I have become aware again of a further illegal site of travellers around Lodge Hill Lane in Chattenden. It is frustrating that again local residents are being faced with unprovoked and needless anti-social behaviour, including criminal damage and allowing dogs to fight and kill other animals.
Rochester and Strood alone has seen traveller numbers and infringements have increased significantly over recent years in my area, with regular reports of intimidating and threatening behaviour. It is not right that law abiding residents up and down the country should be fearful for damage to property or themselves created by the anti-social behaviour that we are seeing and disregard for the community.
However, more recently it has become disappointingly apparent that local authorities and police forces lack either the capacity or the will to use available powers to deal with the issue. It is a real shame that members of our community are unable to rely on those who are responsible for protecting them and the environment.
Today, I called for a debate on how powers and local authorities’ obligations to deal with travellers can be strengthened during the Leader of the House of Commons future business statement. Sadly this could not be agreed to but I will continue to highlight the issue with Communities and Local Government ministers over the coming weeks, as well as making further representations to Medway Council and Kent Police.
This is a local problem that has persisted for too long without adequate action. I invite any residents who have encountered similar issues to contact me and I will do all I can to resolve the situation and encourage better protections for the future.