From the Bury Free Press
Travellers permitted to stay on a temporary winter stopping place on Moreton Hall, in Bury St Edmunds, moved on last weekend, ahead of Monday’s agreed end date.
Cllr Rebecca Hopfensperger, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for localities, said she was glad the agreement ‘was abided by and went smoothly’.
Cllr Anne Gower, St Edmundsbury Borough Council cabinet member for housing, added: “I understand the site was swept and left clear and tidy which is also helpful.”
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Borough accused of neglecting duty to accommodate Travellers - Berkshire
From the Maidenhead Advertiser
A town planner has criticised the council for failing to deliver its quota of Traveller sites.
Maurice McCann has lodged an appeal against the Royal Borough's decision to refuse the application for a caravan site for eight Traveller families off Forest Green Road.
It rejected the plans on April 9, 2013, following Bray Parish Council's recommendation that they were refused.
Philip Brown, who is a chartered town planner, spoke at the third day of a public inquiry into the decision.
He is representing Mr McCann.
He said the Royal Borough has been unable to demonstrate it can provide Traveller sites, which he says contradicts the Housing Act of 2004 and Equality Act of 2010.
The acts require councils to include the needs of Travellers in its housing plans.
He added that the Travellers understand they have right of way to the site, something which farmer William Emmet disputes. Mr Emmet owns land adjacent to the potential site, including access roads.
Mr Brown said: "The previous owner [of the Traveller site land] had access. Access was not an issue prior to the owner being aware that the site was bought by gypsies. The padlocks and gates only came in after the land was bought by Travellers."
He described the site as 'small' and unlikely to 'dominate' neighbouring Holyport or Fifield as it has clear boundaries.
Mr Brown, who specialises in representing Travellers in planning disputes, added the site can be connected to the electricity source, and pointed out that the Borough Local Plan shows some greenbelt development to be inevitable.
The inquiry, which is taking place at Windsor Racecourse, is due to finish today, although the planning inspector may not make a decision for a few weeks.
A town planner has criticised the council for failing to deliver its quota of Traveller sites.
Maurice McCann has lodged an appeal against the Royal Borough's decision to refuse the application for a caravan site for eight Traveller families off Forest Green Road.
It rejected the plans on April 9, 2013, following Bray Parish Council's recommendation that they were refused.
Philip Brown, who is a chartered town planner, spoke at the third day of a public inquiry into the decision.
He is representing Mr McCann.
He said the Royal Borough has been unable to demonstrate it can provide Traveller sites, which he says contradicts the Housing Act of 2004 and Equality Act of 2010.
The acts require councils to include the needs of Travellers in its housing plans.
He added that the Travellers understand they have right of way to the site, something which farmer William Emmet disputes. Mr Emmet owns land adjacent to the potential site, including access roads.
Mr Brown said: "The previous owner [of the Traveller site land] had access. Access was not an issue prior to the owner being aware that the site was bought by gypsies. The padlocks and gates only came in after the land was bought by Travellers."
He described the site as 'small' and unlikely to 'dominate' neighbouring Holyport or Fifield as it has clear boundaries.
Mr Brown, who specialises in representing Travellers in planning disputes, added the site can be connected to the electricity source, and pointed out that the Borough Local Plan shows some greenbelt development to be inevitable.
The inquiry, which is taking place at Windsor Racecourse, is due to finish today, although the planning inspector may not make a decision for a few weeks.
New Traveller site near Camborne met with objections - Cornwall
From the West Briton
Plans for a new Traveller pitch near Camborne have come under fire from neighbours.
Cornwall Council is due to discuss whether a Travellers’ pitch, including a mobile home, compost toilet and shed will be given the go ahead at a meeting on Monday.
Yet more than 90 comments have been submitted to Cornwall Council’s planning website.
While some voice support for the pitch to go ahead, most have objected to the plan including Crowan Parish Council.
The pitch is to be set up at Praze-an-Beeble.
Minnie Reed fears if the application is granted it could “open the floodgates” for more to do the same. She said: “There are lots of other places that an application could have been requested on which would not have had such an impact.”
Hannah Mason said there is confusion over how many Travellers would use the pitch: “A Traveller family' settlement as proposed does not specify the number of residents or any limitation for the future of the Horsedowns settlement.”
Concerned for the health of Travellers and their access to education Tony Fleming wrote: “Travellers with children need to settle at some stage to get education for their children without the threat of being moved from pillar to post on squatted land.”
Other concerns include problems with drainage with some arguing the area is already prone to flooding.
Plans for a new Traveller pitch near Camborne have come under fire from neighbours.
Cornwall Council is due to discuss whether a Travellers’ pitch, including a mobile home, compost toilet and shed will be given the go ahead at a meeting on Monday.
Yet more than 90 comments have been submitted to Cornwall Council’s planning website.
While some voice support for the pitch to go ahead, most have objected to the plan including Crowan Parish Council.
The pitch is to be set up at Praze-an-Beeble.
Minnie Reed fears if the application is granted it could “open the floodgates” for more to do the same. She said: “There are lots of other places that an application could have been requested on which would not have had such an impact.”
Hannah Mason said there is confusion over how many Travellers would use the pitch: “A Traveller family' settlement as proposed does not specify the number of residents or any limitation for the future of the Horsedowns settlement.”
Concerned for the health of Travellers and their access to education Tony Fleming wrote: “Travellers with children need to settle at some stage to get education for their children without the threat of being moved from pillar to post on squatted land.”
Other concerns include problems with drainage with some arguing the area is already prone to flooding.
'Giant' mounds of rubbish and graffiti left in Norse Road car park by Travellers - Bedfordshire
From Bedfordshire on Sunday
TRAVELLERS have left ‘giant piles’ of rubbish in a car park in Bedford after having illegally occupied the site last weekend.
It is believed the group arrived at the car park in Norse Road, opposite Napier Road, last Thursday but had left the area by Monday leaving a trail of debris and graffiti in their wake.
The situation follows a similar incident in Brogborough last month in which a large group of Travellers dumped what looked to be tonnes of waste near Brogborough Lake and on roads near where the A421 meets the M1 after spending three weeks camping there illegally.
One Bedford resident, who lives in the Norse Road area, said: “After what happened at Brogborough what action does Bedford Borough Council propose to take?”
A spokesman for Bedford Borough Council said that as the car park was private and not council owned land the authority was not able to take any action over the problem.
It is understood the land is owned by Pall Mall Estates and let to a local couple, Mr and Mrs Hussain, who are having to pay for the clearance of the site and repairs to the damage caused at the property themselves.
Mrs Hussain said: “The premises is leased by my husband. We called the council to come and remove it because there is more of it on their property than on ours and they said it is my job to get it removed.
“The area all around it belongs to the council, where the concrete is that’s ours but the grass isn’t, or the fields or the brook.
“I have no idea how much it will cost me. We are happy to clean what is on our property, my husband has been there for the last few days cleaning it up himself.”
A full response from Bedford Borough Council is expected later today.
see also: Bedfordshire On Sunday - Human faeces, slate tiles and glass among the 13 tonnes of rubbish left by Travellers in Bedford's Norse Road
TRAVELLERS have left ‘giant piles’ of rubbish in a car park in Bedford after having illegally occupied the site last weekend.
It is believed the group arrived at the car park in Norse Road, opposite Napier Road, last Thursday but had left the area by Monday leaving a trail of debris and graffiti in their wake.
The situation follows a similar incident in Brogborough last month in which a large group of Travellers dumped what looked to be tonnes of waste near Brogborough Lake and on roads near where the A421 meets the M1 after spending three weeks camping there illegally.
One Bedford resident, who lives in the Norse Road area, said: “After what happened at Brogborough what action does Bedford Borough Council propose to take?”
A spokesman for Bedford Borough Council said that as the car park was private and not council owned land the authority was not able to take any action over the problem.
It is understood the land is owned by Pall Mall Estates and let to a local couple, Mr and Mrs Hussain, who are having to pay for the clearance of the site and repairs to the damage caused at the property themselves.
Mrs Hussain said: “The premises is leased by my husband. We called the council to come and remove it because there is more of it on their property than on ours and they said it is my job to get it removed.
“The area all around it belongs to the council, where the concrete is that’s ours but the grass isn’t, or the fields or the brook.
“I have no idea how much it will cost me. We are happy to clean what is on our property, my husband has been there for the last few days cleaning it up himself.”
A full response from Bedford Borough Council is expected later today.
see also: Bedfordshire On Sunday - Human faeces, slate tiles and glass among the 13 tonnes of rubbish left by Travellers in Bedford's Norse Road
Travellers leave Shenfield High School after Essex Police eviction notice - Essex
From the Brentwood Gazette
Travellers who set up camp at Shenfield High School last night (April 2) have now been ordered from the premises.
Essex Police officers served an eviction notice at 9.30am today requested that the occupants of several caravans who showed up on site in Alexander Lane.
However, the school made light of the situation once the travellers had driven off, tweeting: "Honestly the lengths some people go to to get Easter Concert tickets!
"It's not too late though ... But obvs you don't need to camp out!"
see also: The Brentwood Weekly News - Travellers move onto Shenfield High School car park
Travellers who set up camp at Shenfield High School last night (April 2) have now been ordered from the premises.
Essex Police officers served an eviction notice at 9.30am today requested that the occupants of several caravans who showed up on site in Alexander Lane.
However, the school made light of the situation once the travellers had driven off, tweeting: "Honestly the lengths some people go to to get Easter Concert tickets!
"It's not too late though ... But obvs you don't need to camp out!"
see also: The Brentwood Weekly News - Travellers move onto Shenfield High School car park
Travellers on Shoebury site owned by Garrison - Essex
From the Southend Standard
TRAVELLERS set up camp on land owned by Garrison Developments in Shoebury, yesterday, having moved from the Seaway car park, Southend.
The four caravans parked on a strip of shrubland opposite a children’s playground and behind a fence near Hinguar School.
One of the group said: “We are going to be here for a couple of days. We will clean up after ourselves, we’ve got bin bags.”
As the Travellers are now on private land, Southend Council has no power to move them on, but has informed the developers of the Travellers’ presence.
Paul Denney, technical director at Garrison Developments, said: “We immediately contacted Essex Police who attended the site with representatives of Southend Council and our own security team.
“We are in the process of serving a formal trespass notice ordering them to leave the site. If the group does not comply, we will commence the legal eviction process.”
see also: The Echo - Travellers leave Shoebury site after trespass notice
TRAVELLERS set up camp on land owned by Garrison Developments in Shoebury, yesterday, having moved from the Seaway car park, Southend.
The four caravans parked on a strip of shrubland opposite a children’s playground and behind a fence near Hinguar School.
One of the group said: “We are going to be here for a couple of days. We will clean up after ourselves, we’ve got bin bags.”
As the Travellers are now on private land, Southend Council has no power to move them on, but has informed the developers of the Travellers’ presence.
Paul Denney, technical director at Garrison Developments, said: “We immediately contacted Essex Police who attended the site with representatives of Southend Council and our own security team.
“We are in the process of serving a formal trespass notice ordering them to leave the site. If the group does not comply, we will commence the legal eviction process.”
see also: The Echo - Travellers leave Shoebury site after trespass notice
Travellers set up camp at Aberdeen beach - Aberdeenshire
From the Evening Express
TRAVELLERS have set up camp in Aberdeen next to the city’s beach.
A group of around 30 caravans have pitched up on ground next to the Queens Links Leisure Park.
Aberdeen City Council has been told about the presence of the Travellers, who are believe to have arrived on April 1, and has said measures will be taken before the end of the week.
A city council spokesman said: “We are aware of this encampment at Queens Links and our Gypsy/Traveller liaison officer is monitoring the situation.
“We will be seeking permission from the courts to have this encampment moved on and will be requesting a hearing for later in the week.”
TRAVELLERS have set up camp in Aberdeen next to the city’s beach.
A group of around 30 caravans have pitched up on ground next to the Queens Links Leisure Park.
Aberdeen City Council has been told about the presence of the Travellers, who are believe to have arrived on April 1, and has said measures will be taken before the end of the week.
A city council spokesman said: “We are aware of this encampment at Queens Links and our Gypsy/Traveller liaison officer is monitoring the situation.
“We will be seeking permission from the courts to have this encampment moved on and will be requesting a hearing for later in the week.”
Chadwell Hill Travellers refuse to budge - Essex
From Your Thurrock
AN order for Travellers to move from Chadwell Hill has been ignored.
As reported on Monday, a group of five caravans moved onto the area of green on Sunday night. Thurrock Council sprung into action and liaised with the Essex County Travellers Unit (ECTU) who issued a Direction to Leave on Monday afternoon.
They were due to leave on Wednesday at 4pm. However, by Thursday morning, not only had not moved but their numbers had swelled considerably.
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: “The Direction to Leave was ignored. The council is now taking the court route. A summons was obtained yesterday and was served at 9.30am this morning.
“This requires them to appear at Chelmsford Magistrate Court on Monday 7 April”.
AN order for Travellers to move from Chadwell Hill has been ignored.
As reported on Monday, a group of five caravans moved onto the area of green on Sunday night. Thurrock Council sprung into action and liaised with the Essex County Travellers Unit (ECTU) who issued a Direction to Leave on Monday afternoon.
They were due to leave on Wednesday at 4pm. However, by Thursday morning, not only had not moved but their numbers had swelled considerably.
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: “The Direction to Leave was ignored. The council is now taking the court route. A summons was obtained yesterday and was served at 9.30am this morning.
“This requires them to appear at Chelmsford Magistrate Court on Monday 7 April”.
NI education: Poorer Protestant boys underachieving - Northern Ireland
From the BBC
Poorer Protestant boys in Northern Ireland are seriously underachieving at school according to a new report.
Only Roma and Traveller children are getting poorer results, according to the study by the Community Relations Council.
see also: The Belfast Telegraph - Protestant schoolboys left at the bottom of the class - with results only slightly better than Travellers or Roma children
Poorer Protestant boys in Northern Ireland are seriously underachieving at school according to a new report.
Only Roma and Traveller children are getting poorer results, according to the study by the Community Relations Council.
see also: The Belfast Telegraph - Protestant schoolboys left at the bottom of the class - with results only slightly better than Travellers or Roma children
Edgbarrow pupils enlightened by Britain's Gypsy story - Berkshire
From GetReading
Bookworms at Edgbarrow School were treated to a visit from an award winning author to learn about the real story of Gypsies.
Students at the school in Grant Road, Crowthorne met Richard O’Neill, who is also a performance storyteller and scriptwriter and was recently awarded the title of National Literacy Hero by the Duchess of Cornwall.
Mr O’Neill said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me a as storyteller and author to tell students and teachers the real story of Gypsies in Britain,and how since the reign of King Henry VIII we have been contributing to literacy through storytelling, poetry and song.
“Even William Shakespeare mentioned Gypsy people in his work.”
The celebrated author, who also carves his own story-telling props out of wood, spent the day telling stories and reading from his latest novel.
Bookworms at Edgbarrow School were treated to a visit from an award winning author to learn about the real story of Gypsies.
Students at the school in Grant Road, Crowthorne met Richard O’Neill, who is also a performance storyteller and scriptwriter and was recently awarded the title of National Literacy Hero by the Duchess of Cornwall.
Mr O’Neill said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me a as storyteller and author to tell students and teachers the real story of Gypsies in Britain,and how since the reign of King Henry VIII we have been contributing to literacy through storytelling, poetry and song.
“Even William Shakespeare mentioned Gypsy people in his work.”
The celebrated author, who also carves his own story-telling props out of wood, spent the day telling stories and reading from his latest novel.
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