The mayor of Bristol has promised to build more Traveller pitches across the city and criticised “racist” opposition to planned new pitches in Hengrove. Gypsy Roma Traveller communities currently face a dire shortage of accommodation, as well as discrimination.
Between six to eight permanent pitches are planned for a site on Western Drive, off Hengrove Way, at the northern tip of the old airport. Several people wrote to Bristol City Council this month with fears of a potential increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Marvin Rees has now called out this opposition to the plans, saying “some people still see racism towards Travellers as the ‘last acceptable form’”. Writing in a blog, he said the council would ask the government for cash to build more Traveller pitches elsewhere in Bristol.
