New powers wanted to tackle Travellers

Reporter: LOBBY CORRESPONDENT
Date online: 27 November 2009

OLDHAM Council has vowed to get tough on Travellers by lobbying for extra powers.

Council chiefs are talking to other members of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) about issuing injunctions and enforcement notices.

According to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), there were 19 plots across the borough in July — the only time any have been recorded in the last five half-yearly counts.

Councillor Mark Alcock said the figure provided a snapshot of a recurring problem over the past couple of years.

He added: “There are no authorised Traveller sites in Oldham and it’s been saddening to see on repeated occasions the damage that has been left behind.

“We always act as swiftly as possible to challenge unauthorised camps, get Travellers moved on, and reduce the impact to local residents and the environment.

“We’ve had camps this year in Haggate, Chadderton, Oldham Edge, Shaw, Mumps and Royton.

“Not only have these caused considerable disruption to the local community, but the cost of clearing up has run into thousands of pounds.

“Taxpayers’ cash would be far better spent on frontline services.

“We need to be able to tackle unauthorised encampments more effectively and speak as one on this.

“If, for example, we find that Travellers are fly-tipping then we need to see if we can seize their vehicles or take alternative action.”

The Government has repeatedly been accused of ignoring the rights of law-abiding taxpayers by having neighbouring land taken away and used for Travellers.

A Communities and Local Government 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.

“Effective management of what is often a controversial issue must mean providing the right number of pitches for Travellers, but also ensuring the concerns of the settled community are understood and addressed.”