Councillor wants seafront viewpoint blocked

Preventing unauthorised gipsy camps

A Torquay councillor wants to see a seafront viewpoint blocked off to prevent unauthorised camps.

Cllr Andrew Barrand wants Corbyn Head added to plans for barriers to be installed by Torbay Council.

He said he was concerned it had been left off an early list of locations where concrete blocks or boulders are planned.

They include Paignton Green, which saw two unauthorised camps by groups of travellers last summer.

Rented camper vans were also seen parked on Corbyn Head with holidaymakers apparently using it as a free campsite. Pictures of the vehicles shared on social media caused a public outcry.

The council plan to block off access to public land used by travellers emerged after a deal with a landowner fell through to set up an authorised site.

Cllr Barrand, who represents Cockington, Chelston and Livermead, said: “This issue of illegal encampments has blighted a number of areas throughout the bay for as long as I can remember and I was disappointed that the site identified as being a possible solution had fallen through.

 “When I saw a suggested draft list of sites that would receive protection did not include the area in my ward at Corbyn Head I felt compelled to email the portfolio holder for this subject and seek reassurances that the area in my ward will be included. 

“I fear that if other areas receive the protection of barriers the Travellers and Gypsies will be driven to set up camp in my ward, which I am sure the residents I represent will find unacceptable and expect me, as their ward councillor, to take this up with the council.

“I will continue to raise the issue of finding a long term solution and a permanent site with council leaders, this is a problem that has gone on for far too long and must be sorted urgently.”

The national charity working on behalf of Gipsies, Roma and Travellers, described the move to block off access to the land as an overreaction and accused the council of ‘lack of adequate planning’ by not providing an authorised site.

Sarah Mann, director at Friends, Families and Travellers, said: “As Torbay Council recognise, a temporary stopping site needs to be established so that travellers have somewhere to stop.

“Evictions and concrete blocks are like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“Their measures push the burden on gypsy and traveller people, as well as the local settled community, to pick up the pieces for the council’s lack of adequate planning.

“It is illogical to tell people where they cannot go without telling them where they can go. It is also cruel and punitive to collectively punish members of any minority ethnic group for the actions of the few. Everyone needs a safe place to live.”

Sites on the initial list are White Rock playing fields in Paignton, and in Torquay at King George V playing fields in St Marychurch, Lindisfarne Park at The Willows,  and Torre Valley in Chelston, Torquay.

All the areas have been used by travellers, and more sites could follow as the council is carrying out a review to identify all the public spaces which have been used for encampments in the last three years.