Tuesday, 26 July 2011

PC farce delays Big Fat Gypsy Eviction | The Sun |News

A COUNCIL has delayed evicting Britain's largest illegal gypsy and traveller camp - so that bailiffs can be given "cultural awareness training".

Politically correct bosses are terrified of breaching equality laws when they turf them out.

One hundred bailiffs will get the lessons - expected to include subjects like traveller heritage and avoiding offensive slang. However Basildon Council has not found anyone to hold the training.

It means the £18million operation to clear 51 pitches from Dale Farm in Crays Hill, Essex, is on hold.

There are now fears the 400 travellers living there since 2001 may not be evicted before the August 31 deadline.

Traveller welfare group Share was asked to give "bespoke training... specifically for the forced removal of gipsy and traveller women and children". Chairman Tommy Mordacai refused. He said: "I was dumbstruck. I just can't believe that they would ask."

Council corporate affairs chief Dawn French said: "The training will include cultural awareness and discrimination law requirements which are standard practice."

t.wells@the-sun.co.uk