Synod tackles traveller issues

BISHOP'S adviser Revd Michael Hore has briefed diocesan synod on travellers issues.

Speaking during the meeting at Emmanuel church, Billericay, in March he said that the word 'gypsy' may bring various stereotypes to mind such as caravans on public land, noise, rubbish and anti-social behaviour. While some prejudice is understandable, this can develop into a kind of hysteria.

The largest section of travellers is the English Romany at 85 per cent. Romany gypsies originated in India and come via Egypt - hence the name ‘gypsy'. The bulk of the rest are the Irish travellers whose origin is unknown but may have come as a result of the potato famine. They are
no longer Irish, but still have the accent. Others are showmen and boatmen.

There are approximately 120,000 nomads and the same number now living in homes. Some 72 per cent live on authorised sites, 12 per cent on unauthorised sites owned by themselves and the rest by the roadside.

Under the 1960 Caravan Sites Act, planning permission is required for a site, but there is a 90 per cent chance that an application will be refused. In 1968 councils were charged with the provision of adequate sites, but this was largely ignored. In 1994, powers were extended for councils to close
unauthorised sites and move the people on, with dramatic consequences.

The life expectancy of a traveller is some 10 years less than average; women are 10 times more likely to experience the death of a child and 17 times more likely to have a still-born child. The incidence of mental health problems is high; less than 30 per cent receive pre-school education. This is partly a lifestyle choice. Fewer than 20 per cent receive secondary education due to bullying and the expectation of plying the family trade. English gypsies are mainly Anglican, but are largely
‘unchurched' due to the problem of literacy; some are Pentecostal, and the ‘light and life church' is very popular.

What Anglicans can do for these marginalised people, said Mr Hore, is visit them, listen to their problems and help with their grievances, encouraging them into the local community.

Members raised various points in debate. These included: experiences of travellers being physically
marginalised with authorised sites away from the general population; reports of contact over an 18 month period which brought traveller children to church events and families to Christmas services; a need to make people aware of travellers' lifestyle and background; and a need to be flexible when planning services for them, particularly regarding times, since they do not have a structured day.

Other comments were made about the effect on school results where traveller children are pupils; the effect their presence can have on a congregation; the problem of rubbish
at unauthorised sites; and whether there are issues regarding non-payment of taxes.

Bishop John said that Christians hold the Gospel with a responsibility
to every culture. They are present in every community and are well placed
to be a voice for those under social pressures.

Responding to points raised, Mr Hore said that moving the travellers into houses caused mental health problems. Travellers paid community charge, even on unauthorised sites, and income tax.

The problem with rubbish on unauthorised sites is largely because the local authority will not supply rubbish facilities. Planning problems can force travellers to turn to unauthorised sites.

The motion was to pray for gypsies and travellers; to become aware of the social difficulties faced by them; to identify their presence in the area; to make contact with them; and to consider ways of encouraging them to feel valued members of the community and to be welcome at church services and events. This was carried.

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