward-thinking public service we have here in our county to be leading nationally on this. Kent has set the bar, and I hope other forces around the country will follow suit.
“I also hope that, in time, it encourages more men and women from Gypsy Roma Traveller backgrounds to consider the Police service as a career option.”
THE first Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association in the country has been set up in Kent.
The Association is a national organisation, but Kent Police is the first force to launch it locally.
It aims to unite and support all officers and other staff who are from Gypsy Roma Traveller backgrounds, as well as foster good relationships between the Police and Gypsy Roma Traveller communities.
Crime commissioner Ann Barnes said: “Both the Chief Constable and I are determined that our police force should look like, speak like, think like and be like the people it serves.
“It shows what a forward-thinking public service we have here in our county to be leading nationally on this. Kent has set the bar, and I hope other forces around the country will follow suit.
“I also hope that, in time, it encourages more men and women from Gypsy Roma Traveller backgrounds to consider the Police service as a career option.”
Travellers move into town – latest - Lincolnshire
From Grantham News
A NUMBER of caravans have moved into town and parked in a field near the town centre.
They are camped in a former football field off Alexandra Road, behind the boxing club and adjacent to the recycling depot.
An district council spokesman said: “We can confirm a notice to vacate has been served by SKDC on the group that moved onto the field.”
A NUMBER of caravans have moved into town and parked in a field near the town centre.
They are camped in a former football field off Alexandra Road, behind the boxing club and adjacent to the recycling depot.
An district council spokesman said: “We can confirm a notice to vacate has been served by SKDC on the group that moved onto the field.”
Caught on video: Train worker's 'Gypsies and pickpockets' warning to Wolves fans - Shropshire
From the Shropshire Star
A video has emerged today of the moment a train announcer told passengers to beware of ‘Gypsies and pickpockets’ as the engine prepared to pull into Telford.
The footage has been shared by Wolves fan Chris Downes, whose 14-year-old son Jack was on the train. The announcement was greeted with cheers by the Shrewsbury Town fans but angered some who were preparing to disembark at their home town station. As the train prepared to stop at Telford Central Station, the announcer said: “Telford Central – please be aware of pickpockets and Gypsies.”
The comment was made on the 5.25pm train from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury, following the League one clash between the two teams. London Midland, which operates the train service, is investigating and said it will make no further comment until the probe has been concluded. Members of the Gypsy Council have called for a criminal investigation into the announcement, branding it a racist comment. The video has prompted a range of comments since it emerged. Roz Thomas posted on Facebook: “I’m from Shrewsbury not Telford, but even I find that offensive.”
However, others have said that the comment was light-hearted.
One person, with the username Yehyehyeh, said: “I was on this train, I live in Telford and no, I didn’t take offence. It was a joke, and it made me smile.”
see also: The Independent - Train company investigates announcement warning passengers to 'be aware of pickpockets and Gypsies' before disembarking
The Mirror - Listen to extraordinary moment train announcer warned passengers to 'beware of Gypsies and thieves' at station
The Belfest Telegraph - 'Beware Gypsies' message on train
The daily Mail - 'The next stop is Telford, please be aware of pickpockets and GYPSIES': Moment London Midland train announcer stuns passengers with warning about Travellers
A video has emerged today of the moment a train announcer told passengers to beware of ‘Gypsies and pickpockets’ as the engine prepared to pull into Telford.
The footage has been shared by Wolves fan Chris Downes, whose 14-year-old son Jack was on the train. The announcement was greeted with cheers by the Shrewsbury Town fans but angered some who were preparing to disembark at their home town station. As the train prepared to stop at Telford Central Station, the announcer said: “Telford Central – please be aware of pickpockets and Gypsies.”
The comment was made on the 5.25pm train from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury, following the League one clash between the two teams. London Midland, which operates the train service, is investigating and said it will make no further comment until the probe has been concluded. Members of the Gypsy Council have called for a criminal investigation into the announcement, branding it a racist comment. The video has prompted a range of comments since it emerged. Roz Thomas posted on Facebook: “I’m from Shrewsbury not Telford, but even I find that offensive.”
However, others have said that the comment was light-hearted.
One person, with the username Yehyehyeh, said: “I was on this train, I live in Telford and no, I didn’t take offence. It was a joke, and it made me smile.”
see also: The Independent - Train company investigates announcement warning passengers to 'be aware of pickpockets and Gypsies' before disembarking
The Mirror - Listen to extraordinary moment train announcer warned passengers to 'beware of Gypsies and thieves' at station
The Belfest Telegraph - 'Beware Gypsies' message on train
The daily Mail - 'The next stop is Telford, please be aware of pickpockets and GYPSIES': Moment London Midland train announcer stuns passengers with warning about Travellers
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Rothwell Travellers' site raid leads to seven arrests - Northamptonshire
From the BBC
Seven people have been arrested in an early-morning drugs raid at a Northamptonshire Travellers' site.
Armed officers detained the suspects and seized suspected class A drugs, a firearm and a stolen vehicle at Harrington Road, Rothwell, police said.
Supt Andy Cox, who led the Northamptonshire Police operation, said the suspects were being questioned and investigations were continuing.
A number of roads around the site were shut during the raid.
Seven people have been arrested in an early-morning drugs raid at a Northamptonshire Travellers' site.
Armed officers detained the suspects and seized suspected class A drugs, a firearm and a stolen vehicle at Harrington Road, Rothwell, police said.
Supt Andy Cox, who led the Northamptonshire Police operation, said the suspects were being questioned and investigations were continuing.
A number of roads around the site were shut during the raid.
Planning chiefs bracing themselves for ‘fiery meeting’ over controversial Traveller camps in Poole - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
PLANNING chiefs are bracing themselves for a potentially fiery meeting to decide whether or not to back applications for two controversial Traveller camps in Poole.
The Borough of Poole planning committee meeting, taking place tomorrow morning, has been shifted to Lighthouse because of the large numbers expected to attend.
Meanwhile a company has upped its offer to buy one of the sites – for £400,000.
Forelle Estates, which has property next to Marshes End, initially offered £250,000.
The council’s environmental and consumer protection services has submitted two applications for temporary stopping places at Creekmoor and Oakdale.
Borough of Poole’s full council has already voted to press ahead with the scheme, which is hoped will enable police to more swiftly disperse unauthorised Traveller encampments from Poole’s public places.
Officials say that by having designated temporary stopping places within the borough, they hope to avoid a repeat of last summer that saw a raft of unauthorised encamp-ments cropping up around Poole’s parks and open spaces.
The two separate proposals are for 12 pitches at Marshes End, Creekmoor, and four pitches at land north of the B&Q car park, Broadstone Way.
Ahead of the planning meeting, due to be chaired by Poole Cllr planning committee vice chairman Peter Pawlowski, deputy Borough of Poole leader Cllr Mike White said: “Poole experiences a number of unauthorised encampments each year.
“Members of the planning committee will consider these applications and all the relevant planning issues before making a decision on whether the two temporary stopping places can go ahead.”
A limited number of members of the public will only be able to speak before the committee deliberates if they have already contacted the council ahead of Thursday’s meeting.
At the end of this month a special full council meeting will be held to discuss a recently increased offer, made by Poole property company Forelle Estates, to purchase the Marches End site.
Forelle wants to build an office block on the site, in a move they say will create up to 200 jobs. Councillors will be able to vote on whether or not to accept this offer.
The report from officers for tomorrow’s planning committee meeting recommends councillors grant planning permission to allow both sites to be used as temporary stopping places for Gypsies and Travellers.
PLANNING chiefs are bracing themselves for a potentially fiery meeting to decide whether or not to back applications for two controversial Traveller camps in Poole.
The Borough of Poole planning committee meeting, taking place tomorrow morning, has been shifted to Lighthouse because of the large numbers expected to attend.
Meanwhile a company has upped its offer to buy one of the sites – for £400,000.
Forelle Estates, which has property next to Marshes End, initially offered £250,000.
The council’s environmental and consumer protection services has submitted two applications for temporary stopping places at Creekmoor and Oakdale.
Borough of Poole’s full council has already voted to press ahead with the scheme, which is hoped will enable police to more swiftly disperse unauthorised Traveller encampments from Poole’s public places.
Officials say that by having designated temporary stopping places within the borough, they hope to avoid a repeat of last summer that saw a raft of unauthorised encamp-ments cropping up around Poole’s parks and open spaces.
The two separate proposals are for 12 pitches at Marshes End, Creekmoor, and four pitches at land north of the B&Q car park, Broadstone Way.
Ahead of the planning meeting, due to be chaired by Poole Cllr planning committee vice chairman Peter Pawlowski, deputy Borough of Poole leader Cllr Mike White said: “Poole experiences a number of unauthorised encampments each year.
“Members of the planning committee will consider these applications and all the relevant planning issues before making a decision on whether the two temporary stopping places can go ahead.”
A limited number of members of the public will only be able to speak before the committee deliberates if they have already contacted the council ahead of Thursday’s meeting.
At the end of this month a special full council meeting will be held to discuss a recently increased offer, made by Poole property company Forelle Estates, to purchase the Marches End site.
Forelle wants to build an office block on the site, in a move they say will create up to 200 jobs. Councillors will be able to vote on whether or not to accept this offer.
The report from officers for tomorrow’s planning committee meeting recommends councillors grant planning permission to allow both sites to be used as temporary stopping places for Gypsies and Travellers.
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