Fighting plans to increase Gypsy and Traveller numbers in Epping Forest Area

As regular readers of this column will know, I have over the last 18 months led on a campaign against the planned increases in gypsy and traveller numbers in the Epping Forest area, following constituent concerns about the plans for more pitch numbers. I was therefore delighted this week when the Government announced there would be a reduction in the proposed number of gypsy and traveller pitches in the Epping Forest Area.

Government Office for the East of England this week announced that the planned increase had been reduced from 39 to 34 pitches. An intervening consultation round late last year had decreased the number of additional pitches from 49 to 39.

In my view the planned policy was absolutely unfair. Under the proposals, Epping Forest was the district in Essex receiving the second highest increase, which was unjustifiable as historically Epping Forest has taken its fair share when compared with other areas which have hardly any pitches at all. For example, the proposal only allocated districts such as Southend and Castle Point 15 pitches – and historically they have not housed any pitches at all.

Many constituents have contacted me with their concerns about the planned increase, asking why should Epping Forest shoulder more of the burden? The extent of feeling against the planned increase really hit home when I spoke at a meeting organised by the Roydon Parish Council in December last year. The hall was packed.

This recent decision marks a milestone in my campaign to persuade agencies that Epping Forest is over capacity already on gypsy and traveller numbers and should not be the focus for future pitch provision. I am delighted the government has listened to my concerns and responded, but I am determined that even further reductions are needed. 

I have repeatedly pressed at the highest level of Government since this proposed increase came to light, back in early 2008. I have made my strong concerns clear to the Government and I met with the minister responsible, Iain Wright MP, in January this year to argue Epping Forest’s case.

The consultation is ongoing and I will make further representations on residents’ behalf to make clear that Epping Forest deserves a fairer deal on this issue. I would also urge as many local residents to participate in the consultation to make their feelings known, and demand that in the final numbers the Government recognises that Epping Forest is no push over.

Residents wishing to respond to the consultation should access the papers on the website www.go-east.gov.uk or hard copies are available at all local libraries.