Cooden Beach could host travellers

A PERMANENT site for travellers could be set up at Cooden Beach.

Land in the Herbrand Walk and Normans Bay area is being looked at for possible sites, both temporary and permanent camps.

Cllr Graham Gubby confirmed the news this week after an Observer reader contacted the paper.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rother leader said that the authority has operated under protocol with the police to move travellers from illegal encampments.

"That protocol is only enforceable if Section 61 of the Act can be used - that is if the police have somewhere to send them."

Local authorities are now required to find "safe, secure and appropriate" transitional sites for travellers to park.

It would only be possible to clear sensitive areas such as the Down of illegal encampments if police could offer an alternative.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said that because it had been used in the past Herbrand Walk was among areas officers were now considering for official sites.

Appropriate research would have to be undertaken to ensure that any site, whether for temporary or for permanent use, was appropriate and would not impact on the neighbourhood.

A report is not expected before next spring. The aim is to have measures in place in time for the seasonal arrival of travellers next summer.

Studies had shown that, traditionally, travellers moved through Bexhill and rural Rother on their way to the fruit-picking in Kent.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cllr Gubby said of the need for official sites: "It is something that we have to accept."

The Observer's informant said: "I find it ironic that they put a mound round the Herbrand Walk site to keep the travellers out and are then considering making it an official site!

"Herbrand Walk is a really vibrant place. Only three months ago it was voted sixth out of 12 'secret beaches' in the country in a poll.

"It is in a residential area, right opposite Cooden golf course and near the Cooden Beach Hotel."

Related topics: