MP demands Parliament debate on Travellers

The MP for Newark has called for a debate in the House of Commons on how to tackle illegal Traveller encampments after a spate of incidents over the summer.

Mr Robert Jenrick raised the issue with the leader of the house, Mrs Andrea Leadsom, following incidents in Newark, Lowdham and elsewhere in his constituency.

A group of Travellers camped on a play park off Cedar Avenue, Newark, for more than a fortnight in June.

They stayed at the park in defiance of a court order and left behind piles of rubbish, including human waste, when they moved on.

Travellers also occupied sites on Newark Industrial Estate over the summer and more recently have been camped at Lowdham and Newton.

Mr Jenrick said the reputation of Travellers who lived in his constituency was being tarnished by those camping illegally.

He said in the Commons: “Almost 1,000 of my constituents are Travellers. I know many of them and they are good people, but their reputation in our community is being tarnished by the appalling behaviour of a small minority.

“This summer, in Newark and Lowdham, village greens and parks have been spoilt, businesses damaged, residents intimidated, even gravestones damaged.

“Nottinghamshire Police are struggling, constrained by the powers available to them.

“Can we have a debate in Government time to move this issue forward, not only for the wider community, but for Travellers as well?”

Mrs Leadsom said she would consider the request because there were clearly strong feelings across the house.

'Powers are somewhat limited'

Mr Jenrick said he would press for a debate as soon as possible.

He told the Advertiser: “This summer has seen a number of serious incidents, including two in Lowdham where property has been damaged, residents have felt intimidated and even a church and graveyard damaged.

“Newark Industrial Estate saw an encampment over the May bank holiday that proved very disruptive to the businesses concerned and residents of the Bridge area of Newark have seen encampments on playing fields and public land.

“I have received dozens of letters and emails from concerned residents and been in regular contact with Nottinghamshire Police for many months.

“They need to use the powers available to them more robustly, but those powers are somewhat limited and that is why this needs debate and action in Parliament.”

The East Nottinghamshire Traveller Association said it did not know enough about Mr Jenrick’s proposal for a debate to comment.