Councillors approve plans for more than 100 Traveller pitches in Cornwall

From the Western Morning News

Councillors have approved plans that will see the creation of more than 100 Traveller pitches in Cornwall to tackle problems caused by Gypsies settling on unauthorised sites.

Cornwall Council approved the plans which will see better facilities provided for Traveller communities, as well as address problems caused by the number using sites they don’t have permission to use.

The council currently has three gypsy and Traveller sites under its control at Boscarn Parc in Pool, Wheal Jewel at St Day and Foredown Parc near Liskeard.

But there are also a number of private sites in the county with a predominance in the St Blazey area.

The Gypsy Traveller Strategy approved by councillors will see the delivery of 105 residential pitches, 64 transit pitches and two pitches for Travelling Showpeople.

Speaking this morning, portfolio holder for homes and communities, Geoff Brown, said the location of the pitches will be determined at a later date.

He said: “The Gypsy and Traveller Strategy is a living document which focuses on addressing the needs of the community. It also reflects out ambition to deliver sites in a controlled, balanced, well-managed manner across Cornwall.

“We recognise the concerns that when we are looking at delivering sites, we need to have a geographical balance across the county and not try and press all the sites in one locality. We are committed to delivering high-quality sites with facilities such as sanitation, fresh water, electricity and refuse collections in order to address the health and wellbeing and opportunities for the Travelling community.

“In return we will require a rental and commitment from those on the sites to sign up to manage the area responsibly.”

The council has already established a Gypsy and Traveller Forum to enable it to communicate directly with communities involved.

In July 2013 it was estimated that there were 368 Gypsy caravans in Cornwall, a 159% increase on July 2005 - a rise attributed to improved counting and the existence of more sites.

Simon Rix, councillor for Bugle, where there are a number of Gypsy sites, fully endorsed the document.

He said: “I think it’s important that we progress with this because its about community cohesion. If we have unplanned encampments like we have in Minorca Lane then that does nothing for community cohesion.

“Settled communities and Traveller communities benefit from good relations with their neighbours and this will help.”