Plan for forum to discuss Kent gipsies' needs

A FORUM for gipsies to discuss their needs with the council could be set up.

The plan has been put forward by the head of KCC's specialist unit, which deals with issues including housing and education on behalf of travellers and ethnic gipsies across the county.

The proposed forum would include representatives from communities throughout Kent and would follow models already established in other areas with high populations of gipsies, including East Sussex and Cambridgeshire

From 2004 to 2008 the council was in talks with gipsy representatives over the issue of illegal encampments.

But as the problem has largely subsided, the council want to focus on other areas, including ensuring children attend school regularly and planning issues around mobile homes.

The forum would apply for funding from the Government or grants from other bodies.

The proposal will be considered by the Gipsy and Traveller Advisory Board on Thursday, February 11 at County Hall, Maidstone at 10am.