Community Dispute Arises Over Unauthorised Traveller Site Work

A dispute has emerged between local residents and a traveller community in Staffordshire concerning unapproved construction activities on green belt land. Simon McDonagh stated that he acquired the property, situated near Stallington Road in Blythe Bridge, following his family’s displacement from their prior encampment in Uttoxeter. Stafford Borough Council did not receive any planning application prior to the commencement of work on December 6, which involved laying hardcore material and erecting fencing. The council reported that a stop notice had been disregarded, prompting an intensification of its enforcement measures. Residents conveyed to BBC Radio Stoke their apprehension regarding the arrival of a new community and the execution of illegal construction. Alex Sandiford, a Stafford Borough councillor for the Fulford ward, characterized the situation as a “nightmare situation”. He indicated that he had received numerous complaints from residents, who expressed feelings of distress. Nevertheless, Mr. McDonagh appealed to residents to offer the families involved an opportunity. The ultimate intention is to establish four pitches on the site, accommodating four families. In his defense for proceeding with the use of the land without council authorization, he acknowledged that it had caused public discomfort. “It’s a week and a half before Christmas. There’s 15 kids living on site. Everybody deserves a chance,” he said. “I know yes the local people might think it’s the wrong way about it, but it’s either we put down some hardstanding or we’re walking in and out of our own muck.” “It will be going through the planning procedures – I think the council will make the right decision.” Stafford Borough Council and the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South are collaborating to assist the local residents, with the subsequent action being the enforcement of a court injunction. MP Allison Gardner remarked: “There’s no easy solutions with this one, we have to work within the law. We’ve got to support that [traveller] community as well as the local community to address the impact.” Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.