FOR the first time in three and a half years a Bolton resident who doesn’t live in my ward asked me “Do I see how to her, my support for those in Farnworth and Bolton who explain that they suffer because of traveller encampments near them, comes across as me seeing Gypsies, Roma and travellers as nothing more than a problem to be got rid of?”

The contacts I have had from residents have been that they do not want what they feel are illegal traveller encampments near their homes and feel for anyone else in the borough who may have this experience.

People detail all the problems they experience and I have found it important to check facts, listen to many views and understand the issues. I hope people will understand that it is right as a councillor to support the vast majority of residents in one area who have taken a collective view on something especially when the personal experience of living close to encampments is proving really very difficult for them.

It was also put to me that the described illegal traveller encampments come about because there are not enough organised camps in the borough. I do not know the details on this and so I am pleased that at the last Council meeting it was stated that council policy and powers regarding Gypsies, Roma and Travellers and encampments would be looked at again.

Cllr Sue Haworth

Harper Green ward