Police have called for a permanent answer to resolve issues with travellers setting up camp in parts of East Leeds.
During the past week, travellers have moved from a number of different sites in the Garforth area. Leeds council sought an emergency court order to ensure their removal from the site of the community gala, only for them to camp half a mile down the road in larger numbers.
But Chief Inspector Melanie Jones has told members of the East Outer Area Committee yesterday that the issue was an emotive one for local residents.
She said:
"In the longer term we need to discuss with the council a proper and permanent solution to this issue. The travellers are moving from place to place and it is costing a lot of money - and money is something we have not got.
"We really do need to look at this."
Garforth and Swillington councillor Tom Murray, who is on the council's powerful executive board as lead member for environmental services, agreed to meet her to discuss the issue.
Jones said that the police have powers under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which mean they can direct unauthorised campers to leave without reference to the courts.
But she said the powers had been 'misunderstood':
"They should not be used as the first resort and should only be used when other options have been explored.
"The travelling community have contested the use of section 61s elsewhere in the past, and where they've been successful they generally tend to remain for a lot longer than they would otherwise. They understand the law better than we do.
"I know there are a lot of problems, but it's important we don't cut corners. We also need to take into account their human rights as individuals and as a community."
A letter over at the Yorkshire Evening Post by Garforth councillor Mark Dobson today calls on the police to use their section 61 powers. Dobson did not attend yesterday's meeting.
The meeting also heard that North East Police Division and Divisional Community Safety Partnership had had a 'very positive year' in relation to achieving performance targets and reducing general crime and disorder in the area.
Temple Newsam councillor Mick Lyons flagged up issues with anti-social behaviour, such as off-road bikers causing a nuisance.
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.
