We Are Teesside

Denise has been a resident of the Metz Bridge Gypsy and Travellers site since 2005, and even though she loves living with her family in the area, there are many improvements that need implementing.

"The condition of our site isn't very good. There's been a lot of talk about what's going to happen in terms of improvement, but I think the talk is now coming to an end and things are hopefully going to move forward.

"Every resident pays ground rent, water rates and money for electric and gas. It costs around £55 a week to live here, and you have to buy your own caravan in order to get a plot.

Ashamed

The condition of the site makes Denise conscious about inviting friends and family over to her home.

"I'm ashamed of people coming to visit us because they have to come on the site, so it does dishearten you. Hopefully, each individual plot is going to be fenced off, and the general appearance is going to be improved.

"I'd like to see extra plots being made available, but they say that is impossible. There are certain plots where families are doubled-up, so it's only fair they should have extra room.

Working together

Denise and the other residents know that the only way they can improve the Metz Bridge site is to work together.

"We've just started the Metz Bridge Residents Association, and the main idea is that if you are a resident you have an opinion.

"We've applied for some money to put a wall around the site so it improves the appearance and security. If we have to band together to improve the site then that's what we're going to do.

Growing up

Denise is from a traditional gypsy family, and moved around a lot when she was younger.

"I grew up on a roadside, which is a lot better than growing up on a site. You moved onto where the work was – we had no choice of where we went and when we went – Dad just said 'we're going' and that was it.

"I didn't know any different and it's all I've ever known throughout my life. I always thought 'I've made friends here, so I can make friends anywhere', but it got harder as we got older, but we didn't complain or you would have got left where you were!"

You can hear more from Denise by clicking on the links above.