Monmouthshire draws up plan for gypsies and travellers (From Gazette Series)

Monmouthshire draws up plan for gypsies and travellers

9:20am Saturday 30th May 2009 in Search By South Wales Argus Newsdesk

Monmouthshire council is to consider introducing a procedure for managing gypsy and traveller sites in the county.

Cabinet members will meet at County Hall on Wednesday to discuss implementing guidelines to ensure encampments are dealt with fairly and consistently.

The head of community and environmental protection, David Jones said: "The council has responsibilities for the welfare and education needs of the people of Monmouthshire.

"These include gypsies and travellers living in or visiting Monmouthshire."

The guidelines, set out by the Assembly, came into effect in 2005.

If the council decides to adopt them its objective will be to assist the local authority and Gwent Police in a bid to minimise the disruption caused by illegal camping when the situation arises.

Under the guidelines once the authority is aware of a campsite an officer will visit the site.

A needs assessment is carried out to find out who is living there and the impact on the local community.

Attempts are then made to find vacancies at official sites in nearby counties.

The Chief Executive and Gwent Police have to be consulted on any further decisions, either to evict the travellers or allow them to remain for up to 28 days.

There is no current provision for sites in Monmouthshire.

Gypsies and travellers have previously occupied sites within the county such as the council’s countryside site in Clydach South, Castle Meadows in Abergavenny and in a lay-by on the A465.