Gypsy and traveller conference wins high praise
Crucial issues surrounding gypsies and travellers have been discussed this week at the first conference of its kind in Warwickshire.
A series of national figures in the gypsy and traveller arena, such as Richard Bennett, Chairman of the Local Government Association Gypsy and Traveller Task Force; Bill Forrester, Chairman of the National Association and Gypsy and Traveller Officers; and Jake Bowers, presenter of Rokkers Radio, a BBC programme for the travelling community, all spoke at the event.
Delegates attending the conference organised by Warwickshire County Council were from a variety of fields, from local government, the police, gypsy and traveller groups, and the health service.
As well as drawing upon national speakers who previously have only been gathered at events in London, the conference also offered workshops to get the various groups talking and working together to share experiences.
Cllr Alan Farnell, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “This conference was not about a quick fix, but we have started the ball rolling towards something which will hopefully be of benefit to both the settled and travelling communities.
“There were many myths dispelled at the conference, such as the levels of lawlessness and the fact that travellers don’t pay Council Tax when in fact the vast majority do.
“Sharing knowledge and experiences is a first step to helping these different communities live in harmony.”
The idea for the conference came initially from a discussion between the county council, colleagues at the district and borough councils and Warwickshire Police about the challenges presented by a series of unauthorised encampments last year and the issues surrounding the gypsy and traveller families while in Warwickshire.
Issues including education, health, environmental health, housing and homelessness, legal, planning, police, policy and gypsy and traveller liaison officers were discussed.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The feedback from the conference has been excellent, with many describing it as a ‘good learning experience’, and this will now help us to shape our policies in dealing with the issues surrounding gypsies and travellers.”