Grattan Puxon
Intrepid reporter
Intrepid reporter
2nd Nov.2006
They look like a battlefield - the yards bulldozed this week at Smithy Fen, one of the largest
Traveller's communities in the UK. More homes destroyed; more families left homeless.
Traveller's communities in the UK. More homes destroyed; more families left homeless.
South Cambridgeshire council claim the owners of the yards at Cottonham had been abandoned by
their owners. The truth is most were simply away working in France and elsewhere.
their owners. The truth is most were simply away working in France and elsewhere.
"They have torn up the ground all around our yard," said Traveller protester Mary Gammell. "We
have been left with no right of way in."
But more serious than that is the bankrupting of many Traveller's through the destruction of their
properties. Thousands are being driven back on the road through a policy of ethnic-cleansing.
have been left with no right of way in."
But more serious than that is the bankrupting of many Traveller's through the destruction of their
properties. Thousands are being driven back on the road through a policy of ethnic-
In the decade since the passing of the Criminal Justice Act, local councils have spent (UK Gov.
Estimates) more that £180 million in harassing Gypsies and blocking possible stopping places.
Estimates) more that £180 million in harassing Gypsies and blocking possible stopping places.
Millions more have been laid out on hiring Constant & Co., and other bailiff companies, to plough up
private caravan parks after quick-fire refusal planning permission.
private caravan parks after quick-
"We were in a position to provide for ourselves," says Richard Sheridan, chair of the Irish Traveller's
Movement 2006. "But with caravans being burned and the yards torn up we'll soon have nothing
left."
Movement 2006. "But with caravans being burned and the yards torn up we'll soon have nothing
left."
Last week Basildon District Council spent another £50,000 clearing two yards at Gipsy Hill. One
property bulldozed Ash View which belongs to the Gilheaney’s, had been under the protection of a
High Court injunction.
property bulldozed Ash View which belongs to the Gilheaney’s, had been under the protection of a
High Court injunction.
Basildon Council has now spent more that £700,000 in the past year on its plan to drive 120
Irish Traveller families from the area.
Irish Traveller families from the area.
