Gypsies and Travellers

Our commitment

We are committed to assessing the accommodation needs of all people living in Cheshire East, including vulnerable groups such as Gypsies and Travellers. The Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998, stipulate that Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination, together with all ethnic groups who have other cultures, languages or values.

Understanding Traveller culture

For more information about the culture and lifestyle of Gypsies and Travellers, see our Gypsies and Travellers Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 105KB)

Site licensing and inspections

The Council is responsible for licensing all caravan sites and under the same legal provision, all Gypsy and Traveller sites are inspected and licensed too - these sites are known as authorised sites. 

Unauthorised encampments

Sometimes unauthorised encampments may be established on Council land or private land. A transit site is available which can be booked or accessed by groups moved on from unauthorised encampments across the borough. 

For more information about Cheshire East Councils and the Police’s powers on dealing with these types of unauthorised encampments, see our Cheshire East Council removal of illegal Gypsy/Traveller encampments from land FAQ’s (PDF, 120KB)

Reporting and contact information

The Cheshire and Warrington Traveller Team (CWTT) handles Traveller enquiries for Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington.

Unauthorised encampments should be reported to the Police by calling 101 and also logged on the Cheshire West and Chester website (covers the whole region) or by email to gypsyandtravellersenquiries@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or by calling 07525 128505.

If you wish to report an unauthorised encampment directly to Cheshire East Council call on 0300 123 5021.
Cheshire West and Chester does not handle calls for other areas.