THERE were more than 100 traveller caravans pitched in Barnsley at the start of the year, new figures show.
Figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities show there were 108 traveller caravans recorded in Barnsley in January – the same as the number reported the year before.
None of the caravans counted this year were unauthorised.
It comes as the Friends, Families and Travellers Charity celebrates Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, which runs through June.
In response to the figures, the charity has called for more safe stopping places for the communities.
A spokesperson said a national shortage of safe stopping places has caused an increase in gypsies and travellers living on roadside camps.
They added: “Entire families are stranded with nowhere else to go.
“National government must ensure councils have the appropriate funding in place so that gypsy and traveller families can access secure living conditions through the creation of more safe stopping places.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to rest.”
