Letter to the Editor: What work has been done to prevent unauthorised traveller camps
General / Sat 1st Jul 2023 at 07:16am
THE recent arrival of travellers in the Town Park resulted in many comments on social media, mirroring those that have been made since Harlow Council withdrew from taking legal action in 2020.
It is a sad fact that politicians across the Country have to date failed to deal with one of the key issues, that of providing temporary stopping off points where travellers can stop for perhaps a couple of weeks before moving on.
When the Elizabeth Way site was constructed it was intended for travellers to park up for the winter months, paying a small weekly charge to do so, safe in the knowledge that if they left during the spring, summer or autumn months they would have a plot they could return to. What soon became clear however was that with a diminishing number of safe places to go to in the summer, many residents were reluctant to leave the Elizabeth Road site at any time of the year. What has always been needed is Councils coming together to provide an adequate number of official, registered stopping off points, ones with a hard surface, water supply and refuse containers. Until this is done,a growing number of people with a nomadic lifestyle can be expected to turn up anywhere and at any time, with all the problems that this brings.
On 27 February 2020 a member of The Harlow Alliance Party asked the then Leader of the Council Mark Ingall why physical work was not being done as it had in the past to stop travellers from entering council owned land. Such work can include the digging of a trench and piling up the earth on the other side to create a barrier which vehicles and caravans cannot breach. In response he said that such work had been carried out in the past and should further areas be deemed to be vulnerable, the Council would look at the possibility of protecting that piece of land. He asked members of the public to be vigilant, and to report any area of concern regarding the vulnerability of land. It is clear that no further action was taken, the former Helipad site would seem a very good example of where work should have been undertaken.
Nicholas Taylor
HAP
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-01 09:11:33
They will find a loop hole when it suits them... I've said this Nicholas all through theses posts.. if you don't provide spaces for them ,, this will continue to happen... This time of year they travel to fairs, if this council don't provide adequate accommodation for them , where are they going to go.... on our parks, on our green spaces.. so no surprises there.... the comments have been horrible, from people, from this council,,, that put people in box's, and class them all the same... There's good and bad in everyone.. We all have the right to roam, and plenty of us do, theses travelling community's have been doing this for centuries...there part of our history.... While theses councils are busy building an empire, building over our green spaces, destroying our ecosystem s, destroying our wildlife.... they carnt provide a space for our travelling community... says it all really don't it.. A blot on there empire.. I suggest they take a good look round Harlow and see for them self's, while building there monstrosity s, .... the rest of Harlow is crumbling...
Jim
2023-07-01 10:17:42
Harlow has two sites for travellers, what more do they need? And why do they always leave so much rubbish; tyres, wheels, gas bottles etc when they leave?
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-01 10:30:28
Jim, they don't all do that, you should not class theses people all the same.. Our own do plenty to damage this town, let's not forget that, rubbish in bushes, trolley s in rivers, the list goes on,, setting fire to woods, crap every where in Harlow.... we the people that live in this town, the councils need to learn lessons from this.... have a good look round .. And we have good hearted people like the wombles that go out and tidy this town, and plenty of other groups.. Because with out them this town would be more of a tip, , see people have short memories,, because its a sure thing this council don't....
Nicholas Taylor
2023-07-01 10:37:53
As I said Jim, what is needed are temporary stopping off points. Those living at Fern Hill Lane and Elizabeth Way are mostly made up of members of the traveling community who for a number of reasons such as age and ill health can no longer travel and want to remain living within their community. There will be many others who travel who keep being moved on, for them as things stand nothing is being resolved in the long term.
Mehall
2023-07-01 14:32:34
How about paying income tax,ect funny that when one gets a council house the go on their travels, let a family member live in the house, they return and the family member does on leave opoos I need a new home crime goes up antisocial behaviour increases and the list goes on
Amy Gentle
2023-07-01 23:34:41
Councils have never fulfilled the caravan sites act of 1968 , for decades they have continued to fail their lawful duties to the Travelling community, creating a NATIONAL CHRONIC SHORTAGE OF SITES , which is forcing Travelling families into unauthorised encampments as a means of survival not choice. Romany and Irish Traveller’s by a court have the enshrined freedom to roam.Where are the designated stopping places, Why are councils able to ignore their lawful responsibilities to the Travelling community for the sake of popularity without fear of being held accountable, All traditional stopping places have ether been soaked up by housing or these stupid prevention tactics put in place , It’s apparent nothing much as been learnt from history . This is 2023 and STILL Traveller’s are being persecuted , Regardless of anyones likes or dislikes Traveller’s aren’t going to be evaporating any time soon .History as taught as one thing that Traveller’s are survivors and that’s exactly what we will do survive, come what may including our governments latest attempt at ethnic cleansing ! If anyone as s problem with unauthorised encampments then your problem is at the root of that problem your local council ! Stop this hate mongering against Britains oldest ethnic minority race become part of the solution and not the problem
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-02 09:32:37
Amy , you are spot on, well said. Harlow council, be part of the solution,, and not the problem, well said Amy.
James
2023-07-02 09:45:26
Harlow has two sites and offers a higher capacity than any other Essex District. Here are other camping and caravan sites reasonably close by, so there is no possible justification for unauthorised encampments in public areas. It is a trespass and since June 2022, criminal offence. Harlow Council is absolutely right to adopt a zero tolerance approach to illegal encampments.
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-02 10:03:41
James, there are just two, one holding about 20, the other around 40, correct me if wrong.. Do you actually think this is adequate. Your opions have been noted, right through theses comments.. And I say, it doesn't make it right..
James
2023-07-02 10:58:46
Kim O'Connor https://www.essex.gov.uk/sites/default/files/migration_data/files/images.ctfassets.net/knkzaf64jx5x/4swkOpcmZSfcatyONtz4hD/86be5908168e21ff8e58413a489f5d39/gypsy-traveller-sites-essex.jpg As you will see, Harlow is the smallest district in Essex and has the most pitches at 44. Surely, other much larger districts are in a better position to offer more. Harlow is already fulfilling its obligations. Unlawful encampments cannot be tolerated. The Council must uphold the law and meet its duties to our tax paying residents. Why not hold a public consultation on this matter?
Stan
2023-07-02 14:17:37
We obviously have a conflict of oppinions here but who is right? Unfortunately, one of the two Harlow sites repeatedly has problems that most of us would call "unacceptable". This has caused a 'barrier' that could have been avoided if the people on the site had been more 'community minded'. Too often 'travellers' do shoddy work and avoid taxes by only dealing in cash - neither is that 'community minded'.
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-02 18:45:04
James, more chance of you holding consultation on this matter,, why don't you. You are a councilor.
James
2023-07-02 19:28:23
The Council's position of zero tolerance to unauthorised encampments and strict adherence to the 2022 law is adequate, as has been shown with the removal of the last three illegal encampments in Harlow.
Amy Gentle
2023-07-03 01:27:40
James As you know Romany & Irish Traveller’s have by a court of law the enshrined freedom to roam from one place to a other , The Government’s failure to uphold the human rights of Romany and Irish Travellers in the UK is disgraceful including these hostile legislation which will further deteriorate Travellers rights in their outrageous attempt at ethnic cleansing . The lack of any National progress to address the chronic shortage of sites and the inequalities faced by Romany and Irish Travellers have repeatedly gone ignored for decades The Government’s failure to prioritise this chronic shortage of sites and designated stopping places, and the criminalisation of trespass and strengthening of police powers; is without doubt a shameful display of abuse of power The health inequalities faced by Romany and Irish Traveller people, The hate crime and hate speech experienced by Romany and Irish Traveller people across the media and wider society, , by these multiple disadvantages experienced by Romany & Irish Travellers only proves to highlight the lack of adequate protection made available ! Not to mention the lack of equal access to the European Union Settlement Scheme for Roma people residing in the UK post-Brexit.! The UK as founder ( hypocrite springs to mind ) of the European council who overseas The European Court of human rights approved the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities! This is legally binding under international law, ! So WHY are Romany & Irish Travellers amongst the most discriminated and marginalised members of our society ?? Laws which protect the human rights of Romany & Irish Travellers in particular article 8 of the ECHR which protects the right to respect for an individual’s home and family life, this is not debatable there should be no hidden agenda when it comes to anyones human rights for party-political popularity gains ! The fact is, the discrimination and adverse life chances faced by Romany and irish Traveller have been a problem for decades. Reports from https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/gypsies-and-travellers-simple-solutions-living-together https://cps.ceu.edu/sites/cps.ceu.edu/files/attachment/basicpage/3034/rcm-civil-society-monitoring-report-1-synthesis27-2017-eprint-fin.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322935/ https://www.equalrightstrust.org/ertdocumentbank/ERR8_Brian_Foster_and_Peter_Norton.pdf rigorously documented the inequalities and discrimination faced by Romany and Irish Travellers and the little to nonexistent progress Why try and justify my unfair, unwarranted discriminating treatment? Why am i and my family being FORCED into unauthorised camping ?? If theres no designated stopping places made readily available then i have no option but camp unauthorised To uphold the law against racism to allow me access to any of these happy camping parks will silence the dominating “bullies” a using their power for political gain with their hidden agenda , which we both know isn’t going to be considered an option ! Bricks and mortar is not the the answer, i would never even contemplate this option for a fraction of a second The only solution is designated stopping places ! Traveller’s aren’t going anywhere Has nothing been learnt from history? Traveller’s are survivors and that is exactly what we will do come what may survive !
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-03 10:08:51
Well said Amy.. James you will never solve this problem if you tackle the problem, and give theses people stop of places... be part of the solution, not the problem.
Amy Gentle
2023-07-03 12:21:51
Kim Between councils dodging their lawful responsibilities and the government passing the accountability for the chronic shortage of sites to anyone else but them the problem of unauthorised camps is always going to be an issue I’ve asked/ requested repeatedly on countless occasions where “these” designated stopping places are To date never been i have never been given a reply If theres any designated stopping places allocated why the unnecessary secrecy ? Whats the point of having any “ if Traveller’s are being blocked of their whereabouts Again can james please take the opportunity of letting me know where the designated stopping places are for the area so me and my family are not forced into yet another unauthorised camp when passing through ???
James
2023-07-03 17:59:29
Amy Gentle, This is the Essex County Council link showing details of all 12 authorised sites in Essex (including two in Harlow) and the procedure to apply. https://www.essex.gov.uk/planning-land-and-recycling/gypsies-and-travellers/apply-plot-gypsy-or-traveller-site#:~:text=Gypsy%20or%20Traveller%20site%20plots%20and%20locations&text=Colchester%2C%20Severalls%20Lane%20%2D%2012%20plots,%2C%20Cranham%20Hall%20%2D%2010%20plots.
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-03 18:58:27
That not a reply James Leppard, and you know it, we all know where sites are, we all know there's just two sites for travelling people in Harlow, we are talking about stop over sites.. Theses two sites in Harlow are full, I repeat full.... if you don't want travellers going on unauthorised lands, you must provide a solution, because its this council causing the upset, no body else you the council.. With your loop holes when it suits you all..
James
2023-07-04 08:19:52
Kim O'Connor, I have already told you that Essex CC is responsible for traveller sites, not District councils. Harlow is the smallest district and has the highest number of pitches.
Amy Gentle
2023-07-04 12:12:35
James Your trying to defer the LAWFUL responsibility of all councils including Harlow If your confused on these legal obligations what hope is there in solving the chronic national shortage of sites NATIONAL this includes harlow The link you provided me is useless to me and my family and does not help me or anyone else from the Travelling community being forced into unauthorised camps yet again ! THE 12 sites with a total of a 181 plots residence of which on these sites are not just for members of the Travelling Community, for a 3800km county with a population close to 2 million with not one single Transit site ! while the Travelling Community are living in a national crisis due to the chronic shortage of sites created by local authorities with attitudes like yours deferring their lawful responsibilities .If i’m wrong then tell Wheres the designated stopping places for me and my family, when passing through Harlow ? I do not want to be on an unauthorised camp while visiting Harlow. It’s all well and good. Passing information on about other residential sites that has no availability IN MY LIFETIME with a waiting list years long . How do you think this is going to help me or my family or other Traveller’s on the road , I hope you ,the editor of harlow News remember my name when i’m in harlow and want to know why me and my family are stopping on a unauthorised camp Braintree, Ridgewell - 12 plots. NO AVAILABILITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Braintree, Cressing - 14 plots. NO AVAILABILITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Colchester, - 12 plots.NO AVAILABILITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Maldon, - 6 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Maldon, Wood Corner - 20 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Chelmsford, Cranham Hall - 10 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Chelmsford, Ladgrove - 12 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Basildon, Hovefield - 25 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Epping Forest, Hop Gardens - 16 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Harlow, Fern Hill Lane - 23 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Harlow, Elizabeth Way - 21 NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE plots. Uttlesford, Felsted - 17 NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE
Amy Gentle
2023-07-04 12:13:59
Why james are You trying to defer the LAWFUL responsibility of all councils including Harlow If your confused on these legal obligations what hope is there in solving the chronic national shortage of sites NATIONAL this includes harlow The link you provided me is useless to me and my family and does not help me or anyone else from the Travelling community being forced into unauthorised camps yet again ! THE 12 sites with a total of a 181 plots residence of which on these sites are not just for members of the Travelling Community, for a 3800km county with a population close to 2 million with not one single Transit site ! while the Travelling Community are living in a national crisis due to the chronic shortage of sites created by local authorities with attitudes like yours deferring their lawful responsibilities .If i’m wrong then tell Wheres the designated stopping places for me and my family, when passing through Harlow ? I do not want to be on an unauthorised camp while visiting Harlow. It’s all well and good. Passing information on about other residential sites that has no availability IN MY LIFETIME with a waiting list years long . How do you think this is going to help me or my family or other Traveller’s on the road , I hope you ,the editor of harlow News remember my name when i’m in harlow and want to know why me and my family are stopping on a unauthorised camp Braintree, Ridgewell - 12 plots. NO AVAILABILITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Braintree, Cressing - 14 plots. NO AVAILABILITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Colchester, - 12 plots.NO AVAILABILITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Maldon, - 6 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Maldon, Wood Corner - 20 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Chelmsford, Cranham Hall - 10 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Chelmsford, Ladgrove - 12 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Basildon, Hovefield - 25 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Epping Forest, Hop Gardens - 16 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Harlow, Fern Hill Lane - 23 plots. NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE Harlow, Elizabeth Way - 21 NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE plots. Uttlesford, Felsted - 17 NO AVAILABLITY & NO TRANSIT SITE
Kim Oconnor
2023-07-04 17:52:57
Amey, it is easier to pass the buck, then to solve the problem.. disgraceful. And they won't solve the problem, because truth of the matter is, it wouldn't be making them money.. But will moan and groan on theses posts, oh we carnt have unauthorised encampment s,, but we can sit and watch them build over our lands in abundance. I know which one I would prefer.
Peter
2023-07-05 21:21:43
We have all got to see both sides of the problem and I fear both sides might be at fault in different ways. If the law (as the 'travelers' see it) is on their side then they have a good point. However, wherever they stop for more than a day they always leave a considerable 'mess' and the fixed home residents of that district have to pay for that through Council Tax which 'travelers' (anyone without a fixed address) avoids. We need fairness on both sides.
23 Comments for Letter to the Editor: What work has been done to prevent unauthorised traveller camps: