Traveller myth ‘needs busting’

Three new applications for gypsy sites

Travellers who leave a mess are no worse than the many people who fly-tip in Peterborough, according to a city council officer. Gary Goose, head of community services, said there needs to beadegreeofmyth-busting about the traveller community, claiming they are no worse thanresidentswhodumprubbish on the street.

His words come as council leader Councillor John Holdich criticised a proposed traveller’s encampmentinhis ward of Glinton, one of three which are now being considered for planning approval.

The Glinton application is for land west of Lincoln Road, adjacent to the Green Wheel, whichis currently gated to try andstopillegalencampments.

Cllr Holdich said: “It’s a very narrow access and it won’t be ideal for people who own dogs and horses, and for kids going to Arthur Mellows.

“I think the city council needs to come up with a plan for travellers. We have to stop this illegal parking aroundthe city. The problem is nobody wants a site near them.”

The council agreed three Emergency Stopping Places (ESPs) for travellers in September2014afteracross-party working group spent more than two years searching for sites.

However, the council admitted l ast week that on review, land near the Household Recycling Centre in Dogsthorpe could not be used all year round, while land at Corporation Farm in First Drove, Fengate, had access issues.

Therefore, theonlycurrent ESP is at Clay Lane at the rear of the Dogsthorpe Triangle.

Mr Goose, speaking at a council scrutiny meeting, said: “The majority of travellers thatcomethroughthecity weasktomoveon. Someleave a mess behind. But if you are awareoftheamountoffly-tipping reports we get from the non-traveller community, I would ask ‘what is the difference?’

“There’s a degree of mythbusting that needs to go on with the travelling community.”

ESPs can be used for 28 daysayear. Cllr JuneBullsaid: “The problem is 28 days in a year is insufficient. That’s why weget recycling of travellers.”

The committee recommended that the cross-party working group be re-established. Planning applications for traveller sites are also at Fenvale, Crowland Road, Eye and land south east of Nine Bridges, Mile Drove, Glinton.