THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to extend police powers to evict illegally camped travellers but has told local authorities they must provide adequate temporary sites.
Councils will also bid for new funding for temporary sites from this autumn under plans formulated by the Home Office, which will also publish new guidance on managing unauthorised camping, this autumn.
The announcement came a week after Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon raised a question in the House of Commons for tougher legislation to deal with travellers who have caused mayhem in parts of Kent over the past few months. Housing and regeneration Minister Tony McNulty said: "Our strategy is balanced and fair.
"The standard of behaviour of travellers should be the same as that expected of the settled community. However, this does not mean turning a blind eye to anti-social behaviour."
July 8, 2002 19:00
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