From the Plymouth Herald
PLANS for a transit site for Travellers and Gypsies have received mixed public reactions.
Members of the public were yesterday given a second chance to voice their opinions on the proposed Broadley Park Transit Gypsy and Traveller site at a Have Your Say meeting held at Woolwell Community Centre.
Fifteen transit pitches could be built on land owned by the council at Broadley Park, near Roborough, under the controversial plans.
And local residents have voiced their opinions on the council's online consultation portal.
One resident said that whilst they believed the location of the site was fine, it ran the risk of looking like a "concentration camp" due to the proposed high metal fence surrounding the site.
They said: "The high metal fence proposed around the site risks giving it a concentration-camp feel. This has been done on several sites around the country and is extremely unpleasant.
"I appreciate the Travellers need to be protected from the more vile elements in the settled community, but could this not be done with high hedging perhaps?
"If the site has a cold, drab and prison-like atmosphere, it will probably be under-used."
They continued: "I am glad Plymouth City Council is attempting to make up for decades of rather inadequate management of the Gypsy/Traveller issue.
"I sincerely hope the good effort the council is now making is not laid to waste by the inevitable public backlash. Too often, these sites are not built because of public opposition."
But another resident said they objected "entirely" to the proposed plans. They said: "I'm not happy about having a Gypsy site at the back of my property. Gypsies that have been in the area recently and in the past, have littered, made an awful mess, and personally have witnessed total disrespect from a few."
One person voiced their concerns about the effect the site would have on local businesses.
They said: "The location is poor. Although on the outskirts of Plymouth there is nothing for the tTravellers to do in this area which will lead to more local crime such as vandalism.
"Legitimate businesses in the area will suffer. We pay rates and additional fees to have bins collected and even pay for the grass to be cut.
"The Travellers will not have to pay for this and I think this is fundamentally wrong. Will I be allowed to use the refuse facilities on this site?
"I run a training centre and have a number of customers, many under the age of 18 and fear that the Travellers will not mix well with these students and in general the local businesses in the area."
A spokesperson from the council said the consultations had seen a steady flow of visitors enquiring about the proposals.
The council spokesperson said: "The reaction has largely been a recognition that there have been unauthorised encampments in the area and that a managed solution would be a better way forward."
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
BIGGER FATTER – AND HARMFUL TO GYPSY AND TRAVELLER CHILDREN SAYS ADVERTISING WATCHDOG
From the Irish Traveller Movement In Britain
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today (Wednesday 03/10/2012) announced that Channel 4’s “Bigger Fatter Gypsier” billboard advertising campaign was irresponsible, endorsed prejudice against Gypsies and Travellers, was guilty of depicting a child in a sexualised way, and was likely to have caused mental and moral harm to children.
The Irish Traveller Movement in Britain welcomes this ground-breaking decision, which could not be more damaging to both Channel 4’s reputation and the reputation of Honda UK; the main sponsor of the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series.
Below are the links to 1) The ITMB press release. 2) The Howe & Co press release (the soliciters involved) 3) The All Party Parliamentary Group for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers press release. 4) The report by Traveller educationalist Brian Foster on the effect of the billboards and the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series. This was part of the ITMB submission to the ASA investigation. 5) A statement by a young Traveller child who provided evidence for the ITMB submission to the ASA investigation.6) the ASA final adjudication (also available on their website). 7) A summary of the ASA findings and the CAP codes breached by the billboards concerned.
see also: The Guardian - Big Fat Gypsy Weddings poster 'endorsed negative stereotypes'
The Telegraph
The Belfast Telegraph
The Irish Times
The Mail Online
The BBC
theredcard.org
The Scotsman
The Sun
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) today (Wednesday 03/10/2012) announced that Channel 4’s “Bigger Fatter Gypsier” billboard advertising campaign was irresponsible, endorsed prejudice against Gypsies and Travellers, was guilty of depicting a child in a sexualised way, and was likely to have caused mental and moral harm to children.
The Irish Traveller Movement in Britain welcomes this ground-breaking decision, which could not be more damaging to both Channel 4’s reputation and the reputation of Honda UK; the main sponsor of the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series.
Below are the links to 1) The ITMB press release. 2) The Howe & Co press release (the soliciters involved) 3) The All Party Parliamentary Group for Gypsies, Roma and Travellers press release. 4) The report by Traveller educationalist Brian Foster on the effect of the billboards and the Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series. This was part of the ITMB submission to the ASA investigation. 5) A statement by a young Traveller child who provided evidence for the ITMB submission to the ASA investigation.6) the ASA final adjudication (also available on their website). 7) A summary of the ASA findings and the CAP codes breached by the billboards concerned.
see also: The Guardian - Big Fat Gypsy Weddings poster 'endorsed negative stereotypes'
The Telegraph
The Belfast Telegraph
The Irish Times
The Mail Online
The BBC
theredcard.org
The Scotsman
The Sun
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Romany Gypsies tell of Newport Traveller site fears - Gwent
From the South Wales Argus
ROMANY Gypsies living on a legal site in Newport have told the Argus they are worried that proposals for a Gypsy and Traveller site next door could spoil their good relationship with the surrounding community.
For five years a Romany Gypsy family has lived on a rural site off Brickyard Lane, in Allt-Yr-Yn.
But a list of suggested Gypsy sites has proposed one in a field next to the settlement, where both Romany Gypsies and Travellers live.
Sam Price, 47, said he is deeply concerned that the proposal, if it came to fruition, would put undue pressure on his own community and their limited space.
He said over the last five years his group has made every effort to integrate into the community and has gained their trust.
“My grandchildren attend the primary school and we take every care to keep our site clean and protect the area from fly-tipping,” he said.
Mr Price is worried the group will be on the receiving end of hostility from locals if a site were placed near their community.
“The five years we have been here making a relationship – it will be gone overnight,” he said.
As well as nine Romany Gypsies the site is also home to a group of five Travellers.
The site has a stables, a bungalow and five caravans, with tenants paying rent. Newport council is now in the last week of a consultation on its long list of 11 proposed sites, due to close on October 4.
ROMANY Gypsies living on a legal site in Newport have told the Argus they are worried that proposals for a Gypsy and Traveller site next door could spoil their good relationship with the surrounding community.
For five years a Romany Gypsy family has lived on a rural site off Brickyard Lane, in Allt-Yr-Yn.
But a list of suggested Gypsy sites has proposed one in a field next to the settlement, where both Romany Gypsies and Travellers live.
Sam Price, 47, said he is deeply concerned that the proposal, if it came to fruition, would put undue pressure on his own community and their limited space.
He said over the last five years his group has made every effort to integrate into the community and has gained their trust.
“My grandchildren attend the primary school and we take every care to keep our site clean and protect the area from fly-tipping,” he said.
Mr Price is worried the group will be on the receiving end of hostility from locals if a site were placed near their community.
“The five years we have been here making a relationship – it will be gone overnight,” he said.
As well as nine Romany Gypsies the site is also home to a group of five Travellers.
The site has a stables, a bungalow and five caravans, with tenants paying rent. Newport council is now in the last week of a consultation on its long list of 11 proposed sites, due to close on October 4.
No problems as Travellers bid farewell to one of their own - Bedfordshire
From Hemel Today
Two police forces were on alert today (Tuesday) and warning motorists of possible traffic delays as the travelling community bid farewell to one of its own.
More than 1,000 people were expected to attend the funeral, which saw the cortege travel from Luton to the Three Cherry Trees Lane Traveller site in Hemel Hempstead, back to Beds for a church mass service in the morning, before returning to the caravan base and then heading to Dunstable via the M1 at around midday for the burial.
As part of the final journey the coffin was transferred from a motorised hearse onto a horse drawn hearse at J9 of the motorway.
A Herts Constabulary spokesman said: “It went off without any problem at all.”
Two police forces were on alert today (Tuesday) and warning motorists of possible traffic delays as the travelling community bid farewell to one of its own.
More than 1,000 people were expected to attend the funeral, which saw the cortege travel from Luton to the Three Cherry Trees Lane Traveller site in Hemel Hempstead, back to Beds for a church mass service in the morning, before returning to the caravan base and then heading to Dunstable via the M1 at around midday for the burial.
As part of the final journey the coffin was transferred from a motorised hearse onto a horse drawn hearse at J9 of the motorway.
A Herts Constabulary spokesman said: “It went off without any problem at all.”
Monday, 1 October 2012
Search is on again for a Gypsy site in Calderdale - Yorkshire
From the Halifax Courier
Councillors are once again searching for a permanent site for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople.
When they scoured Calderdale 25-years-ago, they hit on isolated woodland between Sowerby and Luddenden Foot, and went so far as to put in a planning application.
But there was a barrage of public opposition and they abandoned the proposal at the last minute, shelving the whole idea.
It has been revived by the need to produce a “Local Plan” for jobs, homes, shops and green spaces. Public consultation is due to begin in October.
The 390-page document requires Calderdale Council take a “more proactive approach” to finding suitable space.
The West Yorkshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment says that there are about 40 Traveller households in Calderdale.
Additional information from the Showman’s Guild shows there are a further 12 travelling Showpeople families, who live on a site in Atlas Mill Road, Brighouse.
The council does not anticipate any private sector sites being set up for Gypsies and Travelllers but a survey has shown the presence of three unathorised sites which are not perceived to be causing a problem.
The accommodation assessment says there is a need for seven permanent pitches in Calderdale and one transit pitch.
National Planning Policy indicates that sites in the green belt would be inappropriate. Instead they should be easily accessible, close to work and schools and away from areas that flood or where noise and air pollution might be a problem.
Councillor David Hardy (Lib-Dem, Elland), chairman of the council’s economy and environment panel, said a site would have to be found.
“The problem is where and who is going to pay for it - the council has no money in the kitty.
“And even when we do find a site, we will still have to deal with Travellers passing through Calderdale. These casual visitors often cause chaos,” he said.
The council had narrowed down its list of possible sites for travellers to just six in 1991. They were: Huddersfield Road, Elland, Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse, Bootown Road, Halifax, Hollins Mill Lane/Walton Street, Sowerby Bridge and between the Rochdale Canal and the railway in Walsden, Todmorden. But they put in a planning application for a wooded glen sandwiched between the railway and Stoney Lane, at Ellen Holme, Luddenden Foot, which it was estimated would cost £350,000 to redevelop. The National Gypsy Council branded it a ‘gloomy dump’ and the Wood Bottom Action Group was formed to try to overturn the scheme and get the Travellers evicted from the site which had been occupied illegally for more than 14 months. In January 1991, the council withdrew a planning application to make the site permanent. Access is difficult and the noise from the railway meant the council would have had to develop measures to muffle it and provide safety fencing. But the key issue was the poor drainage and the fact that the site had been used as a foundry and gasworks making it highly likely that the ground was contaminated.
Councillors are once again searching for a permanent site for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling Showpeople.
When they scoured Calderdale 25-years-ago, they hit on isolated woodland between Sowerby and Luddenden Foot, and went so far as to put in a planning application.
But there was a barrage of public opposition and they abandoned the proposal at the last minute, shelving the whole idea.
It has been revived by the need to produce a “Local Plan” for jobs, homes, shops and green spaces. Public consultation is due to begin in October.
The 390-page document requires Calderdale Council take a “more proactive approach” to finding suitable space.
The West Yorkshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment says that there are about 40 Traveller households in Calderdale.
Additional information from the Showman’s Guild shows there are a further 12 travelling Showpeople families, who live on a site in Atlas Mill Road, Brighouse.
The council does not anticipate any private sector sites being set up for Gypsies and Travelllers but a survey has shown the presence of three unathorised sites which are not perceived to be causing a problem.
The accommodation assessment says there is a need for seven permanent pitches in Calderdale and one transit pitch.
National Planning Policy indicates that sites in the green belt would be inappropriate. Instead they should be easily accessible, close to work and schools and away from areas that flood or where noise and air pollution might be a problem.
Councillor David Hardy (Lib-Dem, Elland), chairman of the council’s economy and environment panel, said a site would have to be found.
“The problem is where and who is going to pay for it - the council has no money in the kitty.
“And even when we do find a site, we will still have to deal with Travellers passing through Calderdale. These casual visitors often cause chaos,” he said.
The council had narrowed down its list of possible sites for travellers to just six in 1991. They were: Huddersfield Road, Elland, Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse, Bootown Road, Halifax, Hollins Mill Lane/Walton Street, Sowerby Bridge and between the Rochdale Canal and the railway in Walsden, Todmorden. But they put in a planning application for a wooded glen sandwiched between the railway and Stoney Lane, at Ellen Holme, Luddenden Foot, which it was estimated would cost £350,000 to redevelop. The National Gypsy Council branded it a ‘gloomy dump’ and the Wood Bottom Action Group was formed to try to overturn the scheme and get the Travellers evicted from the site which had been occupied illegally for more than 14 months. In January 1991, the council withdrew a planning application to make the site permanent. Access is difficult and the noise from the railway meant the council would have had to develop measures to muffle it and provide safety fencing. But the key issue was the poor drainage and the fact that the site had been used as a foundry and gasworks making it highly likely that the ground was contaminated.
New History Project - Sussex
From Friends Families and Travellers
FFT are looking for Sussex based volunteers to take part in a new and exciting project.
Volunteers will help collect, document and catalogue the life histories of Sussex Gypsies and Travellers. The aim of the project is to place Travellers histories within local history collections and archives, so that present and future generations will better understand and appreciate the lives and contributions of Gypsies and Travellers. Training in oral history skills is available, and reasonable travel expenses can be re-imbursed. We are looking for a commitment of 4-7 hrs per week (negotiable)
Please contact Liz on Tel:01273 234777 or email: liz@gypsy-traveller.org
FFT are looking for Sussex based volunteers to take part in a new and exciting project.
Volunteers will help collect, document and catalogue the life histories of Sussex Gypsies and Travellers. The aim of the project is to place Travellers histories within local history collections and archives, so that present and future generations will better understand and appreciate the lives and contributions of Gypsies and Travellers. Training in oral history skills is available, and reasonable travel expenses can be re-imbursed. We are looking for a commitment of 4-7 hrs per week (negotiable)
Please contact Liz on Tel:01273 234777 or email: liz@gypsy-traveller.org
Travellers hire former planning chiefs to successfully overturn Fenland Council decision on mobile home site - Cambridgeshire
From the Cambs Times
Nick Seaton, now in private practice after being made redundant last year, teamed up with his former boss Derek McKenzie- also released by the council last year- to fight for Fred and Violet Smith at a planning appeal.
The Smiths had been refused permission for two mobile homes, two touring caravans and a day room at Bar Drove, Friday Bridge.
The council had alleged the homes would detract from the appearance of the area, would impinge on nearby houses, and questioned whether there was a need for more travellers’ sites in Fenland.
Not only did Mr Seaton and Mr McKenzie – now a Yorkshire based consultant- overturn the decision but the Government inspector criticised Fenland District Council for not providing enough sites.
“There is ample evidence that the district has a high level of unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller sites,” said John Felgate.
Mr Felgate said Fenland District Council currently had no policies to address either the issue of need or the other aims of increasing the supply of suitable sites. There was no “adopted criteria policy for assessing such proposals on an ad hoc policy” either said the inspector. Mr Felgate said biannual counts of traveller sites in Fenland showed there was a strong demand from people with attachments to the area and indicated a “significant level of unmet need”.
He quoted the council’s Traveller and diversity officer who said that all council owned sites were at full capacity, with no vacancies.
“Low rates of vacancy and turnover are generally associated with areas of under provision,” said Mr Felgate. “This evidence further reinforces my view that the district had an underlying need for more sites.”
Why inspector added ‘some weight’ to case for the Smiths
THE Smiths presently live on a family owned site at Marshland St James but this is now needed for the owner’s own sons. Legally, noted the inspector, they are now homeless.
Mr Smith ended up buying the land at Bar Drove although at one point had inquired about moving onto a new site at Blunt Drove in west Norfolk.
The inspector John Felgate agreed with the council’s argument that there was nothing exceptional or compelling about the Smiths case but he felt there was a need for a settled base.
“The appeal site would meet that need, and no alternatives have been identified,” said Mr Felgate.
“These considerations add some weight to the case for the appeal.”
Nick Seaton, now in private practice after being made redundant last year, teamed up with his former boss Derek McKenzie- also released by the council last year- to fight for Fred and Violet Smith at a planning appeal.
The Smiths had been refused permission for two mobile homes, two touring caravans and a day room at Bar Drove, Friday Bridge.
The council had alleged the homes would detract from the appearance of the area, would impinge on nearby houses, and questioned whether there was a need for more travellers’ sites in Fenland.
Not only did Mr Seaton and Mr McKenzie – now a Yorkshire based consultant- overturn the decision but the Government inspector criticised Fenland District Council for not providing enough sites.
“There is ample evidence that the district has a high level of unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller sites,” said John Felgate.
Mr Felgate said Fenland District Council currently had no policies to address either the issue of need or the other aims of increasing the supply of suitable sites. There was no “adopted criteria policy for assessing such proposals on an ad hoc policy” either said the inspector. Mr Felgate said biannual counts of traveller sites in Fenland showed there was a strong demand from people with attachments to the area and indicated a “significant level of unmet need”.
He quoted the council’s Traveller and diversity officer who said that all council owned sites were at full capacity, with no vacancies.
“Low rates of vacancy and turnover are generally associated with areas of under provision,” said Mr Felgate. “This evidence further reinforces my view that the district had an underlying need for more sites.”
Why inspector added ‘some weight’ to case for the Smiths
THE Smiths presently live on a family owned site at Marshland St James but this is now needed for the owner’s own sons. Legally, noted the inspector, they are now homeless.
Mr Smith ended up buying the land at Bar Drove although at one point had inquired about moving onto a new site at Blunt Drove in west Norfolk.
The inspector John Felgate agreed with the council’s argument that there was nothing exceptional or compelling about the Smiths case but he felt there was a need for a settled base.
“The appeal site would meet that need, and no alternatives have been identified,” said Mr Felgate.
“These considerations add some weight to the case for the appeal.”
Travellers' Children - photographic exhibition - LOndon
From firstthursdays.co.uk
Colin O’Brien’s Colin O’Brien’s Travellers’ Children is a series of photographs taken 25 years ago in the London Fields area. The images feature the children of Irish Traveller families who took Colin into their confidence after seeing the Polaroid shots he’d taken and given to their children. Over a period of three weeks Colin got to know the travellers who allowed him to work with their children in his open air studio on Fortescue Avenue. After four weeks the Travellers moved on leaving Colin no means of contacting them, but with an amazing set of images.
Colin O’Brien’s Colin O’Brien’s Travellers’ Children is a series of photographs taken 25 years ago in the London Fields area. The images feature the children of Irish Traveller families who took Colin into their confidence after seeing the Polaroid shots he’d taken and given to their children. Over a period of three weeks Colin got to know the travellers who allowed him to work with their children in his open air studio on Fortescue Avenue. After four weeks the Travellers moved on leaving Colin no means of contacting them, but with an amazing set of images.
Datchet site for Travellers favoured by cabinet - Berkshire
From the Royal Borough Observer
RESIDENTS are still none the wiser where in the Royal Borough space for more than 10 Traveller pitches will be found after the cabinet 'noted' another report.
It was the third paper on the issue brought to cabinet by councillor Christine Bateson, lead member for planning, in five months.
The latest recommendations are to drop the controversial proposal to allow pitches at Pool Lane, Waltham St Lawrence, and Pickins Piece, Horton, and focus on Mill Place, Datchet, and land at Datchet Road and Welley Road, Horton.
Cllr Jesse Gray, representing Datchet, was not at the cabinet meeting at Maidenhead Town Hall, in St Ives Road, on Thursday night, but Cllr Phill Bicknell read a statement on his behalf.
It read: "I have no problems with Travellers in Datchet or around Horton and Wraysbury. They are very much part of the community and take a genuine interest in events and functions in the village. Many helped with the Jubilee events.
"They are representatives on the parish council and the schools' headteachers have nothing but praise for their contribution."
It is recommended Mill Place, part-owned by the Royal Borough and part privately-owned, could accommodate 10 new pitches to help meet their short-term government targets.
The paper, which ruled out the Horton and Waltham St Lawrence sites on flood risk grounds and because of objecting petitions, was discussed at an overview and scrutiny meeting at Maidenhead Town Hall, on September 17.
Cllr Malcolm Beer, who sits on the committee, attacked the cabinet on Thursday for not noting the panel's recommendations. He said: "There has not been the courtesy afforded to our recommendations. That, Mr Chairman, is not open and transparent government."
Cllr David Burbage, leader of the Royal Borough, pointed out to Cllr Beer the cabinet agenda had been put together prior to the overview and scrutiny meeting so the panel's comments could not be included.
Horton and Wraysbury ward councillors John Lenton and Colin Rayner had previously attacked the overview and scrutiny panel saying they were not told it was on the agenda.
A fourth report will be brought to cabinet in December.
see also: The Ascot Windsor and Eton Express - Datchet Travellers' site faces expansion
RESIDENTS are still none the wiser where in the Royal Borough space for more than 10 Traveller pitches will be found after the cabinet 'noted' another report.
It was the third paper on the issue brought to cabinet by councillor Christine Bateson, lead member for planning, in five months.
The latest recommendations are to drop the controversial proposal to allow pitches at Pool Lane, Waltham St Lawrence, and Pickins Piece, Horton, and focus on Mill Place, Datchet, and land at Datchet Road and Welley Road, Horton.
Cllr Jesse Gray, representing Datchet, was not at the cabinet meeting at Maidenhead Town Hall, in St Ives Road, on Thursday night, but Cllr Phill Bicknell read a statement on his behalf.
It read: "I have no problems with Travellers in Datchet or around Horton and Wraysbury. They are very much part of the community and take a genuine interest in events and functions in the village. Many helped with the Jubilee events.
"They are representatives on the parish council and the schools' headteachers have nothing but praise for their contribution."
It is recommended Mill Place, part-owned by the Royal Borough and part privately-owned, could accommodate 10 new pitches to help meet their short-term government targets.
The paper, which ruled out the Horton and Waltham St Lawrence sites on flood risk grounds and because of objecting petitions, was discussed at an overview and scrutiny meeting at Maidenhead Town Hall, on September 17.
Cllr Malcolm Beer, who sits on the committee, attacked the cabinet on Thursday for not noting the panel's recommendations. He said: "There has not been the courtesy afforded to our recommendations. That, Mr Chairman, is not open and transparent government."
Cllr David Burbage, leader of the Royal Borough, pointed out to Cllr Beer the cabinet agenda had been put together prior to the overview and scrutiny meeting so the panel's comments could not be included.
Horton and Wraysbury ward councillors John Lenton and Colin Rayner had previously attacked the overview and scrutiny panel saying they were not told it was on the agenda.
A fourth report will be brought to cabinet in December.
see also: The Ascot Windsor and Eton Express - Datchet Travellers' site faces expansion
Evicted Travellers take refuge in Rossett church car park - Wrexham
From the Leader
A family of Gypsies is living on a church car park, without running water or electricity, after being kicked off land they called home.
Lisa Evans and her husband Jeremy Wells were forced off their plot in Daisy Lane, Rossett, where they had been living for the last four years after Wrexham Council brought them before the civil courts.
They were threatened with prison if they did not abide by an order to leave by September 19.
The Romany gipsy couple had been fighting for the right to stay for months and were desperate to avoid going back on the road for the sake of their six children, aged between four and 12.
They believe the council needs to do more to help Traveller families like theirs, especially after the authority was forced to scrap its local development plan earlier this year partly because of insufficient provision for gipsies and travellers.
In the meantime the family has taken refuge on the car park of Christ Church, Chester Road, Rossett, and all eight of them are sharing one small caravan.
“We feel like we’re homeless,” Lisa said.
“We’ve got no toilets or running water so we’re having to rely on the local pub and public toilets to wash in.
“I’m paying a fortune for the launderette and Jeremy, who has to have daily injections for arthritis, is having to go back and to to his friend’s house in Pandy because we haven’t got any electricity to keep the needles cool.
“I’m so stressed and run off my feet and with winter on its way we’re getting so cold.
“I can’t bear the thought of us having to stay here for Christmas.”
The couple were offered a house in Plas Madoc but they claimed it was too far away from where the children go to school at Darland High School and St Peter’s Primary School, both in Rossett, and they could not afford the cost of the journeys.
And after seeking legal advice they rejected the house believing the council has an obligation to find them accommodation closer to school.
“It was devastating to have to leave Daisy Lane,” Lisa added.
“I was crying and all the children were crying. We feel like we’ve been pushed out of our home and that’s really hard for the kids to deal with. We feel awful about being a nuisance to the church but we have nowhere else to go.”
The family own a house in Cefnybedd but Lisa said: “We just couldn’t live there anymore because we got so much trouble for being Gypsies. We had car tyres slashed and our children were called names. They were terrified.
“The council needs to do more to make sure Traveller families don’t have to put up with this.”
Nobody was available at Wrexham Council on Friday to comment on the family’s situation, but regarding the local development plan, Lawrence Isted, head of community wellbeing and development, said: “The council is in the early stages of preparing a new assessment of need within the Gypsy and Traveller community which will inform the drafting of fresh policies and site allocation if required.
“It is anticipated the assessment will be completed next year.”
A family of Gypsies is living on a church car park, without running water or electricity, after being kicked off land they called home.
Lisa Evans and her husband Jeremy Wells were forced off their plot in Daisy Lane, Rossett, where they had been living for the last four years after Wrexham Council brought them before the civil courts.
They were threatened with prison if they did not abide by an order to leave by September 19.
The Romany gipsy couple had been fighting for the right to stay for months and were desperate to avoid going back on the road for the sake of their six children, aged between four and 12.
They believe the council needs to do more to help Traveller families like theirs, especially after the authority was forced to scrap its local development plan earlier this year partly because of insufficient provision for gipsies and travellers.
In the meantime the family has taken refuge on the car park of Christ Church, Chester Road, Rossett, and all eight of them are sharing one small caravan.
“We feel like we’re homeless,” Lisa said.
“We’ve got no toilets or running water so we’re having to rely on the local pub and public toilets to wash in.
“I’m paying a fortune for the launderette and Jeremy, who has to have daily injections for arthritis, is having to go back and to to his friend’s house in Pandy because we haven’t got any electricity to keep the needles cool.
“I’m so stressed and run off my feet and with winter on its way we’re getting so cold.
“I can’t bear the thought of us having to stay here for Christmas.”
The couple were offered a house in Plas Madoc but they claimed it was too far away from where the children go to school at Darland High School and St Peter’s Primary School, both in Rossett, and they could not afford the cost of the journeys.
And after seeking legal advice they rejected the house believing the council has an obligation to find them accommodation closer to school.
“It was devastating to have to leave Daisy Lane,” Lisa added.
“I was crying and all the children were crying. We feel like we’ve been pushed out of our home and that’s really hard for the kids to deal with. We feel awful about being a nuisance to the church but we have nowhere else to go.”
The family own a house in Cefnybedd but Lisa said: “We just couldn’t live there anymore because we got so much trouble for being Gypsies. We had car tyres slashed and our children were called names. They were terrified.
“The council needs to do more to make sure Traveller families don’t have to put up with this.”
Nobody was available at Wrexham Council on Friday to comment on the family’s situation, but regarding the local development plan, Lawrence Isted, head of community wellbeing and development, said: “The council is in the early stages of preparing a new assessment of need within the Gypsy and Traveller community which will inform the drafting of fresh policies and site allocation if required.
“It is anticipated the assessment will be completed next year.”
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