Toilets, bins and stopping places for Traveller communities plan for Trafford
22.09.2022 - 19:41
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Temporary stopping places and toilet facilities look set to be provided for visiting Gypsy, Roma and Travellers in Trafford. The move has been prompted by a spike in the number of unauthorised visits by such communities in the borough last year to 12.
Trafford council's scrutiny committee has considered a series of recommendations following the 2021 encampments. Director of growth and regulatory services Adrian Fisher told councillors it cost 'several thousand pounds' to clean up areas following last year's visits.
He spoke of 'stopping points' - sometimes disused roads - where Travellers could lawfully stop temporarily and where there would be mobile facilities like bins and toilets. There could also be a 'transit site' - a permanent facility for the mobile communities.
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Mr Fisher said that historically there have been 'occasional' visits by Travellers to Trafford, but last year the number was exceptionally high. However, he went on to say: "The Cheshire authorities had 50 visits each."
The committee was told that the Gypsy, Roma and some Traveller people are protected against discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 in England, although 'travelling show people and 'New Age Travellers' do not enjoy protection.
It has been recommended that the council identifies specific sites in Trafford for use by Travellers for the next five years and for them to be included in the Local Plan.
Ward councillors will also be contacted as soon as Travellers visit, and are to be kept up to date on any action being taken. There will also be 'Gypsy and Traveller cultural awareness training to be rolled out
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