No agreement over gypsy fair injunction (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

No agreement over gypsy fair injunction

STOW-on-the-Wold's civic leaders are divided about the proposed lifting of a high court injunction preventing travellers camping on the town's gypsy field.

The divisions arose at a Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council meeting debating the one-day gypsy horse fair, held just across the parish boundary in Maugersbury every May and October.

Cotswold District Council obtained the injunction in 1996 after Maugersbury residents complained about gypsy children's rowdy behaviour at the fair's venue, a gypsy-owned Maugesbury Lane field.

It prevents travellers camping on the field overnight, immediately before and after the fair.

Maugersbury Lane has since become congested during fairs, with gypsies trading from caravans parked along its sides.

Cllr Vera Norwood, town council chairman, called for the injunction's lifting and for a planning application to be submitted, to the district council, requesting gypsies be allowed to camp there for five days.

Cllr Roger George said: "I would like to see it replaced by a planning application that permits use for a maximum of five days."

Cllr Colin Brand called for the injunction's lifting, saying gypsies should be allowed to camp for two-three days. He also urged the district council to properly enforce rules governing the field's use.

Cllr Geoff Seddon said: "I would support a two-three day period in the field, lifting the injunction. "I would like to see the complete closure of the lane to parking."

Cllr Jenny Scarsbrook said: she would like to see the injunction stay in place. "If we lift the injunction, we could be back to 400 caravans on the field.," she said.

Calling for the injunction to stay, Cllr Tom Morris said: "We don't want the gypsies putting in a planning application for a permanent site, which could happen if the injunction is lifted."

Cllr Robin Jones said the injunction should stay because the gypsies opposed submitting a planning application.

Cllr John Kennell said: "It would be in Stow-on-the-Wold's interest if we could turn this to our advantage and something people from far away could come and enjoy."

Cllr Barbara Hole expressed concern about people being unable to access Stow Veterinary Surgery's new Maugersbury Lane premises during fairs.