NORTH COUNCIL

I- REPORT

To: HOUSING & TECHNICAL SERVICES Subject: PROVISION FOR GYPSY COMMITTEE TRAVELLERS From: DIRECTOR OF HOUSING & 1 PROPERTY SERVICES I Date: 28'h May 2003 I Ref: JFG/MS

1. Introduction

1.1 This report follows on from a report considered by committee in August 2002. At that time Committee asked that a survey of interested parties be undertaken to research support to close two sites and concentrate service on the third site at Forrest Street, Airdrie.

1.2 The response to the survey is detailed below and recommendation on future site provision proposed.

2. Background

2.1 The Council currently has nominal capacity for 52 pitches over 3 sites. However for some time there has only been 4 tenants resident on the Annathill site. There have been no formal requests to move onto the sites, and no application outstanding on the waiting list.

2.2 The Condition of the sites and amenity units vary. On due to the level of vandalism experienced, the units and site would require extensive refurbishment before they could be relet. There is also concerns over ground conditions that could make drainage repairs economically prohibitive.

2.3 The Annathill site is the only one occupied at present. It is the oldest site and if it is to continue in use will require extensive modernisation due to the deteriorating condition of the Amenity Units. In addition there has been friction with the neighbouring settled community with many asking that the site be closed.

2.4 Forrest Street site has been unoccupied for over a year, but remains in the best condition. It is considered by the majority of the Multi Agency Working Group sponsored by the Council to be the most suitable to retain.

3. Survey

3.1 Appendix 1 is a copy of the survey form that was distributed. Over 200 were sent out thirty eight responses were received. No response was received directly from any Gypsy Traveller, although responses were received from the SGTA and the Gypsy Travellers Community Development Project.

207 3.2 Twenty Five responses supported the idea of closing the Annathill Site. Sixteen of these were from neighbours of the Annathill Site.

3.3 Seven responses opposed the closure of the Annathill Site. Five of these were from the SGTA and the Gypsy Traveller Community Development Project.

3.4 Nine responses were made by MSP's and Councillors, all were in support of closing Annathill and Mossend.

3.5 Neighbouring authorities made four responses. One had no specific view, another believes closure would have no effect within their area. Two thought it may increase demand within their area. Both are known to have vacancies, indeed one suggested that this may be beneficial in alleviating their failing demand.

4. SGTA and GTCDP

4.1 Both these groups represent Gypsy Traveller Interests in Scotland. They have remained opposed to closure of any site and ask that all sites remain open to provide a choice to Gypsy Travellers. The SGTA have indicated that they may reluctantly consider a reduction in overall pitches but ask that the range of sites remain as at present.

5. Communities Scotland

5.1 Communities Scotland were invited to respond but declined to make specific comment other than that it would expect the Council to consider the best interest of all Gypsy Travellers and to consult with their views.

6. Future Provision

6.1 It is therefore the recommendation of the Multi Agency Working Group that both the Annathill and Mossend Sites be closed. Services should be concentrated on the Forrest Street site and the four current residents of Annathill offered a transfer to that site.

6.2 The proposal to close the two sites would enable them to be disposed of. The Annathill site offers some potential for sale. Due to the ground conditions at Mossend it is thought that there is little potential for sale. The extent of the vandalism at Mossend is such that it is recommended that what remains of the amenity units be demolished, and the site cleared and made safe. Any proceeds from sale should be used to cover the costs of site clearance, and to transfer residents to Forrest Street.

7. TRANSFER TO FORREST STREET

7.1 The Legal Services section have advised that the four residents of Annathill would be eligible for disturbance payments to recover reasonable expenses incurred after displacement.

7.2 They have further advised that Home Loss Payments and discretional Home Loss Payments would only be appropriate if the Council did not offer an alternative pitch.

208 8. RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1 Committee is asked to approve the following recommendations:-

i. That North Lanarkshire manage only one site at Forrest Street, Airdrie ii. That the Annathill site be closed and offered for sale. iii. That the Mossend site be closed and offered for sale iv. Any proceeds from sale should be used to offset demolition and related costs. V. That the four residents of Annathill be offered transfer to the Forrest Street site. Disturbance payments should be made in compliance with the statutory scheme.

9. BACKGROUND PAPERS

9.1 Background papers are available within the Housing and Property Services Department.

T McKenzie Director of Housing & Property Services

209 f L, 15- 3-Ua;l't.Dl , 1 1

NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL

PROVISION OF GYPSY TRAVELLER SITES

Survey of Interested Parties

Introduction North Lanarkshire Council is considering what would be an appropriate number of sites and pitches to provide within this area. There are currently 52 pitches 011 3 sites. However deinand has been very low for a number years we have only 4 current tenants.

The Council therefore thinks that it might bc appropriate to concentrate our service on our Forrest Street, Plains site and to close both the Annathill and Mossend sites.

Before a final decision is made the Council would be gratefid to have your views on what level of provision it should make and what implications may affect you or your organisation should these two sites be closed.

Name: Date:

Title:

Organisatiodstatus:

Address: Telephone Nuniber:

2) Interest in Gypsy Travellers

Can you state briefly your interest and knowledge of Gypsy Travellers issues.

210 1

3) Views of Site Provision

What number- of sites and pitches do you think North Lanarkshire should provide?

Where should they be and how many at each location?

4) Implications

How would you or your organisation be affected if site provision within North Lanarkshire was reduced?

21 1 1

I. 5) Other Information

Is there any firther infolmation you think the Council should consider before making a final decision?

6) ThankYou

Thank you for taking the trouble to complete the survey. The Council is gratefhl for the infoimation you have provided and will consider everyone’s views before making a final decision.

Should you require any firther information or to wish to express any other views then please contact the Tenancy Services and Supported Accommodation Division of the Housing and Property Services Department by writing to them at 17 Easton Place, ML5 4EW or by telephoning 01236 43 1331 or by e-mail at TenancyServices@?northlan,gov.uk.

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213 03/06/2003