Justice for Ver Meadows fire victims rally set to go ahead next Monday

Following the devastating fire at Ver Meadows Traveller site, a peaceful rally is set to go ahead outside Hertfordshire County Council’s offices in Stevenage to demand justice for the victims of the fire at the local-authority run site.

The rally, which will take place next week on Monday 18th August, is being organised by Ver Meadows victims alongside Drive 2 Survive, a national Romany Gypsy and Traveller charity.

“This issue extends beyond Hertfordshire; it is a nationwide crisis affecting council-run sites across the UK,” said Drive 2 Survive Co-Chair Sherrie Smith.

 “There are national problems of overcrowding, insufficient plot provision, abusive control, failure to adhere to fire regulations, illegal surveillance cameras, and so much more, and it is time to shed light on these injustices,” she added.

Campaigners believe that it was the failings of Hertfordshire County Council that led to the fire, which started on one plot on a hot sunny afternoon on 12 July 2025, but then rapidly spread and destroyed homes across multiple plots and left families — including young children — traumatised and homeless.

A spokesperson for Drive 2 Survive urged everyone who cares about the state of the UK’s local-authority-run Traveller sites to come along and show support. The rally will be peaceful, there will be speakers, and it will be family-friendly, they added.

“This situation could impact any family in our community,” they said

“It could have been your home – so come along and support your community - enough is enough.”

TT News

(Photograph: screen shot)

DETAILS:

PEACEFUL PROTEST — 18th AUGUST* 

TIME: 12 PM - 5 PM* 

Robertson House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire*  SG1 2ST