Responsibilities
All public bodies are required to take into account the issues of health, education and welfare of those camped and balance this against the ‘level of nuisance’. Unauthorised camping is often dealt with as a joint approach but in summary the responsibilities are:
For further information or advice please email the Travellers Liaison Service.
Travellers Liaison Service - Statement of Intent
Travellers Liaison Service - Policy
Gypsies & Travellers - FAQs
Traveller Liaison Officer
- Responsible for County Council land and highways in relation to solutions
District Council
- Is responsible for District Council owned land
Private Land
- Is the responsibility of the land owner. Where there is ‘serious concern of civil unrest’, ‘health and safety issues’ or ‘obstruction of the highway’ the Police may choose to act directly.
Illegal Activity
- Is the responsibility of the Police to prove and prosecute if appropriate.
Fly Tipping or Abandoned Vehicles
- Proof and prosecution is the responsibility of the District Council’s Environmental Health Department. To minimise the impact District Councils can provide black bags and collection.
Concerns over Animals
- Should be reported to the RSPCA or District Council Dog Warden who will investigate
Legal Support Contacts
- Central European Romany Gypsies Council: Tel 01458 210899
- Travellers Advice Team: Tel 0845 1202980
- Friends, Families & Travellers: Tel 01273 234777
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Durham: Tel 0845 1203732
General Contacts
- Darlington & Durham Racial Equality Council (REC): Tel 0191 3862700
- Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) national helpline: Tel 0207 8287022
- UK Association of Gypsy Women: Tel 01325 240033
- Durham County Council Welfare Rights Team: Tel 0191 370 8787
For further information or advice please email the Travellers Liaison Service.
Useful Links
Travellers Liaison ServiceTravellers Liaison Service - Statement of Intent
Travellers Liaison Service - Policy
Gypsies & Travellers - FAQs
