18 Romani families face eviction in United Kingdom

07 November 2001

The Travellers Action Group reported that on July 12, 2001, a group of Roma numbering 18 families (approximately 127 people) with title to the Woodside Caravan Site at Hatch in Mid Bedfordshire met with the Mid Beds District Council. The purpose of the meeting was to ask for planning permission to convert the 152 touring trailer site to a much smaller permanent settlement. At the meeting, however, planning permission was reportedly denied and 180,000 British pounds (approximately 288,000 euros) were reportedly allocated to pay the costs of a private firm to handle the eviction of residents of the Woodside Caravan Site. Planning permission was first denied by the Mid Beds District Council in 1998, despite approval for the change of use by a planning inspector. In response to this action, the residents formed the Travellers Action Group and held a meeting and peaceful protest in nearby Biggleswade on September 4, 2001, according to the September 9, 2001 issue of the regional weekly Biggleswade Chronicle. Woodside residents have appealed the decision of the local council to the High Court, while the Mid Bedfordshire District Council is seeking an injunction from the same in support of its actions.

(Biggleswade Chronicle, Travellers Action Group)