From the South Wales Evening Post
WHERE Travellers live is an emotional subject, but Swansea's council leader has promised to "take politics" out of the decision.
The local authority has a duty to provide a permanent second site for them — they already have a full one in Llansamlet, and another family is currently pitched on a temporary site at Swansea Vale Park and Ride. However, Swansea's leader David Phillips has moved to assure concerned residents politics will not play a part in the decision- making.
Mr Phillips said the current search for a second permanent site for Traveller families would be based on expert advice.
He said council officers would rank a shortlist of sites based on professional assessments of the options. The ranked sites will also be assessed independently.
The process will conclude with the ranked sites being considered by the full council.
Mr Phillips said: "The process of identifying a list of sites will be based entirely on professional advice and guidance from the Welsh Government. It will not be open to political interference."
Nick Bradley, who chairs the working group that reviewed the selection process, said: "People have concerns about potential sites, but I can reassure them that no decisions have been made.
"The people of Swansea and the traveller families deserve to have the most appropriate site based on government guidance and professional assessments of the options."
Meanwhile Llansamlet residents will be holding a meeting about a potential new site tomorrow. A Llansamlet home owner, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, said she would, along with her neighbours, be attending the meeting to air their worries based on their experiences of living close to the current site.
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Chilwell School faces £10,000 bill for Travellers camp - Nottinghamshire
From the BBC
A school where Travellers have set up camp on the playing field is facing £10,000 in legal and clean-up costs.
Chilwell School in Nottinghamshire is open as usual despite the arrival of the 10 caravans on Thursday, a spokesman said.
Head teacher Ian Brierly said he was "fuming" at the potential legal costs which will come from the school budget.
Traveller Jimmy Price said the group were using the field as they "had nowhere else to go".
Mr Brierly said: "It will cost us about £6,000 to put the court order together and possibly £4,000 or more in cleanup costs - and that absolutely infuriated me.
Repossesion order
"As a head teacher I've got cuts in my budget and now they are telling me that for no reason other than someone has put their vehicles on our property I am going to be £10,000 potentially out of pocket - which I think is unacceptable.
"I have no objection to the Travellers' lifestyle but I am going to fight it until it gets sorted."
He said the school has issued the Travellers with a notice ordering them to leave the site by Monday morning.
Mr Price said: "There is nowhere to go. If they make a nice site for us, fair enough, we will pay our rates like everybody else.
"All I want is a site - I am getting too old for this now, travelling around. I would love to settle down."
A Nottinghamshire County Council spokesman said the county provided one bespoke site for Travellers near Retford, 36 miles (58km) north of Nottingham, but it was currently undergoing refurbishment.
Mr Brierly said the school was responsible for paying the legal bills because it had foundation status and the travellers would be issued with a repossession order if they remained on the field.
The Travellers said they would stay on the school field until they got a legal notice ordering them to move.
see also: the BBC - Chilwell School Travellers leave burning caravan behind
A school where Travellers have set up camp on the playing field is facing £10,000 in legal and clean-up costs.
Chilwell School in Nottinghamshire is open as usual despite the arrival of the 10 caravans on Thursday, a spokesman said.
Head teacher Ian Brierly said he was "fuming" at the potential legal costs which will come from the school budget.
Traveller Jimmy Price said the group were using the field as they "had nowhere else to go".
Mr Brierly said: "It will cost us about £6,000 to put the court order together and possibly £4,000 or more in cleanup costs - and that absolutely infuriated me.
Repossesion order
"As a head teacher I've got cuts in my budget and now they are telling me that for no reason other than someone has put their vehicles on our property I am going to be £10,000 potentially out of pocket - which I think is unacceptable.
"I have no objection to the Travellers' lifestyle but I am going to fight it until it gets sorted."
He said the school has issued the Travellers with a notice ordering them to leave the site by Monday morning.
Mr Price said: "There is nowhere to go. If they make a nice site for us, fair enough, we will pay our rates like everybody else.
"All I want is a site - I am getting too old for this now, travelling around. I would love to settle down."
A Nottinghamshire County Council spokesman said the county provided one bespoke site for Travellers near Retford, 36 miles (58km) north of Nottingham, but it was currently undergoing refurbishment.
Mr Brierly said the school was responsible for paying the legal bills because it had foundation status and the travellers would be issued with a repossession order if they remained on the field.
The Travellers said they would stay on the school field until they got a legal notice ordering them to move.
see also: the BBC - Chilwell School Travellers leave burning caravan behind
Barnsley MP urges council rethink over Travellers’ site - Yorkshire
From Barnsley News and Sport
Local MP Michael Dugher has called on Barnsley Council to ‘think again’ Council about their proposed Travellers’ site in Darfield.
Local residents have been angered by the proposal and have complained strongly to Mr Dugher.
In addition, over 300 people attended a public meeting on September 15 to also voice their protest to the site.
MP Dugher said: “It is clear that it’s not an appropriate location for a Travellers’ site. Not only is it some way off reaching the necessary criteria, it also doesn’t’ meet Government guidelines on permanent Traveller sites.
“The land is located away from local services and it could be unsafe.
“The site would also encroach on to land that forms a natural green belt between Ardsley and Darfield.
“The message from local residents and councillors is loud and clear and it is time for the council to go back and think again about its proposal for this Travellers’ site in Darfield.”
Local MP Michael Dugher has called on Barnsley Council to ‘think again’ Council about their proposed Travellers’ site in Darfield.
Local residents have been angered by the proposal and have complained strongly to Mr Dugher.
In addition, over 300 people attended a public meeting on September 15 to also voice their protest to the site.
MP Dugher said: “It is clear that it’s not an appropriate location for a Travellers’ site. Not only is it some way off reaching the necessary criteria, it also doesn’t’ meet Government guidelines on permanent Traveller sites.
“The land is located away from local services and it could be unsafe.
“The site would also encroach on to land that forms a natural green belt between Ardsley and Darfield.
“The message from local residents and councillors is loud and clear and it is time for the council to go back and think again about its proposal for this Travellers’ site in Darfield.”
Emergency clean-up underway after travellers leave Little Hulton football pitches in rubbish state - Lancashire
From the Salford Advertiser
An emergency clean-up is under way on football pitches in Little Hulton after Travellers left them strewn with rubbish.
Council chiefs have promised to clear up Dukesgate playing fields, off Cleggs Lane, quickly so youngsters from North Walkden Junior Football Club can return to their home ground.
The youngsters were forced to start the season elsewhere on Saturday after travellers broke through the padlocked gates and parked 40 caravans on the site.
After being served with eviction notices, they moved on, but not before they had left the pitches covered in tyre marks and rubbish, including dirty nappies and kitchen waste.
About 10 caravans were also moved on from Agecroft playing fields. The council has promised to clear up the Dukesgate pitches within 10 days.
Team coach Martin Thomasson thanked the council for its swift action. He said: “The lads were really disappointed when their season started so badly, and we didn’t think they would be back this season. But now we only have to wait one more week while all the rubbish is cleared and the pitches are repaired.”
An emergency clean-up is under way on football pitches in Little Hulton after Travellers left them strewn with rubbish.
Council chiefs have promised to clear up Dukesgate playing fields, off Cleggs Lane, quickly so youngsters from North Walkden Junior Football Club can return to their home ground.
The youngsters were forced to start the season elsewhere on Saturday after travellers broke through the padlocked gates and parked 40 caravans on the site.
After being served with eviction notices, they moved on, but not before they had left the pitches covered in tyre marks and rubbish, including dirty nappies and kitchen waste.
About 10 caravans were also moved on from Agecroft playing fields. The council has promised to clear up the Dukesgate pitches within 10 days.
Team coach Martin Thomasson thanked the council for its swift action. He said: “The lads were really disappointed when their season started so badly, and we didn’t think they would be back this season. But now we only have to wait one more week while all the rubbish is cleared and the pitches are repaired.”
Help shape the new Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan for Central Bedfordshire
From About My Area
The council is seeking local people's views about what the new Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan for Central Bedfordshire should contain.
The Plan will set out how Central Bedfordshire Council will meet the accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community up to 2031. This will include new policies outlining how planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller pitches will be assessed as well as new sites. More specific proposals detailing how the council will propose to meet identified needs will be put to residents and the wider community in a full public consultation on the draft plan in May 2013.
Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Strategic Planning said: "We are at an early stage in producing this document and are initially seeking views on the suggested outline content. We know that this Plan will be of interest to both the settled and gypsy and traveller communities and are committed to having a full and transparent consultation with everyone concerned and giving people greater input from the outset."
The proposed structure for the Gypsy and Traveller Plan can be viewed and downloaded from the council's website http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/planning/strategic-planning/consultation-and-news.aspx under the 'planning news and consultation' section. Everyone is invited to comment using our online planning consultation system or by downloading a copy of the form to print. Paper copies are also available at council offices, customer service centres and libraries.
The council is seeking local people's views about what the new Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan for Central Bedfordshire should contain.
The Plan will set out how Central Bedfordshire Council will meet the accommodation needs of the Gypsy and Traveller community up to 2031. This will include new policies outlining how planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller pitches will be assessed as well as new sites. More specific proposals detailing how the council will propose to meet identified needs will be put to residents and the wider community in a full public consultation on the draft plan in May 2013.
Cllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Strategic Planning said: "We are at an early stage in producing this document and are initially seeking views on the suggested outline content. We know that this Plan will be of interest to both the settled and gypsy and traveller communities and are committed to having a full and transparent consultation with everyone concerned and giving people greater input from the outset."
The proposed structure for the Gypsy and Traveller Plan can be viewed and downloaded from the council's website http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/planning/strategic-planning/consultation-and-news.aspx under the 'planning news and consultation' section. Everyone is invited to comment using our online planning consultation system or by downloading a copy of the form to print. Paper copies are also available at council offices, customer service centres and libraries.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council to combat Gypsy stereotype
From the Sentinal
A PLEA has been made for more funding to help combat "distrust" and "hostility" aimed at the city's Gypsy population.
Officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council carried out a review of public perception of travellers after councillors raised concerns about negative stereotypes.
They found many residents still believe "age old myths" about travellers and gypsies – and they have been "reinforced" by TV shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding
Themes reported included stereotyping Travellers as being "dirty", "thieves", having "unruly children" and being responsible for anti-social behaviour.
Now elected members have called for more work to be done in schools and communities to improve understanding about travellers' culture.
It comes as Hanley-based charity Brighter Futures works with the council to find a suitable site for a new, permanent 15-pitch camp.
The new pitches will be built by 2015 using £1 million in Government funding. Val Bourne, below, the council's assistant director of housing services, said: "There is little sympathy or understanding displayed by the local population regarding issues faced by the Gypsy and Traveller community.
"Many members of the public display considerable distrust and wariness around anything to do with Gypsies and Travellers and often perceive that the same rules don't apply to them.
"There have been no formal studies of local public perceptions of Gypsies and Travellers but we do know they are often negative and considerable hostility is displayed whenever issues arise."
The city council currently provides rented space for Gypsies and Travellers at Linehouses in Goldenhill.
It provides 33 permanent pitches and six temporary pitches, as well as facilities for the 137 residents who use them.
Awareness projects the city council has already supported include workshops on Nazi persecution of Eastern Travellers held at The New Vic Theatre and commissioning a traveller storyteller to visit schools.
Councillor Bagh Ali, chairman of the adult services scrutiny committee which requested the review, said members want to see more investment to tackle the problem.
He added: "We share the concerns raised. The travelling community do face these problems. We are going to work very closely with officers to find out what more we can do to help improve things."
Councillor Sheila Pitt, the committee's deputy chairman, added: "It's essential that we get the message through and it would help us if it could be pushed a level further."
Councillor Randy Conteh, member for Penkhull and Stoke, tabled a recommendation that all elected members should be able to visit the Linehouses site to improve their own understanding.
He added: "I'm almost embarrassed to say that I didn't even know we had a permanent site for Gypsies and Travellers in the city.
"We can make use of a visit and pass on information to our communities."
A PLEA has been made for more funding to help combat "distrust" and "hostility" aimed at the city's Gypsy population.
Officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council carried out a review of public perception of travellers after councillors raised concerns about negative stereotypes.
They found many residents still believe "age old myths" about travellers and gypsies – and they have been "reinforced" by TV shows such as My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding
Themes reported included stereotyping Travellers as being "dirty", "thieves", having "unruly children" and being responsible for anti-social behaviour.
Now elected members have called for more work to be done in schools and communities to improve understanding about travellers' culture.
It comes as Hanley-based charity Brighter Futures works with the council to find a suitable site for a new, permanent 15-pitch camp.
The new pitches will be built by 2015 using £1 million in Government funding. Val Bourne, below, the council's assistant director of housing services, said: "There is little sympathy or understanding displayed by the local population regarding issues faced by the Gypsy and Traveller community.
"Many members of the public display considerable distrust and wariness around anything to do with Gypsies and Travellers and often perceive that the same rules don't apply to them.
"There have been no formal studies of local public perceptions of Gypsies and Travellers but we do know they are often negative and considerable hostility is displayed whenever issues arise."
The city council currently provides rented space for Gypsies and Travellers at Linehouses in Goldenhill.
It provides 33 permanent pitches and six temporary pitches, as well as facilities for the 137 residents who use them.
Awareness projects the city council has already supported include workshops on Nazi persecution of Eastern Travellers held at The New Vic Theatre and commissioning a traveller storyteller to visit schools.
Councillor Bagh Ali, chairman of the adult services scrutiny committee which requested the review, said members want to see more investment to tackle the problem.
He added: "We share the concerns raised. The travelling community do face these problems. We are going to work very closely with officers to find out what more we can do to help improve things."
Councillor Sheila Pitt, the committee's deputy chairman, added: "It's essential that we get the message through and it would help us if it could be pushed a level further."
Councillor Randy Conteh, member for Penkhull and Stoke, tabled a recommendation that all elected members should be able to visit the Linehouses site to improve their own understanding.
He added: "I'm almost embarrassed to say that I didn't even know we had a permanent site for Gypsies and Travellers in the city.
"We can make use of a visit and pass on information to our communities."
Snoop Dogg's favourite record-breaking veg grower’s land at risk from Newport Gypsy site plan - Waless
From the South Wales Argus
HE’S gained fans around the world, including US rap star Snoop Dogg for his world record growing abilities, but now Ian Neale’s giant veg is under threat from from a possible Gypsy site.
Mr Neale, from Langstone, Newport, has been growing award-winning veg, including giant swedes, cucumbers and carrots, for more than 30 years on land he owns near his home.
But the pensioner was stunned when he received a letter from Newport Council saying the land is now being considered as the potential base for a new Traveller site.
As the Argus has previously reported, a new list of 11 potential sites for Gypsy and Traveller families was released by the council last week, after the previous shortlist including Yew Tree Cottages at Bettws and Queensway Meadows were scrapped.
None of the five sites which made up that original shortlist in June remain on the newlist.
Mr Neale wanted to make clear that no member of his family had volunteered the site for a new Gypsy camp after his brother was verbally abused at the Usk show.
Mr Neale was particularly shocked as his site, Langstone Nursery on Magor Road, next to his family home of 60 years, wasn’t even previously mentioned in the original council long-list which contained more than 220 locations.
The record-breaking gardener, whose triumphs include world records for heaviest cucumber, longest cucumber and heaviest swede, said: “If they took the land off me and I had to give up giant veg I would be devastated.
“I might as well just sit in the corner and wait to die.”
“The first I knew of it was a letter through my door.
I don’t know why they want to put them on my land, there isn’t enough room for the number of caravans they are proposing,” Mr Neale said.
“I’m not interested in selling, if I was I’d give them a real price, as it is my price is £5million.”
Newport council stressed that no decisions have been made at this stage and a final list of proposed sites will be drawn up following the consultation.
Mr Neale rocketed to worldwide fame last year when hip hop legend, Snoop Dogg, made a video praising his giant veg.
● A meeting last week was attended by almost 400 people who were asked to write letters to the council outlining reasons to object.
It was argued that facilities in Langstone are non-existent with “principal” shops miles away. One resident said the road alongside Llanmartin Primary School was “full of potholes”.
An action group has been established and at least 300 people have signed a petition over the issue.
Medieval earthworks at site ‘unknown’
ONE of the other proposed Gypsy sites in the east of Newport contains a protected ancient monument, it has emerged.
The land that has been earmarked as a potential site south of Langstone Cottage has, according to online maps, a medieval earthworks on it. Newport council has revealed the project team of councillors that drew up the list did not know about it when the list was compiled.
A spokeswoman said: “This highlights the importance of the consultation process and the value of local knowledge.
We encourage anyone with information about any of the sites to feed into the process.”
Langstone councillor David Atwell, who chaired the scrutiny committee that the project team was formed from, said: “They haven’t recieved very good advice if they have included that site.”
A Cadw spokesperson said: “We have been consulted formally regarding the potential location of a Gypsy site on a protected site at Langstone Earthworks.
“We will respond formally to the proposal when the consultation period closes on October 4.”
HE’S gained fans around the world, including US rap star Snoop Dogg for his world record growing abilities, but now Ian Neale’s giant veg is under threat from from a possible Gypsy site.
Mr Neale, from Langstone, Newport, has been growing award-winning veg, including giant swedes, cucumbers and carrots, for more than 30 years on land he owns near his home.
But the pensioner was stunned when he received a letter from Newport Council saying the land is now being considered as the potential base for a new Traveller site.
As the Argus has previously reported, a new list of 11 potential sites for Gypsy and Traveller families was released by the council last week, after the previous shortlist including Yew Tree Cottages at Bettws and Queensway Meadows were scrapped.
None of the five sites which made up that original shortlist in June remain on the newlist.
Mr Neale wanted to make clear that no member of his family had volunteered the site for a new Gypsy camp after his brother was verbally abused at the Usk show.
Mr Neale was particularly shocked as his site, Langstone Nursery on Magor Road, next to his family home of 60 years, wasn’t even previously mentioned in the original council long-list which contained more than 220 locations.
The record-breaking gardener, whose triumphs include world records for heaviest cucumber, longest cucumber and heaviest swede, said: “If they took the land off me and I had to give up giant veg I would be devastated.
“I might as well just sit in the corner and wait to die.”
“The first I knew of it was a letter through my door.
I don’t know why they want to put them on my land, there isn’t enough room for the number of caravans they are proposing,” Mr Neale said.
“I’m not interested in selling, if I was I’d give them a real price, as it is my price is £5million.”
Newport council stressed that no decisions have been made at this stage and a final list of proposed sites will be drawn up following the consultation.
Mr Neale rocketed to worldwide fame last year when hip hop legend, Snoop Dogg, made a video praising his giant veg.
● A meeting last week was attended by almost 400 people who were asked to write letters to the council outlining reasons to object.
It was argued that facilities in Langstone are non-existent with “principal” shops miles away. One resident said the road alongside Llanmartin Primary School was “full of potholes”.
An action group has been established and at least 300 people have signed a petition over the issue.
Medieval earthworks at site ‘unknown’
ONE of the other proposed Gypsy sites in the east of Newport contains a protected ancient monument, it has emerged.
The land that has been earmarked as a potential site south of Langstone Cottage has, according to online maps, a medieval earthworks on it. Newport council has revealed the project team of councillors that drew up the list did not know about it when the list was compiled.
A spokeswoman said: “This highlights the importance of the consultation process and the value of local knowledge.
We encourage anyone with information about any of the sites to feed into the process.”
Langstone councillor David Atwell, who chaired the scrutiny committee that the project team was formed from, said: “They haven’t recieved very good advice if they have included that site.”
A Cadw spokesperson said: “We have been consulted formally regarding the potential location of a Gypsy site on a protected site at Langstone Earthworks.
“We will respond formally to the proposal when the consultation period closes on October 4.”
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Police 'must act over rec hostilities - Cambridgeshire
From cambridge-news.co.uk
Police have been urged to tackle tension between youths from the settled and Traveller communities at a recreation ground.
Problems in Willingham grew after the number of Traveller pitches increased, said Cllr Ray Manning, who represents the area and is leader of South Cambs District Council.
In the latest incident, on Saturday, two 10-year-olds – one a Traveller and one from the settled community – were arrested after a fight. The village boy’s father was also arrested.
Cllr Manning alleged young Travellers were “intimidating, threatening and generally making life miserable for the village boys” at the recreation ground in West Fen Road.
He said: “We’ve always had Travellers in the village and there was never a problem but in the last few years we have taken on so many that they are now a significant minority.
“Previously the Travellers used to join in or keep themselves to themselves but now they’re big enough to form their own gang.”
Cllr Manning said he wanted police to make the issue a priority but was concerned that as it involved an ethnic minority it would mean “kid gloves and back away”.
He said: “The police ought to have a more visible presence, and when they see a group of youths gathered they should walk up and ask what they are up to.”
Sgt Paul Rogerson, the area’s top officer, said concerns could be raised at the next neighbourhood panel meeting, although he was not aware of any ongoing tension issues.
The 10-year-olds will be dealt with using restorative justice, while the fate of the father is yet to be decided.
Police have been urged to tackle tension between youths from the settled and Traveller communities at a recreation ground.
Problems in Willingham grew after the number of Traveller pitches increased, said Cllr Ray Manning, who represents the area and is leader of South Cambs District Council.
In the latest incident, on Saturday, two 10-year-olds – one a Traveller and one from the settled community – were arrested after a fight. The village boy’s father was also arrested.
Cllr Manning alleged young Travellers were “intimidating, threatening and generally making life miserable for the village boys” at the recreation ground in West Fen Road.
He said: “We’ve always had Travellers in the village and there was never a problem but in the last few years we have taken on so many that they are now a significant minority.
“Previously the Travellers used to join in or keep themselves to themselves but now they’re big enough to form their own gang.”
Cllr Manning said he wanted police to make the issue a priority but was concerned that as it involved an ethnic minority it would mean “kid gloves and back away”.
He said: “The police ought to have a more visible presence, and when they see a group of youths gathered they should walk up and ask what they are up to.”
Sgt Paul Rogerson, the area’s top officer, said concerns could be raised at the next neighbourhood panel meeting, although he was not aware of any ongoing tension issues.
The 10-year-olds will be dealt with using restorative justice, while the fate of the father is yet to be decided.
Travellers set up camp behind Newfield Industrial Estate, Tunstall - Durham
From My Tunstall
In recent weeks the Sandyford Residents Association website has reported that a Traveller group has been in the area in recent weeks.
With settled relations and friends in the area, this area will see groups from time to time. This time the group has set up just off James Eardly Way, behind the Newfield Industrial Estate.
Travellers Back On James Brindley Way
Travellers have regained access to land on James Brindley Way in Sandyford.
Again, this land is proving to be easy access for visiting Travellers to set up camp on spare land, which offers ample space for a number of vehicles.
Four caravans and four trucks have already entered the land and it is now a wait and see time to see if anymore vehicles will be joining them.
This is not the first time that Travellers with their caravans and trucks have visited the Sandyford site of the Tunstall by-pass.
Gypsies Travellers Move onto Sandyford Fire Station
It was reported that a family of Gypsies have moved onto Sandyford Fire Station at around 6.00 p.m. tonight.
The family who entered the fire station’s land at the rear of the building moved on with a campervan, car and caravan.
It was said that the vehicles moved further into the car park by setting up base near to the Wicke’s building lower down the site. One of the reasons for this action is believed to be that more Gypsies’ families could be making their way to the fire station site.
Further reports say that a police vehicle has already visited the site and witnessed the aforementioned actions taking place.
In recent weeks the Sandyford Residents Association website has reported that a Traveller group has been in the area in recent weeks.
With settled relations and friends in the area, this area will see groups from time to time. This time the group has set up just off James Eardly Way, behind the Newfield Industrial Estate.
Travellers Back On James Brindley Way
Travellers have regained access to land on James Brindley Way in Sandyford.
Again, this land is proving to be easy access for visiting Travellers to set up camp on spare land, which offers ample space for a number of vehicles.
Four caravans and four trucks have already entered the land and it is now a wait and see time to see if anymore vehicles will be joining them.
This is not the first time that Travellers with their caravans and trucks have visited the Sandyford site of the Tunstall by-pass.
Gypsies Travellers Move onto Sandyford Fire Station
It was reported that a family of Gypsies have moved onto Sandyford Fire Station at around 6.00 p.m. tonight.
The family who entered the fire station’s land at the rear of the building moved on with a campervan, car and caravan.
It was said that the vehicles moved further into the car park by setting up base near to the Wicke’s building lower down the site. One of the reasons for this action is believed to be that more Gypsies’ families could be making their way to the fire station site.
Further reports say that a police vehicle has already visited the site and witnessed the aforementioned actions taking place.
Travellers given time to fight eviction - Essex
From the Harlow Star
TRAVELLERS trespassing on Latton Common have been granted leave to appeal against an eviction order granted to landowners Harlow Council.
The group set up their illegal camp 10 days ago after being forced to move on from a site near the emergency helipad in Netteswell Plantation by police.
According to Harlow Council, they gained access to the common by smashing through a padlocked gate.
Following fruitless attempts to persuade the group to leave, the authority then started legal proceedings against the trespassers last Wednesday, culminating in a hearing at Chelmsford County Court on Friday.
But although the judge upheld the authority’s application for possession of the land – the first step in the eviction process – he also gave the Travellers seven days to appeal against the terms of the order.
This means that the council must now wait until tomorrow (Friday) to see if the travellers - who were not represented at the hearing - make contact with the court before making any attempt to forcibly evict the group with help from police.
Councillor Emma Toal, portfolio holder for youth and citizenship, said the authority’s hands were tied by the legal process.
"We know that residents want to see this situation resolved sooner but there is a legal process we have to follow," she said.
"This is about protecting the town’s green spaces and upholding the law.
"We will have to see what happens but the council and the police will continue to talk to the Travellers and monitor the encampment."
Cllr Toal also warned local businesses and private landowners to secure their property to prevent the group from setting up camp elsewhere in the town following their eventual eviction.
"We are taking steps to protect other land and we are encouraging private landowners and businesses to ensure that their property is also secure," she added.
TRAVELLERS trespassing on Latton Common have been granted leave to appeal against an eviction order granted to landowners Harlow Council.
The group set up their illegal camp 10 days ago after being forced to move on from a site near the emergency helipad in Netteswell Plantation by police.
According to Harlow Council, they gained access to the common by smashing through a padlocked gate.
Following fruitless attempts to persuade the group to leave, the authority then started legal proceedings against the trespassers last Wednesday, culminating in a hearing at Chelmsford County Court on Friday.
But although the judge upheld the authority’s application for possession of the land – the first step in the eviction process – he also gave the Travellers seven days to appeal against the terms of the order.
This means that the council must now wait until tomorrow (Friday) to see if the travellers - who were not represented at the hearing - make contact with the court before making any attempt to forcibly evict the group with help from police.
Councillor Emma Toal, portfolio holder for youth and citizenship, said the authority’s hands were tied by the legal process.
"We know that residents want to see this situation resolved sooner but there is a legal process we have to follow," she said.
"This is about protecting the town’s green spaces and upholding the law.
"We will have to see what happens but the council and the police will continue to talk to the Travellers and monitor the encampment."
Cllr Toal also warned local businesses and private landowners to secure their property to prevent the group from setting up camp elsewhere in the town following their eventual eviction.
"We are taking steps to protect other land and we are encouraging private landowners and businesses to ensure that their property is also secure," she added.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)