Page last updated at 12:00 GMT, Friday, October 23 2009
Gypsies and Travellers
Gypsies and travellers form part of a racial group and fall
under the Race Relations Act 1976. Gypsies and travellers
should therefore be afforded the same importance as any other
ethnic group.
Every year the police receive a large number of calls from
members of the public in respect of travellers moving into a
locality and unlawfully occupying land. Such incidents
inevitably raise concerns within local communities and very often
tension will exist between residents and Travellers. The
arrival of travellers in an area tends to raise disproportionate
fears in landowners and residents of increased crime and
violence.
We live in a democratic society and it must be remembered that
travelling communities have as much right to live their chosen
lifestyle as those who choose to live in settled communities.
Nevertheless the occupation of land can be unlawful and the Council
recognizes the fact that action must often be taken to remove
travellers from land and to secure the land against further
occupation. The Council will always take action in respect of
unlawful encampments on Council land but in the case of private
land, it is the landowner who is responsible for taking action to
remove unwelcome travellers from their own land.
If you have any concerns about travellers contact us
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