Hugh tackles Headcorn's gypsy problems

HUGH ROBERTSON WRITES TO DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OVER HEADCORN'S GYPSIES

Hugh Robertson has written to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, about the gypsies on Lenham Road, Headcorn. The letter has been sent as a result of an annual invasion of a large number of gypsy caravans.

Hugh has written the letter because Maidstone Borough Council has stated that existing powers are insufficient to deal with the problem. A good example is the case of Redhill Stables where the council has obtained an Enforcement Notice and sought an injunction against the owner of the site. However, because the owner cannot be found, the injunction cannot be served and thus the problem remains unsolved.

Local residents complain that the annual invasion of gypsies leads to an increase in petty crime, intimidation and disorder.

Hugh had an adjournment debate on this subject last summer and has recently sponsored a bill to protect greenbelt land - which the government has refused to accept.

Hugh said: "I want the Deputy Prime Minister to explain exactly what Maidstone Borough Council can do about the situation within existing law and commit to introducing legislation to tackle this issue.

"It is simply unfair that gypsies are granted rights denied to other people - such as the right to park their caravan in a field of their choosing. They should be treated on the same basis as everybody else.

"This happens every year and it is simply unacceptable."