Councillors call for tougher action on unauthorised traveller camps in Leeds

Tougher action was called for on unauthorised traveller camps and nuisance vehicles in a debate between councillors.

A motion tabled by Reform councillor Kieran White called for a cross-party strategy and the “strongest possible measures” to protect public land.

He told a Leeds City Council meeting unauthorised camps were costly to clean up and ruining some green spaces.

Coun White, who represents Temple Newsam, said anti-social behaviour and illegal car meet-ups were also affecting people living near parks.

He said: “Obviously this is having a big impact on everyone in our communities and across the city.”

The motion said the council could learn lessons from councils like Rochdale, where a High Court injunction banned unauthorised traveller camps.

It was opposed by Gipton and Harehills Green Party member Mothin Ali, who raised concerns over the impact on minority Gypsy and Traveller communities.

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Wayne Dixon, who leads the Social Democratic group, said he had heard from people impacted by unauthorised encampments.

He told the meeting his family had Romany Gypsy roots and tabled an amendment calling for more work to understand how the Travellers’ way of life could be preserved.

He said: “That experience has shaped my view that we must not judge an entire community by the actions of a minority.”

The motion was also amended by Labour to say the council would work with the travelling community to continue supporting families with school placements and health checks.

Asghar Khan, executive member for housing, said: “We of course fully recognise the issues unauthorised encampments cause, and the extent of public feeling they provoke.”

Coun Khan said encampments were visited regularly and help including portable toilets and waste disposal was provided.

Plans have already been approved for bollards and barriers in Roundhay Park to prevent nuisance driving and encampments.