Gypsies are told to leave greenbelt site

The Romani Gypsies moved, without planning permission, on to a site off Kites Nest Lane in Beausale in May 2009 and although their subsequent ‘retrospective’ application was rejected by Warwick District Council, they have remained on the land while a public inquiry into the matter was taking place.

The inquiry, which took place in Leamington, ended in May this year, and the outcome, explained in a 100-page report and approved by Secretary of State for Local Government, Eric Pickles, has now been released. It came to the conclusion that the travellers must go.

Campaign group Friends of the Greenbelt (Frog), which was formed by residents in the area after the Gypsies moved on the land, issued the following statement: “Frog is delighted, but not surprised, by the Secretary of State’s dismissal. The decision process has been exhausted over the last 16 months. Frog now strongly urges the developers to show integrity by vacating the field and returning it to its original condition by next August.

“Equally we urge Warwick District Council to be disciplined and energetic in enforcing compliance to the terms of the decision.”

District councillor Alan Rhead (Con, Budbrooke) said: “There is general relief amongst the inhabitants of Hatton, Hampton-on-the-Hill and other places which have had to face illegal Gypsy encampments.

“These are human beings and they have children and there will always be fears in the face of these tragedies, but we have got to have an even view about life.

“I am sure the district council will find a sensitive way to move them on with the least amount of pain and suffering.”

The Courier was not able to contact the Gypsy families for comment this week.