Since last Friday, when travellers arrived at Button Common in Herongate, local Conservative Councillor, Sheila Murphy has been fighting hard, alongside the Parish Council to get them moved on and even called an urgent meeting with the Leader of the Council to find out what he is doing to tackle the problem.
Sheila said, “The wrecking of Jubilee Wood, dumped rubbish and general disturbance throughout the night have all caused mayhem to local residents. Officers at the Council have worked hard, within the powers they have to move them on but I have some serious questions for the Leader of the Council, who has so far been silent on the topic.”
Sheila, joined by colleague, Noelle Hones, the Shadow Lead on Planning and Alan Kingsford from the Parish Council had arranged to meet with the Leader yesterday afternoon to discuss the matter but he failed to turn up, blaming a “diary mix up." Fortunately, he was located in his office so Sheila and Noelle ensured the meeting went ahead!
Sheila said “We needed answers. There is no clear direction coming from the top as to how the issue of travellers is to be dealt with and we know the new coalition is split on the matter, with some councillors on record as promoting a softly, softly approach.Under Councillor Aspinell’s leadership, delivery of the Local Development Plan is being stretched out by some months, which in itself is an issue, especially when at the same time, we have the coalition making dire, ad hoc decisions like approving a permanent traveller site in Mountnessing. What message does that send out?”
Noelle Hones added, “The new coalition seems to be all over the place when it comes to planning. How can they possibly find it acceptable to approve a permanent site, whilst having no answers to the ongoing traveller problem? The lack of leadership is causing much upset and angst amongst local people.”
In addition to wanting details about the Council’s plans, Sheila was also looking for answers as to why the Leader had not encouraged the police to use their powers more. She said, “The police were called out numerous times over the last few nights to deal with disturbance and unrest. Under their own powers, they could have used what is called a Section 61 to move the travellers on as they were causing a nuisance. As Council Leader, Barry should have been speaking to them and encouraging them to use these powers to move the travellers sooner but as ever, when it matters, we heard nothing from him."
The Council has now obtained a court order for the travellers to leave the site by 2pm today, after which bailiffs were due to enter to remove by force if necessary. However, late last night the travellers left. Whilst an end to the matter is obviously welcomed, many residents are saying it is too late and are wondering just why the Leader and those running the Council don't appear to have taken the situation more seriously.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Sheila Murphy – 07446 068293 Sheila.Murphy@brentwood.gov.uk
Noelle Hones – 07986 174969 Noelle.Hones@brentwood.gov.uk