Gypsies and Travellers

From time to time complaints are received about gypsies and travellers who have moved onto land in the Rotherham area.  Members of the public can report an encampment by contacting us.

We do not interfere with gypsies or travellers on private land, although we will provide advice to the land owner on request.  Although this does not mean that no enforcement action will be taken in respect of any environmental crime reported.

Where the land is owned by the Council, the Community Protection Unit currently holds the responsibility for the serving of all notices to vacate the site.

There are a range of other Council services who also work with gypsies and travellers.  Before any notices are served, needs assessments are carried out by Key Choices Property Shop and Education Welfare Officer to provide advice and support for any vulnerable people residing at the encampment.

This process normally takes up to three weeks from the date of a complaint made, however in extreme circumstances this can be longer.

The Community Protection Unit will aim to successfully remove the encampment, clear the site and secure the area to prevent any further encampments.