The situation for a group of Romani Gypsy families occupying the Wigmore Coach Park in Kent has reached a significant legal turning point. Medway Council's attempts to evict the group, consisting of fifteen adults and fourteen children, were deemed to infringe upon their human rights by a judge, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for secure Traveller accommodation in the region. Earlier this year, the group was relocated to the site by the council, initially granted temporary residence for three months with the stipulation that they pay a monthly fee and adhere to certain regulations.
Despite complying with these conditions, the travellers received an eviction notice in October, as the council indicated plans to sell the land to resolve ongoing financial issues. However, during the court hearing, it was revealed that the council had not taken any concrete steps toward selling the site, and had also failed to establish pitch targets to adequately support the Gypsy and Traveller communities, which are facing a severe shortage of suitable accommodation nationally.
Tina Herring, a resident of the Wigmore site, expressed her frustration with the council's management of Traveller accommodation, stating, "I think that it's down to the council and the government to supply permanent places for each and every one who needs them and to not just keep moving us around." Her sentiments reflect the broader concern among Travellers about the cyclical nature of their accommodation struggles, which often sees them temporarily relocated with little prospect of secure, permanent housing. The precariousness of their situation is further illustrated by reports of families often being on waiting lists for multiple sites, enduring years of uncertainty about their living conditions.
Legal proceedings regarding the group's status have unfolded amidst growing tensions between local authorities and the Traveller community. As the court acknowledged the ruling as a significant milestone, it also noted that the circumstances surrounding the case might change in future, suggesting that the legal battle over this site is far from over. The travellers have since lodged a planning application to transition the park-and-ride facility into an officially designated Traveller site—an initiative that was attempted previously but rejected without sufficient local infrastructure to support it.
Councillor Satinder Shokar, a vocal advocate for the rights of the Travellers, highlighted the historical injustices faced by this community, stating, "This family has been fighting for decades against injustices, and to finally have something go in their favour has meant so much." His comments underscore the systemic discrimination that Travellers often encounter and the urgent need for local councils to engage meaningfully with the community to develop sustainable housing solutions.
Despite the ruling, Medway Council expressed disappointment. The authority noted that the initial permission for the use of the site was meant to be a temporary measure, asserting that the car park should not be converted into a long-term site for permanent occupation. This tension between council intentions and community needs remains unresolved, further complicating the landscape of Traveller accommodation.
The broader implications of this case resonate far beyond Kent. Previous court rulings have positioned the plight of Gypsies and Travellers at the forefront of discussions on human rights and municipal responsibilities. In 2019, a Court of Appeal ruling highlighted the risks associated with borough-wide injunctions against Travellers, a practice deemed problematic due to its potential to violate the European Convention on Human Rights. This precedent places additional pressure on local councils to provide essential facilities and suitable accommodation, thereby shaping a more inclusive approach to policy-making in relation to the Gypsy and Traveller community.
As the Wigmore group's situation continues to evolve, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding Traveller accommodation in the UK. The need for equitable, informed, and compassionate housing solutions is increasingly urgent, demanding a collaborative effort between local authorities and the Traveller communities they serve. Ultimately, the path forward will require not just legal victories, but genuine understanding and investment in spaces that honour the cultural and practical needs of those who walk a nomadic lifestyle.
Reference Map
- Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 5
- Paragraph 6
- Paragraph 7
- Paragraph 7
Source: Noah Wire Services