'Lessons to learn' over GMP treatment of young Travellers

A MAYORAL review has found there are 'lessons to be learned' over GMP's controversial use of a dispersal order to turn away hundreds of people from Traveller communities, including many children, from the city.

- JOHN SCHEERHOUT

The order was enforced in the city centre "following reports of trouble among people heading into town" by train on November 23.

Videos showed officers ushering people onto trains out of town at Victoria station. GMP has defended its decision to issue the order, which gives officers powers to force people to leave an area or be arrested.

GMP was accused of "heavy-handed and discriminatory action" by a charity which said Traveller children were stopped from attending the Christmas markets and "forced" back on to trains.

The Traveller Movement said it was "shocking" and "completely unacceptable".