Manchester’s only official traveller site closes

The only permanent gypsy and traveller camp in Manchester has been closed.

The Dantzic Street site near the city centre has been earmarked for closure since 2015 due to poor conditions and the risk of flooding from the River Irk.

The land is also located within the new Red Bank neighbourhood where 5,500 homes and a new park are planned as part of the £4bn Victoria North project.

Manchester city council agreed to find an alternative encampment for residents – but seven years on, the local authority has still not idetified a suitable spot.

Labour councillor Gavin White, who is the executive member for housing and development, said the town hall has looked at 100 sites across the city so far.

He said: “The travellers have been through a really tough time.

“We’ve met with them on a number of occasions to hear their stories and whilst all of them have now got somewhere else to live in bricks and mortar accommodation, not all of them want to stay in that longer term.

“So we’re working with them to meet that need and find a suitable alternative site in other parts of the city.”

What is the history of the site?

The site, which dates back to the early 1980s, has been vacant since residents left last summer following a period of ‘serious conflict’ within the community.

Violent attacks took place across the North West including at Dantzic Street since summer 2020 with some caravans set on fire after being abandoned.

Two potential replacement sites were identified early last year and discussions about a design for the location unanimously preferred by residents had begun.

But residents left the site in the summer of 2021 after further violent incidents took place and asked to be rehoused after deciding that they would not return.

All but one of the former residents have now been rehoused in bricks and mortar homes, many having moved outside of the Manchester boundaries.

The local authority has now commissioned a ‘leading’ consultant to update its Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment later this summer.

However, the two families who were living on the Dantzic Street site have now said that they no longer want to live on the same site, according to the council.

Speaking at an executive meeting last week where the decision to close the Dantzic Street site was approved, council leader Bev Craig said: “This has been handled suitably delicately given how difficult it’s been having it rumble on over a long period of time. I look forward to seeing the refreshed piece of work make its way through the scrutiny process before it comes back here.”

Irish Community Care has been providing support and advocacy of behalf of some of the former resident families during the relocation and rehousing.

The charity has been also consulted as part of the council’s equality impact assessment alongside national organisations and regional representatives.

When contacted, the local charity said it does not comment on ongoing cases.

A Manchester city council spokesperson said: “The Dantzic Street Traveller site does not meet modern standards, its condition is poor and is no longer fit for purpose. The site has been unoccupied since July 2021.

“The council has been working with the community for some time to understand their needs and to provide them with culturally appropriate alternative accommodation.

“Many residents have since left the Manchester area and those who remain have now nearly all been found permanent homes.

“The council will continue to review the need for traveller accommodation in the city and what provision is required in the future.”

The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment update is expected to be done this summer and a refreshed Local Plan is to be approved later this year.