I hope that everyone has been able to make the most of the great weather we have had recently, particularly as restrictions have been lifted. Parliament is now on summer recess until September, so it is especially enjoyable for me to be able to be at home and not have to travel to London.
I will be spending this time at home in our constituency and
already have a pretty full diary of visits and meeting with local businesses
and community groups. The summer recess is always a great time for me to be able
to get out and about meeting local people. Of course, it is particularly good
to be able to do this, this year, after not being able to do so for so long. I
still have some time available in the diary so if you would like me to pay your
businesses or group a visit do get in touch.
One issue that raised itself again last week was that of the
illegal encampments, particularly in Newquay this time, although it is an issue
that effects every area from time to time. This is a reoccurring issue every
summer and is something that I have been pressing for action on ever since I was
first elected. Every year we see travellers come to Cornwall and set up camp on
private land or council property, such as car parks. While we should of course
respect the right of travellers, as a recognised ethnic group, to live
according to their traditional way of life, it is not acceptable that they do
so in a way that does not respect the law of the land and course a great deal
of disruption and expense for local taxpayers.
Cornwall Council have three travellers’ sites across
Cornwall that provide space for travellers who wish to come to Cornwall.
However, these sites are very rarely used and too often travellers opt to set
up camp on inappropriate sites. Last week I was pleased to support local
councillors and the Police in ensuring that these illegal encampments were
moved on as soon as possible. However, the current process is a time consuming
and costly one that distracts resources away from other issues. We also know
that all that will most likely happen is the travellers will move on elsewhere
to another illegal site.
One of the reasons it is time consuming and complex to
remove those who set up illegal camps is because it is actually a civil rather
than criminal matter, which means the hands of the police are tied until the
appropriate processes have been completed. I am pleased that the government is
addressing this issue, by bringing forward new legislation that will make
camping without permission with a vehicle a criminal act. These measures are a
part of the Police, Crime and Sentencing Bill that passed through the House of
Commons last week and will now go to the House of Lords.
These new measures will not be in place for this summer but
should receive Royal Assent in good time for summer next year and will make it
much easier for the Police to move people on much more quickly.
Contrary to the concerns some have raised, the new measures
will not restrict the general principle of right to roam, but will very
specifically address the issue of people setting up camp, with vehicles, on
private or public land without permission.
Before I conclude I want to pay tribute to Chrissie Jackson
who sadly passed away last week. I met Chrissie when I first got involved in
local politics in 2009. As one of the founders of our local Voice newspapers
she was always a cheerful face behind the camera covering the local news in
Newquay.
Throughout her recent battle with cancer, she was a true
inspiration as she demonstrated incredible courage and dignity and raising an
incredible £50,000 for charity. The way that she approached her final journey
was an example to us off of how to make the very most of life, whatever it
throws at us.
I know that I speak for many in saying she will be greatly
missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
