1/ We've just heard that West Somerset and Taunton Council have an open consultation on Public Space Protection Orders in several districts (PSPOs). It closes tomorrow.

We're deeply concerned to see proposals to ban unauthorised encampments in 8 of 9 areas in the consultation

2/ These PSPOs will have a negative impact on Gypsies and Travellers and will risk criminalising vulnerable families. They also ignore the unmet need for Traveller sites in the area.

We have written a letter with our concerns.

If you have time today, could you do the same?

3/ You can use our letter as a template and add your own concerns. Especially important if you live in the area!

Email it to [email protected] before midnight tomorrow!

Here's our letter: https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PSPO-consultation-submission-to-Somerset-West-Taunton-2.pdf

4/ You can also respond to the consultation online. The survey itself makes no mention of unauthorised encampments so you will need to add your comments to the 'other' box with the final questions.

(We sent an email because it was the easier option) https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/