Gypsy Council: Travellers next to Amazon will be on their way soon
GYPSY Council chiefs say they expect the travellers who have set up home at Jersey Marine will be on their way soon.
Last week around 12 caravans parked illegally on land next to warehouse Amazon, which belongs to the Welsh Government.
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The travellers’ camp next to the Amazon site Swansea
Hughie Smith, president of the Gypsy Council, which is an organisation set up to represent gypsies nationwide in all aspects of their needs, said he believed the travellers may be just passing through and would soon move on.
"At the present time what we have suggested to Neath Port Talbot Council is these families may have permanent plots and perhaps are passing through," he said.
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"I don't think they will be there long. They are just passing through."
Both authorised traveller sites in Neath Port Talbot — Briton Ferry and Cae Garw, near Pyle — are currently full.
"Neath Port Talbot Council provides for 57 plots across its two sites," said Mr Smith. "The problem is with neighbouring authorities like Swansea which only has seven plots. Neath Port Talbot is a responsible authority as it is providing 57 plots. Bridgend and Merthyr have no sites."
A Swansea Council spokesman said the traveller plots were allocated before unitary authorities and were originally designated by West Glamorgan.
He added: "At present, there is only one authorised gypsy traveller site, which is fully occupied. The need for a second site has been identified as part of the council's housing needs assessment. The council is continuing its work to identify a suitable location for the second site.
Residents have called on Neath Port Talbot Council and the Welsh Government to act on the encampment at Jersey Marine.
Head of property and regeneration Gareth Nutt said: "The council has had contact with the Welsh Government about the situation and understand that, as landowners, the matter is in Welsh Government's hands."
A spokesman for the Welsh Government said: "Any action on that site will be in line with the protocols and guidelines of existing Welsh Government guidance, with consideration given to the fact that the two gypsy and traveller sites in Neath Port Talbot are full."
Under the Housing Act 2004 all local authorities in Wales have to assess the accommodation needs of travellers.
The existing authorised site in Swansea is at Pantyblawd Road, Llansamlet.
Travellers have also recently arrived at Millbrook Drive in Llansamlet.
A Swansea Council spokesman said: "We are aware of the matter and proceedings have been issued which will enable us to take back possession of the site."
Figures for July 2011 suggest there were a total of 793 Gypsy and traveller caravans in Wales — of which 120 caravans were on unauthorised sites.
Comments
by HyxelPixel
Wednesday, August 01 2012, 6:28PM
“Well done Neath-Port Talbot Council for providing so many pitches for travelers. Shame on you Swansea and especially Bridgend and Merthyr councils for your illegal and immoral lack of provision.
Are the costs of eviction and clearing up of unofficial sites really less than the expenses involved in setting up and maintaining one permanent and one transit site?”
by nastybasty
Friday, July 27 2012, 7:48PM
“G Y P O = GYPSY YUCKY PARIHA ODIUS!!!!!!!!”
by Neathboy234
Friday, July 27 2012, 3:54PM
“Of course the use of the world gypo is racist, sadly those who use it are too far gone to know it or care”
by DJofTNE
Friday, July 27 2012, 12:26PM
“If they have permanent plots elsewhere, the only reason they move around it to avoid arrest or detection from the crimes they have committed. Why else would you want to move on to amazon, not the best place in the world to move too. Still dont see why the roozers/council have not moved them on, if i dumped a ton of waste on my neigbours garden i would be in and out of court with a hefty fine. Its becoming a bit of joke this country is, the terroists can spout their bile and we have to pay for their protection, then these gypo's do what they want and we have to clean up after them, whislt not saying a word incase we hurt their feelings. What is this world coming too? Time to go”
by GorsseinonJoe
Thursday, July 26 2012, 4:22PM
“Manuelization, if gypo is racist surely so is gorjas?
The essence of most of the posts here are that whether these people are travellers or gypsies, they don't respect the local community or laws, yet expect us as taxpayers to pick up the tab for cleaning human excrement, scrap and other items while claiming racism and ignorance by the people within the locality who do pay taxes, local and national and have to abide by the rules set for a decent society to live in.
If these travellers/gypies cleaned up after them, paid taxes for the earnings from scrap, taxed their vehicles and generally behaved in an appropriate manner towards others instead of the "chip on the shoulder" attitude most adopt when spoken to reasonable, the uproar we see in these forums would be less?
Gypsy Council, it may be a better tactic to get your members to adopt some of the above instead of being defensive every time your "people" break the law.”
by Dai_Chotomy
Thursday, July 26 2012, 3:58PM
“Manuelization, I keep writing in these forums that these people are not Gypsies and that you and your people think the same of them as we do. Unfortunately, there simple souls like nastybasty who refuse to believe that the Romany is an honourable, clean living person and that these itinerants ARE NOT GYPSIES.
Then you go and write that vitriolic little piece which does nothing to help your cause when read by the nastybastys of this world. I know what it is all about, but many don't, they need education and it is up to you to do it.
And the Gypsy Council is indeed misnamed if it is sticking up for the Irish travellers.”
by nastybasty
Thursday, July 26 2012, 3:34PM
“manualization
i hold your people in deep contempt,as you cause filth and squallor where ever you go get a life get a job and pay your taxes and council tax!”
by mdj123
Thursday, July 26 2012, 3:05PM
“Tourists & visitors coming to Swansea via Fabian Way will be met with an illegal camp of travellers, this is not a good for image to portray particularly when we are trying to encourage business & visitors to the area (I feel sorry for Amazon). The land the travellers are on is not theirs, the camp is illegal & they don't contribute to our society, in my perfect world the solution would be...”
by Stork
Thursday, July 26 2012, 2:59PM
“Manuelization
If it's true what you say, "the Gypsies are no longer on the road". Then the Gypsy Council is using the term under false pretences. Can the Gypsy Council be forced to re-name themselves "The Irish Travellers Council" ?
In today's politically correct and sensitive climate, the correct titles and terms of reference should always be used.
One last point Manuelization,..................err....gorjas ?”
by manuelization
Thursday, July 26 2012, 12:01PM
“STOP BLAMING THE GYPSIES!
Firstly, we Gypsies are no longer on the road, what this story is about is Irish Travellers. I can't believe how dumb the British public are! it amazes me.
Also, how dare you call us "gypos" what right have you for such racism? We are NOT ON THE ROAD! this story is about Irish travellers. No wonder Romany Gypsies are losing are respect for you gorjas, and whatever you get YOU ALL DESERVE!”