Possible Traveller Camp in Anderby
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99 Responses to “Possible Traveller Camp in Anderby”
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October 10th, 2008 at 8:13 am
This is a dire turn of events for our village.The travellers have not gone to all this expense to lay power cables and water mains for up to 300 homes for nothing.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Events like this are getting all to common. Travellers claim to be “ethnic minorities” so that councils give them rights to do what seems like anything they like.
If all the residents contact the council and give them enough pressure to make the situation uncomfortable for them, then you have a chance of getting more official support to stop what is happening.
The most important thing is to remember to tackle this through official channels, I know it can be slow but it is the only way you can win.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:01 am
This is the time for us to show what “community spirit” really means! We need to ensure we all make our voices heard, don’t leave it to your neighbour, your friend up the road or expect someone else to do it for us - if we don’t fight this, nobody else will. Thanks Steve, Harry, Bill and anyone else who has already taken steps to prevent this and brought it to our notice.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I believe we need a public meeting and get reps from the Council and Police to attend.We need to know what rights we have as “ordinary council tax paying ” fodder.
We need at act fast
October 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I have contacted Mrs Allyson Ingamells who is the Meighbourhood Manager for the District Council who took the meeting in the Village Hall last Monday about facilities the village wanted. At that meeting the District Council Team were at pains to state they could arrange facilities and access money on our behalf. I have asked if it would be possible for them to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order by the District Council to buy this piece of land and hold it as an amenity for the whole village. I have also found out from the Enforcement Officers at the Planning Department that in the past they have had a great deal of trouble with this particular parcel of land being used as a scrap yard and I have used that as part of my argument as to ongoing potential problems in this area and it would be to the benefit of the council in controlling any future activity.
If the village had this piece of land it would be up to us to decide how we wanted to use it, it could be a village green or allotments, or whatever we as a village decide but this is the future (hopefully). We need to concentrate on the situation now and apply as much pressure as possible by as many people as possible because it affects us all in one way or another. A meeting would be a good idea but people must attend if they want their views heard and if we are to be taken seriously as a group.
We are sure that not everyone in the village has a computer - talking to your neighbours will ensure that we all feel included in what is happening.
October 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
We need to tackle this from as many angles as possible, hope the compulsory purchase idea works! I have written to Councillor Leivers and Mark Simmonds MP - not sure if it will do any good but every little helps (I hope!).
October 10th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Firstly we agree there should a village meeting arranged as soon as possible, secondly we have spoken to councillor Sharp and hope to contact more people today. We have contacted Mr Robert Taylor the tree preservation officer at the E L D C, the tree in the corner of Walnut cottage has definately got a preservation order on it as have most of the trees up the lane beside the cottage. They are looking into it and will be contacting me with the outcome.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
A big yellow digger has appeared on the site. I have called the police to inform them and also the Enforcement Officer.
October 10th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
There are reports that the travellers are on their way.We are trying to clarify this as sson as we can.The police are on the site now
October 10th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Latest report is that they are on the way from York in a gypsy column.This was from a source in the Police
October 10th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
any more info on digger please
October 10th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
At best naive, at worst a dereliction of duty is the way I would describe the police attitude towards the recent worrying events on the Church Lane site. The public are always encouraged to report suspicious incidents to the police and are forcefully discouraged from taking independent action. That being so, having taken the trouble to report (very) suspicious activity on the site, one would expect the police to take rather more positive approach.
As far as I know at the time a PCSO was asked to enquire into the activities over the weekend, there was sufficient concern to justify more than a casual chat to the men carrying out work on the site. A tree had been cut down to provide access to a very large tracked digger. A trench of some 150 meters had been dug, a cable laid and the water supply had been tapped. The ‘workmen’ had little to identify them or their agency: They were not clad in customary work-wear, carried no evident identities, and had no other identifiable vehicles - just the digger!
It is extremely rare for E-on or any other major company to carry out work without advising the local people/authorities, rare for them to work over a weekend and after dark, (unless its an emergency). Its odd that water and an electric cable to be laid into a field (going nowhere) and had it been me I would have asked a few more pertinent questions. At the very least checked the identity of the people involved. But no, as far as the officer was concerned this was perfectly ‘normal.’
The attending officer gave me assurance that following his ‘enquiries’ he was satisfied that the people working on the site were legitimate. The fact that the locals themselves were very concerned should of itself have been enough to awaken his suspicions let alone all the above points. Every household living near the site was agitated. He was gifted an opportunity the police seldem enjoy. He was on the scene of the crime AND talking to the perpetrators. And, while accepting that the officer in question had not witnessed the odd ‘goings on,’ he would surely have wondered why people were laying water and cable into a piece of wasteland? Why there was no evidence of marked vans? Why were there no road signs advising possible danger to the walking public. And, was there any danger to the public from the cable that had been laid?
When dealing with issues like this, quick deterrent action is essential. As far as I can tell, the local people gave the authorities every opportunity to act promptly and nip the problem in the bud. Simply waiting for caravans to show up and only then take action, is in my view far too late. We all know that once the site has been occupied, subsequent lengthy procedures gives tacit permission to the ‘travellers’ to take up residence for at least as long as the due process takes - months, possibly years.
So, the residents took action in making their own enquires and duly notified the authorities of their concerns, but the authorities were either ‘fobbed off’ or operated too slowly to take the initiative.
We are deterred from taking independent action, and yet when advising the police of a potential crime and a threat to public safety, the police do nothing. Amazingly they are extremely quick to stop a car driver and charge him with some minor traffic infringement. Yet on an issue as potentially troublesome as this - when ultimately far more police time and money, court costs, etc., will be born by the public - the police fail to act!
Small wonder there is so little confidence in the police and in particular the PCSO teams.
Post Script. The above was written a few days ago since which time the police have taken more a serious interest, E-on have worked well into Thursday night to disconnect the power and various other agencies have been active. The level of cooperation and public spirit amongst the residents has been great. Nevertheless the criticism is valid had the PCSO acted more astutely we would have saved 24 hours and been better prepared!
Cromwell
October 10th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
the first pcso’s should be charged with dereliction of duty.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Council & Police sources say they are going to try and stop the column and inform them of the loss of services.All are hoping they will turn back when faced with this news
Local farmers are helping in a big way.
October 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am
We seem to have entered a period of uneasy calm. Every one is enjoying the usual peace and quiet of the village. And most people going about their normal routine. At the same time we wonder if this is the calm before the storm. Have we done enough? What are the authorities doing and where are the ‘travellers’.
About a week ago a notice was circulated entitled “Anderby Village”, “Coming to a site near you”. At that time, those of us overlooking the site (where, let’s say, ‘unusual activity’ was evident), were already talking amongst ourselves and taking individual action to make enquires and alert authorities. But, few of us had had time to ensure that everyone locally knew what was happening and there had been no cohesive strategy.
In my view the notice was entirely appropriate. It advised everyone what was going on, who was doing what, who to contact and suggested the need for essential team-work.
We all assume that because we choose to live in this location we all share a common love of the environment and a common desire to preserve it. That of course may not be the case. While discussing the situation and watching the digger manoeuvring on Church Lane, a group of us were told by a resident that the circulation of the poster was “Scare-mongering”, that person went on to defend the lifestyle and attitude of ’travellers’.
Perhaps it was a fair point. Everyone is entitled to their view and have the right to express it. Its also true that everyone has to live somewhere and I would defend anyone to live their lives as they choose - live and let live. We are not all the same, and have different priorities/dispositions.
Unfortunately there has to be a proviso. Live and let live, but not at the expense of others and not to the detriment of our shared environment. That’s what society is all about and why we have rules and laws. It’s true that at the time, the ‘the travellers’ were not on site and apart from suspicious activity, nobody near the site had been adversely affected by any action. It was then a case only of concern and curiosity.
However, most of the people witnessing the actions of the ‘workmen’ on Church Lane are mature enough to appreciate the effect of a travellers encampment sitting on their doorstep. Without labouring the point too far it usually means ‘trouble’.
Be under no illusion these people have very little respect for the law or for their neighbours and on reputation alone it would have a detrimental effect on this area. That effect would not be confined to the immediate households - those of us who actually overlook the site. It would effect the entire area: Huttoft, the whole of Anderby Village, and Anderby Creek. It would affect the farmers of the adjacent land/lane and the tourists who visit. And yet, it seems, the major level of interest has been taken only by those opposite the lane - some 20 households.
If you believe that an encampment on that site would not have a detrimental effect on the area and accept that those of us concerned residents were ’alarmist’ think of these few issues: A tree which had on it a preservation order was cut down; An extensive trench had been dug; The electricity and water had been tapped . All of these activities were illegal. And, while that was going on there was no evidence of concern for public safety. This action was taken by only three men, a digger and a pick-up truck - the advanced guard. And, while they have made efforts to lay on power and water, what about the obvious question of sanitation and refuse? If three men can wreak such havoc and cause so much distress over one weekend, it takes little to imagine how much more ‘damage’ might be caused by the arrival of several families with the same attitude, living on the site for several weeks, months? Years?.
While we enjoy this peaceful village and enjoy a quiet way of life, be well aware that many of us are over 60 and very vulnerable. We suffer a serious lack of police protection or even visibility and much of our property is exposed. If we adopted a more defensive attitude and built the necessary protection - walls, gates, locks, security cameras etc - all the things that happen now in towns - it would change the village completely and forever. Scare-mongering maybe, but better to be scared and informed than meekly accept the risk. If a little ‘alarm’ prevents a serious breach of my peace, I know which I prefer.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:15 am
dead right got to keep pressure up if they get in this village will never be the same again as we know it.
October 11th, 2008 at 10:59 am
We have won round one with the Council and Police realising that we were not going to lie down and roll over. However, I think we have a way to go yet, Travellers don’t tend to give up that easy. We must be on our guard.
I totally agree that this piece of land should be purchased if possible. Could we not do that as a village? We could make it somewhere to sit, meet and enjoy the evenings in summer. I am sure that, even in these dire financial times there must be some funding available, and if we get the right person to negotiate for us, it could cost as little as £100 - £200 per household.
Whatever we do, the whole village must play its part, as such a large contingent of travellers would totally disrupt this area for many miles around.
Just go on the web and enter ‘Travellers’, and see the problems they have caused to communities eleswehere in the country.
As for a meeting, as Lincoln County Council have no remit on this matter, in this case they are only responsible for Sea Road and any problems caused to that by damage or obstruction. Colin Davie, our County Councillor, is willing to Chair such a meeting. I also believe that the Parish Council should be involved in any such meeting. If we set this up properly we will have the support of all concerned, but if we do it just to have a rant they will probably wash their hands of us. We have struck the right note with the Authorities at present, let’s try and keep that up.
October 11th, 2008 at 11:36 am
not much to pay for peace of mind is it . it would probably cost more for a decent security system that probably would not stop them anyway.
October 12th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Any news of a meeting yet?
October 12th, 2008 at 11:34 am
As in all walks of life, there are good and bad in all communities but it does not bode well to let people ‘live and let live’ when they start off on an illegal footing, i.e laying stolen electricity cables. If I need work doing for my home, I pay for it, if I want to build, I need planning permission and the agreement of my neighbours so as not to offend anyone. I work, I pay my taxes, I respect my neighbours property.
Their own travellers web sites give advice on how to be accepted within the community and to do things legally - for example, the fact they own the land does not mean anything unless they have planning permission from the local authority. In law they are only allowed to stop on land (any land) for 28 days in any one year without the benefit of planning permission. Perhaps if they had gone about things in the correct law-abiding way the “scare-mongering” would not have been necessary.
I have seen ‘true travellers’, the likes of whom you generally do not meet. They camped in a tiny hamlet near Alne in York. They asked for nothing, they took nothing, they left the area clean and tidy. The villagers themselves welcomed them, gave them food and every year the travellers returned and left as quietly, peacefully and respectfully as they had arrived. They lived and let live.
October 12th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Thankfully everything was sorted out quietly today by the Police and Planning Enforcement Officer, when two men turned up at Church Lane and appeared to be looking at the electricity situation, after EON had removed the illegal cable. Although nothing was resolved, I believe it let the Authorities see the depth of feeling from many residents, at one point there were about 15 at the site.
I have spoken to Colin Davie, who is prepared to chair any meeting we organise, Kevin Sharpe, one of the ELDC Councillors, is also willing to attend, the Police are willing to attend, as are the Council, who in fact want to organise it.
However, my enthusiasm was totally crushed when I contacted Councillor Phil Leivers to inform him of a possible meeting and inviting him to attend. He told that there was no need for a meeting, he had been dealing with it for 4 days and everything was under control, and words to the effect that certain people were causing unnecessary concern amongst the villagers.
To say I was shocked would be an understatement. If one of our Representatives believes that everything is being done that can be done, and we should sit quietly in our homes and await the outcome, he has very badly misjudged the nature of this situation, and the feelings of many of the Villagers, especially those in the firing line.
I am not, a spokesman for this village, nor have I ever set out to be. I was approached by several Village Residents to help in any way I could, as I had previously dealt with the dispute over the siting of the sewage farm installed by Anglian Water several years ago.
I will organise a meeting should you want one, but I need to know from residents of the Village that Councillor Leivers is wrong. If you do not wish me to continue, I am certain my wife will be greatly relieved.
October 12th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I’ve no idea who Councillor Leivers is, but one thing is for sure we need an opportunity to let everyone in the village know exactly what is going on and exactly what has been done to date.
So far I feel that the few that have been involved have managed the situation very well, and very calmly but people should be informed and I feel that the meeting is essential if only to pool information.
I would have felt that this was an opportunity for the council to take an active interest!
October 12th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Harry, don’t let one man crush your enthusiasm! If so many others are willing to attend and the Council wish to organise it then let’s go ahead. Otherwise we end up with ‘chinese whispers’, frustration and pent up anger or being left totally in the dark. I agree with Cromwell, the meeting is essential if only to pool information and know what steps can and can’t be taken to prevent this. Also, as has been mentioned, not everybody has access to a computer. You guys are doing a great job of keeping us informed so far and we are grateful for everything you are doing.
October 12th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Councillor leivors was the person responsible for the fear factor by alerting residents about the gypsy column on Friday.If Leivors deosn’t want to attend then he should crawl back to the comfort of his his unreal existence whilst stronger personalities pick up the fight.
October 12th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Go ahead Harry and organise the meeting.Perhaps our contacts with the local press in the village can persuade the Standard to run a story.Perhaps NOW is also the point to get Look North and Radio involved.
October 12th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
We haven`t met but we agree with Bev you have done a sound job Harry. Don`t be put off by one bad comment. We would like a meeting as you have proposed involving all interested parties. This is also on behalf of several of our immediate neighbours who do not have access to a computer, but have voiced the opinion that we need a meeting so the authorities can answer all our concerns. Sooner rather than later.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Thank goodness for this website and especially the Blog. I think the village owes its creator a big vote of thanks and I can’t think of anything more timely.
October 13th, 2008 at 7:15 am
In view of the most recent postings regarding the necessity or otherwise of the proposed village meeting it is worth a comment.
A few people yesterday (12.10.08), were in conversation with a Police Sergeant from Alford. Among the many topics discussed was the legal framework in which they, the police, the public, the planners have to work. Let me try to condense some of it: Everyone is protected by the law and everyone is subject to the law. Everyone, means the police themselves, we the public, the planners AND the ’travellers’. However, frustrating that may be, it means that IF (as we believe), a member of the ’travelling fraternity’ actually owns the piece of land in question, then he/they have every right of access to that land. What they DON’T have (and from what I can gather, will not get), is permission to create a camp-site on that land.
The fact that to-date some criminal activity MAY have taken place with regard to that land is, as far as the police are concerned, a separate issue which will be investigated and prosecuted in the same painstaking way as any legal breach. At the moment there are NO caravans or even vehicles on the site and therefore no planning regulations have been broken. Indeed, until proven otherwise NO law has been broken. The way I understand it, ONLY when caravans are put on the site can the Planning/Development authorities take action because only then has there been any breach of the law regarding the land itself. While we can put two and two together and relate the activity regarding trees, pipes and cables to the land, the courts can’t. What’s that? ‘the law is a what …..
The alternative prevention is an injunction to stop the travellers from going on there, but for that there has to be a strong case to present to a judge and at the moment there is little evidence to make that case.
Anger, frustration, and worry etc., are sadly not enough to bring a case before a judge.
As far as I can tell, although a number of different people and authorities have been involved, the police have given the issue a single Incident Number and the Sergeant assured me that any information provided to date is being gathered and accessed centrally against that incident number, In other words a case is being constructed. BUT, so far the ‘evidence’ can only be treated as ‘circumstantial‘.
In my opinion BECAUSE it is quite complicated, because different people have obtained bits of information here and there over the last 10 days or so, and because a lot of people are in the dark or may only understand fragments of what is going on, we NEED a meeting. Who chairs it, and where its held is almost irrelevant - we can have it in my house if there’s room enough, (its not very tidy mind you), but the village hall is perhaps the best place. If we hold it, we probably do need somebody to keep a bit of order and perhaps take notes (not everyone will be able to attend anyway). Both the police and the planning representative have agreed to be present on that meeting. In fact I feel the police would welcome the opportunity, after all they are as keen as we are to have this issue properly resolved and need our help.
This really is the only way to get a collective understanding of the FACTS, the legal framework, and a cessation of rumour, from the ‘horses mouth‘.
Oh, one other thing that was mentioned. It seems that this website address has also been given to the ‘travellers’, so this site and these comments are in the public domain - worth bearing in mind folks!
October 13th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Cromwell comments that the website address has been given to the ‘travellers’ make’s me think that someone in the village is passing on information to the ‘travellers’ ?
October 13th, 2008 at 9:59 am
A search engine can find the site. It wasn’t intended as a sinister note - merely a caution.
October 13th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Let’s scotch some rumours and supposition, and try and breath some positives into an already frustrating situation.
The 40 caravans mentioned initially as coming to Anderby sprang from a conversation between a Resident and a Council Official. The official said, when told the site was about 3 acres, that it COULD accomodate about 40 caravans. That spread quickly as 40 caravans coming to Anderby.
The Anderby Blog site was given to Jason Hughes, the alleged owner of the land, by Police. No one I have spoken to, or who was there yesterday would pass any information to this gentleman, or his cohorts, of that I am certain, so far we appear to be standing shoulder to shoulder.
I have no doubt that the Police are monitoring this situation with all the means at their disposal, and I am certain they are liaising with Council Officials.
The Police Number to ring, should any other possible illegal activity be seen at the site, is 01522 532222, mention the reason for your call and I am certain you will get a swift response. Yesterday, Police arrived in the village with lights flashing about 7-10 minutes after I and others called them. That call had been designated ‘URGENT’ by the Control Room Staff. They are aware of our predicament. They spent quite a time with the two men, and then quite a time with all of us gathered there, as did the Planning Enforcement Officer.
I have just to get the agreement of the Village Hall Committee to hold the meeting, and then we will distribute the flyer.
October 13th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Just read your latest note Harry. Village Hall Committee right behind you, there is no problem to holding meeting for entire village as we already had a meeting scheduled for this week anyway. If any of the committee members are reading this would you please pass on this info. Our meeting can be held after or postponed until a later date, will be in touch with each other tonight.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Just had a thought… Has anyone yet contacted the local media (Standard, Look North etc.)?
Just that the more people who know about the possibility, the more chance we have that the authorities will take prompt action.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hi Creek dweller
Matters are in hand with regard to media
October 13th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hello One Three Bravo Sitrep over …
One Three Bravo send over …
One Three Bravo, Grid Ref Alpaha one two Bravo three four
Activity - One grey haired gentleman walking a black dog has paused near the transformer pole.
Two mature ladies walking an golden retriever are in deep discussion with him ..
I am observing over …
One Three Bravo roger, but please confine your reports to enemy action!
Thought you all needed cheering up ;o)
October 13th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Thanks mwnn. Just that I sort of know Becky at the Skeg Standard…
October 13th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Just returned from holiday and am concerned at the turn of events in our peaceful village. Although not directly adjacent to the land in question, as a “community spirited” villager, we must all offer support, and not merely sit on the fence and think that as we do not live next to the possible nuisance, we will not be affected.
If these travellers do indeed intend to occupy the land illegally, both the village and Creek will be affected, and any attempts to occupy without the appropriate authorised connections and planning permissions must be fought in the strongest terms. We all must do everything we can to show the appropriate authorities and councils that as villagers, we will not accept this position, without a fight.
We will be attending any meeting to offer support.
October 13th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
To Creek Dweller,
Thanks for that, one of the residents here knows, and has contacted the Standard and we await a call. At present there is not a lot to go on, except for residents of this and surrounding villages, so media interest at present is, as Police and council say ‘being monitored’.
October 13th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Look North Were contacted early last week by E mail ,an appeal for help, which has not been responded to yet, they are contactablefrom their site, maybe they are working in the background ,no facts no story i guess
October 13th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I have received a message from Sgt Kelly, who appears to be on top of this from the Police side. Central Networks will be attending the site tomorrow to carry out work. So no panic please. Aat some point during tomorrow Police will also attend the site. If we just keep trundling along doing what is best for Anderby I am sure we will have a satisfactory result.
I have been informed by a resident born and bred in the village, that the name of that lane is Green Lane and not Chapel Lane, apologies for that error.
October 13th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
a blue van has just visited the site ,driving to the top of the lane and back and then left the village,
October 13th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Has anybody any information on the “alleged owner” of the land? i.e. where does he live? When was the land purchased? Any restrictions on usage? Who owns Church Lane?
The local authority planning regulations take a dim view of development in the open countryside (Policy DC1), but could this land be treated as within the confines of the village boundaries? Methinks we should watch out for any yellow notices at the end of the lane.
For the record, I have met several Gypsey/Traveller families, and some of them are decent, law abiding people, who would do their utmost to help others rather than cause any disruption. Conversely, some are total toe-rags! A bit more info on the potential “residents” would be useful.
Must admit that the secretive way in which services were connected does not augre well.
As far as a PCSO being dispatched- what more need be said! It seems that nothing will be done by the so called authorities until the travellers are well and truly entrenched, by which time we’ll be looking at several weeks/months/years before owt’s done! I would like to know who Phil Leivers is, as well. What position does he hold? Any clout/authority? Hope he’s not just the tea boy!
Sorry if this seems a bit negative, but having dealt with officialdom for many years (I am myself a Civil Servant- sorry!), I can’t help but be a bit cynical.
I hope to be able to attend on Wednesday
October 13th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
hi did anybody take the number plate of the van or phoned the police?
October 13th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Despite their initial poor reaction I think the police and local authorities have recently demonstrated that they are up to speed now.
I’ve been referring to Green Lane as Church Lane too. I’m not sure why - I suspect my SatNav calls it that. I thought it was odd. Has anyone told the Vicar? It could be why attendences are so poor ;o)
As long as Wetwang are having trouble with over-fed ducks its unlikely that our ‘trivial’ problems will be considered newsworthy on Look North
October 14th, 2008 at 12:51 am
If one thinks ones `Pile of Rubble`has lost value of late,then wait `till the,`Travellers`,stop travelling & site themselves in our village!
Along with them,we too will all be here forever,because not many buyers with,`sound marbles`,will purchase country rubble so near to such a plentiful supply of taxfree fortunetelling & clothespegs .
The,`Green Lane`,is & always was, the one next to,`Church Close`,& leads to a public footpath to Mumby.
The,`Scrapyard Lane`,was known as,`Parkinsons Lane`,in the 1950/60`s.
Ps:It appears that,`Travellers`,along with the,`Mothlins`,are a protected species with special needs & we must respect their non ratepaying,non taxpaying rights to do whatever they like,when they like.
Interesting times!
October 14th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Value of houses in affected areas drop by up to 40%.Google it yourself
October 14th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Afternoon,
We have had another meeting at the site today, with Police - Sgt Kelly, EON - Peter Lomas, and Mr Jason Hughes, the son of the owner, myself and Tony Edwards another resident. On the face of it a useful meeting. Sgt Kelly got Mr Hughes to say in front of many witnesses that he had gone about his business totally wrong. He nows says, again in front of many witnesses, that he will apply for planning permission in the correct way, for one bungalow for his father who is 68, to retire to.
Mr Hughes said that, having read our blog, he was now worried that other travellers could read this and head for his site, so he is now erecting fencing to protect it.
He also said that he would try and attend any meeting we set up, with Police Council etc.
My fears were somewhat allayed, but both Tony and I feel we should still remain vigilant.
As a point of interest, should they fail in their plans, Mr Hughes said they would consider selling the land.
In my opinion, there is no doubt that the Police are well on top of this, there were two PCSO’s there, backing Sgt Kelly up, who I would not wish to tangle with. This will now be dealt with from Mablethorpe with Sgt Paul Patterson as the Officer who will have direct responsibility for it. There is a comprehensive log already in place.
Sadly, due to other committments I am unable to be there tomorrow night, and Tony and Frank Smith, another resident, said they would look after the meeting, telling folk what happened today, my wife is also attending on a watching brief for us. I hope that meets with everyone’s approval.
There is a break in the clouds, but no sun just yet. As the old Sgt used to say in Hill Street Blues, ‘Let’s be careful out there’.
October 14th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
As Harry has said we need to be vigilant.Remember these guys who layed the electric and water did so illegaly.I suspect Mr Hughe’s change of tack has been brought around by exemplary conduct of E-On and our local police who have reacted swiftly to the concerns of the Anderby residents.
We musn’t drop our guard folks
October 14th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
It is I believe time for some rational debate on this issue
At present time the supposed influx of travellers is pure speculation there is really no concrete evidence to substantiate this
If the land in question is privately owned, then decisions concerning the use of that land as long as it is lawful is purely the concern of that landowner.
Any illegal appropriation of utilities such as water or electricity is investigated and prosecuted by those utilities.
Any illegal trespass on private land is dealt with by civil court injunction or eviction order obtained by the landowner.
Regarding common land owned by local authorities this is dealt with in a similar manner.
Police involvement is usually to prevent a breach of Peace at point of eviction or to investigate criminal activities such as criminal damage by those who obtain illegal access to a site.
Some of the entries expressed above which range from Common concern to hysteria are understandable, but are generally inaccurate and unhelpful especially when such an emotive subject as “travellers” is raised.
One thing that has to be considered is that the profile of the village is greatly enhanced by this debate.
Once this profile enters in to the public domain through either similar blog sites or media coverage it will be very difficult to dispel and as one blogger has already eluded to has a financial consequence in the immediate considerable reduction of house/land prices
Sensible debate is always to be encourage but for it to remain a wise debate then it is reliant on those who participate to be accurate and proportional in the dissemination of information
October 14th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
You can’t reason with gypsies Mr Leivors
October 14th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Prevention is better than cure! Had reason not prevailed todate the police are unlikely to have been so interested, cooperative, and helpfull neither would E-on, Anglian Water, or the other agencies involved.
Unfortunately by the time we have to call upon the advise of the legal profession it is usually after the event very time consuming and very expensive. Still, its reassuring to know that we have all that skill in reserve.
October 14th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I don’t understand Voice of Reason perhaps you can clarify.Are you saying that this shared forum of views whether “generally inaccurate and unhelpful” ,understandable or hysterical is potentially or has the potential of blighting the profile of the village?.
October 14th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I would like to say that as far as I am concerned, I have seen no hysteria in the comments made on this blog. All I have seen is genuine concern for a way of life that people moved to this village to enjoy. The comments have been relevant, if the owner of the land was above board why did he allow someone to lay illegal electricity and water on to the site and why has he not been arrested for it. If we had done anything like this we would have been. If he wants to build on the site then go through planning like everybody else has to.
October 14th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
If the ‘Voice of Reason’ is Councillor Leivers, as I said previously, you have seriously misjudged the situation in this village. This Blog has been a credit to whoever started it, and from the comments made I am glad I am living in a community that cares about one another and will stand up together when confronted by a situation like this. Young, old, infirmed male, female, newcomers, incomers and natives have worked together very closely, and far from bringing discredit to this village, it is a shining example of what people should be doing elsewhere.
By taking the stance we have and kept at it, without the help of Councillors, we now have the full support of the Police and Council Officials, had we sat on our hands, I am certain we would now be playing catch up.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:19 am
we only know what this man is saying and is he doing this because he thinks it is what we want to hear to shut us up? - These are not facts, and yes, he should be prosecuted.
October 15th, 2008 at 11:20 am
to concerned resident + harry dead right i’m one of the incomers but concerned.
October 15th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Whatever the outcome of this, let’s look on the positive. Neighbours have worked closely with each other, communicated with each other, supported each other, strangers have become acquaintances, faces are no longer nameless. I hope this will continue long after this has been resolved.
October 15th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
i’ve noticed that as well Bev let’s hope it will continue
October 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hopefully we can all act and speak as one in the near future.
October 15th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Article from the Standard in the News section of Anderbyonline
October 16th, 2008 at 9:31 am
I hope everyone that attended would agree that last nights meeting was very helpful.
There was a great sense of community spirit there and a determination to be positive about our approach.
Still quite angry about the ill-informed comments made by PCSO and I think when the meeting with the council/police/E-on/Anglian water is arranged we must insist that someone with some kind of authority answer the residents questions.
Vigillance and pressure are the cornerstones of our campaign.Don’t leave it to your neighbour.Locking the stable door after the horse has bolted is going to be very costly to Anderby.
October 16th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
After the meeting last night, I had cause to visit the Golf Road Industrial Estate , Mablethorpe this morning and lo and behold overnight a group of travellers have set up camp on the waste land next door to the Mablethorpe Business Centre, may be a coincidence but one of the vehicles is a blue van. Didn’t know who to contact in the village so thought it best to add this blog.
October 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Let’s not panic about the Traveller’s at Mablethorpe. Apparently there are only 2 families and they have been at that site in the past.
I am sorry I missed the meeting, and I am in contact with Sgt Patterson to determine why the PCO was there. I last spoke to Sgt Patterson at about 3.30pm yesterday, he is not in possession of all the facts, so is rightly, reluctant to discuss it until he is. I am going to email him and give him what common information is within the village, what residents say, and determine why that young man attended.
I will start organising for the next meeting with all interested parties, and keep you informed. Thanks must go to Tony and Frank for their efforts last night, guite a daunting situation when you are not used to it.
October 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
The evident disruption in the meeting last night was not only caused by the PCSO who arrived unexpected and uninvited. Much of the meeting was diverted by people who chose to advise us in gory detail what the arrival of travellers might mean to Anderby. I don’t think any single one of us didn’t understand the threat, but most of us were discreet enough to keep it to ourselves. I just wonder where they had been for the last two weeks?
I thought the purpose of the meeting was to understand the facts so that everyone - especially those unable to attend - knew what had happened and what the village and authorities had done about it. If only to reassure those vulnerable people in the village, many of whom are old and alone I think we should focus on the response not the threat.
The police did not need to be told how to do their job either - so far we have painstakingly built up a good rapore with them Its a pity someone is prepared to jeapardise that relationship to no-ones apparent benefit.
Two weeks ago nobody even thought about the Scrapyard. In fact, very few even knew that patch of land had a name. Despite a bit of disruption, and the evidence of some activity near that site, that area today is exactly the same as it was two weeks ago. Not a single caravan has been seen anywhere near it. The village of Anderby is also exactly the same.
Well, its exactly the same except, as someone earlier said, many more people in the village have not only talked to their neighbours they have established friendships.
I would remind you of one positive thing that hapless PCSO said. THE POLICE HAVE NO INTELLIGENCE ON TRAVELLERS MOVEMENT IN THIS AREA.
The most positive thing you can do is knock on your neighbours door and make sure they are aware of the situation and tell them what the Officer said.
I believe there is an imminent traveller invasion … I also believe in elves, fairies, gnomes, goblins and trolls. My doctor is becoming increasingly concerned about my sanity!
October 17th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Cromwell
Whilst I understand your frustration you must understand that there were people in that room that were scared,nervous and vulnerable.Perhaps they are unable to vent their opinions as eloquently as you do so chose to use the meeting to release some of the tension.I understand your need to provide balance so perhaps it may be useful to list what exactly has occurred and then residents can make thier mind up based on the FACTS.
1.On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th a large group of individuals between 10 and 20 strong completed mains water and main electric hookup without authorisation.When challenged about their work these men made light of concerns even cracking jokes suggesting that they were preparing a traveller camp.Police were summoned who questioned them about the work being undertaken and were told that the workmen were utility contractors.
2.From Monday 6th varous agencies arrived and disconnected the supplies.
3.On October 12th two men were seen examining the disconnection work by E-ON.Police were called and the men were moved on.
4.On October 14th the son of the owner of the land Jason Hughes met rep s of the police and E-on aswell as residents on the site.The situation was explained to Mr Hughes.Mr Hughes has erected fencing to part of the area.
These are the facts.
People who read this can make up their own minds about any possible threat to the village.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Yes, that’s fair.
October 18th, 2008 at 12:04 am
With reference to the meeting, I was also at the same meeting and forgive me but what happened to freedom of speech? Yes the purpose of the meeting was to gain insight of facts of recent events but wasn’t it also to air villagers views on the matter?
Yes some people have previously had 1st hand experience with travellers, myself being one of them and it was most certainly far from a pleasant experience!
Most people in the village, have never encountered any kind of travellers let alone the not so very nice kind, thank goodness and I sincerely hope that they never will, but isn’t fore-warned fore-armed a relevence?
With reference to comments by Cromwell……….
I sincerely hope you are correct Cromwell for all our sakes because I for one Do not trust Police Intelligence on this matter as their record in relation to previous invasions of travellers within the surrounding areas, leaves a lot to be desired. That is my personal view!
However,..even the possibilty of such travellers descending on the village whether it is now or potentially in the future concerns me.
It is only through sheer vigilance of residents observations of illegal activity of unusually clad workmen, that this possibility has come to light. This potential threat shouldn’t be dismissed as easily as Cromwell eloquently portrayed along with elves, fairies,goblins etc which incidently I find those comments not only condascending but very patronising and totally uneccessary considering the current climate and feeling portayed at the meeting.
I refer to the facts as stated by Chocknog and I most certainly will make my own mind up.
I feel this has been a wake up call to us all as a village as it has showed that we are vulnerable as are other areas from this kind of potential threat.
From the community spirit and action already portrayed it has given the village a new lease of life and a new purpose as a whole. To stand united and to progress into a stronger community than before. To defend and to safeguard our way of life and tranquility can only be a positive, regardless!
October 18th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Free speech is precisely what this (or any other) blog is all about and I applaud it. Following Chocknogs comments I had prepared a longer message which offered a much more balanced view, but didn’t publish because I have no wish to dominate this site. Essentially it said that I am not scornful of the concerns that villagers have as my previous postings will testify. But, I am alarmed at the level of fear which some people harbour and I really wanted to tone it down because of the harm it might be doing to the very vulnerable members in the community. I actually agree both with Chocknog and Little Voice in much of what they say but would caution that fear often feeds upon fear.
I’m sorry if I have caused offence - that was never my intention.
October 18th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Take a look.May be of interest to some
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnKml-2my54
October 19th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Sunday pm (19.10.08) and have just seen an RSPCA Inspector return a badger to the area we are concerned about. I have spoken to him, his name is Alan Horan, and he says there several signs of badger activity around the edge of that area and he would think that the setts are possibly sited there as it is a rough piece of land that would give them cover. This has got to be good news for us as under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 it is illegal to disturb or damage a badger sett. It might be as well if we let the Conservancy Council know and I will contact them tomorrow and put them in the picture and will also contact Sgt Patterson at Louth police station as I believe the police are authorised to enforce this act.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 - Clamping down on cruelty
Crime reduction
In wildlife
Wildlife crime
Rural crime prevention
Frequently asked questions
Badgers and their setts are protected by law.
The barbaric practice of badger baiting was outlawed in 1835, but still continues as one of the most cruel illegal blood ’sports’.
Badgers are dug from their setts and either pitted against dogs on the spot, or taken away for fights to be staged elsewhere. Several dogs will often be set against one badger. The badger may have already been partially disabled by the digger to ‘even up’ the fight.
Both the dogs and badger sustain horrific injuries, with the badger either killed by the dogs or the diggers.
Police powers to prosecute those engaged in badger baiting were substantially strengthened by the 1992 Protection of Badgers Act. This legislation makes it an offence to:
wilfully kill, injure, take or attempt to take a badger from the wild
possess the body or any the remains of a dead badger
possess, sell or offer for sale a living badger
cruelly ill treat any badger
use badger ‘tongs’ in any attempt to kill or take a badger from the wild
dig for a badger
use a firearm to kill a badger
It is also an offence under the Act to interfere with a badger sett, whether by obstructing the entrance, destroying the sett, encouraging a dog to enter the sett or in any way disturbing the occupant.
The onus is on the defendant to prove they were not attempting to kill, injure or take the badger, rather than on the police to prove that they were.
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 does allow for some exceptions. Licenses issued by English Nature or the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) do permit the humane killing of badgers in exceptional circumstances.
If a police officer has grounds for suspecting that someone is committing, or has carried out, an offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, they have powers to stop and search the individual, their possessions and vehicle. Anything which may be evidence of the offence will be seized.
Thames Valley Police is committed to stamping out the barbaric practice of badger baiting. The support of the public is essential to achieve this objective. Anyone who has information which could help officers should contact their local police immediately or ring the confidential freephone Crimestoppers number: 0800 555 111.
The law
The Protection of Badgers Act 1992
Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996
Hunting with dogs
Stray dogs
| Useful web links | Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy statement |Copyright ©Thames Valley Police
October 19th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
This Blog has now made public the location of badger setts badger baiting or travellers tough choice
October 20th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Good work re Badgers Sandy.
October 20th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Good Morning,
Just back from a weekend with our newest Grandson, and relieved to see that Anderby is still as it was when we left.
Before leaving, I contacted all the Agencies involved regarding a meeting, but to date not one of them has responded, so I will get on the telephone again today and keep trying. Once I have their agreement or otherwise, I will keep the village informed.
I have spoken to Sgt Patterson, and the scary thing is, that they are considered an ‘Ethnic Minority’, with all the attendent assistance that brings. He says that there is no current intelligence of any group of Travellers heading for Anderby. There are Travellers on Louth, Skegness and Mablethorpe Trading Estates, but no large or small contingent on the loose. Therefore, Vigilence is still the watchword.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:04 am
On a lighter note, hopefully this may make someone smile?
Where I live we have suffered something similar.
Squatter camps have appeared in nearby fields and they are filled with strange-looking, barely-educated people who speak in unusual accents. They seem to be ekeing out some sort of a subsistence existence, surviving principally on benefits.
They live in substandard housing - sorts of sheds on wheels, and make do with a diet of deep-fried food and alcopops. They rarely wash, wear tasteless clothes and the air is filled with the sound of their poorly-disciplined dogs and children whilst Jeremy Kyle is on the TV in the background.
Fortunately most of them leave the Creek in October and don’t reappear until the next Easter…
October 21st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I get the feeling that if the travellers were actually coming they’d be here by now.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Info. At about 9.30 this morning a Clancydocwa van was seen doing some work at the water mains at the end of the lane. I spoke to them, they showed me ID from Anglian Water and told me they were removing a length of water pipe and that the only way water can now be obtained is by digging up the tarmaced road surface.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
I stand agast !
unsubtanciated rumour,mis-information,speculation,prejudice and ignorance have all rent the veil of reason in this debate and revealed that monsterous, most medievel of entities, that is Public hysteria.
What next for the villagers of Anderby .The drowning of witches by ducking stool.
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Libri-Vox should learn to spell before critising Anderby Villagers for their geniune concern for their village and the life they have forged for themselves within it. You have obviously not followed all the blogs and the information contained within them. Hysteria it is not, concern it definitely is. Everbody in this village wants things back to normal but we still have to be aware that while that land sits there unoccupied there is still a threat it could be used for something unlawful.
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:34 am
Actually…. Libri-vox….., That’s a jolly swimming idea for a Halloween fete! maybe we could organise that for next years halloween, unfortunately it’s too late to organise for this year but thankyou for the idea!
I am a great believer in the words of the french writer Anatole France and Kahlil Gibran the Lebanese poet and I am certain others can relate also
“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream: not only plan, but also believe” AF
“A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than knowledge that is idle” KG
Anderby village is moving forward in a productive way. Friendships and new bonds have been formed and a once quiet, unassuming village has developed rapidly into a very strong community.
Make no mistake, this community cherishes it’s contents and natural beauty and will not apologise for protecting and caring for it.
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:23 am
I feel sure there is a message of some sort in Libri Vox’s posting but I for one nor I suspect anyone else has the time or for that matter the inclination to try and work out exactly what it was.
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:17 am
Received a letter from Sir Peter Tapsell MP yesterday and he enclosed a response he had received from ELDC, dated 17th October, part of which states “The planning enforcement team has today been contacted by a gentleman called Mr Hughes, who claims to be the owner of the land in question. He has indicated that he intends to apply for planning permission for two bungalows at the location. The police, residents and the planning enforcement team are continuing to monitor activities at this location to ensure all activity is lawful”. Mmmm, I thought originally Mr Hughes said one bungalow?!
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am
After all the worry and stress of the last few weeks, we thought we’d arrange something a little more lighthearted to take place in the village hall! On Thursday, 13th November at 7.30 p.m there will be a demonstration of Pyrography (the art of wood burning for decoration). Tickets are ¬£3.50 (or pay on the door), includes light refreshments. All proceeds towards the Village Hall which is in need of refurbishment to comply with the Disability Act and improve our facilities. We’ve proved we have a thriving community, let’s enjoy it! If this event is successful we plan to organise others, so suggestions always welcome.
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Don’t forget the Village Hall Quiz night on Saturday night 25th.It’s all for cherity mate.
October 23rd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
That’s smashing mate
Anderby does a lot of good work for cherity 
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I’m fairly sure that Anderby is not inhabited solely by silver surfers - I wonder what the kids think about all this. It’d be nice to here from the youngsters.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Travellers have moved onto Trusthorpe Village hall.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Yes this has brought the village together, and working to a common purpose. Let libri-vox stand aghast, we will never know whether they were coming or not. When there is a vacuum of information, it is human nature for it to be filled by common sense, speculation, and even ramblings on this occasion.
Let’s not forget that this all started with an illegal act to connect electricity and water with stolen material. Also that the electricity connection was capable of supplying 200-300 houses, that from EON. Plus the story of 40 caravans was started by a Councillor, who allegedly was ‘monitoring’ the situation, and said Police and Council were also monitoring the situation. That would mean an estimate of at least 120 to 200 more people living in this village almost doubling the population, people were right to have felt fearful and threatened.
In a private conversation with a Councillor yesterday, he informed me that as a result of environmental concerns, there is an embargo on house building on the ‘coastal strip’ until 2010, where the land does not form part of a ‘hub’ i.e. town or village with amenities, such as a school, pub, shop, bus route. Our village is not considered ‘a hub’.
Let’s just keep ‘monitoring’ the situation the same as everyone else, the difference being, this is our community and our homes. The Police Officer in charge now is Inspector Jon Morris, who is stationed at Louth.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Afternoon,
There will be a Village Meeting at the Village Hall, Anderby at 2pm on Tuesday 4th November, attending are:
Paul Lucas EON
Duncan Hollingworth ELDC Planning Enforcement
Jo Parker ” ” ”
PC Jon Jones Police Beat Manager
PC Nick Hanson Police Anti Social Behaviour Officer
Councillor Phil Leivers ELDC
Jason Hughes Son of the owner of the land at Green Lane.
Councillor Kevin Sharpe has tendered his apologies as he has a previous committment. I have not heard from Anglian Water.
The meeting will be chaired by Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them, as I don’t suppose we will get another chance.
However, I would ask everyone to remember that this is a Public Meeting and there are Rules and Regulations governing such events. By all means be robust, but remember, whatever happens we will still need the support of those attending, and I don’t think it in our best future interests to alienate anyone.
November 4th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I thought todays meeting was quite informative.Informative by the fact that we now know what we are up against.I came away feeling like I had just been mugged.There appeared to me a sense of menace about the way Jason Hughes and his father George casually hinted that if they didn’t get their way over the plans to site two bungalows on the land then they would have to consider other options one of which appeared to include a holiday camp.
I thought the meeting was brilliantly chaired by Coun Colin Davie who was clear and concise at all times and is clearly a man worth listening to.
As for Jason and George Hughes I am not too sure what to think of them.Jason appeared to be articulate and at some points somewhat believable but the halo slippped a little when questioned over the electric installation insisting they “didn’t know nothing about that” through a broad Barnsley grin. His father George couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about.
I fear this is the start of a long struggle for the village.
November 4th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Have we all given these hughes fellows new ideas of how to sell the land to real travelers when they are denied planning permission on green lane
November 10th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Please note that all comments have to be approved before display due to this blog attracting spammers.
January 3rd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Just an update about the work carried out 3rd Jan 2009.It appears Mr Hughes has applied and been granted permission to connect a water supply to his land by Anglian Water.
According to sources the supply is for “field” use only meaning water for cattle etc and certainly not for domestic use.
Watch this space.
December 17th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
There has been deveopments on the site today 17th December 2009.
A digger and a flattener was seen to be onsite this morning digging trenches etc.Police were called and someone representing the workmen claimed to the police that they have
“planning permission for a touring caravan site”
Planning at ELDC have confirmed this is NOT the case.Local Councillors have been alerted and more information will be posted when available.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
The area that has been leveled is approx 60ft by 60ft with clear access to the gate and all hard standing.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
I’ve received a couple of emails from Ryan Dodd at ELDC Planning Dept. to say I found them disappointing is the least of it. I will take the matter further with his boss. If anyone wishes to back up what I’ve said please do so either by phone or email (his address is shown below).
I also wrote to Colin Davie at the beginning of Jan asking for his backing with his colleagues to persue a compulsory order on this land as of yet I’ve not received a reply but I will be following that up as well.
From: Ryan Dodd
Subject: Land at Engine Lane, Anderby
To: sandy33@btinternet.com
Date: Tuesday, 2 February, 2010, 15:19
Dear Sandy,
I have visited the land at Engine Lane on two occasions this year, 5th January and 21st January. I would inform you that no breach of planning control has been established. The simple removal of overgrowth or hedges does not constitute and does not require planning permission. All that appears to have taken place at the land is the removal of some overgrowth. There is no evidence of hardstandings being laid, only mud/soil that has been flattened by the machinery used to cut the overgrowth.development There is no evidence to establish any change of use of the land at the present time and until further activities commence I am unable to act any further.
Regards,
Ryan Dodd - Planning Enforcement Officer
From: SANDRA BROCKHURST [mailto:sandy33@btinternet.com]
Sent: 03 February 2010 10:09
To: Ryan Dodd
Subject: Re: Land at Engine Lane, Anderby
Good morning Ryan
Thank you for your email, I was half expecting the answer you gave but was hoping against it. Some of the detail is incorrect and I’m sure without too much trouble the following can be confirmed.
You state that all that seems to have happened is the removal of overgrowth and the land has been flattened by the equipment required to do this. This is not so, there were at least 6 lorry loads of hard core/chippings delivered and 2 lorry loads of soil taken away on the 17th & 18th Dec 2009. Welton Quarries was the company involved and we have checked with them and it was a bona fide job, but of course they could not tell us who had ordered the material or what its content was because of the Data Protection Act but I’m sure they would be able to tell your department. To do this work they had a mechanical digger with a large bucket on the front and a mechanical heavy roller both of which were bought to the site on a low loader. The use of the heavy roller is the reason the earth looks as though it has been compacted when they were removing the shrubbery and weeds because that is exactly what Hughes wanted it to look like.
The Police went on site on the 17th and were told that ‘they had full planning permission for a touring caravan site and they were doing the ground works for this’. The Police told me and I asked them to let Jo Parker know and I gave them her telephone number. Later that day I rang your department to let them know of further activity on the site and they confirmed the Police had rung them with information.
I would also remind you that at the village meeting held at the end of 2008 when Eon, Anglian Water, the Police, Councillor Davie and Jo Parker attended as well as Mr Hughes and his father, they were told by Jo and Councillor Davie that in light of the amount of protected wildlife species using that site no further work was to be undertaken until a full environmental study was professionally undertake, this clearly has not been adhered to.
There are at least half a dozen other residents who have seen this activity on site and will corroborate my story, plus 2 dog walkers (went individually) and spoke to the contractors who told them ‘they were doing the groundworks for a touring caravan site’.
Whilst no structure or equipment has been put on the site there has been activity more than you are prepared to acknowledge and so you will see that I’m not at all happy with your conclusion. I’m sure Welton Quarries and the Police will verify everything I’ve written here and if you want confirmation of the badger activity then speak to PC Lowdes the Police Wildlife Officer who visited the site 2008.
Under the circumstances I feel a strongly worded letter from your department to Hughes is called for pointing out that he does not have planning permission of any kind, that a wildlife survey is required and you are fully aware of his activities and are closely monitoring the situation. Doing nothing at this point will only re-inforce Hughes’ impression that he can do what he likes with no consequences. This man is not going to go away and if he is not made aware that his activities are officially being watched the situation, I feel, will quickly escalate out of hand with possible awful consequences for this village and your department.
Please keep me informed of the actions your department is taking. Many thanks
Sandy Brockhurst
From: Ryan Dodd
Subject: RE: Land at Engine Lane, Anderby
To: “SANDRA BROCKHURST”
Date: Wednesday, 3 February, 2010, 10:57
Sandy,
I can only establish whether there is a breach of planning control by the evidence on site. The works carried out has not materially altered the land and although you have reason to believe the site is to be used as a touring caravan site, this has not yet happened and as such there is no breach at the present time.
With regards to the environmental study, it was a member of the public and not the Council that informed Mr Hughes that a study should be undertaken. If there are protected wildlife on site this a police matter and the Council cannot enforce this unless a planning condition attached to a planning permission states that a study must be undertaken. I confirm there are no conditions requiring a study.
It is only hear-say that Mr Hughes proposes to use the land as a touring caravan site and until the land is used for such a use, or material changes/alterations are carried out, I am unable to act.
Regards,
Ryan Dodd
Planning Enforcement Officer
Good afternoon Ryan
Thank you for your prompt reply, however, I’m still very disappointed at your response. You are quite right when you say that now the land doesn’t look as though it has been materially altered but had anyone from your department come to the site on the 17th & 18th Dec when requested, not only by me but by other residents of Anderby as well, you would have witnessed for yourself the massive amount of work being undertaken.
On the other matter, you were not at the meeting but I was and it was me that raised the matter of the protected species on the site, but it was Jo Parker who said that an environmental study was required and when Hughes said he had a laptop computer that he could do that on he was told that was not good enough by Councllor Davie and this was again backed up by Jo. They went onto say that the environmental study had to be carried out professionally and that it would take at least two years to complete, information I didn’t have nor did anyone else in the room except your colleagues. They also stated that no further work would be allowed on the site until this study was carried out. So having told everyone at that meeting and having made it sound as though it was a requirement of planning, are you now trying to tell us that this is wrong and you have no knowledge of this? I can assure you with over 50% of the village at that meeting all hearing the same thing it is going to be very hard to accept that was not how things went down and there are going to be some very angry people in Anderby. You are going back on what was said and perhaps it might be as well for you to have a word with Jo to get things sorted out.
I’m sorry you don’t feel it necessary to confirm the information I’ve given to you with other sources i.e. the Police and the quarry company but as you are not even prepared to write to Hughes I’m not prepared to let the matter drop and I will be taking it further and I will contact your chief officer in the next couple of days.
Thank you for your answers to the points I’ve raised if you wish to call me to discuss the matters further my number is on your records but for ease it is I shall be home all this afternoon.
Sandy Brockhurst
February 17th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Following my spat with Ryan Dodds from the Planning Depte arlier in the month Jo Parker emailed me to ‘pour oil on troubled waters’ but she did confirm that no action has been taken by the Planning Dept relating to the environmental issues raised at the village meeting in 2008. I was not happy to let it rest there so I have contacted the wildlife officer for Lincs Police, PC Lound and following the telepnone conversation I had with him I’ve sent the following email to Jo Parker and PC Lound has been kind enough to also email her and back up what I’ve been saying. The following are the result, I’ve had to cut the first part of PC Lound’s email as he names the protected species and we don’t necessarily want that broadcast across the internet.
From me:-
Good morning Jo
I’ve had a chat with the Lincolnshire Police Wildlife Office, PC Nigel Lound, re the protected species we know are using the land at Engine Lane. Now I understand that the Police involvement is solely confined to enforcing the law if it is broken in relation to the Act and associated Regulations. How then do we get the Planning Dept. to put a condition onto this area that it needs surveying before any further work is carried out? It needs doing Jo, it should already be in place as we told you back in 2008. When Hughes starts moving stuff onto the site it will be too late and he will have destroyed even more evidence of wildlife activity. What do you need from me or who else do I have to contact to get this sorted out?
Kind regards
Sandy
From PC Lound:-
……………….it is my understanding that now you have been made aware of this, it is a legal requirement that an Environmental Impact Assessment of the site is carried out BEFORE any developments are undertaken, to minimise the impact of the development on any protected species present.
If you need to discuss this please feel free to contact me on the numbers below.
Regards
Nige LOUND
Wildlife Crime Officer
Lincs Police
February 25th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Hi Sandy,
As you say, to be expected from a ‘jobsworth’. I am out and about most of the week, but home at the weekend, perhaps you could give me a ring. I will email Colin Davie and ask him to stick his nose in and give us some answers. After all there is an election coming up and these things matter.
Regards
Harry
March 31st, 2010 at 10:45 am
You will now need to register to post on this blog due the the incredible amount of spam we are attracting.
Hopefully posts will appear much quicker from now on.