1    The Code is an agreement between the following parties:

2    The basic message of this Code is that any stay on land is limited in time and is dependent on Travellers complying with the Code, by keeping groups small and causing no problems.

3    Failure to comply is likely to result in action to move on the Travellers being taken either by the Local Authority concerned or the Police.

4    The Code applies to all land in Local Authority ownership or control, including highway land.

1    The Code applies to all encampments by Travellers who have a nomadic lifestyle for all or part of the year.

2    Any stay on land will depend on your co-operation.

3    The Local Authority will give consideration to your welfare and social needs.

4    The above relates to unauthorised encampments where criminal activity is not involved. Where there is evidence of such activity, the Police will act swiftly.

The Police and Local Authorities now have very strong powers to enforce the removal of unauthorised encampments.  The possible penalties for not moving on when directed to can be severe, ranging from vehicles being impounded, to fines or even arrest.  If vehicles are towed away, the owner can be charged with the cost of removing them and storing or disposing of them.  Evictions can also be undertaken by the Local Authority obtaining a Possession Order from the High Court.

When you leave a site either by your own choice or if you are forced to move, please leave the site as you found it.  The state in which you leave the site will be taken into account when you wish to camp on a new site.

The County Council's Travellers Sites and Liaison Officer is based at County Hall.

Should you have any concerns regarding matters arising on County Council land, please contact him direct.

The City Council's Travellers & Gypsy Liaison Officer is based at New Walk Centre, A Block, in Leicester

Should you need any advice, on matters arising within the City of Leicester, please contact her direct.

Should you have any medical or dental problems, you should be able to see any local GP or dentist, even if you are not registered.

Should you have any queries regarding the education of your children, speak to one of the following:

If you own a piece of land or consider you may be able to buy or lease land for use as caravan site, planningh permission is likely to be required.  Before purchasing land, dicuss your ideas with the Local Council's Planning Department.  Names of a planning consultant can be obtained from:

A Help Line is also available through:
Acert                                                                      01279 838 132

Some Traveller families express an interest in moving into Council housing.  All authorities have waiting lists for Council accommodation and "weighting" systems decide on priorities.  Contact the local District Council Housing Department for more information:

The County Council has two Gypsy Caravan sites.

The City Council has one Gypsy Caravan site.

Please contact the Environmental Health Department of the Local Authority in whose area you are staying.  Larger items need to be disposed of at Civic Amenity Sites.

Contact your local office.