Post by: tina on December 05, 2007, 03:04:37 PM
Any idea's on who they are and why they have come?
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 05, 2007, 07:41:54 PM
Came on here to see if anyone had posted, or knew anything about it. They certainly don't look official. Was thinking of reporting it, but not sure to whom - Stockport Council won't be able to do anything if it is private land - I presume it belongs to Railtrack (or whoever they're called now) - does anyone know?
Post by: admin on December 05, 2007, 07:54:59 PM
http://www.stockport.gov.uk/contact....?a=5441
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 05, 2007, 08:31:49 PM
May try to cc. Network Rail as well.
(bought 2 of your calendars on Saturday - they're lovely; like the old pics of Marple).
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 05, 2007, 09:07:01 PM
Have e-mailed Cllrs. Candler and Alexander about it, and also e-mailed Network Rail separately through their website.
I encourage others to do the same. If you have watched what has been going on in the Borough over the past 6 months or so, you will see the amount of waste and damage left in the wake of previous encampments.
Post by: tina on December 06, 2007, 12:20:12 AM
The Police was there at around 4pm, I saw an officer knocking on one of the vans but I don't think anyone answered! I hope they get moved on quickly!
Post by: Rachael on December 07, 2007, 12:00:04 AM
We went into Mancester last night from Rose Hill to catch the 4.37 train.
When we got there, the police in a van and a community officer were present.
We spoke to the police and they said that the travellers had come from Ashton, that the vans that were there, were the only ones staying, and unfortunately these travellers knew the law like the back of their hands.
They will be staying for approximately five to seven days, as if network rail decide to apply to the courts to have them removed, this takes at least five days by which time, they have moved on so a prosecution is not worth while.
Apparently, the transport police and community officers will be present regularly to check that they dispose of their rubbish properly whilst they visit us!!
But .... when I asked ( tongue in cheek ... honest!! ) whether anything that can be removed from my property should be nailed down, I was greeted with a sigh ( of I know what you mean) and a non commital look ( of well you should be cautious at the moment! ) and a question with a sigh ( again! ) of " are you local residents?", to be honest it said it all.
Their caravans are flash, their cars are new! and their work vans only hold a mobile number!!!!
Just be cautious x
Post by: kirstie on December 07, 2007, 09:02:06 AM
Kirstie,
The property belongs to Network Rail. It is their responsibility to reposes their property. The council have been in touch with network rail about the problem. Normally, it takes several days to get a court order to get them to move on.
Regards,
Andrew Bispham
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kirstie ####### [mailto:#############]
Sent: Thu 06/12/2007 20:33
To: Cllr Martin Candler; Cllr Craig Wright; Cllr Andrew Bispham
Subject:
Dear Councillors,
Several caravans and vans have arrived at Rose Hill Marple train station in the last few days and don't look like moving on. Is this something you're aware of, and are you able to advise please what the nature (and porposed length of stay) of the encampment is?
Sincerely
Kirstie ######
Marple Resident
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 07, 2007, 11:48:39 AM
No response from Network Rail.
Post by: admin on December 07, 2007, 01:46:48 PM
Post by: tina on December 09, 2007, 06:30:51 PM
They have over taken the place.
Post by: kirstie on December 10, 2007, 08:34:12 AM
Northern Rail Customer Relations (0845 000 0125) who lease the land from Network Rail advised me that a verbal notification has been issued, and their area manager is on the case.
Neither the police nor the rail company could give any indication as to how long it might take to move them on. The situation has obviously escalated since last week to the extent that we cannot use the carpark atall.
Watch this space, as they say.
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 10, 2007, 08:34:34 AM
Interesting that more should arrive after the service of a court order?
Network Rail have responded to me (by e-mail on 7th December):
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your message regarding Rose Hill station.
Network Rail own Rose Hill station and the car park. However, the car
park is leased to the station operator, Northern Rail who have
day-to-day responsibility for the upkeep and care of the station
environment. I have copied your email to Northern Rail so that they can
suitably action the matter of travellers parking in the station area.
I trust this is of some help.
Yours sincerely
Community Relations Advisor
Network Rail North West
Government & Corporate Affairs
Square One
4 Travis Street
Manchester
M1 2NY
Tel: 08457 11 41 41
-------------------------------------------------------------------
So I think the next thing is to pester Northern Rail!
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 10, 2007, 08:36:26 AM
Post by: Marplian on December 11, 2007, 09:46:40 PM
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 11, 2007, 10:28:08 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your comments which were forwarded to us by Network Rail.
Senior management are aware of the situation at Rose Hill Marple station and are currently going through the legal process to remove the trespassers.
Hopefully, this situation can be resolved soon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Post by: Rachael on December 12, 2007, 10:13:29 AM
I really really hope that they are not here over christmas, its a real worry, I wont be putting my presents under our tree untill the last minute
My friend lives in one of the houses over looking the station and car park, to say I feel sorry for the view every time she opens her front door is an understatement.
The transport police told me a week ago that there was not going to be any more travellers arriving ( think there was seven vans at the time) and now the car park is full of them.
I definately wont be using the station whilst they are there'
Keep an eye out for your elderly neighbours, these people have a horrible habit of preying on the vunerable people around us with shoddy workmanship that costs people a fortune, and often you read that people are intimidated into having work done that they just dont need because they are frightened.
Post by: Eric the Hamster on December 12, 2007, 11:13:42 AM
I know what you mean about the Christmas presents - I was thinking the same thing. I also feel for the people who live near the station.
I am still using Rose Hill, I can walk to it in 20 minutes, so not a great hardship. When I have been picked up in the evening, it was at the Railway car park (and I noticed others doing the same thing).
It is a good idea to keep a look out for the more vulnerable - I think someone mentioned already that some of the vans had "driveways" written on them? Does anyone know if there have been people offering to do driveways since they arrived? Not only does the work tend to be shoddy (e.g. just a layer of tarmac put over what is there, with no preparation), they charge over the odds for the work, and then you can't get hold of them afterwards. I didn't know about intimidatory tactics - those approached should contact the police.
Post by: Marplian on December 12, 2007, 01:57:41 PM
A small dog was blocking the exit to the car park, so a lady trying to get out the car park in her car beeped her horn, in which then a male came out of one of the caravans and moved the dog and then hurdled abuse, swearing and shouting at the lady.
Are they like this because maybe they think the world is against them, and they're on the defensive all the time...?
Noticed the young girl isn't working in the ticket office, probably National Rail have deemed it unsafe for her.
Think everybody has similiar opinions on this matter.
However I have spoken to one or two who don't agree and think that everybody has a choice in life and we shouldn't label them as bad people and all the same...
I haven't heard of anybody being offered driveways or tree cuttingsyet, but my mum adores her garden and can't help but worry about her plantpots and ornaments. Not to mention the clothes on the washing line...
somebody was attacked in broad daylight at weekend outside Texaco...hope this issue isn't linked because that justifies our concerns.
Post by: Rachael on December 12, 2007, 05:00:50 PM
I was told that the ticketing office, the lady there will not work in it, and I dont blame her personally.
I was told collecting my son from school today that they have bombarded the somerfield petrol station toilets when wanting to wash. I think anyway you look at it, their presence is intimdating . I feel sorry for the staff in there.
I was also told that there was some trouble from them in one of the local pubs ( not the railway) and the windows were threatend to be smashed in because they would not serve them, I know its hearsay, but it still makes me feel uneasy
Post by: andyamp;kirsty on December 12, 2007, 05:48:07 PM
the sad fact is that we want them gone, but i wouldn't wish them upon the next town!
I bet the coal merchant and ECD are really worried, with all of those flat bed lorries lurking around! It is hard not to tarr them with the same brush, but they have got that reputation over a long long time and they apear to be living up to it!
Post by: tina on December 12, 2007, 07:44:34 PM
Post by: Rachael on December 12, 2007, 08:14:49 PM
Hoorah!
Post by: tina on December 12, 2007, 08:37:23 PM
....looks like a big clean up on the cards! But just so happy they have gone
Post by: admin on December 12, 2007, 08:43:17 PM
Post by: tina on December 12, 2007, 10:42:43 PM
Post by: Aslan on December 13, 2007, 07:43:53 AM
Post by: andyamp;kirsty on December 13, 2007, 10:28:27 AM
Post by: Marplian on December 13, 2007, 10:44:36 AM
Post by: kirstie on December 13, 2007, 02:05:17 PM
I'd by lying if I said I wasn't pleased they've gone. Watch out for the dog poo on the platform.
Post by: Rachael on December 13, 2007, 05:24:44 PM
The caravan was totaly vandalised this morning when I drove past but that has gone and so has the gas canisters, but the rest, its going to cost a fortune to tidy up, disgusting bearing in mind that the tip is only two minutes walk away from them.
I understand the concept of live and let live, but for them to have respect from others, they need to also give it.
I hate rubbish and litter louts at the best of times, but what they have left, is grotesque!
Grrrrrrr
But at least they have gone
Post by: tina on December 13, 2007, 09:22:52 PM
No need whatsoever for that! I don't know who took the caravan away but it went some time this afternoon.
Post by: Marplian on December 18, 2007, 08:38:28 AM
Post by: Mr Mansfield on December 19, 2007, 04:18:43 PM
I cannot confirm this.
Post by: Lisa Oldham on December 20, 2007, 01:09:30 PM
however where can they go?
Stockport have always had a problem as many areas across the country so maybe its time we provided sites with facilities for them?
Clearly they were "clean" in some ways as they were using the somerfield facilities to wash
Probably ( or is that just my dated attitude)not the people who descended on Marple but many are just normal people who are up against the historical view point of many on travellers as well as the taint of the many who behave appallingly... I understand why sometimes they get "angry" when treated with suspicion, dislike etc and bad drunken behaviour and abusive behaviour is not something Marple hasnt seen before from some of its own residents!!! No excuse for it but its not becuase they are travellers
I' m however extremely glad they are gone
I had a few sleepless nights worrying about my mum who lives near the railway !!
Post by: Marplian on December 20, 2007, 04:04:39 PM
On one hand they may respect that plot of land more than our neighbouring estates! and then us tax payers save money on cleaning up after them time after time as they get moved on from town to town.
But then on the other hand, why should they dodge taxes ?Why should they make their money from preying on the vunerable and overcharging them for shoddy workmanship ? Doesn't seem fair when us tax payers work hard for what we earn. I don't think the answer is giving them an easy ride.
Post by: Lisa Oldham on January 04, 2008, 10:27:26 PM
However it irritates me much more when richies avoid their tax and irritates me too when businesses go bust with loads of debts and lots of naff jobs but the directors swan off with lots of money and open up a new business same addresss different name and the same naff services...
"gypos" dont have a monopoly on diddling the system or proving naff services or services with threats.... in fac they are probably a very small percentage...