Memorandum by The Showmen's Guild of Great
Britain, Scottish Section (TF 14)
1. The continued value of historic travelling
fairs
The value of historic travelling fairs is of
vital importance for the continued livelihood and existence of
Showmen. Especially when there seems to be no new fairs being
opened up.
2. The provision of sites for travelling
fairs
When the Local Authorities have plans for redevelopment
of any land which normally has a fair on site, once or even twice
a year, no consideration is given to the travelling Showmen and
a possible alternative site. Our counterparts in Europe seem to
be viewed as part of their local community, and have sites within
easy access to that community, of hard standing and services such
as electricity and water.
3. The particular needs of travelling Showpeople
in carrying out their trade
Showmen should be secure in the knowledge that
there are sites available for them to earn a living and that once
their travelling season is over, which seems to get shorter and
shorter each year, they have a place to park to allow them to
maintain and carry out any necessary repairs in readiness for
the next season.
4. The effectiveness of existing planning
guidance on the provision of quarters for travelling Showpeople.
At the moment within the Glasgow and Edinburgh
areas, there seems to be provision for winter quarters but the
Authorities are reluctant to give permanent planning permission
for those sites and any all year round sites.
5. Whether any action is necessary to ensure
that appropriate regard is had to the needs of travelling Showpeople
within the planning system
The governing body for Local Authorities should
make them aware that Showmen are a part of the community as the
same Showmen travel and live within the same areas each year.
The Showmen are prepared to pay like everyone else for the services
provided. At present if a Showmen was to purchase a piece of land
it is highly unlikely he would obtain the necessary planning permission.
February 2000
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