Cornwall Council removes 'English gypsy' from a lay-by in Hayle

Neil Wainwright, 56, had been living beside the road close to the Marks and Spencer's store at Hayle

Gypsy Neil Wainwright claims his mobile home, which is now stuck on the side of the road near Hayle, was smashed by Cornwall Council when they moved it (Image: Greg Martin)

A man who describes himself as “an English gypsy” has been shown the open road after living for nearly a year in a layby.

Neil Wainwright, 56, was first moved to the road beside an industrial estate near Hayle in June last year.

His 1962 vintage British Motor Corporation van was removed from a nearby traveller site following a fire. His vehicle was left with two wheel up on the kerb beside the entrance to Marsh Lane Industrial Estate, between Hayle and the village of Angarrack and not far from the retail park with a Marks and Spencer’s store.

At first, in protest with his enforced move, Mr Wainwright, draped a large banner over his van saying: “Cornwall Council smashed my home”.

Now Cornwall Council has moved in to remove Mr Wainwright, a former sound engineer who grew up in Illogan, from the road.

Gypsy Neil Wainwright outside his mobile home near Hayle (Image: Greg Martin)

Hayle Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We can confirm that the motorhome that was situated on the Marsh Lane Industrial Estate entrance was removed by Cornwall Council on Wednesday.

“The gentlemen that was residing within it is being supported by the appropriate professionals and now has a more permanent residence.

“We would like to thank all of those who reported the issue to us as this assisted us when working alongside other agencies to resolve the situation and help provide the gentlemen with the support he needed.”

Neil Wainwright's 1962 vintage British Motor Corporation van, which has been removed by Cornwall Council from the road beside Marsh Lane Industrial Estate near Hayle (Image: Hayle Police)

Mr Wainwright said previously that he had been on the receiving end of verbal abuse and had food thrown at his camper van from passing cars.

Last year had turned the offer of a bungalow in Falmouth, saying it was against his lifestyle. He said at the time: “They won’t allow me to live like this, just because I choose to live in my wagon. I can’t live in a house – I am a gypsy.”

He had also been forced to move from the Wheal Jewell traveller site near St Day after falling out with some of the site’s residents.

via https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/english-gypsy-moved-afte...