Gypsy and Traveller Protest Confronts Hertfordshire County Council Over Neglect

Gypsies and Travellers from across Hertfordshire staged a powerful protest outside Hertfordshire County Council Headquarters, in Stevenage Hertfordshire. Residents were quietly but publically on gunnelswood Road . Residents were protesting demanding urgent action over the authority’s long record of failing its Gypsy and Traveller communities. Especially on its 11 caravan sites.

The demonstration, organised and facilitated by Drive2Survive and Gypsies and Travellers Essex, brought together families from South Mimms, Dyes Lane, Three Cherry Trees, Hatfield, Holwell Lane, dyes lane and Ver Meadows in Redbourn. Which tragically burned to the ground on July 12th.

Flags were flying, banners and placards were raised high, and passionate speeches were made by residents and speakers including long standing activists for Gypsy and Traveller rights Sherrie Smith and Claire Rice , Miley Cash a resident from Redbourne/ver meadows, Johnny Doherty the site manager at The Mimms transit site in Hertfordshire ,

before protesters travelled together to the Ver Meadows site in Redbourn – the community devastated by a recent fire.

The event drew a heavy police presence and coverage from BBC Three Counties Radio alongside an independent film crew documenting the action.

St Albans parish councillor Tony Finn, a long-time advocate and trusted ally of Ver Meadows, told the gathering:

“For too long, Gypsies and Travellers have been ignored, silenced and treated with contempt. Today shows that we are united across sites. Hertfordshire County Council cannot keep shutting us out – we will not allow this to be ignored any longer .”

Organisers emphasised that this was the first in a line of planned demonstrations, signalling a new phase of Traveller-led action. Despite being invited, Hertfordshire County Council refused to send representatives, a move campaigners say demonstrates the authority’s unwillingness to communicate or engage directly with residents.

A spokesperson for Drive2Survive said:

“This protest was well attended and united. It showed strength, dignity and determination. Hertfordshire County Council’s refusal to face the community only proves why these actions are necessary. This is just the beginning.” We will not walk away and stop supporting these residents.

Campaigners also reminded the public of the fundraiser in support of families from Ver Meadows, urging solidarity with those who have lost their homes and belongings.

Photos from the day show children holding placards reading ‘Traveller Rights are Human Rights’, community members standing proudly with the Romani and Irish flags, and families refusing to be silenced.

The protest sent a clear message: Traveller voices will be heard, and Hertfordshire County Council will be held accountable