Gypsies and Travellers

Gypsy and Traveller Scrutiny

One of Wyre Forest District Council’s aims is to "increase understanding and develop a new approach for our Gypsy community"

Wyre Forest District Council is a member of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Partnership and is working with other local organisations and the Gypsy and Traveller community to understand the needs of that community and to achieve the aims highlighted by the partnership.

1. Better relationships between the Council and local Gypsy and Traveller communities, specifically;

• Consultation and communication mechanisms

• A protocol setting out what you can expect from us and what we can expect from you, summarising the roles we play, key contacts and partners.

2. Breaking down barriers and building understanding between settled residents and the local Gypsy communities, specifically;

• Understanding the tensions that exist and why
• Production of a video by Rural Media in order to further inform the community of the culture and history surrounding the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community.

3. Balancing supply of sites and demand for the future – helping to inform the planning process, specifically;

• Pre-application engagement and advice
• Proper enforcement
• If requirements for new sites arise, setting out the principles that will need to be applied

You can learn more about the real culture and myths surrounding Gypsy and Traveller communities by reading Jake Bowers article on The Traveller's Times website.

Worcestershire

Travellers in Worcestershire are made up of three main groups:

• Gypsy or Romany
• Irish Travellers
• New Travellers

These groups live in a variety of settings.

Estimates of the size of the community vary, but historically Gypsies and Travellers have been the largest minority ethnic group within Worcestershire.  It should be noted that only Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers fall within the definition of a "Minority Ethnic Group" within the Race Relations Amendment Act (2000).

Gypsies and Travellers have always been part of Worcestershire and have been crucial in the development of the county.  For example, Travellers were the first "seasonal workers", helping to develop the economic success of the county. Over recent years many of the traditional stopping places for the Travelling community have diminished causing difficulties for Gypsies and Travellers seeking a place to stay.  This is one of the key reasons why many of the Travelling community in Worcestershire now live in houses. 

However there is more to Gypsy/Traveller culture than travelling itself, and this is maintained through traditions such as the language (Romany). There are a number of groups/agencies working with Gypsies and Travellers in Worcestershire.  Some are listed below:

• West Mercia Police – Gypsy and Traveller Liaison
• West Midlands Consortium Education Service for Travelling Children
• Rooftop Housing Group
• WGRTP – The Worcestershire Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Partnership which is made up of a number of public sector organisations based within Worcestershire.

Contacts

The Hate Incident Partnership

Enquiries related to housing, Traveller sites, policy or enforcement can be directed to the Worcestershire Hub on: Tel: 01562 732928.