WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones today reacted angrily to a failure to take action against travellers who set up camp in her constituency over the weekend.
She was backed by local councillors Matt Smith, Joan Grime and Jan Davidson.
The travellers arrived at Silver Lane, Risley and set up camp there – despite a gate erected by Warrington Borough Council to prevent such invasions from taking place.
Ms Jones said: “I was astonished to receive an email from the gypsy and traveller liaison officer, telling me there would be no action until after the weekend as the travellers had promised to leave by then.
“It is totally unacceptable that my constituents in Croft and Birchwood should face another weekend of disruption.
“If I parked on a double yellow lines, I couldn’t escape a ticket by saying that I’d move in a few hours. An illegal encampment should not be treated differently.”
The MP added that she was writing to the chief executive of Warrington Borough Council to demand assurances that officers would not be so lax in the future.
She said: “The law should apply equally to everyone.”
In a joint statement, the three councillors said: “It is exceptionally frustrating that despite the investment in the gate to prevent such incursions, this is the third time such an incident has occurred.
“On each occasion the gate or bollards have been damaged to gain access to the site. Those responsible for this criminal damage should be held responsible for their actions.
“It is equally frustrating that given the timing of this incident both residents and councillors alike are left without a response to their queries and uncertain of what action, if any, has been taken over the weekend.
“We are deeply concerned about local residents and businesses whose lives are being disrupted by the incursion. Given the criminal damage to the gate we believe the police should be able to move the travellers on very quickly.”
1 Comment
Having worked with the Gypsie and Traveller liaison off officer I know how hard she is working and some of the difficulties that encampments face. She has given me a lot of valuable advice and help as well as an understanding of the difficulties faced by local authorities. One key milestone in the picture is setting up a place where travellers can be directed but that won’t be the end of it. A great deal of effort was done in finding stronger locks and barriers but obviously they are not sophisticated enough – in fact they are proving very weak in deed. This is very annoying as it is an obstacle in preventing access to the developing nature reserve of the ‘Siler Pools’ that is becoming a wonderful environment for wildlife as WNCF members can testify to. If the law isn’t strong enough then the House of Commons is probably the best place to lobby for change.