TACKLING illegal traveller camps in Warwickshire is the focus of police chief Philip Seccombe.
The Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner is organising a county-wide round table meeting involving all agencies responsible for dealing with the problems caused by unauthorised traveller camps in the county.
Such camps are an increasing problem – often leaving council with large clean-up bills when travellers move on, and also having a major anti-social impact on nearby businesses and residents.
The meeting, which will be held within the next few weeks, will look at the current situation in the county and examine how effectively agencies work together.
Police and county council representatives – including the two Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Officers – will be invited, alongside representatives of the five district and borough councils and the six county MPs.
Mr Seccombe said: “I understand that the numbers of unauthorised encampments in Warwickshire have risen in recent years and I fully understand the difficulties they can cause to local residents and to businesses.
“It is therefore vitally important agencies with statutory responsibility to deal with these issues work together quickly and effectively.
“I think there is a lot of confusion among the public as to when particular agencies can or cannot use their powers and I hope we can settle some common misconceptions.
“I also want to include the county’s MPs as well, so we can discuss whether there are any practical suggestions for how legislation could be improved in the future if necessary.”
Invitations to relevant parties will be issued in the coming days once a date and venue are confirmed. A full summary report of the discussions will be published by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner following the meeting, along with any actions the agencies agree to undertake.
