From the Herts and Essex Observer
TRAVELLERS have set up camp at the Grange Paddocks leisure centre in Bishop's Stortford.
Two RVs, or motor homes, a conventional caravan and two other vehicles are occupying 14 spaces in the 140-space Grange Paddocks ‘B’ car park, the middle of the three at the site.
The matter was reported to Hertfordshire police at 10.50pm last night (Friday) after a security guard noticed the vehicles.
They were able to drive across the bridge over the River Stort and onto the East Herts District Council-owned site after a barrier was left unlocked.
read more...
Saturday, 31 May 2014
Travellers move on to Hull Pier site outside Minerva Pub - Yorkshire
From the Hull Daily Mail
TRAVELLERS have pitched up in a well-known tourist area in Hull's city centre. About eight caravans have set up on a car park at Victoria Pier close to the Minerva Pub.
The site, off Nelson Street, was used for the main music stage at last year's Freedom Festival, which saw the likes of The 1975 perform.
read more...
TRAVELLERS have pitched up in a well-known tourist area in Hull's city centre. About eight caravans have set up on a car park at Victoria Pier close to the Minerva Pub.
The site, off Nelson Street, was used for the main music stage at last year's Freedom Festival, which saw the likes of The 1975 perform.
read more...
Council in legal move over site for Travellers in Leeds - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
Council bosses have moved to stop unauthorised work being carried out at a proposed Travellers’ site in Leeds.
As previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, plans have been drawn up for a 55-pitch site either side of Valley Road, near Morley train station.
No decision has yet been made by Leeds City Council on the application by a businessman for planning permission for the highly-controversial scheme.
It has now emerged, however, that unauthorised work has been taking place at the site in the absence of the sought-after green light.
read more...
Council bosses have moved to stop unauthorised work being carried out at a proposed Travellers’ site in Leeds.
As previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, plans have been drawn up for a 55-pitch site either side of Valley Road, near Morley train station.
No decision has yet been made by Leeds City Council on the application by a businessman for planning permission for the highly-controversial scheme.
It has now emerged, however, that unauthorised work has been taking place at the site in the absence of the sought-after green light.
read more...
Renewed calls for Travellers to move from unauthorised camp near Montrose - Angus
From the tele.co.uk
Angus officials are stepping up their efforts to clear an unauthorised camp of Travellers.
After six years, the long-standing row over a recurring Traveller camp in Hillside, near Montrose, has reached boiling point.
Locals say they’re at their “wits’ end” with those occupying the Kinnaber Road site.
The area was cleared last November following a legal battle between Angus Council and the site’s owner.
read more...
Angus officials are stepping up their efforts to clear an unauthorised camp of Travellers.
After six years, the long-standing row over a recurring Traveller camp in Hillside, near Montrose, has reached boiling point.
Locals say they’re at their “wits’ end” with those occupying the Kinnaber Road site.
The area was cleared last November following a legal battle between Angus Council and the site’s owner.
read more...
Concerns raised after Travellers pitch camp in Carlisle park - Cumbria
From the News and Star
Around 20 caravans and vans pitched up on Keenan Park in Botcherby, Carlisle, a week ago.
People living nearby say they are being put off visiting the site, which has allotments, full-sized football pitches and changing pavilion, and a children’s play area.
Police and Carlisle City Council are aware of the unauthorised settlement but say attempts to move the Travellers must be done via the courts.
A notice has been served and a court hearing on Tuesday should lead to a possession order, calling for the Travellers to quit the site.
read more...
Around 20 caravans and vans pitched up on Keenan Park in Botcherby, Carlisle, a week ago.
People living nearby say they are being put off visiting the site, which has allotments, full-sized football pitches and changing pavilion, and a children’s play area.
Police and Carlisle City Council are aware of the unauthorised settlement but say attempts to move the Travellers must be done via the courts.
A notice has been served and a court hearing on Tuesday should lead to a possession order, calling for the Travellers to quit the site.
read more...
Residents protest at Barnard Castle prison over Travellers intimidation claims - County Durham
From the Darlington and Stockport Times
RESIDENTS have protested outside a prison in a bid to make justice bosses remove Travellers, who they claim are intimidating them, from its land.
An estimated 44 caravans heading to Appleby Horse Fair have set up camp on Startforth Park, on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, next to Deerbolt Young Offender’s Institute.
Angry residents on Startforth Park estate, near the temporary site on land owned by the prison, say that the travellers have threatened them and blocked roads.
Fifteen residents from the Startforth Park Residents’ Association protested for two hours outside of Deerbolt today (Friday, May 30) to raise the issue with the prison authorities.
read more...
RESIDENTS have protested outside a prison in a bid to make justice bosses remove Travellers, who they claim are intimidating them, from its land.
An estimated 44 caravans heading to Appleby Horse Fair have set up camp on Startforth Park, on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, next to Deerbolt Young Offender’s Institute.
Angry residents on Startforth Park estate, near the temporary site on land owned by the prison, say that the travellers have threatened them and blocked roads.
Fifteen residents from the Startforth Park Residents’ Association protested for two hours outside of Deerbolt today (Friday, May 30) to raise the issue with the prison authorities.
read more...
Bling, shire horses, ornate Romany caravans and dogs holding up queues of traffic - it can only be the annual Appleby Horse Fair - Cumbria
From the Daily Mail
Thousands of Travellers across Britain are setting off for the biggest, fattest, not to mention wildest, Gypsy gathering of them all - the annual Appleby Horse Fair.
The week-long event, which attracts visitors from all over Europe and the rest of the world, begins next Thursday but many traders have already begun the long, slow journey in their ornate horse-drawn Romany caravans.
Groups of the traditional vehicles were spotted making slow progress along the A65 in North Yorkshire with traffic backing up as cars and lorries struggled to overtake.
read more...
Thousands of Travellers across Britain are setting off for the biggest, fattest, not to mention wildest, Gypsy gathering of them all - the annual Appleby Horse Fair.
The week-long event, which attracts visitors from all over Europe and the rest of the world, begins next Thursday but many traders have already begun the long, slow journey in their ornate horse-drawn Romany caravans.
Groups of the traditional vehicles were spotted making slow progress along the A65 in North Yorkshire with traffic backing up as cars and lorries struggled to overtake.
read more...
Gypsies move into car park off Sittingbourne Road, close to Maidstone town - Kent
From Kent Online
A group of Gypsies have set up camp in a car park close to the town centre.
About ten caravans are understood to have moved into the car park, near the junction of Sittingbourne Road and Vinters Road, earlier today.
The landowner is believed to be Maidstone council but a spokesman has so far not been available for comment.
read more...
A group of Gypsies have set up camp in a car park close to the town centre.
About ten caravans are understood to have moved into the car park, near the junction of Sittingbourne Road and Vinters Road, earlier today.
The landowner is believed to be Maidstone council but a spokesman has so far not been available for comment.
read more...
Friday, 30 May 2014
Travellers due to be evicted from Preston Park in Brighton today - Sussex
From Brighton and Hove News
Travellers are due to be evicted from Preston Park in Brighton later today (Friday 30 May) thanks to special police powers.
An unauthorised encampment has remained in part of the popular park for days despite thousands heading to the open space for the half-term week.
A further 30 vehicles joined them yesterday after being evicted from Stanmer Park in Brighton.
After visiting the Preston Park site with Sussex Police officers, Brighton and Hove City Council said that it would be evicting the group today.
read more...
Travellers are due to be evicted from Preston Park in Brighton later today (Friday 30 May) thanks to special police powers.
An unauthorised encampment has remained in part of the popular park for days despite thousands heading to the open space for the half-term week.
A further 30 vehicles joined them yesterday after being evicted from Stanmer Park in Brighton.
After visiting the Preston Park site with Sussex Police officers, Brighton and Hove City Council said that it would be evicting the group today.
read more...
Travellers leave Hull's Victoria Pier car park - Yorkshire
From the Hull Daily Mail
Travellers have left the car park at Victoria Pier, Hull city centre, after pitching up yesterday.
Eight caravans set up on a car park at Victoria Pier, close to the Minerva Pub.
It meant some residents and visitors to the pier were unable to park.
After being spoken to by Humberside Police, the Travellers left the site
read more...
Travellers have left the car park at Victoria Pier, Hull city centre, after pitching up yesterday.
Eight caravans set up on a car park at Victoria Pier, close to the Minerva Pub.
It meant some residents and visitors to the pier were unable to park.
After being spoken to by Humberside Police, the Travellers left the site
read more...
Evicted Travellers join others at Preston Park - Sussex
From the Argus
TRAVELLERS evicted from Stanmer Park on Wednesday have joined scores of others at Preston Park.
Dozens of caravans were removed from the Stanmer area after Brighton and Hove City Council launched court action to repossess the land.
But council officers and police have been forced to carry out new assessments in Preston Park after those which were moved on from Stanmer Park joined the existing Travellers there.
Council officials have denied they were responsible for leaving the park vulnerable to intrusion after claims from residents that the Travellers were able to access the site because the council left an entrance unsecured.
read more...
TRAVELLERS evicted from Stanmer Park on Wednesday have joined scores of others at Preston Park.
Dozens of caravans were removed from the Stanmer area after Brighton and Hove City Council launched court action to repossess the land.
But council officers and police have been forced to carry out new assessments in Preston Park after those which were moved on from Stanmer Park joined the existing Travellers there.
Council officials have denied they were responsible for leaving the park vulnerable to intrusion after claims from residents that the Travellers were able to access the site because the council left an entrance unsecured.
read more...
Traveller vans get stuck as they move onto park - Sussex
From the Argus
Travellers have moved onto a city park and managed to get stuck in the mud on their way in.
The travelling group moved onto Wild Park, Brighton, this morning and caused traffic tailbacks as they tried to move their vans through the thick mud.
Residents have reported the Travellers opened the gate themselves to gain access to the park.
One group arrived yesterday evening and a second group arrived this morning.
read more...
Travellers have moved onto a city park and managed to get stuck in the mud on their way in.
The travelling group moved onto Wild Park, Brighton, this morning and caused traffic tailbacks as they tried to move their vans through the thick mud.
Residents have reported the Travellers opened the gate themselves to gain access to the park.
One group arrived yesterday evening and a second group arrived this morning.
read more...
Travellers fight to stay on East Lancashire site
From the Citizen
TRAVELLERS living in Hyndburn are set to fight to remain there.
The Jones family have been living at Fir Trees in Sough Lane, Guide, beside a herd of around 40 horses, but their temporary planning permission expired last October, meaning they are no longer allowed to stay there.
An appeal against Hyndburn Council’s decision to refuse permanent permission will be heard next month.
read more...
TRAVELLERS living in Hyndburn are set to fight to remain there.
The Jones family have been living at Fir Trees in Sough Lane, Guide, beside a herd of around 40 horses, but their temporary planning permission expired last October, meaning they are no longer allowed to stay there.
An appeal against Hyndburn Council’s decision to refuse permanent permission will be heard next month.
read more...
Travellers leave tram park-and-ride site in Basford - Nottinghamshire
From the Nottingham Travellers who had set up camp at a park-and-ride site throughout the week left late yesterday.
Six caravans had been at the site in Wilkinson Street, Basford, which is also the tram depot, since Monday.
read more...
Six caravans had been at the site in Wilkinson Street, Basford, which is also the tram depot, since Monday.
read more...
Refusal Recommendation for Proposed Ampfield Travellers Site - Kent
From romseyandvillages.co.uk
Test Valley Borough Council planning officers have recommended the refusal of an application for a Travellers site near the Potter's Heron Hotel in Ampfield.
The application will be formally considered by the Southern Area Planning Committee on Tuesday 3rd June at Crossfield Hall in Romsey. Councillors from across Test Valley will make a formal decision taking into consideration the recommendation and any appeals by the proposer.
read more...
Test Valley Borough Council planning officers have recommended the refusal of an application for a Travellers site near the Potter's Heron Hotel in Ampfield.
The application will be formally considered by the Southern Area Planning Committee on Tuesday 3rd June at Crossfield Hall in Romsey. Councillors from across Test Valley will make a formal decision taking into consideration the recommendation and any appeals by the proposer.
read more...
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Travellers move to Selsey’s Bunn Leisure Centre - Sussex
From the Chichester Observer
TRAVELLERS who have been camped around Chichester are believed to have moved to Selsey.
A number of caravans first appeared on land outside Chichester College around ten days ago.
After they were evicted from Chichester College they moved to the car park outside the Centurion Mental Health Centre, in Graylingwell Drive, before arriving in the Northgate car park on Sunday (May 25).
They later moved to a coach park in Via Ravenna, next to Waitrose.
read more...
TRAVELLERS who have been camped around Chichester are believed to have moved to Selsey.
A number of caravans first appeared on land outside Chichester College around ten days ago.
After they were evicted from Chichester College they moved to the car park outside the Centurion Mental Health Centre, in Graylingwell Drive, before arriving in the Northgate car park on Sunday (May 25).
They later moved to a coach park in Via Ravenna, next to Waitrose.
read more...
Travellers set up camp at Wilkinson Street tram park and ride - Nottinghamshire
From the Nottingham Post
Travellers who have set up camp at a city park and ride have pledged to move on tomorrow and not leave a mess.
Six caravans arrived at the site in Wilkinson Street, Basford, on Monday.
read more...
Travellers who have set up camp at a city park and ride have pledged to move on tomorrow and not leave a mess.
Six caravans arrived at the site in Wilkinson Street, Basford, on Monday.
read more...
24-hour security put in after Travellers pitch up at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
NEW 24-hour security measures were today being put in place at a famous North-east golf club after Travellers set up an unauthorised camp.
Bosses at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club have hired overnight security guards to patrol the grounds in the run up to July’s Scottish Open.
The move is aimed at easing fears the £3 million event could be hit by Travellers pitching up in the area.
read more...
NEW 24-hour security measures were today being put in place at a famous North-east golf club after Travellers set up an unauthorised camp.
Bosses at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club have hired overnight security guards to patrol the grounds in the run up to July’s Scottish Open.
The move is aimed at easing fears the £3 million event could be hit by Travellers pitching up in the area.
read more...
Anger at camps set up in Kirkcaldy parks - Fife
From Fife Today
Travellers move into Ravenscraig and then Beveridge
Defecating in public, cars and vans being driven at speed across pitches where children are playing, loud music being played during the early hours of the morning and broken glass and rubbish being left lying around...
These are just a few of the dozens of complaints flooding in from members of the public about the travelling people’s camps which have appeared at Ravenscraig Sands, Ravenscraig Park and Beveridge Park over the past week.
read more...
Travellers move into Ravenscraig and then Beveridge
Defecating in public, cars and vans being driven at speed across pitches where children are playing, loud music being played during the early hours of the morning and broken glass and rubbish being left lying around...
These are just a few of the dozens of complaints flooding in from members of the public about the travelling people’s camps which have appeared at Ravenscraig Sands, Ravenscraig Park and Beveridge Park over the past week.
read more...
Travellers return to west Hull site less than a month after being thrown off - Yorkshire
From the Hull Daily Mail
TRAVELLERS have taken advantage of the Bank Holiday weekend to move back on to a site they were thrown off less than a month ago.
Around nine caravans were moved back onto a car park at Woolwich Drive in west Hull. It is the seventh time they have been on the site in just three years.
read more...
TRAVELLERS have taken advantage of the Bank Holiday weekend to move back on to a site they were thrown off less than a month ago.
Around nine caravans were moved back onto a car park at Woolwich Drive in west Hull. It is the seventh time they have been on the site in just three years.
read more...
Prompt action removes Travellers from Borehamwood unauthorised encampment - Hertfordshire
From Hertsmere.gov.uk
Joint action by the council and police ensured that a group of Travellers who had set up an unauthorised encampment on council land in Borehamwood last weekend were moved on promptly.
Environmental health officers from the council worked alongside the police to use a combination of legal powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which ensured the travellers were moved on from Wansford Park within just over one day.
read more...
see also: The Borehamwood and Elstree Times - Travellers moved on from illegal camp in Wansford Park, Borehamwood, within 24 hours
Joint action by the council and police ensured that a group of Travellers who had set up an unauthorised encampment on council land in Borehamwood last weekend were moved on promptly.
Environmental health officers from the council worked alongside the police to use a combination of legal powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which ensured the travellers were moved on from Wansford Park within just over one day.
read more...
see also: The Borehamwood and Elstree Times - Travellers moved on from illegal camp in Wansford Park, Borehamwood, within 24 hours
Cumbria Police issue warning ahead of horse fair
From the North West Evening Mail
CUMBRIA Police have warned drivers to be careful of congestion caused by an annual horse fair.
Officers have warned that the A685 between Kirkby Stephen and Brough as the road has become congested in the build up to this year’s Appleby Fair.
Police have received reports from concerned motorists about the risk of Gypsy and Traveller community setting up a temporary encampment immediately adjacent to the busy A685.
Caravans, bow tops and tethered horses are lined up along the road and the police would like everyone to take extreme care.
read more...
CUMBRIA Police have warned drivers to be careful of congestion caused by an annual horse fair.
Officers have warned that the A685 between Kirkby Stephen and Brough as the road has become congested in the build up to this year’s Appleby Fair.
Police have received reports from concerned motorists about the risk of Gypsy and Traveller community setting up a temporary encampment immediately adjacent to the busy A685.
Caravans, bow tops and tethered horses are lined up along the road and the police would like everyone to take extreme care.
read more...
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Proposed Llansamlet Travellers' site 'not practical or suitable' says ex-council leader Lawrence Bailey - Swansea
From the South Wales Evening Post
A TRAVELLERS' site earmarked for Llansamlet was not practical or suitable, according to a former leader of Swansea Council.
Lawrence Bailey was giving evidence to a scrutiny panel about the long search for a second Travellers' site in the city, which took a dramatic twist last October following an intervention by council leader David Phillips.
read more...
A TRAVELLERS' site earmarked for Llansamlet was not practical or suitable, according to a former leader of Swansea Council.
Lawrence Bailey was giving evidence to a scrutiny panel about the long search for a second Travellers' site in the city, which took a dramatic twist last October following an intervention by council leader David Phillips.
read more...
Travellers site fears raised at Elvington meeting - Yorkshire
From the Press
MORE than 200 residents from Elvington and Wheldrake packed into a public meeting to discuss radical new housing and travellers site proposals for their villages.
The meeting, in Elvington village hall, was organised by York Outer MP Julian Sturdy to give residents a chance to discuss the proposals for their villages in the council's latest local plan documents.
A consultation is due to start in the next few weeks about the "further sites" which have been added to the proposals.
read more...
MORE than 200 residents from Elvington and Wheldrake packed into a public meeting to discuss radical new housing and travellers site proposals for their villages.
The meeting, in Elvington village hall, was organised by York Outer MP Julian Sturdy to give residents a chance to discuss the proposals for their villages in the council's latest local plan documents.
A consultation is due to start in the next few weeks about the "further sites" which have been added to the proposals.
read more...
Will the Derbyshire Dales get its first Gypsy site?
From the Derbyshire Times
The Dales could get its first Gypsy site as planning chiefs have recommended a Traveller site for approval.
Members of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s central and northern area planning committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the application for a three–pitch traveller site at the Woodyard, off the A6, in Homesford.
Previous applications for holiday lodges on the site have been turned down by the authority, initially on the grounds that there were too many, and then on the grounds that the holiday homes would be “inherently prominent and encroaching and detrimental to the character and appearance of the countryside”.
read more...
The Dales could get its first Gypsy site as planning chiefs have recommended a Traveller site for approval.
Members of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s central and northern area planning committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss the application for a three–pitch traveller site at the Woodyard, off the A6, in Homesford.
Previous applications for holiday lodges on the site have been turned down by the authority, initially on the grounds that there were too many, and then on the grounds that the holiday homes would be “inherently prominent and encroaching and detrimental to the character and appearance of the countryside”.
read more...
MP Dr Phillip Lee meets government minister over Gypsy and Traveller site in Finchampstead - Berkshire
From Get Reading
Finchampstead’s MP has discussed a planning inspector’s decision to allocate land in the village for a Gypsy and Traveller site with the Government’s planning minister.
Dr Phillip Lee met Nick Boles with Wokingham borough councillor Simon Weeks about the inspector’s decision to allocate land on the south side of Lower Sandhurst Road.
Dr Lee and the councillor raised concerns about the allocation of land for residential caravans, despite Wokingham Borough Council’s Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment concluding there is already sufficient space for travellers to reside in the borough now and for the next five years.
read more...
Finchampstead’s MP has discussed a planning inspector’s decision to allocate land in the village for a Gypsy and Traveller site with the Government’s planning minister.
Dr Phillip Lee met Nick Boles with Wokingham borough councillor Simon Weeks about the inspector’s decision to allocate land on the south side of Lower Sandhurst Road.
Dr Lee and the councillor raised concerns about the allocation of land for residential caravans, despite Wokingham Borough Council’s Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment concluding there is already sufficient space for travellers to reside in the borough now and for the next five years.
read more...
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Launch of the Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association in Parliament
From the Romani Cultural & Arts Company
The Traveller Movement have teamed up with the Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association (GRTPA) to help organise their national launch in the Houses of Parliament. This important event taking place on 17th July 2014 will be hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gypsies Travellers and Roma and chaired by Andy Slaughter MP.
The GRTPA is the first organisation of its kind in the UK. Started in September 2013 by an English Romani Officer from Thames Valley Police, Jim Davies and a Czech Roma Officer from Cambridgeshire, Petr Torak. Since 2013 the association has grown quickly and now has over 50 members from the UK and several members from Europe.
read more...
The Traveller Movement have teamed up with the Gypsy Roma Traveller Police Association (GRTPA) to help organise their national launch in the Houses of Parliament. This important event taking place on 17th July 2014 will be hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Gypsies Travellers and Roma and chaired by Andy Slaughter MP.
The GRTPA is the first organisation of its kind in the UK. Started in September 2013 by an English Romani Officer from Thames Valley Police, Jim Davies and a Czech Roma Officer from Cambridgeshire, Petr Torak. Since 2013 the association has grown quickly and now has over 50 members from the UK and several members from Europe.
read more...
Call for law change to tackle illegal Travellers’ camps - Fife
From the Courier
Major changes in legislation are required to tackle illegal camps of Gypsy Travellers, a leading Fife Council official has stated.
Derek Muir, head of housing and neighbourhood services in the region, says legal changes are necessary to “empower” Fife Council to evict Gypsy Travellers from private ground.
His words form part of a report prepared for a meeting of the council’s executive committee, and follow a recent incident in Glenrothes where an illegal Travellers’ site was established in an industrial estate.
read more...
Major changes in legislation are required to tackle illegal camps of Gypsy Travellers, a leading Fife Council official has stated.
Derek Muir, head of housing and neighbourhood services in the region, says legal changes are necessary to “empower” Fife Council to evict Gypsy Travellers from private ground.
His words form part of a report prepared for a meeting of the council’s executive committee, and follow a recent incident in Glenrothes where an illegal Travellers’ site was established in an industrial estate.
read more...
Travellers still camped at Inverness park
From the Press and Journal
Highland Council is expected to start legal action this week to evict a group of Travellers from an Inverness beauty spot.
About 15 caravans have been pitched up at Bught Park and Ness Islands since Friday, when they were forced to leave their previous pitch elsewhere in the city.
It will be third time in two weeks the same group has faced court action.
Highland Council is expected to start legal action this week to evict a group of Travellers from an Inverness beauty spot.
About 15 caravans have been pitched up at Bught Park and Ness Islands since Friday, when they were forced to leave their previous pitch elsewhere in the city.
It will be third time in two weeks the same group has faced court action.
Travellers deny causing damage at Aberdeen football pitches - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
A ROW has broken out between football bosses and a group of Travellers over who is responsible for damage to a community pitch in Aberdeen.
Hall Russell United and Nicolls Amateurs said they believe the Travellers broke into their changing facilities after eight caravans pitched up near Denmore Park football pitches in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.
But the Travellers said people from the nearby housing estate are responsible.
read more...
A ROW has broken out between football bosses and a group of Travellers over who is responsible for damage to a community pitch in Aberdeen.
Hall Russell United and Nicolls Amateurs said they believe the Travellers broke into their changing facilities after eight caravans pitched up near Denmore Park football pitches in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen.
But the Travellers said people from the nearby housing estate are responsible.
read more...
Gypsy and Traveller Plan Site Options - Kent
From Sevenoaks District Council
Sevenoaks District Council is consulting on the first stage of its Gypsy and Traveller Plan, seeking views on potential site options across the District and asking landowners to suggest sites for additional pitches. Inclusion in the consultation document does not mean that sites will definitely be included in the final Plan.
Councils are required by Government to identify the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and prepare a Plan to show how these needs will be met. The Council needs to provide 72 pitches across the District to 2026.
read more...
Sevenoaks District Council is consulting on the first stage of its Gypsy and Traveller Plan, seeking views on potential site options across the District and asking landowners to suggest sites for additional pitches. Inclusion in the consultation document does not mean that sites will definitely be included in the final Plan.
Councils are required by Government to identify the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers and prepare a Plan to show how these needs will be met. The Council needs to provide 72 pitches across the District to 2026.
read more...
Police patrols after Travellers damage fields - Inverness
From the Inverness Courier
HIGH-VISIBILITY police patrols have been stepped up in a bid to protect an open area of land that was damaged by Travellers.
The fields behind St Valery Avenue and St Francis Gardens in Dalneigh have a children’s playpark and are frequented by dog-walkers, but last week travellers descended on it and left reams of rubbish behind.
read more...
HIGH-VISIBILITY police patrols have been stepped up in a bid to protect an open area of land that was damaged by Travellers.
The fields behind St Valery Avenue and St Francis Gardens in Dalneigh have a children’s playpark and are frequented by dog-walkers, but last week travellers descended on it and left reams of rubbish behind.
read more...
Dismay at rubbish left behind in Tewkesbury by Travellers - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucestershire Echo
There was little goodwill towards travellers in Tewkesbury, after they left behind rubbish and damaged public land.
Residents and holidaymakers today spoke of their disappointment that a group who had been camped illegally on The Vineyards had not shown it more respect.
read more... http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Dismay-rubbish-left-Tewkesbury-travellers/story-21147766-detail/story.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#pqVI8RsEdYppPTiU.99
There was little goodwill towards travellers in Tewkesbury, after they left behind rubbish and damaged public land.
Residents and holidaymakers today spoke of their disappointment that a group who had been camped illegally on The Vineyards had not shown it more respect.
read more... http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Dismay-rubbish-left-Tewkesbury-travellers/story-21147766-detail/story.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#pqVI8RsEdYppPTiU.99
Travellers set up camp on Laceby playing fields - Lincolnshire
From the Grimsby Telegraph
Travellers have set up camp on the Butt Lane playing fields in Laceby.
They arrived on the council-owned site on Monday evening.
There are 12 caravans as well as a number of other vehicles.
A nearby resident said: "They don't normally cause too much of a fuss, so I'm not too worried. They are out of the way as well so it should be fine.
read more...
Travellers have set up camp on the Butt Lane playing fields in Laceby.
They arrived on the council-owned site on Monday evening.
There are 12 caravans as well as a number of other vehicles.
A nearby resident said: "They don't normally cause too much of a fuss, so I'm not too worried. They are out of the way as well so it should be fine.
read more...
Travellers set up illegal camp Tonbridge industrial estate - Kent
From the Kent and Sussex Courier
TRAVELLERS have illegally moved around 30 caravans into an industrial estate in Tonbridge.
The Travellers, who are believed to have broken into the Morley Road site last week, have upset some residents by reportedly throwing stones at their cars.
The site, which is approximately six and a half acres, is being let by Savills estate agents and consists of a two storey office block, concrete yard and parking area as well as storage buildings.
read more...
TRAVELLERS have illegally moved around 30 caravans into an industrial estate in Tonbridge.
The Travellers, who are believed to have broken into the Morley Road site last week, have upset some residents by reportedly throwing stones at their cars.
The site, which is approximately six and a half acres, is being let by Savills estate agents and consists of a two storey office block, concrete yard and parking area as well as storage buildings.
read more...
Monday, 26 May 2014
Traveller, prisoner, writer
From the Irish Times
In prison, escape means different things to different people. Some find it in cigarettes, some in drugs. For other inmates the television in their cell is the only lifeline.
John Connors, a 42-year-old Dublin-born Traveller now incarcerated in Wormwood Scrubs Prison, in Hammersmith in west London, escapes through books. Unshaven and wearing gym trousers and top, he sits on a low bench in a cavernous room off a narrow landing. Connors speaks softly, intelligently and with more than a degree of charm.
read more...
In prison, escape means different things to different people. Some find it in cigarettes, some in drugs. For other inmates the television in their cell is the only lifeline.
John Connors, a 42-year-old Dublin-born Traveller now incarcerated in Wormwood Scrubs Prison, in Hammersmith in west London, escapes through books. Unshaven and wearing gym trousers and top, he sits on a low bench in a cavernous room off a narrow landing. Connors speaks softly, intelligently and with more than a degree of charm.
read more...
Scottish Open venue begins legal action against Travellers - Aberdeenshire
From STV
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, which will host this year's Scottish Open, is taking legal action after a group of Travellers set up camp in their car park.
The prestigious course, which will play host to the likes of Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, has become the latest place to be forced to take legal action.
read more...
see also: The Telegraph - Travellers pitch up at top golf course ahead of tournament
The Daily Mail - Is there anything in the rules about caravans? Gypsies invade historic golf course ahead of Scottish Open which will feature top players including Rory McIlroy
Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, which will host this year's Scottish Open, is taking legal action after a group of Travellers set up camp in their car park.
The prestigious course, which will play host to the likes of Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, has become the latest place to be forced to take legal action.
read more...
see also: The Telegraph - Travellers pitch up at top golf course ahead of tournament
The Daily Mail - Is there anything in the rules about caravans? Gypsies invade historic golf course ahead of Scottish Open which will feature top players including Rory McIlroy
Sunday, 25 May 2014
Travellers set up camp at Scottish Open venue in Aberdeen - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
TRAVELLERS have set-up camp at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
A group of five caravans have pitched up at an overflow car park at the club.
No one from the club was available to comment, however, the encampment comes as Royal Aberdeen is preparing to host the Scottish Open.
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TRAVELLERS have set-up camp at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
A group of five caravans have pitched up at an overflow car park at the club.
No one from the club was available to comment, however, the encampment comes as Royal Aberdeen is preparing to host the Scottish Open.
read more...
Travellers camped in Great Yarmouth leave after court summons - Suffolk
From EADP 24
The group had previously ignored a legal notice to leave by 6pm yesterday.
A spokesman for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “The Travellers who moved onto Beaconsfield Recreation Ground, off Sandown Road, on Sunday evening have now left the site after the borough council issued them with a court summons.
“The borough council, which owns the land, served them on Monday with a letter asking them to leave. Following a multi-agency meeting, they were served the same day with a legal notice, ordering them to vacate the site by 6pm yesterday.
see also...
The group had previously ignored a legal notice to leave by 6pm yesterday.
A spokesman for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “The Travellers who moved onto Beaconsfield Recreation Ground, off Sandown Road, on Sunday evening have now left the site after the borough council issued them with a court summons.
“The borough council, which owns the land, served them on Monday with a letter asking them to leave. Following a multi-agency meeting, they were served the same day with a legal notice, ordering them to vacate the site by 6pm yesterday.
see also...
Late objections delay appeal on Travellers site - Cambridgeshire
From the Peterborough Telegraph
A late flurry of letters of objection has delayed a planning hearing to determine the future of a Travellers site in a village near Peterborough.
The camp, complete with fences and gates, was set up at Nine Bridges, Mile Drove in Glinton without planning permission.
It prompted planning chiefs at Peterborough City Council to serve an enforcement notice against the development last October.
The action triggered an official appeal from the Travellers and a hearing, chaired by a representative of the government’s Planning Inspectorate, was set to take place on Tuesday.
read more...
A late flurry of letters of objection has delayed a planning hearing to determine the future of a Travellers site in a village near Peterborough.
The camp, complete with fences and gates, was set up at Nine Bridges, Mile Drove in Glinton without planning permission.
It prompted planning chiefs at Peterborough City Council to serve an enforcement notice against the development last October.
The action triggered an official appeal from the Travellers and a hearing, chaired by a representative of the government’s Planning Inspectorate, was set to take place on Tuesday.
read more...
Bromham Gypsy site could be back on the cards - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
A CONTROVERSIAL Gypsy and Traveller site which was refused last year by a planning committee is to now go before a public inquiry.
In May last year Bedford Borough Council refused planning permission for a five pitch Gypsy and Traveller site at Bromham Nurseries for a number of reasons including its ‘unsustainable location’, and the fact the applicant had failed to supply information on potential noise and land contamination.
This month however, the applicant, Mrs R Jolley, has now appealed against the authority’s decision and as a result it will have to go before a planning inspector at Bedford Borough Hall on September 16.
The application is for five pitches, including five mobile homes and touring caravans as well as five utility blocks and associated amenities.
read more...
A CONTROVERSIAL Gypsy and Traveller site which was refused last year by a planning committee is to now go before a public inquiry.
In May last year Bedford Borough Council refused planning permission for a five pitch Gypsy and Traveller site at Bromham Nurseries for a number of reasons including its ‘unsustainable location’, and the fact the applicant had failed to supply information on potential noise and land contamination.
This month however, the applicant, Mrs R Jolley, has now appealed against the authority’s decision and as a result it will have to go before a planning inspector at Bedford Borough Hall on September 16.
The application is for five pitches, including five mobile homes and touring caravans as well as five utility blocks and associated amenities.
read more...
Semington Gypsy campsite appeal - Wiltshire
From the Wiltshire Times
An extension to a Semington Gypsy camp could still go ahead, following the launch of an appeal.
County planners rejected the proposal to extend the site off the A361, on the Seend side of the A350 roundabout, from three residential units to five on March 20, and the applicant has now confirmed they will appeal. An independent planning inspector will now make the final decision.
read more...
An extension to a Semington Gypsy camp could still go ahead, following the launch of an appeal.
County planners rejected the proposal to extend the site off the A361, on the Seend side of the A350 roundabout, from three residential units to five on March 20, and the applicant has now confirmed they will appeal. An independent planning inspector will now make the final decision.
read more...
Two new Traveller sites for Inverness
From the Inverness Courier
Two temporary Travellers’ sites are being planned in Inverness to help tackle the problem of unauthorised encampments.
The stop sites, proposed for land on the former Longman landfill site and Torvean Quarry, were revealed by the council as it evicted Travellers from a playing field at Dalneigh.
read more...
Two temporary Travellers’ sites are being planned in Inverness to help tackle the problem of unauthorised encampments.
The stop sites, proposed for land on the former Longman landfill site and Torvean Quarry, were revealed by the council as it evicted Travellers from a playing field at Dalneigh.
read more...
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Travellers camp in Leverhulme Park before leaving Bolton - Lancashire
From This Is Lancashire
TRAVELLERS who have been spotted at various locations in Bolton this week briefly moved to Leverhulme Park — before promptly leaving the borough.
A group of caravans and other vehicles were first spotted in Moss Bank Park on Tuesday where they were given notice by both the council and the police to leave the area.
On Friday the group appeared in the car park of the former Homebase store in Manchester Road and Bolton Council, aware that they were on public land, said they would again be speaking to the group.
read more...
TRAVELLERS who have been spotted at various locations in Bolton this week briefly moved to Leverhulme Park — before promptly leaving the borough.
A group of caravans and other vehicles were first spotted in Moss Bank Park on Tuesday where they were given notice by both the council and the police to leave the area.
On Friday the group appeared in the car park of the former Homebase store in Manchester Road and Bolton Council, aware that they were on public land, said they would again be speaking to the group.
read more...
Traveller sites for Appleby horse fair goers - County Durham
From the BBC
Temporary stop-over sites for Travellers heading to next month's Appleby Horse Fair have opened in parts of County Durham.
The county council said the designated sites for visitors to the Cumbria event would be open until 20 June.
A spokesman said having sites would cut down on possible litter problems and they would be regularly inspected.
There are fives sites including the Wackerfield lay-by and grassed areas at Winston corner and Bowes corner.
read more....
Temporary stop-over sites for Travellers heading to next month's Appleby Horse Fair have opened in parts of County Durham.
The county council said the designated sites for visitors to the Cumbria event would be open until 20 June.
A spokesman said having sites would cut down on possible litter problems and they would be regularly inspected.
There are fives sites including the Wackerfield lay-by and grassed areas at Winston corner and Bowes corner.
read more....
Action taken to move Travellers - Worcestershire
From the Redditch Standard
LEGAL action has begun to remove Travellers from a borough playing field.
About ten caravans have parked up on a field near Watery Lane and Hoveton Close in Greenlands.
Police and officers from Redditch Borough Council visited the site on Wednesday (May 21) and are currently monitoring the situation.
One resident said there were more than a dozen caravans and cars.
“The caravans are parked so close to the rear of some properties that it is impeding residents’ access and preventing public use of the playing field,” he said.
“Our children can only play on this playing field as there is a road at the front and a main road at the top of Watery Lane.”
read more...
LEGAL action has begun to remove Travellers from a borough playing field.
About ten caravans have parked up on a field near Watery Lane and Hoveton Close in Greenlands.
Police and officers from Redditch Borough Council visited the site on Wednesday (May 21) and are currently monitoring the situation.
One resident said there were more than a dozen caravans and cars.
“The caravans are parked so close to the rear of some properties that it is impeding residents’ access and preventing public use of the playing field,” he said.
“Our children can only play on this playing field as there is a road at the front and a main road at the top of Watery Lane.”
read more...
Traveller site plan is ‘too little too late’ - Lancashire
From the Lancashire Evening Post
A council which is under pressure to consider providing sites for Gypsies and Travellers in the borough has been accused of doing ‘far too little too late’.
A Government planning inspector has raised concerns about South Ribble Council’s reluctance to earmark provision for travelling communities in its housing plans for the future, saying its evidence is outdated.
Inspector Susan Heywood has requested that the council carries out more work with Preston and Chorley councils on a joint Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment.
read more...
A council which is under pressure to consider providing sites for Gypsies and Travellers in the borough has been accused of doing ‘far too little too late’.
A Government planning inspector has raised concerns about South Ribble Council’s reluctance to earmark provision for travelling communities in its housing plans for the future, saying its evidence is outdated.
Inspector Susan Heywood has requested that the council carries out more work with Preston and Chorley councils on a joint Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment.
read more...
Residents in uproar at plans for new Swanley Gypsy sites - Kent
From the News Shopper
Residents are in uproar at plans to put dozens of new Gypsy sites in Swanley and the surrounding area in the next few years.
Sevenoaks District Council is looking at the town, along with Hextable, Crockenhill and West Kingsdown, to help meet a target of 72 additional pitches.
The council says it called in independent experts from Salford University in Manchester to carry out the research and come up with the figure.
It claims it is required by law to find the extra space in the area by 2026, along with Ash, Edenbridge, Farningham, Halstead and Shoreham.
read more...
Residents are in uproar at plans to put dozens of new Gypsy sites in Swanley and the surrounding area in the next few years.
Sevenoaks District Council is looking at the town, along with Hextable, Crockenhill and West Kingsdown, to help meet a target of 72 additional pitches.
The council says it called in independent experts from Salford University in Manchester to carry out the research and come up with the figure.
It claims it is required by law to find the extra space in the area by 2026, along with Ash, Edenbridge, Farningham, Halstead and Shoreham.
read more...
Gypsy workshop to change views - Nottinghamshire
From the Nottingham Post
AWARD-WINNING Romany author Richard O'Neill will bring Gypsy history to life at a workshop in West Bridgford.
Mr O'Neill, who was born in a caravan, will be exploring the history of Gypsies and Travellers, their language and their connection to major events in British history.
The event, which will run from 1pm until 3pm on June 25 in the Civic Suite at County Hall, is part of Gypsy Romany Traveller History Month and will aim to challenge people's perceptions of the Gypsy community.
For details call Lorinda Liversidge on 01623 664 804.
read more...
AWARD-WINNING Romany author Richard O'Neill will bring Gypsy history to life at a workshop in West Bridgford.
Mr O'Neill, who was born in a caravan, will be exploring the history of Gypsies and Travellers, their language and their connection to major events in British history.
The event, which will run from 1pm until 3pm on June 25 in the Civic Suite at County Hall, is part of Gypsy Romany Traveller History Month and will aim to challenge people's perceptions of the Gypsy community.
For details call Lorinda Liversidge on 01623 664 804.
read more...
Friday, 23 May 2014
Man who went on the run after shooting two former neighbours at a Traveller's site is jailed for 16 years - Essex
From the Harlow Star
A MAN who shot two of his former neighbours at a Traveller’s site in west Essex has been jailed for more than 16 years.
Francis O’Donaghue was arrested in north London following a six-week manhunt during which he was named by police as East Anglia’s most wanted man.
Two men were injured during the dispute at Navestock -a village about eight miles from Epping - on August 27 last year.
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A MAN who shot two of his former neighbours at a Traveller’s site in west Essex has been jailed for more than 16 years.
Francis O’Donaghue was arrested in north London following a six-week manhunt during which he was named by police as East Anglia’s most wanted man.
Two men were injured during the dispute at Navestock -a village about eight miles from Epping - on August 27 last year.
read more...
Anti-Racism watchdog welcomes Sinn Féin resignation - Ireland
From enarireland.org
ENAR Ireland has welcomed the decisive action taken by Sinn Féin arising from anti-Traveller comments made by Cathal O Reilly. While Mr O Reilly himself stated in his resignation letter that he no longer holds the view posted to his Facebook page in 2011, it is the responsibility of political organisations in Ireland to ensure and enforce a zero tolerance approach to racism from their membership.
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ENAR Ireland has welcomed the decisive action taken by Sinn Féin arising from anti-Traveller comments made by Cathal O Reilly. While Mr O Reilly himself stated in his resignation letter that he no longer holds the view posted to his Facebook page in 2011, it is the responsibility of political organisations in Ireland to ensure and enforce a zero tolerance approach to racism from their membership.
read more...
Travellers move to Homebase car park in Manchester Road - Lancashire
From the Bolton News
The Travellers who set up camp in Moss Bank Park earlier this week have now moved to the Homebase car park in Manchester Road.
The Travellers had been given notice to leave the park and were threatened with arrest if they did not.
read more...
The Travellers who set up camp in Moss Bank Park earlier this week have now moved to the Homebase car park in Manchester Road.
The Travellers had been given notice to leave the park and were threatened with arrest if they did not.
read more...
Morley Travellers Site Application – honest discussion please! - Yorkshire
From LeedsGATE
The recent response from some politicians and local residents to the recent Gypsy and Traveller site application in Morley is disappointing on many levels. An inability to treat people fairly, a failure to analyse the facts properly and a lack of perspective count amongst the most disappointing features. The other concern, worth considering in more detail, regards the tone and language of this recent debate. This tells us something deeper and more troubling about making progress on identifying prospective new Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Clearly some openly discriminatory comments and views have been expressed by many, both about this application and in broader discussions about future sites in Leeds. Whilst troubling, such blatantly racist views are at least in some sense straightforward to challenge and will hopefully be dismissed by most right minded people. What is perhaps more difficult and certainly a feature of recent debate is the prevalence of coded language and phrases. These often mask more unpleasant views but are harder to identify and allow anti Gypsy and Traveller positions to become normalised.
read more...
The recent response from some politicians and local residents to the recent Gypsy and Traveller site application in Morley is disappointing on many levels. An inability to treat people fairly, a failure to analyse the facts properly and a lack of perspective count amongst the most disappointing features. The other concern, worth considering in more detail, regards the tone and language of this recent debate. This tells us something deeper and more troubling about making progress on identifying prospective new Gypsy and Traveller sites.
Clearly some openly discriminatory comments and views have been expressed by many, both about this application and in broader discussions about future sites in Leeds. Whilst troubling, such blatantly racist views are at least in some sense straightforward to challenge and will hopefully be dismissed by most right minded people. What is perhaps more difficult and certainly a feature of recent debate is the prevalence of coded language and phrases. These often mask more unpleasant views but are harder to identify and allow anti Gypsy and Traveller positions to become normalised.
read more...
Travellers remain in Brighton’s Stanmer Park – ten days after council secure eviction notice - Sussex
From thelatest.co.uk
Brighton council leaders have still not evicted an unauthorised encampment from a popular park – despite obtaining a possession order ten days ago.Stanmer House
Residents have said a group of of about 20 Travellers moved into Stanmer Park more than a fortnight ago. This is in addition to a group of van dwellers in the park’s church car park.
Despite Brighton and Hove City Council obtaining a legal notice to evict both groups last Tuesday (May 13), they remain on the public land.
read more...
Brighton council leaders have still not evicted an unauthorised encampment from a popular park – despite obtaining a possession order ten days ago.Stanmer House
Residents have said a group of of about 20 Travellers moved into Stanmer Park more than a fortnight ago. This is in addition to a group of van dwellers in the park’s church car park.
Despite Brighton and Hove City Council obtaining a legal notice to evict both groups last Tuesday (May 13), they remain on the public land.
read more...
Neighbours 'shocked' and scared' after eight caravans show up in William Hunter Way - Essex
From the Brentwood Gazette
EIGHT caravans of French Travellers arrived in Brentwood's William Hunter Way car park over the weekend in a bid to stay the week.
Concerned residents living in Western Road phoned the police and council after realising the unwelcome visitors had set up camp.
The Travellers informed police on Sunday they were going to stay for a week but left the borough just hours later.
read more...
EIGHT caravans of French Travellers arrived in Brentwood's William Hunter Way car park over the weekend in a bid to stay the week.
Concerned residents living in Western Road phoned the police and council after realising the unwelcome visitors had set up camp.
The Travellers informed police on Sunday they were going to stay for a week but left the borough just hours later.
read more...
FF councillor defends last-minute leaflet about Travellers - Ireland
From the Irish Times
A Fianna Fáil councillor has defended a last-minute leaflet drop reminding constituents he voted against Traveller accommodation plans, and saying he would continue to oppose them if re-elected.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown councillor Gerry Horkan said some candidates from “other parties say they are going to do the divil and all to stop it when half their party voted for the plan”.
While some constituents received the letter just yesterday, Mr Horkan said he had distributed it over the past few days.
“It is an issue,” Mr Horkan said. “People are saying to me: ‘I heard you voted for it’ but I didn’t.”
His leaflet reads: “Just a short note overleaf to brief you on an issue that has regularly come up on the doors over the last few months and to also ask you for your number one vote or highest possible next preference.
“If re-elected I will continue to oppose this fundamentally flawed programme.”
read more...
A Fianna Fáil councillor has defended a last-minute leaflet drop reminding constituents he voted against Traveller accommodation plans, and saying he would continue to oppose them if re-elected.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown councillor Gerry Horkan said some candidates from “other parties say they are going to do the divil and all to stop it when half their party voted for the plan”.
While some constituents received the letter just yesterday, Mr Horkan said he had distributed it over the past few days.
“It is an issue,” Mr Horkan said. “People are saying to me: ‘I heard you voted for it’ but I didn’t.”
His leaflet reads: “Just a short note overleaf to brief you on an issue that has regularly come up on the doors over the last few months and to also ask you for your number one vote or highest possible next preference.
“If re-elected I will continue to oppose this fundamentally flawed programme.”
read more...
Anger as Travellers set up camp in park - Sussex
From the Argus
Residents claim a gate was left open allowing scores of Travellers to set up camp on Preston Park in Brighton.
About 30 vans and caravans arrived at the park on Wednesday evening.
John Brown, who lives close to the park, said an entrance was left open by the council after the circus left the site on Sunday evening making so the park easy for Travellers to enter.
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Residents claim a gate was left open allowing scores of Travellers to set up camp on Preston Park in Brighton.
About 30 vans and caravans arrived at the park on Wednesday evening.
John Brown, who lives close to the park, said an entrance was left open by the council after the circus left the site on Sunday evening making so the park easy for Travellers to enter.
read more...
Blackburn Travellers’ site growth bid brings protests - Lancashire
From Get Lancashire
A NEW row has broken out over the growth of a controversial Travellers’ caravan site in Blackburn.
Jimmy Evans and his son-in-law, John Price, have applied for permission to make alterations to the development on a former coal merchants’ site at the rear of Vincent Street in Ewood.
Two nearby residents have objected to the plans and ward councillor Maureen Bateson expressed concern.
read more...
A NEW row has broken out over the growth of a controversial Travellers’ caravan site in Blackburn.
Jimmy Evans and his son-in-law, John Price, have applied for permission to make alterations to the development on a former coal merchants’ site at the rear of Vincent Street in Ewood.
Two nearby residents have objected to the plans and ward councillor Maureen Bateson expressed concern.
read more...
Travellers turn up at Poole's Dolphin Leisure Centre car park - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
SOME of the Travellers evicted from Hamworthy Park overnight have moved onto a car park close to Poole Park.
Six caravans and one motor home are currently parked up at the end of the 344-space Dolphin Swimming Pool car park, off Kingland Road, which usually offers a maximum four hours stay.
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SOME of the Travellers evicted from Hamworthy Park overnight have moved onto a car park close to Poole Park.
Six caravans and one motor home are currently parked up at the end of the 344-space Dolphin Swimming Pool car park, off Kingland Road, which usually offers a maximum four hours stay.
read more...
Morland planning application means Glastonbury Travellers 'can't stay there' - Somerset
From Central Somerset Gazette
THE owner of the land who issued an eviction notice to a New Traveller site which has been ignored has said an imminent planning application will move them on.
Tony Ruddle, who has owned the land for more than 18 months, has been trying to move the caravan dwellers from the new site for around four months ago but they are refusing to leave.
Mr Ruddle, the managing director at Avalon Motor Company, said: “I have been to see them but I have to say they are very intimidating and abusive. I am very uncomfortable with going there.”
read more...
THE owner of the land who issued an eviction notice to a New Traveller site which has been ignored has said an imminent planning application will move them on.
Tony Ruddle, who has owned the land for more than 18 months, has been trying to move the caravan dwellers from the new site for around four months ago but they are refusing to leave.
Mr Ruddle, the managing director at Avalon Motor Company, said: “I have been to see them but I have to say they are very intimidating and abusive. I am very uncomfortable with going there.”
read more...
Travellers could face arrest if they do not leave Moss Bank Park - Lancashire
From the Bolton News
TRAVELLERS could face arrest if they fail to leave Moss Bank Park.
Police served the group another 24-hour notice after they failed to vacate the beauty spot yesterday.
More than seven caravans and other vehicles set up camp on the park on Tuesday.
Bolton Council served the first 24-hour notice on Tuesday and the police followed suit at 11am yesterday.
A police spokesman said: “A notice has been served and they have been requested to leave by 11am.
read more...
TRAVELLERS could face arrest if they fail to leave Moss Bank Park.
Police served the group another 24-hour notice after they failed to vacate the beauty spot yesterday.
More than seven caravans and other vehicles set up camp on the park on Tuesday.
Bolton Council served the first 24-hour notice on Tuesday and the police followed suit at 11am yesterday.
A police spokesman said: “A notice has been served and they have been requested to leave by 11am.
read more...
Thursday, 22 May 2014
Travellers leave Wolverhampton car park after legal threat - West Midlands
Fro the Express and Star
Around 15 caravans parked up at the car park on Showell Road, opposite the new KFC in Bushbury, on Thursday.
Officers from Wolverhampton City Council’s public protection unit visited the site on Monday together with police.
They gave the Travellers 24 hours to leave, which they did yesterday.
Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: "The group of Travellers have this afternoon left the site, as agreed with the council’s public protection unit and West Midlands Police.
"They have bagged up their rubbish in refuse bags ready for collection and there appears to be no damage to the site.
"We have not received any complaints about the group, either from local businesses or residents, during their whole stay."
read more...
Around 15 caravans parked up at the car park on Showell Road, opposite the new KFC in Bushbury, on Thursday.
Officers from Wolverhampton City Council’s public protection unit visited the site on Monday together with police.
They gave the Travellers 24 hours to leave, which they did yesterday.
Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: "The group of Travellers have this afternoon left the site, as agreed with the council’s public protection unit and West Midlands Police.
"They have bagged up their rubbish in refuse bags ready for collection and there appears to be no damage to the site.
"We have not received any complaints about the group, either from local businesses or residents, during their whole stay."
read more...
Temporary Traveller sites to open across Teesdale in run-up to Appleby Horse Fair - County Durham
From the Northern Echo
TEMPORARY stop-over areas for Travellers heading to next month’s Appleby Horse Fair are to be provided in parts of Teesdale.
County officials say the areas have been successfully used for a number of years, are well situated and are located on traditionally travelling routes to Appleby.
The temporary stop over sites are at Wackerfield Layby; the Broomielaw Picnic area on the A688 between Staindrop and Stainton Grove; Shawbank Field on the A688 between Stainton Grove and Barnard Castle and also on grassed areas at Winston corner and Bowes corner.
They will be open from tomorrow (Friday, May 23) until Friday, June 20.
Temporary signposts have been put in place to direct Gypsies and Travellers to these areas and also advise local residents and road users.
read more...
TEMPORARY stop-over areas for Travellers heading to next month’s Appleby Horse Fair are to be provided in parts of Teesdale.
County officials say the areas have been successfully used for a number of years, are well situated and are located on traditionally travelling routes to Appleby.
The temporary stop over sites are at Wackerfield Layby; the Broomielaw Picnic area on the A688 between Staindrop and Stainton Grove; Shawbank Field on the A688 between Stainton Grove and Barnard Castle and also on grassed areas at Winston corner and Bowes corner.
They will be open from tomorrow (Friday, May 23) until Friday, June 20.
Temporary signposts have been put in place to direct Gypsies and Travellers to these areas and also advise local residents and road users.
read more...
Anger at Travellers in Kirkcaldy park - Fife
From Fife Today
Dog walkers, parents and footballers in Kirkcaldy have expressed their anger and disgust at Travellers choosing to park next to playing fields at Ravenscraig Park.
A game arranged between two amateur football clubs for Saturday is also believed to have been cancelled because one of the seven vans which moved into the park on Wednesday night is parked right behind one of the goals.
The Press was contacted by angry residents on Thursday morning saying that there were a number of vans within the park.
read more...
Dog walkers, parents and footballers in Kirkcaldy have expressed their anger and disgust at Travellers choosing to park next to playing fields at Ravenscraig Park.
A game arranged between two amateur football clubs for Saturday is also believed to have been cancelled because one of the seven vans which moved into the park on Wednesday night is parked right behind one of the goals.
The Press was contacted by angry residents on Thursday morning saying that there were a number of vans within the park.
read more...
Press Release: Sinn Fein Resignation - Ireland
From Pavee Point
Sinn Fein Resignation for anti Traveller comment is ‘Action instead of an empty promise’
Pavee Point today welcomes the resignation of Clare County Council election candidate Cathal O Reilly from the Sinn Fein party following his admission that he had made anti-Traveller remarks on Facebook in 2011.
As far as we are aware, this is the first time that an election candidate has stepped down following racist and hate speech. In the past number of months, several candidates for election from the Fine Gael party have also expressed hate speech and racism against the Traveller community. No action has been taken by Fine Gael despite a widespread social media campaign and complaints to the party. We commend the Sinn Fein party for their fast and effective response to racism.
The European Network Against Racism Ireland have campaigned tirelessly to take racism out of politics in Ireland with their electoral protocol. Sinn Fein, having signed the protocol, followed up on their promise with action instead of an empty promise.
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Sinn Fein Resignation for anti Traveller comment is ‘Action instead of an empty promise’
Pavee Point today welcomes the resignation of Clare County Council election candidate Cathal O Reilly from the Sinn Fein party following his admission that he had made anti-Traveller remarks on Facebook in 2011.
As far as we are aware, this is the first time that an election candidate has stepped down following racist and hate speech. In the past number of months, several candidates for election from the Fine Gael party have also expressed hate speech and racism against the Traveller community. No action has been taken by Fine Gael despite a widespread social media campaign and complaints to the party. We commend the Sinn Fein party for their fast and effective response to racism.
The European Network Against Racism Ireland have campaigned tirelessly to take racism out of politics in Ireland with their electoral protocol. Sinn Fein, having signed the protocol, followed up on their promise with action instead of an empty promise.
read more...
Hundreds expected to attend prominent Gypsy’s funeral
From the Bucks Herald
Hundreds of people are expected at the funeral of a prominent Vale Gypsy on Friday.
A service in memory of David Keet will take place at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Dinton on Friday.
The congregation will procede on foot from Mr Keet’s home in New Road, Dinton to the church before the service.
A horse-drawn carriage will also accompany the funeral party as they drive to Aylesbury’ Tring Road Cemetery for the burial.
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Hundreds of people are expected at the funeral of a prominent Vale Gypsy on Friday.
A service in memory of David Keet will take place at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Dinton on Friday.
The congregation will procede on foot from Mr Keet’s home in New Road, Dinton to the church before the service.
A horse-drawn carriage will also accompany the funeral party as they drive to Aylesbury’ Tring Road Cemetery for the burial.
read more...
Teenager bitten by dog believed to be from Walsall Travellers site - West Midlands
From the Express and Star
The 15-year-old schoolboy was taken to hospital and treated for a leg wound after the attack near the site off the main Goscote Lane.
Caravans settled on the former Goscote estate more than a week ago and an order has been issued for them to move on by today.
Police were called just before 7.40am yesterday following reports of a teenager being bitten. He was discharged from hospital later in the day with what has been described as a ‘minor leg wound’.
Landowners Walsall Housing Group have served the notice on travellers who have been accused of playing a ‘cat and mouse’ game by a ward councillor.
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The 15-year-old schoolboy was taken to hospital and treated for a leg wound after the attack near the site off the main Goscote Lane.
Caravans settled on the former Goscote estate more than a week ago and an order has been issued for them to move on by today.
Police were called just before 7.40am yesterday following reports of a teenager being bitten. He was discharged from hospital later in the day with what has been described as a ‘minor leg wound’.
Landowners Walsall Housing Group have served the notice on travellers who have been accused of playing a ‘cat and mouse’ game by a ward councillor.
read more...
Travellers leave Queens Hills estate in Costessey after being served notice to leave - Norfolk
From EADP
A convoy of caravans, trucks and vans moved onto land off Sir Alfred Munnings Road, by the Queens Hills estate, earlier this week.
There were around a dozen people in the group and they insisted they would leave the site spotless, but their arrival sparked complaints from residents who said they felt intimidated.
The group has now moved on, leaving a pile of rubbish including empty drink cans and disposable barbecues.
A convoy of caravans, trucks and vans moved onto land off Sir Alfred Munnings Road, by the Queens Hills estate, earlier this week.
There were around a dozen people in the group and they insisted they would leave the site spotless, but their arrival sparked complaints from residents who said they felt intimidated.
The group has now moved on, leaving a pile of rubbish including empty drink cans and disposable barbecues.
Traveller Site in Ampfield to Go Before Planning Committee - Hampshire
From romseyandvillages.co.uk
The Southern Area Planning Committee of Test Valley Borough Council will meet on Tuesday 3rd June and will discuss the proposed Travellers site in Ampfield.
The pitch which is proposed to be located on a paddock opposite the Potters Heron Hotel will be assessed according to 'valid material planning considerations' and will be an opportunity for supporters and objectors to have their views heard by a selection of borough councillors from across Test Valley.
The meeting will be at Crossfield Hall in Romsey and are usually held at 5:30pm. The meeting is open to the public.
read more...
The Southern Area Planning Committee of Test Valley Borough Council will meet on Tuesday 3rd June and will discuss the proposed Travellers site in Ampfield.
The pitch which is proposed to be located on a paddock opposite the Potters Heron Hotel will be assessed according to 'valid material planning considerations' and will be an opportunity for supporters and objectors to have their views heard by a selection of borough councillors from across Test Valley.
The meeting will be at Crossfield Hall in Romsey and are usually held at 5:30pm. The meeting is open to the public.
read more...
Council prepares to evict Travellers from Tewkesbury site - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucestershire Echo
Tewkesbury Borough Council is preparing to evict Travellers who have refused to leave its land.
A group set up camp, with 20 vehicles, on The Vineyards in Tewkesbury on Monday night.
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Tewkesbury Borough Council is preparing to evict Travellers who have refused to leave its land.
A group set up camp, with 20 vehicles, on The Vineyards in Tewkesbury on Monday night.
read more...
Toilets for travellers living under the M5 - Bristol
From the Daily Mail
A group of Travellers have won the right to stay on land under a motorway flyover - with new toilets installed at taxpayers’ expense.
Council officials had tried to evict the Travellers, but were beaten by a court injunction.
The O’Brien family pitched up on the site near the M5 six weeks ago after they were apparently turfed off a nearby council-run site when their tenancy ended.
Bristol City Council applied for an eviction order but the Travellers - who say they have nowhere to go - had already got an injunction blocking the order.
Last week the council’s High Court bid to get the injunction removed was dismissed.
Now bosses have been forced to install portaloos at the site in Shirehampton, Bristol, after locals threatened to collect excrement in the area and take it to local politicians’ homes.
The call for loos at the site under the M5 motorway came from Steve Norman, an independent council candidate from nearby Avonmouth.
His request, prompted by residents’ complaints about human waste, was initially refused by Nick Hooper, the council director responsible for Gypsies and Travellers.
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A group of Travellers have won the right to stay on land under a motorway flyover - with new toilets installed at taxpayers’ expense.
Council officials had tried to evict the Travellers, but were beaten by a court injunction.
The O’Brien family pitched up on the site near the M5 six weeks ago after they were apparently turfed off a nearby council-run site when their tenancy ended.
Bristol City Council applied for an eviction order but the Travellers - who say they have nowhere to go - had already got an injunction blocking the order.
Last week the council’s High Court bid to get the injunction removed was dismissed.
Now bosses have been forced to install portaloos at the site in Shirehampton, Bristol, after locals threatened to collect excrement in the area and take it to local politicians’ homes.
The call for loos at the site under the M5 motorway came from Steve Norman, an independent council candidate from nearby Avonmouth.
His request, prompted by residents’ complaints about human waste, was initially refused by Nick Hooper, the council director responsible for Gypsies and Travellers.
read more...
Sinn Féin candidate resigns over anti-Traveller comments on Facebook - Ireland
From the independent.ie
A SINN FÉIN election candidate has resigned from the party after admitting that he made anti-Traveller comments on Facebook three years ago.
Cathal O’Reilly was running in the Ennis area for a seat on Clare County Council.
The comment from 19 October 2011 related to the Dale Farm Traveller evictions in England.
O’Reilly said, “In the last two days, anti-Traveller comments have been attributed to me. I did make those comments. It was three years ago and I am deeply ashamed of them now.
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A SINN FÉIN election candidate has resigned from the party after admitting that he made anti-Traveller comments on Facebook three years ago.
Cathal O’Reilly was running in the Ennis area for a seat on Clare County Council.
The comment from 19 October 2011 related to the Dale Farm Traveller evictions in England.
O’Reilly said, “In the last two days, anti-Traveller comments have been attributed to me. I did make those comments. It was three years ago and I am deeply ashamed of them now.
read more...
Cumbria County Council urge traders at Travellers event not to sell fake goods
From the North West Evening Mail
Appleby Horse Fair is fast approaching and Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards team are urging market traders attending the Fair to sell ethically and are warning them against selling counterfeit goods.
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Appleby Horse Fair is fast approaching and Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards team are urging market traders attending the Fair to sell ethically and are warning them against selling counterfeit goods.
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Travellers set up camp in Moss Bank Park - Lancashire
From the Bolton News
TRAVELLERS have set up camp on Moss Bank Park.
Seven caravans arrived at the park at about 4pm on Tuesday and were immediately served a notice to leave within 24 hours.
More arrivals were reported to the police at about 3.30am yesterday.
The park has become a regular target for Travellers during the summer months.
Residents have been warned not to offer any work to door-to-door traders who could be staying at the site.
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TRAVELLERS have set up camp on Moss Bank Park.
Seven caravans arrived at the park at about 4pm on Tuesday and were immediately served a notice to leave within 24 hours.
More arrivals were reported to the police at about 3.30am yesterday.
The park has become a regular target for Travellers during the summer months.
Residents have been warned not to offer any work to door-to-door traders who could be staying at the site.
read more...
Councillor under cosh over his actions on Spalding Travellers’ site application - Lincolnshire
From the Spalding Voice
Cowbit Parish Council has vowed to investigate the process which culminated in a new tTravellers’ site in Spalding being granted planning permission.
Members are angry that Moulton, Weston and Cowbit district councillor Anthony Casson declared himself unable to vote at South Holland’s planning committee meeting earlier this month.
The vote on granting permission was tied at 6-6 and passed on the committee chairman’s casting vote. Had Coun Casson voted, the plan would have been rejected.
Coun Casson claims that he showed support for objectors at an open public meeting in the village earlier this year and, following “legal advice”, had decided not to vote.
In order to demonstrate an open mind during the debate, planning committee members are not supposed to publicly declare their voting intention before the meeting.
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Cowbit Parish Council has vowed to investigate the process which culminated in a new tTravellers’ site in Spalding being granted planning permission.
Members are angry that Moulton, Weston and Cowbit district councillor Anthony Casson declared himself unable to vote at South Holland’s planning committee meeting earlier this month.
The vote on granting permission was tied at 6-6 and passed on the committee chairman’s casting vote. Had Coun Casson voted, the plan would have been rejected.
Coun Casson claims that he showed support for objectors at an open public meeting in the village earlier this year and, following “legal advice”, had decided not to vote.
In order to demonstrate an open mind during the debate, planning committee members are not supposed to publicly declare their voting intention before the meeting.
read more...
West Berkshire Council begin to identify new sites for Gypsies and Travellers
From Get Reading
A plan which will include the allocation of sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople is being prepared in West Berkshire.
National planning policy requires local planning authorities to make an assessment of need for these sites across their district and produce a Housing Site Allocations Development Plan.
The council has started work on reviewing the overall requirements across the district through an updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (GTAA).
This work is being carried out by Opinion Research Services (ORS) on behalf of the council.
The next step is to identify potential sites.
A ‘call for sites’ exercise is being conducted, concluding next Tuesday.
The council is inviting submissions for potential development sites from landowners, agents or developers.
Anyone who has a site which they would like to be considered should complete a form and submit it to West Berkshire Council no later than May 27.
Visit www.westberks.gov.uk/gypsiesandtravellers.
reaqd more...
A plan which will include the allocation of sites for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople is being prepared in West Berkshire.
National planning policy requires local planning authorities to make an assessment of need for these sites across their district and produce a Housing Site Allocations Development Plan.
The council has started work on reviewing the overall requirements across the district through an updated Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (GTAA).
This work is being carried out by Opinion Research Services (ORS) on behalf of the council.
The next step is to identify potential sites.
A ‘call for sites’ exercise is being conducted, concluding next Tuesday.
The council is inviting submissions for potential development sites from landowners, agents or developers.
Anyone who has a site which they would like to be considered should complete a form and submit it to West Berkshire Council no later than May 27.
Visit www.westberks.gov.uk/gypsiesandtravellers.
reaqd more...
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Travellers not expected in Skegness this weekend, council officers say - Lincolnshire
From the East Lindsey Target
Council officers say they are not expecting a repeat of the bank holiday chaos that ensued when a group of Travellers pitched up in a Skegness car park last month.
On April 18, around 70 caravans and 100 other vehicles holed-up in Princes Parade car park, where they stayed for the duration of the bank holiday.
A number of shops and hotels in the area decided to close their doors for business and a large clean-up operation was needed after the Travellers had left.
Last August the same car park was overrun with an estimated 300 members of the travelling community.
Despite a number of local business owners stating that some of the caravan owners had told them they were returning for this month’s bank holiday, ELDC say they are not expecting a repeat of the incident.
read more...
Council officers say they are not expecting a repeat of the bank holiday chaos that ensued when a group of Travellers pitched up in a Skegness car park last month.
On April 18, around 70 caravans and 100 other vehicles holed-up in Princes Parade car park, where they stayed for the duration of the bank holiday.
A number of shops and hotels in the area decided to close their doors for business and a large clean-up operation was needed after the Travellers had left.
Last August the same car park was overrun with an estimated 300 members of the travelling community.
Despite a number of local business owners stating that some of the caravan owners had told them they were returning for this month’s bank holiday, ELDC say they are not expecting a repeat of the incident.
read more...
Travellers move to Fairlands Valley Showground in Stevenage - Hertsfordshire
From Comet 24
Around 20 caravans were seen arriving at Fairlands Valley Showground in Stevenage, opposite Stevenage FC’s Lamex Stadium, at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
They are believed to be the same group that moved to the town’s empty Fujitsu building from a Letchworth GC industrial unit last Wednesday.
The fire service was called to the former Fujitsu site, on King’s Road, on Sunday after reports of burning rubbish.
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Around 20 caravans were seen arriving at Fairlands Valley Showground in Stevenage, opposite Stevenage FC’s Lamex Stadium, at 4.30pm on Tuesday.
They are believed to be the same group that moved to the town’s empty Fujitsu building from a Letchworth GC industrial unit last Wednesday.
The fire service was called to the former Fujitsu site, on King’s Road, on Sunday after reports of burning rubbish.
read more...
Travellers still on land near busy Worcester road - Worcestershire
From the Worcester News
A GROUP of Travellers remains on a camp set up on land next to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Ronkswood, Worcester.
About four or five vans have parked up on the land off Newtown Road, although there have currently been no complaints to police.
The group arrived on Saturday.
It is unclear whether they are the same group which pitched up alongside the A4440 Broomhall Way on Worcester Southern Link road earlier this month.
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A GROUP of Travellers remains on a camp set up on land next to Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Ronkswood, Worcester.
About four or five vans have parked up on the land off Newtown Road, although there have currently been no complaints to police.
The group arrived on Saturday.
It is unclear whether they are the same group which pitched up alongside the A4440 Broomhall Way on Worcester Southern Link road earlier this month.
read more...
Court summons served on Travellers at Hamworthy Park in Poole - Dorset
From the Bournemouth Echo
OFFICIALS have served a court summons on the Travellers currently occupying Hamworthy Park in Poole.
There are eight caravans and one motorhome at the makeshift site, and Borough of Poole will go back to court this afternoon as part of the legal process to have them removed.
Poole council’s regulatory services manager Peter Haikin said: “If an eviction order is granted, the Travellers will have 24 hours to vacate the site.
“We are continuing to gather the evidence required to start the legal process for the unauthorised encampment at Turlin Moor Recreation Ground. In the meantime we can confirm that one caravan has now left this site.”
This leaves two caravans and one motorhome on the recreation ground car park.
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OFFICIALS have served a court summons on the Travellers currently occupying Hamworthy Park in Poole.
There are eight caravans and one motorhome at the makeshift site, and Borough of Poole will go back to court this afternoon as part of the legal process to have them removed.
Poole council’s regulatory services manager Peter Haikin said: “If an eviction order is granted, the Travellers will have 24 hours to vacate the site.
“We are continuing to gather the evidence required to start the legal process for the unauthorised encampment at Turlin Moor Recreation Ground. In the meantime we can confirm that one caravan has now left this site.”
This leaves two caravans and one motorhome on the recreation ground car park.
read more...
Civil action could be taken against Travellers who remain in Yeovil's Asda car park - Somerset
From the Western Gazette
Civil action could be taken against Travellers who continue to reside in the car park of a Yeovil supermarket.
More than a dozen caravans arrived unexpectedly at Asda, on Preston Road, shortly before 10pm last night.
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Civil action could be taken against Travellers who continue to reside in the car park of a Yeovil supermarket.
More than a dozen caravans arrived unexpectedly at Asda, on Preston Road, shortly before 10pm last night.
read more...
MP warned about Travellers remarks - North Ayrshire
From the Irvine Times
IRVINE’S MP has been warned by a charity over his language regarding the travelling community after a blistering attack on local authorities’ handling of Travellers this week.
The Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) have voiced their displeasure at Brian Donohoe’s latest remarks about the travelling community after a group of travellers recently set up camp at Irvine Moor.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Donohoe accused the authorities of “pussyfooting” around the Travellers and wants a change in the law in dealing with encampments
see more...
IRVINE’S MP has been warned by a charity over his language regarding the travelling community after a blistering attack on local authorities’ handling of Travellers this week.
The Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) have voiced their displeasure at Brian Donohoe’s latest remarks about the travelling community after a group of travellers recently set up camp at Irvine Moor.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Donohoe accused the authorities of “pussyfooting” around the Travellers and wants a change in the law in dealing with encampments
see more...
Tuesday, 20 May 2014
Poole council criticised for not protecting ‘vulnerable’ Hamworthy Park from Traveller camp - Dorset
From the Dorset Echo
THE residents who look after Hamworthy Park say the first Traveller incursion to ever happen there is a “nightmare”.
A councillor has now called for a permanent site and Poole council will be returning to court to evict the new camp.
“This is our worst nightmare,” said Pat Bullock, chairman of the Friends of Hamworthy Park of the first invasion by Travellers on to the popular Green Flag park, which hosts the borough’s only paddling pool.
And she hit out at the council for not protecting the vulnerable park. “They have never bothered with the park. This is always something we have feared.”
She said she always complained about the access gate being left unlocked, but the Travellers had taken out a post and used the emergency exit at the car park to drive across the grass to the eastern end of the park.
“They must think they are on the Costa del Sol with the paddling pool and the sea,” she said.
Cllr Judy Butt, who lost her cabinet portfolio post in February after standing up for residents opposing a summer Traveller transit site in her Creekmoor ward, said it was essential that a permanent site was found.
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THE residents who look after Hamworthy Park say the first Traveller incursion to ever happen there is a “nightmare”.
A councillor has now called for a permanent site and Poole council will be returning to court to evict the new camp.
“This is our worst nightmare,” said Pat Bullock, chairman of the Friends of Hamworthy Park of the first invasion by Travellers on to the popular Green Flag park, which hosts the borough’s only paddling pool.
And she hit out at the council for not protecting the vulnerable park. “They have never bothered with the park. This is always something we have feared.”
She said she always complained about the access gate being left unlocked, but the Travellers had taken out a post and used the emergency exit at the car park to drive across the grass to the eastern end of the park.
“They must think they are on the Costa del Sol with the paddling pool and the sea,” she said.
Cllr Judy Butt, who lost her cabinet portfolio post in February after standing up for residents opposing a summer Traveller transit site in her Creekmoor ward, said it was essential that a permanent site was found.
read more...
Transit site is a 'priority' as more Travellers camp at Earl Road - Cheshire
From wilmslow.co.uk
Travellers have once again set up camp on Earl Road in Handforth. They arrived on the Council owned land near Handforth Dean retail park on Sunday, 18th May.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "A group of Travellers, consisting of 12 caravans and several vehicles, is currently based on Earl Road, Handforth. They arrived on Sunday, May 18.
"Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site.
"While there are a number of well-established private sites and one local authority site, the need for further provision has been demonstrated through the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) 2014, which has identified a need to provide further permanent and transit pitches.
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Travellers have once again set up camp on Earl Road in Handforth. They arrived on the Council owned land near Handforth Dean retail park on Sunday, 18th May.
A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: "A group of Travellers, consisting of 12 caravans and several vehicles, is currently based on Earl Road, Handforth. They arrived on Sunday, May 18.
"Council officers have visited the location and we are now moving forward with the legal process to secure possession of the site.
"While there are a number of well-established private sites and one local authority site, the need for further provision has been demonstrated through the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) 2014, which has identified a need to provide further permanent and transit pitches.
read more...
SNP councillors respond to halting site criticism - Aberdeenshire
From the Inverurie Herald
Ellon and District’s SNP councillors have hit back at remarks by a ward colleague over a proposed Travellers halting site in the North-east.
Councillor Gillian Owen criticised the party’s members on the local authority, accusing them of adopting a “NIMBY approach” at a recent council meeting to the proposed use of Aikey Brae.
Officials are now working on a wider strategy for providing stop-over sites following a vote against the Old Deer location.
Ellon Councillor Rob Merson said: “I am very disappointed that Councillor Owen should have attempted to resort to cheap political point-scoring in the sensitive matter of the provision of a Gypsy/Traveller temporary halting site at Aikey Brae.
read more...
Ellon and District’s SNP councillors have hit back at remarks by a ward colleague over a proposed Travellers halting site in the North-east.
Councillor Gillian Owen criticised the party’s members on the local authority, accusing them of adopting a “NIMBY approach” at a recent council meeting to the proposed use of Aikey Brae.
Officials are now working on a wider strategy for providing stop-over sites following a vote against the Old Deer location.
Ellon Councillor Rob Merson said: “I am very disappointed that Councillor Owen should have attempted to resort to cheap political point-scoring in the sensitive matter of the provision of a Gypsy/Traveller temporary halting site at Aikey Brae.
read more...
Travellers ordered to leave Milton park and ride site - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge News
Travellers have been ordered to leave a park and ride site on the outskirts of Cambridge.
Two caravans and a horse box have spent the last few days at the county council-run site in Butt Lane, Milton. The travellers have a number of horses with them.
A county council spokesman said: “We have been to court and bailiffs went to see them on Monday.
“They have until Friday to vacate.”
The normal operation of the park and ride site is not affected.
read more...
Travellers have been ordered to leave a park and ride site on the outskirts of Cambridge.
Two caravans and a horse box have spent the last few days at the county council-run site in Butt Lane, Milton. The travellers have a number of horses with them.
A county council spokesman said: “We have been to court and bailiffs went to see them on Monday.
“They have until Friday to vacate.”
The normal operation of the park and ride site is not affected.
read more...
Council under pressure to allocate Gypsy and Traveller sites in South Ribble - Lancashire
From the Leyland Guardian
Allocated sites for Gypsies and Travellers should be earmarked in South Ribble, it is argued.
The borough council has been reluctant to set aside sites for travelling communities in its future housing plans, but the Government’s planning inspector has raised concerns over the lack of evidence to support this ruling.
The opposition Labour leader has also spoken out about the leading Conservatives’ decision to omit Gypsy and Traveller sites from its Local Development Framework (LDF).
Coun Matthew Tomlinson said: “In accepting that it is politically difficult to make this type of decision, the fact is that travellers do exist and they have to be catered for, because if they’re not, they could just turn up on our parks and car parks.
“The current leadership of the council has been reluctant to cater for travellers for a long time, but we do need to be more robust about this decision-making.
“It can’t just be because ‘we don’t want those sort of people around here’.
“People might not want it, but it’s my view that it would be better to have somewhere for them to stay so that if they turn up on parks or car parks, we can say ‘no, we have some proper provision for you here.’”
read more...
Allocated sites for Gypsies and Travellers should be earmarked in South Ribble, it is argued.
The borough council has been reluctant to set aside sites for travelling communities in its future housing plans, but the Government’s planning inspector has raised concerns over the lack of evidence to support this ruling.
The opposition Labour leader has also spoken out about the leading Conservatives’ decision to omit Gypsy and Traveller sites from its Local Development Framework (LDF).
Coun Matthew Tomlinson said: “In accepting that it is politically difficult to make this type of decision, the fact is that travellers do exist and they have to be catered for, because if they’re not, they could just turn up on our parks and car parks.
“The current leadership of the council has been reluctant to cater for travellers for a long time, but we do need to be more robust about this decision-making.
“It can’t just be because ‘we don’t want those sort of people around here’.
“People might not want it, but it’s my view that it would be better to have somewhere for them to stay so that if they turn up on parks or car parks, we can say ‘no, we have some proper provision for you here.’”
read more...
Travellers set up camp in Louth - Lincolnshire
From the Louth Leader
A group of Travellers have unlawfully set up camp on the Fairfield Industrial Estate in Louth.
Three caravans and four motorhomes turned up to the grassy site on Scarborough Road yesterday morning (Monday May 19). The motorhomes have since moved on.
read more...
see also: The Grimsby Telegraph - Action taken as Travellers set up camp at Louth's Fairfield Industrial Estate
A group of Travellers have unlawfully set up camp on the Fairfield Industrial Estate in Louth.
Three caravans and four motorhomes turned up to the grassy site on Scarborough Road yesterday morning (Monday May 19). The motorhomes have since moved on.
read more...
see also: The Grimsby Telegraph - Action taken as Travellers set up camp at Louth's Fairfield Industrial Estate
Sheriff orders camp to travel on - Inverness
From the Press and Journal
A sheriff has ordered a community of Travellers to immediately leave an unauthorised camp outside a disused Inverness store.
An encampment formed in the car park of the empty B&Q store in Telford Street last week after the group moved from outside another store in the South Kessock area.
However, the group will be forced to move on again after Sheriff David Sutherland granted a motion heard yesterday at Inverness Sheriff Court to force the travellers to move on.
read more...
A sheriff has ordered a community of Travellers to immediately leave an unauthorised camp outside a disused Inverness store.
An encampment formed in the car park of the empty B&Q store in Telford Street last week after the group moved from outside another store in the South Kessock area.
However, the group will be forced to move on again after Sheriff David Sutherland granted a motion heard yesterday at Inverness Sheriff Court to force the travellers to move on.
read more...
Travellers At Chichester College Served With Letters - Sussex
From Spirit FM
A second letter has been served on a group of travellers who have pitched up on land at Chichester College.
The first asking them to leave was handed to them on Monday afternoon (19 May).
read more...
A second letter has been served on a group of travellers who have pitched up on land at Chichester College.
The first asking them to leave was handed to them on Monday afternoon (19 May).
read more...
Anger as waste left at Aberdeen site after Travellers move on - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
A WHEELBARROW and bikes were among rubbish found after a group of Travellers left a North-east industrial estate.
Up to five caravans had set up at Peterseat Drive in Altens, Aberdeen, for around three weeks, according to members of the community.
They are believed to have left yesterday morning.
read more...
A WHEELBARROW and bikes were among rubbish found after a group of Travellers left a North-east industrial estate.
Up to five caravans had set up at Peterseat Drive in Altens, Aberdeen, for around three weeks, according to members of the community.
They are believed to have left yesterday morning.
read more...
Travellers leave ‘disgusting mess’ in Port Glasgow - Inverclyde
From the Greenock Telegraph
Human waste has been deposited in the bushes, and toilet paper and burst bags of rubbish lie strewn all around the grassy Woodhall area they occupied for almost two weeks.
The grass has been gouged badly by vans and caravans, and garden refuse has been dumped at the site.
Broken children’s toys were also scattered around the site, which is owned by River Clyde Homes (RCH).
The housing association were in the process of taking court action to force the Travellers off the land, and a further court hearing had been due to be held tomorrow to get a decree.
read more...
Human waste has been deposited in the bushes, and toilet paper and burst bags of rubbish lie strewn all around the grassy Woodhall area they occupied for almost two weeks.
The grass has been gouged badly by vans and caravans, and garden refuse has been dumped at the site.
Broken children’s toys were also scattered around the site, which is owned by River Clyde Homes (RCH).
The housing association were in the process of taking court action to force the Travellers off the land, and a further court hearing had been due to be held tomorrow to get a decree.
read more...
Monday, 19 May 2014
Firms to be quizzed over Glebe flytipping - Bedfordshire
From Luton Today
Companies which used the services of Travellers who dumped 20 lorry loads of refuse on a Toddington field could be in line for prosecution.
Last month a large group of Travellers descended on The Glebe for a “huge drinking party”– leaving Toddington Parish Council with an £8,000 cleaning bill.
Central Beds Council has now confirmed that inspectors from its envirocrime unit have been onsite to pick through the evidence, in order to find clues as to where it originated from.
read more...
Companies which used the services of Travellers who dumped 20 lorry loads of refuse on a Toddington field could be in line for prosecution.
Last month a large group of Travellers descended on The Glebe for a “huge drinking party”– leaving Toddington Parish Council with an £8,000 cleaning bill.
Central Beds Council has now confirmed that inspectors from its envirocrime unit have been onsite to pick through the evidence, in order to find clues as to where it originated from.
read more...
Travellers leave school site in Chigwell - Essex
From the Epping Forest Guardian
A group of Travellers have left a school site after arriving on Saturday.
The group gained access to Beis Shammai in High Road, Chigwell, between 7pm and 9pm.
Police were called following reports that locks on gates securing the site had been cut.
read more...
A group of Travellers have left a school site after arriving on Saturday.
The group gained access to Beis Shammai in High Road, Chigwell, between 7pm and 9pm.
Police were called following reports that locks on gates securing the site had been cut.
read more...
Wolverhampton council tsars in talks with Bushbury KFC Travellers - West Midlands
From the Express and Star
Around 15 caravans pulled onto car park on Showell Road opposite the new KFC in Bushbury on Thursday afternoon.
Council officials said they were told by members of the travelling community they would be leaving and officers were at the site today establishing if that would be the case.
The site, which is used as matchday parking for Wolves home games during the football season, was used by Travellers in September last year.
read more...
Around 15 caravans pulled onto car park on Showell Road opposite the new KFC in Bushbury on Thursday afternoon.
Council officials said they were told by members of the travelling community they would be leaving and officers were at the site today establishing if that would be the case.
The site, which is used as matchday parking for Wolves home games during the football season, was used by Travellers in September last year.
read more...
Labour ask for urgent talks as Gypsy-Travellers play “cat and mouse” - Essex
From Your Harlow
AN ESSEX County Council member for Harlow has demanded urgent talks with Essex County Council as Gypsy Travellers have moved from Third Avenue to Katherines Way and now to Southern Way.
Cllr Karen Clempner said: ” I share the significant concerns of local residents and businesses on the impact of the current large group of Travellers in Harlow.
When these particular Travellers stop on Harlow Council land, the proactive approach taken by Harlow Council’s Community Safety team ensures they are moved on quickly. When they alight on Essex County Council (ECC) land in Harlow the process seems to the considerably longer, and a cat and mouse process of the Travellers moving short distances following each possession order is repeating all over Harlow.
read more...
AN ESSEX County Council member for Harlow has demanded urgent talks with Essex County Council as Gypsy Travellers have moved from Third Avenue to Katherines Way and now to Southern Way.
Cllr Karen Clempner said: ” I share the significant concerns of local residents and businesses on the impact of the current large group of Travellers in Harlow.
When these particular Travellers stop on Harlow Council land, the proactive approach taken by Harlow Council’s Community Safety team ensures they are moved on quickly. When they alight on Essex County Council (ECC) land in Harlow the process seems to the considerably longer, and a cat and mouse process of the Travellers moving short distances following each possession order is repeating all over Harlow.
read more...
St Cyrus Travellers case hit by new delays - Angus
from the Courier
A long-running court case to determine the future of a controversial unapproved Travellers’ settlement on the Angus/Mearns border has been adjourned, yet again.
Civil proceedings between Aberdeenshire Council and Traveller James McCallum over an alleged breach of a court interdict have been running since December last year but met their latest stumbling block when Stonehaven Sheriff Court ditched today’s hearing because of a scheduling clash.
Evidence was to be discussed for the first time before the public at the court but an administrative clash now means the case, which centres on the Travellers’ site near St Cyrus nature reserve, will not be heard before Stonehaven Sheriff Court closes for good on May 30.
read more...
A long-running court case to determine the future of a controversial unapproved Travellers’ settlement on the Angus/Mearns border has been adjourned, yet again.
Civil proceedings between Aberdeenshire Council and Traveller James McCallum over an alleged breach of a court interdict have been running since December last year but met their latest stumbling block when Stonehaven Sheriff Court ditched today’s hearing because of a scheduling clash.
Evidence was to be discussed for the first time before the public at the court but an administrative clash now means the case, which centres on the Travellers’ site near St Cyrus nature reserve, will not be heard before Stonehaven Sheriff Court closes for good on May 30.
read more...
The difference between a Gypsy wedding and Big Fat Gypsy Weddings
From Pop Up Weddings
You’ve probably guessed already that the fairytale frocks and girl-grabbing exploits of Channel 4′s Big Fat Gypsy Weddings are not quite representative of what you can expect to see at most Gypsy weddings. A realistic look at Gypsy weddings though, may still surprise you.
Non-reality TV
We all know that ‘reality TV’ is a bit of a misnomer.
If you were given a camera crew and told to make an outrageous, unmissable TV show about shoelaces, you might just find yourself seeking out the craziest, most bizarre shoelace manufacturer in the country.
You can’t make extraordinary TV by picking ordinary examples, so ‘reality TV’ is an inherently misleading term. A more accurate name would be ‘extreme example TV’.
With Big Fat Gypsy Weddings though, it is not just the name of the genre but also the name of the show that is misleading. The majority of the families featured are Irish Travellers, who are quite distinct from Romany Gypsies.
read more...
You’ve probably guessed already that the fairytale frocks and girl-grabbing exploits of Channel 4′s Big Fat Gypsy Weddings are not quite representative of what you can expect to see at most Gypsy weddings. A realistic look at Gypsy weddings though, may still surprise you.
Non-reality TV
We all know that ‘reality TV’ is a bit of a misnomer.
If you were given a camera crew and told to make an outrageous, unmissable TV show about shoelaces, you might just find yourself seeking out the craziest, most bizarre shoelace manufacturer in the country.
You can’t make extraordinary TV by picking ordinary examples, so ‘reality TV’ is an inherently misleading term. A more accurate name would be ‘extreme example TV’.
With Big Fat Gypsy Weddings though, it is not just the name of the genre but also the name of the show that is misleading. The majority of the families featured are Irish Travellers, who are quite distinct from Romany Gypsies.
read more...
Travellers in Quedgeley say they could stay for a month but they have nowhere to put their litter - Gloucestershire
From the Gloucester Citizen
TRAVELLERS on the Waterwells Park and Ride have said they have nowhere to put their litter and they could remain on the site for up to one month.
More than 30 Traveller caravans arrived at the Quedgeley site on Tuesday, with 40 vehicles including 4x4s and trucks reported at the site.
Complaints have been made about rubbish being dumped on the site, leading to calls for the travellers to be removed.
But the Travellers say that there is nowhere else to put the rubbish, and would pay rent or water rates given the opportunity.
read more...
TRAVELLERS on the Waterwells Park and Ride have said they have nowhere to put their litter and they could remain on the site for up to one month.
More than 30 Traveller caravans arrived at the Quedgeley site on Tuesday, with 40 vehicles including 4x4s and trucks reported at the site.
Complaints have been made about rubbish being dumped on the site, leading to calls for the travellers to be removed.
But the Travellers say that there is nowhere else to put the rubbish, and would pay rent or water rates given the opportunity.
read more...
Travellers moved from William Hunter Way car park - Essex
From the Brentwood Weekly News
TRAVELLERS were quickly moved on after eight unauthorised caravans were spotted in the William Hunter Way car park.
The caravans were reported to Brentwood Borough Council around 7.30am yesterday, but were moved off the site by council officers by lunchtime, around 1pm.
read more...
TRAVELLERS were quickly moved on after eight unauthorised caravans were spotted in the William Hunter Way car park.
The caravans were reported to Brentwood Borough Council around 7.30am yesterday, but were moved off the site by council officers by lunchtime, around 1pm.
read more...
IPRT Report Launch: 'Travellers in the Irish Prison System: A qualitative study'
From the Irish Penal Reform Trust
IPRT will launch a new comprehensive report on the experiences of Travellers in the Irish prison system on Monday 19th May 2014.The launch event takes place from 10.30-12pm in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
Travellers report_coverTravellers in the Irish Prison System: A qualitative study is the culmination of a qualitative research project, carried out by Liza Costello, including interviews with former prisoners. The comprehensive 76-page report details:
Findings from the research literature
Issues facing Travellers in the Irish prison system
Issues facing Travellers leaving prison
Supports and coping strategies in prison
Examples of good practice
Conclusion and recommendations
read more...
see also: The Irish Mirror - Travellers 'need mentoring' in prison, report says
The Independent.ie - Travellers 'need mentoring' in jail
The Belfast Telegraph - Travellers 'need mentoring' in jail
The Sun.ie - Travellers 'need mentoring' in jail
Breaknews.ie - Jailed Travellers need tuition in prison, report claims
The Irish Times - ‘Ethnic monitoring’ needed in prisons to improve Traveller behaviour
IPRT will launch a new comprehensive report on the experiences of Travellers in the Irish prison system on Monday 19th May 2014.The launch event takes place from 10.30-12pm in the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.
Travellers report_coverTravellers in the Irish Prison System: A qualitative study is the culmination of a qualitative research project, carried out by Liza Costello, including interviews with former prisoners. The comprehensive 76-page report details:
Findings from the research literature
Issues facing Travellers in the Irish prison system
Issues facing Travellers leaving prison
Supports and coping strategies in prison
Examples of good practice
Conclusion and recommendations
read more...
see also: The Irish Mirror - Travellers 'need mentoring' in prison, report says
The Independent.ie - Travellers 'need mentoring' in jail
The Belfast Telegraph - Travellers 'need mentoring' in jail
The Sun.ie - Travellers 'need mentoring' in jail
Breaknews.ie - Jailed Travellers need tuition in prison, report claims
The Irish Times - ‘Ethnic monitoring’ needed in prisons to improve Traveller behaviour
Travellers’ camp mess on Ripon field branded a ‘disgrace’ - Yorkshire
From the Ripon
A clean-up operation is set to take place in Ripon after Travellers who had been illegally camped on Gallows Hill field left a trail of debris and mess.
In the time between the arrival of the 12 caravans and commercial vehicles on April 30 and their departure on Sunday, councillors received various reports about the field located off the Ripon bypass.
read more...
A clean-up operation is set to take place in Ripon after Travellers who had been illegally camped on Gallows Hill field left a trail of debris and mess.
In the time between the arrival of the 12 caravans and commercial vehicles on April 30 and their departure on Sunday, councillors received various reports about the field located off the Ripon bypass.
read more...
Travellers pitch up at Chichester College - Sussex
From the Chichester Observer
CHICHESTER College is in the process of evicting travellers who pitched up on Westgate Fields yesterday (May 18).
A college spokeswoman said it was a criminal offence under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 to pitch up at the college site.
read more...
CHICHESTER College is in the process of evicting travellers who pitched up on Westgate Fields yesterday (May 18).
A college spokeswoman said it was a criminal offence under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 to pitch up at the college site.
read more...
Travellers occupy old Stevenage Kodak site - Hertfordshire
From Comet 24
Travellers are occupying a disused industrial site in Stevenage, having been moved on from another location in the town.
The group are believed to be the same ones that were staying at the former Fujitsu building on King's Road
The group – consisting of about 20 caravans as well as cars and vans – moved to the old Kodak site in Caxton Way, Stevenage, yesterday (Sunday).
read more...
Travellers are occupying a disused industrial site in Stevenage, having been moved on from another location in the town.
The group are believed to be the same ones that were staying at the former Fujitsu building on King's Road
The group – consisting of about 20 caravans as well as cars and vans – moved to the old Kodak site in Caxton Way, Stevenage, yesterday (Sunday).
read more...
Travellers set-up camp at Hamworthy Park in Poole and Turlin Moor rec - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
TWENTY Travellers' caravans have moved on to Hamworthy Park in Poole, to the dismay of local residents.
The vehicles moved onto the popular 26-acre site at around 8.45pm last night.
A small group have also moved onto Turlin Moor rec.
It is not yet known if they are connected with Traveller groups who set up unauthorised camps at Hatchards Field, Rossmore, or Baiter Park.
Both sets of Travellers were ordered by Poole council to move on this weekend.
read more...
TWENTY Travellers' caravans have moved on to Hamworthy Park in Poole, to the dismay of local residents.
The vehicles moved onto the popular 26-acre site at around 8.45pm last night.
A small group have also moved onto Turlin Moor rec.
It is not yet known if they are connected with Traveller groups who set up unauthorised camps at Hatchards Field, Rossmore, or Baiter Park.
Both sets of Travellers were ordered by Poole council to move on this weekend.
read more...
Sunday, 18 May 2014
Poole Traveller camps ordered to leave after council obtains eviction notices - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
CIVIC officials have obtained a court order to evict Travellers from two unauthorised encampments in Poole.
Travellers first moved onto Hatchards Field, Rossmore, and a car park at Baiter Park on Sunday evening.
Direction notices requiring them to vacate the sites were served on both encampments on Thursday.
However, later that evening, an additional three caravans pulled onto the Hatchards Field site.
read more...
CIVIC officials have obtained a court order to evict Travellers from two unauthorised encampments in Poole.
Travellers first moved onto Hatchards Field, Rossmore, and a car park at Baiter Park on Sunday evening.
Direction notices requiring them to vacate the sites were served on both encampments on Thursday.
However, later that evening, an additional three caravans pulled onto the Hatchards Field site.
read more...
Council officers visit Appleby Horse Fair arrivals - Cumbria
From the BBC
Travellers and Gypsies who park up in south Cumbria on the way to the Appleby Horse fair will be visited by council officers.
The annual event will be taking place between 5 and 11 June.
With thousands of people due to arrive, and strict rules over when access to the site is allowed, stopping places are set up on verges en route.
read more...
Travellers and Gypsies who park up in south Cumbria on the way to the Appleby Horse fair will be visited by council officers.
The annual event will be taking place between 5 and 11 June.
With thousands of people due to arrive, and strict rules over when access to the site is allowed, stopping places are set up on verges en route.
read more...
Travellers moved on from Derby industrial estate - Derbyshire
From the Derby Telegraph
A GROUP of Travellers have been moved on from an industrial estate in Derby.
Police received numerous calls after the group set up camp on land off Great Northern Road.
Officers attended the scene and moved the Travellers off.
read more...
A GROUP of Travellers have been moved on from an industrial estate in Derby.
Police received numerous calls after the group set up camp on land off Great Northern Road.
Officers attended the scene and moved the Travellers off.
read more...
Controversial Travellers' site backed by parish council - Berkshire
From the Royal Borough Observer
Fresh proposals for nine residential plots and a site warden’s pitch in Datchet Common, in Horton Road, were given the green light by Datchet Parish Council on Monday – but with strong recommendations to the borough to sort out issues with the drainage around the area.
The proposals were resubmitted after the original plans, with 10 pitches, were officially pulled on Tuesday, April 9, and changes were made to the application.
The Royal Borough approved plans for the site in October last year, however the Environment Agency raised concerns which led to the application being called in for an inquiry by the Department for Communities and Local Government in November.
read more...
Fresh proposals for nine residential plots and a site warden’s pitch in Datchet Common, in Horton Road, were given the green light by Datchet Parish Council on Monday – but with strong recommendations to the borough to sort out issues with the drainage around the area.
The proposals were resubmitted after the original plans, with 10 pitches, were officially pulled on Tuesday, April 9, and changes were made to the application.
The Royal Borough approved plans for the site in October last year, however the Environment Agency raised concerns which led to the application being called in for an inquiry by the Department for Communities and Local Government in November.
read more...
Friday, 16 May 2014
Police and Tories clash over Gypsy Traveller site in Katherines Way, Harlow - Essex
From Your Harlow
HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon, and local councillor Andrew Johnson, have written to both Nick Alston, Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Chief Constable of Essex Police, demanding for action to be taken regarding the Travellers on Katherine’s Way.
IN the letter, they describe the distress and inconvenience that has been caused to local Harlow residents by the Traveller (which includes noise and extra mess), and outline the measures that have so far been taken by Essex Council. They then go on to ask why the Police have so far not used a Section 61 notice to force them to move on.
read more...
HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon, and local councillor Andrew Johnson, have written to both Nick Alston, Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Chief Constable of Essex Police, demanding for action to be taken regarding the Travellers on Katherine’s Way.
IN the letter, they describe the distress and inconvenience that has been caused to local Harlow residents by the Traveller (which includes noise and extra mess), and outline the measures that have so far been taken by Essex Council. They then go on to ask why the Police have so far not used a Section 61 notice to force them to move on.
read more...
Travellers sent off Blackburn site- Lancashire
From the Citizen
TRAVELLERS who cut the lock from the fence around Green Lane Community Centre were removed from the site yesterday.
Two vans first moved onto the site, which were later followed by four caravans on Tuesday night. It is thought that a padlock on the gate must have been removed so they could enter the car park.
Local councillor Konrad Tapp reported it to the council, who ordered that they leave the site by 6pm yesterday.
read more...
TRAVELLERS who cut the lock from the fence around Green Lane Community Centre were removed from the site yesterday.
Two vans first moved onto the site, which were later followed by four caravans on Tuesday night. It is thought that a padlock on the gate must have been removed so they could enter the car park.
Local councillor Konrad Tapp reported it to the council, who ordered that they leave the site by 6pm yesterday.
read more...
Forfar’s Travellers move on to another part of town after eviction notice - Angus
From the Courier
Forfar’s Travellers issue has moved on to another part of the town.
Within hours of a sheriff signing an eviction notice for an illegal site at Montrose Road, the group made a late night flit on Thursday and are now camped on vacant ground at Orchardbank business park.
The gathering of more than 20 caravans and numerous associated vans, lorries, cars and trailers is now pitched up between the Scottish headquarters of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the Angus House HQ of Angus Council.
read more...
Forfar’s Travellers issue has moved on to another part of the town.
Within hours of a sheriff signing an eviction notice for an illegal site at Montrose Road, the group made a late night flit on Thursday and are now camped on vacant ground at Orchardbank business park.
The gathering of more than 20 caravans and numerous associated vans, lorries, cars and trailers is now pitched up between the Scottish headquarters of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the Angus House HQ of Angus Council.
read more...
Thursday, 15 May 2014
No formal apology from Liddle or the Spectator
From the Institute Of Race Relations
On Wednesday 14 May 2014, the Traveller Movement protested outside the offices of the Spectator.
Last October, Spectator columnist Rod Liddle asked his readers ‘what do you call travellers when they are no longer travelling’, in preparation for the speculated New Year’s flood of Romanian and Bulgarian Roma, which never came. ‘It still seems to me’, said Rod, ‘that “g***o” and “p***y” are useful means of lumping them all together.’
The Traveller Movement, a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller rights group, demanded that the Spectator make a public apology, Traveller Pride croppedarguing that ‘Rod Liddle could have written an opinion piece on this topic without being racist and without using terms which are highly offensive and hurtful. As it stands, his article would not look out of place on a far-right website.’
read more...
On Wednesday 14 May 2014, the Traveller Movement protested outside the offices of the Spectator.
Last October, Spectator columnist Rod Liddle asked his readers ‘what do you call travellers when they are no longer travelling’, in preparation for the speculated New Year’s flood of Romanian and Bulgarian Roma, which never came. ‘It still seems to me’, said Rod, ‘that “g***o” and “p***y” are useful means of lumping them all together.’
The Traveller Movement, a Gypsy, Roma and Traveller rights group, demanded that the Spectator make a public apology, Traveller Pride croppedarguing that ‘Rod Liddle could have written an opinion piece on this topic without being racist and without using terms which are highly offensive and hurtful. As it stands, his article would not look out of place on a far-right website.’
read more...
Travellers move in to Waterwells Park and Ride - Gloucester
From the Gloucester Citizen
Worried residents are demanding action is taken to move on more than 30 traveller caravans that have descended on Waterwells Park and Ride.
Users of the service alerted the county council and police to the arrival of the vehicles on Tuesday.
As many as 40 vehicles including 4x4s and trucks have been reported at the site this week.
Bus user Peter Hill said: “I used the Park and Ride service from Waterwells on Wednesday and was concerned to see travellers have taken over half of the parking site.
read more...
Worried residents are demanding action is taken to move on more than 30 traveller caravans that have descended on Waterwells Park and Ride.
Users of the service alerted the county council and police to the arrival of the vehicles on Tuesday.
As many as 40 vehicles including 4x4s and trucks have been reported at the site this week.
Bus user Peter Hill said: “I used the Park and Ride service from Waterwells on Wednesday and was concerned to see travellers have taken over half of the parking site.
read more...
Travellers set up camp at car park in Leagrave, Luton - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
TRAVELLERS have moved into a Luton car park as part of what looks to be an illegal encampment.
Around ten vehicles have pitched up on the land which is at the junction of Sundon Park Road and Bramingham Road.
read more...
TRAVELLERS have moved into a Luton car park as part of what looks to be an illegal encampment.
Around ten vehicles have pitched up on the land which is at the junction of Sundon Park Road and Bramingham Road.
read more...
Call for Traveller family to be offered plot in Gobowen - Shropshire
From the Shropshire Star
A Traveller family who won a controversial battle to stay on land in a Shropshire village should be offered "first option" on a pitch on a local authority site as soon as its becomes available, councillors have heard.
A planning inspector last month 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 them permission.
The family was given a three-year permission to stay on the land despite dozens of objections from villagers, local businesses and users of the golf club.
The appeal was the second time the family had appealed to use the land for a Gypsy and Traveller site.
read more...
A Traveller family who won a controversial battle to stay on land in a Shropshire village should be offered "first option" on a pitch on a local authority site as soon as its becomes available, councillors have heard.
A planning inspector last month 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 them permission.
The family was given a three-year permission to stay on the land despite dozens of objections from villagers, local businesses and users of the golf club.
The appeal was the second time the family had appealed to use the land for a Gypsy and Traveller site.
read more...
Locals ‘intimidated’ by Traveller camp in Forfar - Angus
From the Courier
Forfar residents say they are feeling increasingly “threatened” by an illegal Travellers’ encampment in their midst.
The convoy pitched up on open ground just off the Montrose Road a week past Sunday and locals said they were concerned that the number of vehicles continues to swell, in defiance of an order that Angus Council said it made last week telling the Travellers to quit the site by Friday lunchtime.
The open ground, bordered by housing at Lilybank, Gowanbank and the McCulloch Drive area, is held by the Strang’s trust and residents say the area is now virtually a no-go zone for children and dog walkers.
“Yet more caravans and trailers moved in earlier this week and it is very unsettling to see the sheer volume of people now on the encampment and roaming around at dusk,” said one mum, who lives nearby.
read more...
Forfar residents say they are feeling increasingly “threatened” by an illegal Travellers’ encampment in their midst.
The convoy pitched up on open ground just off the Montrose Road a week past Sunday and locals said they were concerned that the number of vehicles continues to swell, in defiance of an order that Angus Council said it made last week telling the Travellers to quit the site by Friday lunchtime.
The open ground, bordered by housing at Lilybank, Gowanbank and the McCulloch Drive area, is held by the Strang’s trust and residents say the area is now virtually a no-go zone for children and dog walkers.
“Yet more caravans and trailers moved in earlier this week and it is very unsettling to see the sheer volume of people now on the encampment and roaming around at dusk,” said one mum, who lives nearby.
read more...
Action taken to move Glastonbury Traveller site - Somerset
ACTION is being taken to move an unauthorised Traveller site that has been set up on private land at Morlands.
The new site currently houses around three caravans, which pitched up on the land about four months ago, sparking a number of complaints and concerns.
Most recently, the issue was raised at Tuesday’s Glastonbury Town Council meeting, when a member of the public asked for it to be sorted out as the site “was beginning to look nice again but now it is a tip”.
Speaking before the meeting, Terry Napper, county councillor for the area, said: “A few people have come to me and complained about Travellers who are living away from the tolerated traveller site at Baileys.
read more...
The new site currently houses around three caravans, which pitched up on the land about four months ago, sparking a number of complaints and concerns.
Most recently, the issue was raised at Tuesday’s Glastonbury Town Council meeting, when a member of the public asked for it to be sorted out as the site “was beginning to look nice again but now it is a tip”.
Speaking before the meeting, Terry Napper, county councillor for the area, said: “A few people have come to me and complained about Travellers who are living away from the tolerated traveller site at Baileys.
read more...
‘Ethnic profiling’ played role in Roma children raid - Ireland
From the Irish Times
New protocols must be put in place to ensure a situation where two Roma children were wrongly taken from their biological parents is not repeated, the co-director of Pavee Point has said following
a newspaper report that ethnic profiling occurred in both cases.
The Sunday Times yesterday published details of a special inquiry report by Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan, which it said found ethnic profiling played a role in the removal of the children from their parents.
read more...
New protocols must be put in place to ensure a situation where two Roma children were wrongly taken from their biological parents is not repeated, the co-director of Pavee Point has said following
a newspaper report that ethnic profiling occurred in both cases.
The Sunday Times yesterday published details of a special inquiry report by Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan, which it said found ethnic profiling played a role in the removal of the children from their parents.
read more...
The Leeds town that wants to put up the full sign - Yorkshire
From the Yorkshire Evening Post
A public meeting held in Leeds to protest at a proposed Traveller site attracted hundreds of people. Jayne Dawson reports on how the issue has created a huge row in one community.
Public meetings can be quiet, dry affairs attended only by the truly determined and the officials who have no choice in the matter - but not always.
At such a meeting in Leeds this week so many people attended that more than a hundred were left outside - not to be deterred they had a meeting of sorts of their own, on the pavement where they stood.
The main event was being held in Morley Town Hall, a huge venue which swallowed up around 400 of the anxious interested parties. But still there was a large crowd outside.
read more...
A public meeting held in Leeds to protest at a proposed Traveller site attracted hundreds of people. Jayne Dawson reports on how the issue has created a huge row in one community.
Public meetings can be quiet, dry affairs attended only by the truly determined and the officials who have no choice in the matter - but not always.
At such a meeting in Leeds this week so many people attended that more than a hundred were left outside - not to be deterred they had a meeting of sorts of their own, on the pavement where they stood.
The main event was being held in Morley Town Hall, a huge venue which swallowed up around 400 of the anxious interested parties. But still there was a large crowd outside.
read more...
Illegal Traveller camps in Bournemouth and Poole won’t be transferred to temporary site in Piddlehinton - Dorset
From the Daily Echo
MEMBERS of Gypsy and Traveller communities who set up illegal encampments in Bournemouth and Poole will not be transferred to a temporary site in rural Dorset.
Peter Finney, cabinet member for Community and Public Health at Dorset County Council, said the temporary site at Piddlehinton will not be used to accommodate Travellers from unauthorised camps in neighbouring council areas like Bournemouth and Poole.
Speaking about the anticipated arrival of members of the Traveller community over the summer months, Cllr Finney said: “It’s always a big concern. That is why councils have to provide temporary facilities to give police the ability to use their powers to move them.
read more...
MEMBERS of Gypsy and Traveller communities who set up illegal encampments in Bournemouth and Poole will not be transferred to a temporary site in rural Dorset.
Peter Finney, cabinet member for Community and Public Health at Dorset County Council, said the temporary site at Piddlehinton will not be used to accommodate Travellers from unauthorised camps in neighbouring council areas like Bournemouth and Poole.
Speaking about the anticipated arrival of members of the Traveller community over the summer months, Cllr Finney said: “It’s always a big concern. That is why councils have to provide temporary facilities to give police the ability to use their powers to move them.
read more...
"Like a concentration camp" - Gypsy Council raise concerns over planned security for transit site at Piddlehinton - Dorset
From the Dorset Echo
A TRAVELLERS’ site proposed for a Dorset village has been likened to a concentration camp.
The Gypsy Council claims that planned security measures are unacceptable and will deter Travellers from using the site at Piddlehinton.
And questions have been raised over the way a decision to approve the site was reached.
Villagers reacted with anger when Dorset County Council’s planning committee granted permission for a temporary transit site at Piddlehinton for the next three summers.
read more...
A TRAVELLERS’ site proposed for a Dorset village has been likened to a concentration camp.
The Gypsy Council claims that planned security measures are unacceptable and will deter Travellers from using the site at Piddlehinton.
And questions have been raised over the way a decision to approve the site was reached.
Villagers reacted with anger when Dorset County Council’s planning committee granted permission for a temporary transit site at Piddlehinton for the next three summers.
read more...
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Travellers booted off site at Milton Keynes Pavilion - but they still had time to damage it - Buckinghamshire
From MK Web
MKWeb received reports just after 2pm today (May 14) that the travellers had settled at the pavilion.
When we turned up moments later police officers were already at the scene. All the Travellers had been ordered to leave and just an hour later the site was empty - but not without plenty damage.
Michael Shwartz is the land’s owner, which is leased to Broughton and Milton Keynes Parish Council, and confronted the Travellers when they pitched up.
read more...
MKWeb received reports just after 2pm today (May 14) that the travellers had settled at the pavilion.
When we turned up moments later police officers were already at the scene. All the Travellers had been ordered to leave and just an hour later the site was empty - but not without plenty damage.
Michael Shwartz is the land’s owner, which is leased to Broughton and Milton Keynes Parish Council, and confronted the Travellers when they pitched up.
read more...
Travellers’ camp bid sparks fears - Yorkshire
From the Pocklington Post
A proposal to create a Travellers’ site in the centre of a village has been met with strong criticism from residents.
Villagers in Elvington are concerned about the possibility of a Travellers’ site for up to seven pitches being set up on Elvington Lane.
read more...
A proposal to create a Travellers’ site in the centre of a village has been met with strong criticism from residents.
Villagers in Elvington are concerned about the possibility of a Travellers’ site for up to seven pitches being set up on Elvington Lane.
read more...
Aberdeen City Council approve bylaw on Travellers’ encampments - Aberdeenshire
from the Evening Express
ABERDEEN City Council this afternoon voted in favour of a bylaw on Travellers' encampments.
The motion put forward by new council leader, Jenny Laing, was voted in favour of the SNP's amendment by 28 to 12.
The recommendation aimed to prevent people from camping on the "most sensitive, high profile public places, where the adverse visual and other physical consequences of encampments are likely to attract the most attention together with complaints and negative media coverage" was passed after a heated debate in Town House chamber.
read more...
see also:
The BBC - Aberdeen Council votes for by-law against illegal Traveller camps
STV - Councillors vote to press ahead with Travellers bylaw
ABERDEEN City Council this afternoon voted in favour of a bylaw on Travellers' encampments.
The motion put forward by new council leader, Jenny Laing, was voted in favour of the SNP's amendment by 28 to 12.
The recommendation aimed to prevent people from camping on the "most sensitive, high profile public places, where the adverse visual and other physical consequences of encampments are likely to attract the most attention together with complaints and negative media coverage" was passed after a heated debate in Town House chamber.
read more...
see also:
The BBC - Aberdeen Council votes for by-law against illegal Traveller camps
STV - Councillors vote to press ahead with Travellers bylaw
County council will manage Travellers' site in London - Oxfordshire
From the Oxford Mail
OXFORDSHIRE County Council is planning to look after Travellers living in a London borough.
It has been asked to help Ealing Council, in west London, look after its travellers site as part of the increasing number of sites it manages across the country.
It will mean the county council will be responsible for managing Ealing’s Bashley Road site, organising any repairs, helping collect rents and granting licences to occupiers of individual pitches. It will also be responsible for managing unauthorised encampments in the borough.
read more...
OXFORDSHIRE County Council is planning to look after Travellers living in a London borough.
It has been asked to help Ealing Council, in west London, look after its travellers site as part of the increasing number of sites it manages across the country.
It will mean the county council will be responsible for managing Ealing’s Bashley Road site, organising any repairs, helping collect rents and granting licences to occupiers of individual pitches. It will also be responsible for managing unauthorised encampments in the borough.
read more...
Events at risk as Travellers set up their camp - Sussex
From the Argus
TRAVELLERS have pitched up on playing fields which has put community events in jeopardy.
The travelling group moved their 25 caravans onto the football pitches at Waterhall playing fields in Brighton on Monday following an eviction from a site in Patcham.
Jason Tams, commercial manager of the Waterhall Rugby Club, said last time Travellers arrived on the fields the cost of cancellations of events cost them more than £5,000.
read more...
TRAVELLERS have pitched up on playing fields which has put community events in jeopardy.
The travelling group moved their 25 caravans onto the football pitches at Waterhall playing fields in Brighton on Monday following an eviction from a site in Patcham.
Jason Tams, commercial manager of the Waterhall Rugby Club, said last time Travellers arrived on the fields the cost of cancellations of events cost them more than £5,000.
read more...
Traveller and human rights groups to have their say on Garda oversight - Ireland
From the journal.ie
TRAVELLER AND HUMAN rights groups will meet today to give their opinions on Garda oversight to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.
The meetings come in the wake of months of controversy and change in the force.
read more...
TRAVELLER AND HUMAN rights groups will meet today to give their opinions on Garda oversight to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.
The meetings come in the wake of months of controversy and change in the force.
read more...
Villagers outraged as planning permission granted for Travellers' site - Dorset
From the Dorset Echo
A TRAVELLERS’ site proposed for a Dorset village has been likened to a concentration camp.
The Gypsy Council claims that planned security measures are unacceptable and will deter travellers from using the site at Piddlehinton.
And questions have been raised over the way a decision to approve the site was reached.
Villagers reacted with anger when Dorset County Council’s planning committee granted permission for a temporary transit site at Piddlehinton for the next three summers.
read more...
A TRAVELLERS’ site proposed for a Dorset village has been likened to a concentration camp.
The Gypsy Council claims that planned security measures are unacceptable and will deter travellers from using the site at Piddlehinton.
And questions have been raised over the way a decision to approve the site was reached.
Villagers reacted with anger when Dorset County Council’s planning committee granted permission for a temporary transit site at Piddlehinton for the next three summers.
read more...
Fury at Gypsies vote - Lincolnshire
From the Spalding Guardian
Questions should be asked why a councillor who had the power to stop controversial plans for a new Travellers’ site next to the A16 in Spalding remained silent and did not vote.
This is the view of a Cowbit resident who has already spoken to the Local Government Ombudsmen and is considering making official complaints to South Holland District Council against Cowbit ward member Coun Anthony Casson and planning committee chairman Coun Roger Gambba-Jones.
Villagers in Cowbit have been fighting the plan for land off Drain Bank North to replace an illegal site in Gosberton Clough, fearing the impact the Travellers would have on their homes.
read more...
Questions should be asked why a councillor who had the power to stop controversial plans for a new Travellers’ site next to the A16 in Spalding remained silent and did not vote.
This is the view of a Cowbit resident who has already spoken to the Local Government Ombudsmen and is considering making official complaints to South Holland District Council against Cowbit ward member Coun Anthony Casson and planning committee chairman Coun Roger Gambba-Jones.
Villagers in Cowbit have been fighting the plan for land off Drain Bank North to replace an illegal site in Gosberton Clough, fearing the impact the Travellers would have on their homes.
read more...
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