Bangor: Travellers living on grass verge claim it is their human right - Gwynedd

From the Daily Post

Travellers who are living in two static caravans on a grass verge claimed its their human right to do so, magistrates heard today.

The group, believed to be about 15 strong, moved onto the verge in Hendrewen Road, Bangor, two weeks ago after they were ordered to move from the grounds of the old hospital at Minffordd.

They parked their caravans and several vehicles on the grass verge which adjoins the minor road which links Bangor and Rhiwlas.

Gwynedd Council, reacting to complaints by people living nearby, told magistrates at Caernarfon they had been negotiating with the group but had been forced to take “the last step” of applying for a court order to move them on.

But solicitor Bethan Williams, acting for the Travellers, said she was seeking an adjournment so that further evidence might be called.

She said: “They have not refused to move from this site and have indicated they may consider permanent, bricks and mortar, accommodation but it is their culture to travel and they wish to remain in their caravans and they believe this is their right.”

Ms Williams argued the McDonagh family, who have three children of school age, wanted their youngsters to settle in local schools.

“The council has a balancing act to perform of meeting the requirements of residents and the Travellers. Their human rights need to be taken into account,” she said.

Group spokesman Martin McDonagh said they had been offered a temporary site in Caernarfon but that would only have been for a matter of days.

He added officials had told him the Travellers site on the outskirts of Bangor was full. But he argued there was a temporary wall which could be removed to allow access to a further 15 pitches.

“My mother lived in Bangor on the Greenacre’s (Travellers site) and I lived there with her. I was married in Bangor and some of my children were born here,” he said.

Mr McDonagh said he has links to Northern Ireland but does not wish to return to that country.

Dafydd Jones, for Gwynedd Council, told the court officials had visited the group on several occasions and asked them to move without success

Asked by bench chairman Sarah Chaffe if a permanent solution had been proposed he agreed no suggestion had been made.

Rejecting the request for an adjournment the bench chairman said lack of court time prevented further representations being heard yesterday.

The matter was adjourned and will resume on Monday.

see also: The Daily Post - Bangor: Travellers ordered to move from Hendrewen Road