Call for councils to tackle illegal traveller sites
The number of gypsy caravans on unauthorised sites in Lincolnshire has risen to 134, according to official figures.
The Government's audit of gypsy and traveller caravans showed the number on sites without planning permission was up from 110 last year, and from 81 in 2007.
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The number of gypsy caravans on illegal sites is on the increase putting councils under pressure to provide authorised sites.
Ministers said they had provided councils with the funding to provide new authorised sites, and the powers to crack down on illegal pitches.
The figures from the Communities and Local Government department also showed there were 174 caravans on sites with planning permission in the county, down from 185 in July 2008.
A department spokesman said: "The Government has put in place funding for local authorities to provide new authorised sites and an effective enforcement framework that gives them the tools to tackle unauthorised developments.
"All local authorities must make rapid progress on providing authorised sites and using existing enforcement powers effectively."
Of the caravans on unauthorised sites, 13 are said to be "tolerated" – meaning the local council has decided not to try to remove the encampment, which is likely to be allowed to remain indefinitely.
The vast majority, 121 of the caravans, are described as "not tolerated" because either a planning enforcement notice has been served or the results of a planning inquiry are pending.
The figures showed 16 of the caravans are in East Lindsey, 40 are in South Holland, 28 are in South Kesteven and 37 in West Lindsey.
There are no "not tolerated" caravans in Lincoln, Boston or North Kesteven, although all three areas have authorised sites.
Nick Willey, Traveller Liaison Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said the authority owned four public traveller sites across the county, operated by either local councils or a private contractor.
"This provision helps reduce the number of unauthorised sites by providing official spaces for those who need them," he said.
"In terms of dealing with encampments, if it occurs on a public highway or county council owned land we have a policy in place for resolving such issues.
"If encampment takes place on privately-owned land, we will offer advice to the landowner about how to deal with the situation."
Since 2004 district authorities have had to take into account the needs of gypsies and identify land where there is a need for it.
10 Comments
by Sir Chasm, despairing at the morons on here
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 12:38PM
“"I would not harm a fly, let alone put someone's life in danger, quite the reverse actually."
So I take it this means you were going to knock on their door and make sure nobody was in before burning their home down, then? Well, that's OK, then.”
by lynn, lincoln
Monday, November 30 2009, 4:34PM
“Nick Willey, mentioned in the above article is a retired Police Officer. Jobs for the boys yet again?”
by girl, lincoln
Monday, November 30 2009, 4:17PM
“Lynn i wouldn't slate you you are saying what most people think but are too scared to say”
by lynn, lincoln
Monday, November 30 2009, 4:10PM
“Girl - The story is true. I would not harm a fly, let alone put someone's life in danger, quite the reverse actually. Thanks for not slating me anyway.”
by girl, lincoln
Monday, November 30 2009, 11:48AM
“I think Lynn is using light humour here just to rattle you lot which seems to have worked”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Monday, November 30 2009, 10:15AM
“It's reassuring to see that as well as considering her sons above the law, lynn also considers herself to be similarly immune. Consistency is good. And after all, we're only talking about arson, it's not like people ever die as a result of that, is it?”
by rick, lincoln
Friday, November 27 2009, 6:57PM
“theres nice bit of land down whisby road that they could use thats perfect for them”
by Mr Sneer, Back in the EUSSR
Friday, November 27 2009, 6:14PM
“I hope it isn't deleted, lynn. I hope it stays there forever as an eternal reminder of why some people should never be allowed in the police force.
If what you wrote is true, then you and that senior officer are, quite simply, beneath contempt.”
by lynn, lincoln
Friday, November 27 2009, 2:48PM
“No doubt this Post will be deleted. I'm going back at least 15 years. I lived on the edge of the Countryside, and worked for the Police. It was rumoured that travellers were going to take up residence in a field at the rear of my property.
I said I would set fire to their caravans if that was the case and a very Senior Officer offered to buy me the petrol.”
by Brian, Lincoln
Friday, November 27 2009, 11:43AM
“Now now, we musn`t infringe their human rights. That`s rights to leave rubbish, thieve everything that isn`t bolted down, and generally be anti-social. Why can`t we be more like Ireland in it`s treatment of these, so called, travellers. This is the reason why they are over here. Once again, those who put nothing into society, get everything given everything out of it.”