'Police arrests causing serious anxiety in Woolpit/Elmswell'

David Ruffley MP today backed proposals announced by the Conservative Party leader, Michael Howard, to tackle the growing problem of travellers' sites.

David said:

'The Conservative Opposition is fully aware of the concerns held by many people in rural areas regarding the abuse of our planning laws. So today the Conservative Leader, Michael Howard, outlined our new plan to safeguard local communities and tackle the problem of travellers' sites set up in breach of planning law.

'New Labour's Human Rights Act has totally undermined enforcement action against unauthorised development of land. This politically correct Act is, therefore, in urgent need of reform. First, we will reform planning law to ensure that it no longer discriminates in favour of travellers. Second, we will give councils new power to seize and remove unlawfully sited caravans immediately.

'The Conservatives believe in action, not words. The problem is out of control and New Labour has done nothing to protect ordinary, hard working families who take pride in their property and their villages.

'I realise the deployment of so many police officers at the site today will be unsettling for local villagers. I have had a high level telephone conversation today (Thursday, 18th November) with Inspector Mark Cordell. The police action was effective and they appear to be on the case. They are aware of villagers concerns and I have every confidence in the way the police are handling this situation.'