'We urgently need to see improvement on Traveller sites'

SENEDD members have criticised a lack of progress on new Gipsy, Roma and Traveller sites, warning people are living in substandard conditions in contravention of their human rights.

- By CHRIS HAINES

John Griffiths raised concerns about the poor condition of council-run sites in Wales after hearing evidence of disrepair, pollution and rat infestations destroying people's lives.

The Labour politician, who chairs the Senedd’s housing and local government committee, led a debate on a report following two inquiries into the provision of sites.

Mr Griffiths, who will stand down next year having represented Newport East for 27 years, said it too often seems the needs of Gipsies and Travellers are not prioritised.

“Some described being treated as outcasts and second-class citizens,” he warned. “Nobody should be made to feel this way; we urgently need to see improvement.”

He told the Senedd:

“At heart, this is a matter of human rights... These communities are entitled to an alternative way of life, aren't they? In essence, I think a lot of these arguments centre around that: we have to facilitate and accommodate that alternative way of life.”

Conservative Laura Anne Jones was similarly concerned by slow progress on new sites, with a “shockingly” low number of applications from councils for grants.