Travellers Encampments Controversal

The always controversal issue of temporary sites for Travellers has again been raised with news that three new traveller sites are to be set up by the Housing Executive in Co Armagh.

Craigavon residents claim streets are already a health hazard because of poor sanitary and waste-disposal facilities for the Traveller community.

In addition, Craigavon Borough Council said it has not been properly notified by the Housing Executive and has warned that rate-payers may have to pick up the bill.

Councillor Robert Smith said local people were not being told about developments: "We don't want to prevent anybody coming to Craigavon, but it raises the other issue of councils having to maintain sites which will cost a horrendous amount of money," he said.

"This will then be passed on to the rate-payer."

In contrast, Derek Hanway of the Travellers' organisation, An Munia Towber, said the size of the Traveller community in Craigavon "meant the plan was reasonable".

"There are three sites in Belfast where there are a similar number of Travellers and there needs to be a similar number of sites for Travellers in Craigavon," he said.

"It can be done right, but we need local politicians and the Housing Executive to work together.

"We need to say where the site should go and make sure it's done in a way that's going to make everybody happy."

(BMcC)