From the Solihull Observer
ONE YEAR to pack up, clear out and clear up - that is the verdict handed to the Meriden Travellers who have been living illegally on Green Belt land in the village for nearly 700 days.
The Gypsies, who moved onto the Eaves Green Lane site without permission in 2010, have agreed to leave their camp by March 31, 2012 and restore it back to its original state by the end of the following month.
The order was approved at Birmingham High Court on Tuesday by Judge Robert Owen who called it a 'pragmatic and not unreasonable solution.'
It also stipulates that nobody else will be allowed to move onto the site and further developments are not permitted for the next year.
The one-year deadline was decided by Solihull Council after it considered schooling and health issues relating to the move for the Travellers.
The High Court order came just hours after the Travellers, led by Noah Burton, lost their appeal against Secretary of State for Communities Eric Pickles' decision to refuse them planning permission for the Green Belt site.
Ever since the Travellers moved onto the site by stealth on a Bank Holiday weekend so no planning enforcements could be made, the people of Meriden and surrounding villages have been holding a 24-hour vigil at a makeshift camp next to the site to ensure no further building materials were delivered.
The campaigners formed the group RAID - Residents Against Inappropriate Development - and have been ardently fighting the illegal occupation through the courts and raising awareness of similar cases across the country.
Campaign group leader David McGrath welcomed the decision, but vowed the protesters would maintain their vigil until there was clear evidence the council and courts would enforce the decision.
"We are relieved that Solihull Council, the Government Planning Inspector and the Secretary of State all agree with us that this unlawful site is totally inappropriate and causing daily harm to our Green Belt.
"The focus should now be on how we urgently ease people from an unlawful and unsustainable site to one where their needs can be met and to re-instate the land.
"We are determined that this episode will not taint the good relations between the settled community and the wider travelling population which has played a valued part in our community life for generations."
A spokeswoman from Solihull Borough Council added: “Both parties came to an agreement that calls to a close what has been a long period of uncertainty.
“Today’s agreement not only gives a firm date for the families living on the land to make an ordered vacation of the site by March 31, 2013, but also assures a speedy restoration of the land to its previous condition.”
Monday, 2 April 2012
Educational Equality for Gypsy,Roma and Traveller Children and Young People in the UK Brian Foster and Peter Norton - Equal Right Trust
From the Equal Rights Trust
Educational Equality for Gypsy,Roma and Traveller Children and Young People in the UK Brian Foster and Peter Norton (pdf)
This article provides evidence that, in the field of education, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities suffer manifestly unequal outcomes. Drawing particularly on the authors’ first hand experience of working to advance educational equality for these communities in one area of London, the article explores some of the reasons why this is the case, highlighting the day-to-day experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families. It also considers some of the efforts that have been made to improve
outcomes. It concludes by considering the emerging policies of the current Coalition
Government and attempts to assess their likely impact on equalities.
Educational Equality for Gypsy,Roma and Traveller Children and Young People in the UK Brian Foster and Peter Norton (pdf)
This article provides evidence that, in the field of education, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities suffer manifestly unequal outcomes. Drawing particularly on the authors’ first hand experience of working to advance educational equality for these communities in one area of London, the article explores some of the reasons why this is the case, highlighting the day-to-day experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller families. It also considers some of the efforts that have been made to improve
outcomes. It concludes by considering the emerging policies of the current Coalition
Government and attempts to assess their likely impact on equalities.
Gypsy Travellers still face discrimination from social services - Scotland
From Third Force News
GYPSY Travellers are not getting access to social care services and benefits across Scotland, a charity has reported.
Social services and welfare staff have been accused of discrimination towards and prejudice against Gypsy Travellers. As a result Gypsy Traveller carers are left isolated, forced to care for sick and disabled family members without support and struggling with mental health problems.
Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) this week released Scotland’s first ever report into the experiences of gypsy traveller carers. It revealed shocking incidents of Gypsy Travellers being left without access to social care services or benefits. The Edinburgh-based charity has worked with over 60 carers in the last year and has found that the physical health of Gypsy Traveller carers is generally poor, nearly all have mental health problems and most have financial struggles, face discrimination and feel isolated. Access to social services is at best limited and at worst non-existent, according to the report. Many people who were accessing services said they felt pressured to keep their identities hidden for fear of being treated different by professionals, including GPs.
“I have been really shocked by some of the complexities of the situations that we have come across,” said Michelle Lloyd, MECOPP project manager. “Some of the situations that people are facing on a daily basis are really quite desperate. To me, in 2012 it is quite unacceptable that people are having to struggle to get basic services.
“Many of the carers that we’ve worked with have said that they feel they are being blamed for being a Gypsy Ttaveller or for simply having an elderly parent or disabled child. “The other thing that has saddened and shocked me is some of the attitudes and assumptions made by the service providers we’ve worked with. “Quite often it might be an informal comment made over a cup of tea or in a team meeting, but quite often staff demonstrate blatant breeches of confidentiality, stereotypical ideas, prejudiced assumptions and sometimes that sadly comes from a very senior level.”
The report also finds that high levels of illiteracy in the Gypsy Traveller community impacts on their ability to access social care and benefit support. It found that community care services are often ill suited to Gypsy Traveller culture – for example suggesting male carers help bathe and clothe female service users.
Also, none of the carers that MECOPP has worked with have been able to access Self Directed Support, which is designed to enable services users to design their own care packages. One carer was told by her social worker that “it wouldn’t be appropriate and just more hassle than it’s worth.”
MECOPP and Gypsy Traveller carers this week gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee, which is currently carrying out an investigation into Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Scotland.
Reality bites: Lizzie’s story
Lizzie Johnstone is a mother of two boys and a girl. One of her sons is disabled and has epilepsy. She had been a Traveller her whole life but was forced to move into housing because of her caring responsibilities. “I’ve had about six houses, I always had to leave because people found out I was a Traveller,” said Lizzie. “So, I thought no more, I’m not even mentioning that I’m a Traveller. I even tried to put on a posh voice so that people wouldn’t think I was a Traveller.”
“People, especially professional medical people, can see Travellers as alien. You’re dealing with a bairn with special needs and epilepsy, and you’ve got two other bairns, so you’re so angry with folk. All the things that were available to me, being a human being, I couldn’t get them.
“This particular doctor that I met was really, really nice and she said I was entitled to this extra money. “At the time, no shame in saying it, I would have been more glad of the extra help. I lost out because I didn’t know about it. It was only through the kindness of that doctor – she filled all the forms out for me and sent them away – that a few months after that, I was awarded it.”
GYPSY Travellers are not getting access to social care services and benefits across Scotland, a charity has reported.
Social services and welfare staff have been accused of discrimination towards and prejudice against Gypsy Travellers. As a result Gypsy Traveller carers are left isolated, forced to care for sick and disabled family members without support and struggling with mental health problems.
Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) this week released Scotland’s first ever report into the experiences of gypsy traveller carers. It revealed shocking incidents of Gypsy Travellers being left without access to social care services or benefits. The Edinburgh-based charity has worked with over 60 carers in the last year and has found that the physical health of Gypsy Traveller carers is generally poor, nearly all have mental health problems and most have financial struggles, face discrimination and feel isolated. Access to social services is at best limited and at worst non-existent, according to the report. Many people who were accessing services said they felt pressured to keep their identities hidden for fear of being treated different by professionals, including GPs.
“I have been really shocked by some of the complexities of the situations that we have come across,” said Michelle Lloyd, MECOPP project manager. “Some of the situations that people are facing on a daily basis are really quite desperate. To me, in 2012 it is quite unacceptable that people are having to struggle to get basic services.
“Many of the carers that we’ve worked with have said that they feel they are being blamed for being a Gypsy Ttaveller or for simply having an elderly parent or disabled child. “The other thing that has saddened and shocked me is some of the attitudes and assumptions made by the service providers we’ve worked with. “Quite often it might be an informal comment made over a cup of tea or in a team meeting, but quite often staff demonstrate blatant breeches of confidentiality, stereotypical ideas, prejudiced assumptions and sometimes that sadly comes from a very senior level.”
The report also finds that high levels of illiteracy in the Gypsy Traveller community impacts on their ability to access social care and benefit support. It found that community care services are often ill suited to Gypsy Traveller culture – for example suggesting male carers help bathe and clothe female service users.
Also, none of the carers that MECOPP has worked with have been able to access Self Directed Support, which is designed to enable services users to design their own care packages. One carer was told by her social worker that “it wouldn’t be appropriate and just more hassle than it’s worth.”
MECOPP and Gypsy Traveller carers this week gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee, which is currently carrying out an investigation into Gypsy Traveller accommodation in Scotland.
Reality bites: Lizzie’s story
Lizzie Johnstone is a mother of two boys and a girl. One of her sons is disabled and has epilepsy. She had been a Traveller her whole life but was forced to move into housing because of her caring responsibilities. “I’ve had about six houses, I always had to leave because people found out I was a Traveller,” said Lizzie. “So, I thought no more, I’m not even mentioning that I’m a Traveller. I even tried to put on a posh voice so that people wouldn’t think I was a Traveller.”
“People, especially professional medical people, can see Travellers as alien. You’re dealing with a bairn with special needs and epilepsy, and you’ve got two other bairns, so you’re so angry with folk. All the things that were available to me, being a human being, I couldn’t get them.
“This particular doctor that I met was really, really nice and she said I was entitled to this extra money. “At the time, no shame in saying it, I would have been more glad of the extra help. I lost out because I didn’t know about it. It was only through the kindness of that doctor – she filled all the forms out for me and sent them away – that a few months after that, I was awarded it.”
Potential sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople - Darlington
From Darlington Borough Council
The council has a responsibility to plan for the housing needs of everyone, including Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. The council is commencing a consultation on potential sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. The consultation seeks to identify potential new sites for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople pitches to meet the needs for the next 15 years.
The purpose of the consultation is to:
Tell us what you think about the potential sites identified;
Identify permanent pitches (excludes transit pitches);
Discuss the planning issues around providing Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites; and
To enable you to suggest alternative sites for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople pitches
The consultation will run from Tuesday 13 March to Tuesday 24 April.
Views are being invited on all aspects of the study, but in particular:
1. Do you have any information about any of the potential sites that we are consulting on which will help us to decide whether they are suitable, available and deliverable for Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople provision?
2. Do you know of any other sites which the council should be considering for future Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople provision?
3. Do you have any additional comments to make on the potential sites and issues raised through this consultation?
Your comments will feed into the preparation of the next stage of the preparation of the Making Places and Accommodating Growth Development Plan Document, Preferred Options Report. All comments must be received by Tuesday 24 April 2012, 5pm.
Tell us what you think at Darlington Market Place and you’ll be in with a chance to win a free food hamper!
Dolphin Centre
Wednesday 21 March, 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Wednesday 4 April, 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Wednesday 11 April, 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Making Your Comments
You can email your comments to planning.policy@darlington.gov.uk or make your comments in writing to:
Head of Strategy and Commissioning
Planning Policy
FREEPOST NEA2890
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT
If you would like a copy of any of the above documents, please contact us on 01325 388644 or at planning.policy@darlington.gov.uk
The council has a responsibility to plan for the housing needs of everyone, including Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. The council is commencing a consultation on potential sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople. The consultation seeks to identify potential new sites for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople pitches to meet the needs for the next 15 years.
The purpose of the consultation is to:
Tell us what you think about the potential sites identified;
Identify permanent pitches (excludes transit pitches);
Discuss the planning issues around providing Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites; and
To enable you to suggest alternative sites for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople pitches
The consultation will run from Tuesday 13 March to Tuesday 24 April.
Views are being invited on all aspects of the study, but in particular:
1. Do you have any information about any of the potential sites that we are consulting on which will help us to decide whether they are suitable, available and deliverable for Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople provision?
2. Do you know of any other sites which the council should be considering for future Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople provision?
3. Do you have any additional comments to make on the potential sites and issues raised through this consultation?
Your comments will feed into the preparation of the next stage of the preparation of the Making Places and Accommodating Growth Development Plan Document, Preferred Options Report. All comments must be received by Tuesday 24 April 2012, 5pm.
Tell us what you think at Darlington Market Place and you’ll be in with a chance to win a free food hamper!
Dolphin Centre
Wednesday 21 March, 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Wednesday 4 April, 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Wednesday 11 April, 10am -12pm and 1pm - 3pm
Making Your Comments
You can email your comments to planning.policy@darlington.gov.uk or make your comments in writing to:
Head of Strategy and Commissioning
Planning Policy
FREEPOST NEA2890
Town Hall
Darlington
DL1 5QT
If you would like a copy of any of the above documents, please contact us on 01325 388644 or at planning.policy@darlington.gov.uk
Amnesty reports say Scottish Gypsy Travellers face discrimination
From the BBC
Scotland's Gypsy Traveller community continues to suffer discrimination from both local authorities and the media, according to new studies.
Amnesty International Scotland has published two reports on the issues facing Gypsy travellers.
They highlight a lack of halting or transit sites and personnel to liaise with Travellers.
The studies also found media coverage in Scotland was disproportionate and mostly negative.
Amnesty has produced the two reports - On the Margins and Caught in the Headlines - as part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness about what it terms "the widespread and systematic discrimination" suffered by this community.
According to the first report some local authorities have acknowledged that Traveller sites are an issue, but that opposition from the local community was a significant factor in the failure to deal with the problem.
Funding was also identified as a barrier in addressing concerns raised by Amnesty.
The second report highlights what it calls a "disproportionate amount of scrutiny of Scottish Gypsy Travellers in the Scottish media".
It says that nearly half of the stories looked at were categorised as overtly negative, with certain stereotypes such as connections to criminality or references to dirt and hygiene featuring regularly.
The report was also very critical of local politicians whom it claims make statements on Gypsy Traveller issues which were "overwhelmingly negative".
Director of Amnesty International in Scotland, Shabnum Mustapha, said: "It is extremely disappointing that, after so long, this community is still suffering such direct and indirect discrimination.
"Whilst our research has found that there are some positive steps being made, and we welcome this, there is a long way to go to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities which Scottish Gypsy Travellers face every day."
Amnesty's views were echoed by Article 12, a young persons rights group.
Its national co-ordinator, Lynne Tammi, called for an end to negative stereotypes of Travellers and demanded "fairer reporting, which gives due regard to ethnic status and culture".
Scotland's Gypsy Traveller community continues to suffer discrimination from both local authorities and the media, according to new studies.
Amnesty International Scotland has published two reports on the issues facing Gypsy travellers.
They highlight a lack of halting or transit sites and personnel to liaise with Travellers.
The studies also found media coverage in Scotland was disproportionate and mostly negative.
Amnesty has produced the two reports - On the Margins and Caught in the Headlines - as part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness about what it terms "the widespread and systematic discrimination" suffered by this community.
According to the first report some local authorities have acknowledged that Traveller sites are an issue, but that opposition from the local community was a significant factor in the failure to deal with the problem.
Funding was also identified as a barrier in addressing concerns raised by Amnesty.
The second report highlights what it calls a "disproportionate amount of scrutiny of Scottish Gypsy Travellers in the Scottish media".
It says that nearly half of the stories looked at were categorised as overtly negative, with certain stereotypes such as connections to criminality or references to dirt and hygiene featuring regularly.
The report was also very critical of local politicians whom it claims make statements on Gypsy Traveller issues which were "overwhelmingly negative".
Director of Amnesty International in Scotland, Shabnum Mustapha, said: "It is extremely disappointing that, after so long, this community is still suffering such direct and indirect discrimination.
"Whilst our research has found that there are some positive steps being made, and we welcome this, there is a long way to go to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities which Scottish Gypsy Travellers face every day."
Amnesty's views were echoed by Article 12, a young persons rights group.
Its national co-ordinator, Lynne Tammi, called for an end to negative stereotypes of Travellers and demanded "fairer reporting, which gives due regard to ethnic status and culture".
Brighton & Hove Traveller Strategy
From Brighton and Hove City Council
Travellers
Brighton & Hove is mainly visited by Irish Travellers, English Gypsies and New Travellers. Nomadic life is not illegal, and Travellers have a basic right to this way of life. The council recognises that this has to be balanced with the rights of the general public to enjoy private and public land.
Brighton & Hove Traveller Strategy
The Horsdean Traveller Site is one of the few transit sites for Travellers in the country. The council takes action against unauthorised sites in line with our Traveller strategy.
We have identified a need for residential accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers in the city and, in line with our policy for managing unauthorised encampments, we want to build a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site with good facilities.
View or download our current Brighton & Hove's Traveller Strategy [PDF 153kb]
Survey points to Horsdean as appropriate location for permanent Traveller site
A location for a permanent Traveller site in Brighton & Hove has been proposed following an extensive selection process. A survey was carried out at 50 locations under terms jointly agreed by officers from Brighton & Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority. On 15 March cabinet will now be considering the recommendation to submit a planning application for a permanent Traveller site at Horsdean.
A £1.7m government grant to develop a permanent Traveller site is expected to cover the cost of the development, which would have pitches to house 16 families. Travellers living on the site will pay rent and council tax.
As part of the new Traveller Commissioning Strategy 2012 residents and Travellers were extensively consulted. The council will balance it’s responsibility to local residents who want to enjoy the city’s parks and spaces with the needs of the Traveller community. Amongst some of the proposals are a new Brighton & Hove Traveller forum to bring together Travellers and service providers, a dedicated site manager at the Horsdean site and continuing protection of sensitive sites.
Read our press release, questions and answers and the report going to cabinet to find out more.
Previous proposal for Gypsy and Traveller site in Sheepcote Valley
Land at Sheepcote Valley, off Wilson Avenue, was identified as our preferred location for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site in August 2008. However,the site was found to be unsuitable. Rigorous testing by inspectors found that the former landfill site was not suitable because of the level of contamination and the related clean up costs.
As a result, we are no longer proposing a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site at Sheepcote Valley.
Traveller Liaison Service update – last updated Monday 2 April
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers on land at Greenleas Recreation Ground, Hangleton - A joint visit, with the police, was made to the site on Friday 30 March. We will be visiting this site again today, to further assess the situation, following reports received over the weekend. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers on land adjacent to Ditchling Road, south of Hollingbury golf course - We have visited this site with the police. A possession hearing for this land will take place in the County Court on Tuesday 3 April. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers on land in East Brighton Park - We have visited this site with the police. We have negotiated a leaving date with the group so as to avoid a costly formal eviction, and disruption to the education of the children on site; the group has agreed to leave the park voluntarily after the Easter Monday holiday. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers at 19 Acres, land adjacent to Devil's Dyke Road - We have visited this site with the police. A Possession Order for this land was obtained in the County Court on Thursday 8 March, with the agreement that the council will not enforce this until after the Easter Monday holiday. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Traveller Liaison service
Since 2001, Brighton & Hove City Council and the police have been working in partnership to manage unauthorised Traveller encampments within the city, and minimise conflict and nuisance.
Find out more about how the Traveller Liaison Team work to manage unauthorised encampments within the city.
Traveller Liaison services include:
liaison with the settled community
provision of advice and support to landowners and the public
management of the Horsdean Traveller Site
support in helping Travellers access services such as health and education
The Traveller Liaison Service has teachers and home or school support staff who can help with attendance issues and supporting Gypsy or Traveller children whilst they are in schools.
To contact the Traveller Liaison Team, please phone (01273) 292044 or email travellers@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Travellers
Brighton & Hove is mainly visited by Irish Travellers, English Gypsies and New Travellers. Nomadic life is not illegal, and Travellers have a basic right to this way of life. The council recognises that this has to be balanced with the rights of the general public to enjoy private and public land.
Brighton & Hove Traveller Strategy
The Horsdean Traveller Site is one of the few transit sites for Travellers in the country. The council takes action against unauthorised sites in line with our Traveller strategy.
We have identified a need for residential accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers in the city and, in line with our policy for managing unauthorised encampments, we want to build a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site with good facilities.
View or download our current Brighton & Hove's Traveller Strategy [PDF 153kb]
Survey points to Horsdean as appropriate location for permanent Traveller site
A location for a permanent Traveller site in Brighton & Hove has been proposed following an extensive selection process. A survey was carried out at 50 locations under terms jointly agreed by officers from Brighton & Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority. On 15 March cabinet will now be considering the recommendation to submit a planning application for a permanent Traveller site at Horsdean.
A £1.7m government grant to develop a permanent Traveller site is expected to cover the cost of the development, which would have pitches to house 16 families. Travellers living on the site will pay rent and council tax.
As part of the new Traveller Commissioning Strategy 2012 residents and Travellers were extensively consulted. The council will balance it’s responsibility to local residents who want to enjoy the city’s parks and spaces with the needs of the Traveller community. Amongst some of the proposals are a new Brighton & Hove Traveller forum to bring together Travellers and service providers, a dedicated site manager at the Horsdean site and continuing protection of sensitive sites.
Read our press release, questions and answers and the report going to cabinet to find out more.
Previous proposal for Gypsy and Traveller site in Sheepcote Valley
Land at Sheepcote Valley, off Wilson Avenue, was identified as our preferred location for a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site in August 2008. However,the site was found to be unsuitable. Rigorous testing by inspectors found that the former landfill site was not suitable because of the level of contamination and the related clean up costs.
As a result, we are no longer proposing a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site at Sheepcote Valley.
Traveller Liaison Service update – last updated Monday 2 April
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers on land at Greenleas Recreation Ground, Hangleton - A joint visit, with the police, was made to the site on Friday 30 March. We will be visiting this site again today, to further assess the situation, following reports received over the weekend. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers on land adjacent to Ditchling Road, south of Hollingbury golf course - We have visited this site with the police. A possession hearing for this land will take place in the County Court on Tuesday 3 April. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers on land in East Brighton Park - We have visited this site with the police. We have negotiated a leaving date with the group so as to avoid a costly formal eviction, and disruption to the education of the children on site; the group has agreed to leave the park voluntarily after the Easter Monday holiday. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Unauthorised encampment of Travellers at 19 Acres, land adjacent to Devil's Dyke Road - We have visited this site with the police. A Possession Order for this land was obtained in the County Court on Thursday 8 March, with the agreement that the council will not enforce this until after the Easter Monday holiday. Whilst this encampment remains we will continue to monitor the site with the police.
Traveller Liaison service
Since 2001, Brighton & Hove City Council and the police have been working in partnership to manage unauthorised Traveller encampments within the city, and minimise conflict and nuisance.
Find out more about how the Traveller Liaison Team work to manage unauthorised encampments within the city.
Traveller Liaison services include:
liaison with the settled community
provision of advice and support to landowners and the public
management of the Horsdean Traveller Site
support in helping Travellers access services such as health and education
The Traveller Liaison Service has teachers and home or school support staff who can help with attendance issues and supporting Gypsy or Traveller children whilst they are in schools.
To contact the Traveller Liaison Team, please phone (01273) 292044 or email travellers@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Cheeky Travellers moved onto Birmingham site as workmen installed rails to stop them
From the Birmingham Mail
CHEEKY Travellers moved on to a site in Birmingham under the noses of workmen who were installing rails to STOP them getting onto the land.
Familes in Bartley Green woke up to find 15 caravans had appeared overnight on open space in Romsey Road.
The site is one of three in the area where the council is installing trip rails to prevent Travellers’ incursions.
Workmen were in the process of putting in the fences, which stand about a foot high, and had stopped work for the night.
When they returned the following morning they discovered the vans and caravans had driven on to the grass through the gaps they had not got round to doing.
But thanks to new beefed-up council powers, they had gone within 48 hours after an eviction notice was served on them by the police.
It is the second time that patch of land has been invaded by Travellers.
They took up residence there, and on Woodgate Valley Country Park, last summer.
After that, the local councillors secured £27,000 in funding to install the rails on open spaces they felt were vulnerable to invasion.
Eight sites in Quinton which suffered similar incursions have also had the rails installed. Bartley Green councillor, Bruce Lines, said: “We couldn’t believe it when we saw they’d moved on to the site,
“Talk about cheeky – it was right under the noses of the workmen and leads us to think someone tipped them off.”
His fellow Bartley Green councillor, Vivienne Barton, said thanks to new powers introduced by the public protection committee, of which she is a member, they were soon gone.
Last October the council got powers allowing officers to move on Travellers within two days – and in urgent cases two hours – as opposed to the previous deadline of seven days.
“Thanks to our new powers, we can now get rid of the Travellers, and all the mess and disruption they bring to a neighbourhood, more quickly,” Coun Barton said.
CHEEKY Travellers moved on to a site in Birmingham under the noses of workmen who were installing rails to STOP them getting onto the land.
Familes in Bartley Green woke up to find 15 caravans had appeared overnight on open space in Romsey Road.
The site is one of three in the area where the council is installing trip rails to prevent Travellers’ incursions.
Workmen were in the process of putting in the fences, which stand about a foot high, and had stopped work for the night.
When they returned the following morning they discovered the vans and caravans had driven on to the grass through the gaps they had not got round to doing.
But thanks to new beefed-up council powers, they had gone within 48 hours after an eviction notice was served on them by the police.
It is the second time that patch of land has been invaded by Travellers.
They took up residence there, and on Woodgate Valley Country Park, last summer.
After that, the local councillors secured £27,000 in funding to install the rails on open spaces they felt were vulnerable to invasion.
Eight sites in Quinton which suffered similar incursions have also had the rails installed. Bartley Green councillor, Bruce Lines, said: “We couldn’t believe it when we saw they’d moved on to the site,
“Talk about cheeky – it was right under the noses of the workmen and leads us to think someone tipped them off.”
His fellow Bartley Green councillor, Vivienne Barton, said thanks to new powers introduced by the public protection committee, of which she is a member, they were soon gone.
Last October the council got powers allowing officers to move on Travellers within two days – and in urgent cases two hours – as opposed to the previous deadline of seven days.
“Thanks to our new powers, we can now get rid of the Travellers, and all the mess and disruption they bring to a neighbourhood, more quickly,” Coun Barton said.
Group of Travellers set up camp near horse livery yard - Cambridgeshire
From Cambridge-News.co.uk
Travellers have set up camp in Cambridge.
Four caravans arrived in the city and pitched up on land off Cambridge Road, near Chivers Farm, a horse livery yard, on Thursday.
A spokesman for Impington Parish Council said they had received no complaints.
He said: "The only people who would be affected are the farm and, as they are not blocking any roads, they are out of our envelope.
"We haven’t had a problem with travelling communities in this area and haven’t had an incident in at least the last five years."
Travellers have set up camp in Cambridge.
Four caravans arrived in the city and pitched up on land off Cambridge Road, near Chivers Farm, a horse livery yard, on Thursday.
A spokesman for Impington Parish Council said they had received no complaints.
He said: "The only people who would be affected are the farm and, as they are not blocking any roads, they are out of our envelope.
"We haven’t had a problem with travelling communities in this area and haven’t had an incident in at least the last five years."
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Travellers set up camp at park for second time - Luton
From Luton On Sunday
Travellers have gained access to Stockwood Park for the second time in just three weeks.
A group of around 20 caravans first broke on to the site in Luton on March 16.
After leaving five days later Luton Borough Council began the clean-up - the cost of which is still unknown.
However the council has now confirmed that another group of Travellers gained access to the park via the main entrance gates at Farley Hill on Monday, and that the standard legal procedures to get them evicted have been started again.
These latest encampments come just six months after a group of caravans, some of whom arrived from Dale Farm in Essex, were evicted from the site.
A council spokesman said: “Following the group of Travellers who gained access to Stockwood Park two weeks ago by breaking the entry gates opposite Whipperley Way, we are looking at increasing security measures which will include a strengthened gate being constructed which be installed in approximately three weeks time.
“We are arranging a meeting of all interested parties including Active Luton, Stockwood Discovery Centre and Baylands Equestrian Centre to see if there can be an agreement for a barrier to be erected at the Farley Hill entrance.
“All parties must agree to lock the barrier after allowing access for delivery vehicles otherwise it would not offer any deterrent to those who wish to access the park illegally.”
see also Luton Today - Plans to keep Travellers out
Travellers have gained access to Stockwood Park for the second time in just three weeks.
A group of around 20 caravans first broke on to the site in Luton on March 16.
After leaving five days later Luton Borough Council began the clean-up - the cost of which is still unknown.
However the council has now confirmed that another group of Travellers gained access to the park via the main entrance gates at Farley Hill on Monday, and that the standard legal procedures to get them evicted have been started again.
These latest encampments come just six months after a group of caravans, some of whom arrived from Dale Farm in Essex, were evicted from the site.
A council spokesman said: “Following the group of Travellers who gained access to Stockwood Park two weeks ago by breaking the entry gates opposite Whipperley Way, we are looking at increasing security measures which will include a strengthened gate being constructed which be installed in approximately three weeks time.
“We are arranging a meeting of all interested parties including Active Luton, Stockwood Discovery Centre and Baylands Equestrian Centre to see if there can be an agreement for a barrier to be erected at the Farley Hill entrance.
“All parties must agree to lock the barrier after allowing access for delivery vehicles otherwise it would not offer any deterrent to those who wish to access the park illegally.”
see also Luton Today - Plans to keep Travellers out
Villagers fume as they're left in dark over Gypsy site issue - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire On Sunday
Residents have accused the council of ‘crucifying a town’ over claims they weren’t told about a Gypsy site application.
Liz Borland of Great Denham said that she attended an emergency meeting of the village’s parish council on Wednesday night after the authority heard whispers of a proposed Traveller site on Bromham Road, Bedford.
The application is to form a five pitch Gypsy site including five mobile homes and five associated touring caravans.
Bedford Borough Council confirmed it had only told Bromham and Stagsden Parish Councils about the application.
The site would be on one of the main arteries heading into Bedford along the A428. Mrs Borland said: “I’m fuming about this whole situation.
Great Denham Parish Council had to call a meeting to discuss it and that’s only because they heard it through Chinese whispers.
“I don’t know what Bedford Borough Council is doing. They are crucifying the town.
“The location of site is wrong for families that could be living there because there’s no pedestrian access for them. This is what people will see when they drive into Bedford – a Gypsy site.” A spokesman for Bedford Borough Council said: “The council can confirm it has received a planning application for a change of use at Bromham Nurseries to site Gypsy and Traveller pitches.
“The council has consulted Stagsden Parish Council as the site falls within their boundary.
Bromham Parish Council has also been notified as the site is adjacent to their boundary. Both parish councils were contacted on March 5.
“The consultation as part of the planning application is still open and closes on Monday April 9.” Borough councillor Mark Smith who represents Great Denham and sits on the council’s planning committee said: “Perhaps when an application is a sensitive as this one then people living in the wider vicinity should be notified as well. It is disappointing that this was not the case.”
On Monday Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for 14 pitches to be built at Meadow Lane in Bedford.
The application had been recommended to be deferred for more tests on odours from the nearby sewage works but it was unanimously voted through.
Residents have accused the council of ‘crucifying a town’ over claims they weren’t told about a Gypsy site application.
Liz Borland of Great Denham said that she attended an emergency meeting of the village’s parish council on Wednesday night after the authority heard whispers of a proposed Traveller site on Bromham Road, Bedford.
The application is to form a five pitch Gypsy site including five mobile homes and five associated touring caravans.
Bedford Borough Council confirmed it had only told Bromham and Stagsden Parish Councils about the application.
The site would be on one of the main arteries heading into Bedford along the A428. Mrs Borland said: “I’m fuming about this whole situation.
Great Denham Parish Council had to call a meeting to discuss it and that’s only because they heard it through Chinese whispers.
“I don’t know what Bedford Borough Council is doing. They are crucifying the town.
“The location of site is wrong for families that could be living there because there’s no pedestrian access for them. This is what people will see when they drive into Bedford – a Gypsy site.” A spokesman for Bedford Borough Council said: “The council can confirm it has received a planning application for a change of use at Bromham Nurseries to site Gypsy and Traveller pitches.
“The council has consulted Stagsden Parish Council as the site falls within their boundary.
Bromham Parish Council has also been notified as the site is adjacent to their boundary. Both parish councils were contacted on March 5.
“The consultation as part of the planning application is still open and closes on Monday April 9.” Borough councillor Mark Smith who represents Great Denham and sits on the council’s planning committee said: “Perhaps when an application is a sensitive as this one then people living in the wider vicinity should be notified as well. It is disappointing that this was not the case.”
On Monday Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for 14 pitches to be built at Meadow Lane in Bedford.
The application had been recommended to be deferred for more tests on odours from the nearby sewage works but it was unanimously voted through.
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