THE controversial TV show Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is a long way from the reality of life on one North-East traveller site.

In the hit Channel 4 series, nuptials are celebrated in flamboyant style, girls leave school before reaching their teens and some face having their mobile homes bulldozed for pitching up illegally.

But at the authorised Metz Bridge site, in Middlesbrough, the 16 permanent households, with 56 occupants, pay council tax and have swallowed a 47 per cent increase in their weekly rents.

Monica Marron, from Middlesbrough Council’s Housing Respect Team, said children stayed in mainstream education and families had access to healthcare and Sure Start services at the Riverside Park Road site.

Since 2007, more than £750,000 in grant funding has been invested in the camp, with a £15,000 contribution from the council.

Refurbishment of amenity blocks, containing bathroom, toilets and kitchens is soon to get under way and an additional five pitches are being added to meet demand.

Traffic calming and improvements to the drainage system are earmarked for future projects.

An active residents’ association meets every six weeks to raise pertinent issues such as the impending census count which, for the first time, includes a category for gypsies and travellers.

“We take on board what their priorities are and make sure they fit in with our priorities so it’s a winwin situation,” Ms Marron said at the council’s community safety and leisure scrutiny panel meeting.

“Gypsy and traveller communities are some of the most excluded, with the worst outcomes in terms of health and education.”

When a measles outbreak swept through the travelling enclaves across the country last year, all vulnerable Metz Bridge residents were offered vaccinations in the purpose- built community centre.

“Life at Metz Bridge is not as it appears on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding,”

Ms Marron said.

“Aspirations have changed over the past 30 years. The youngest are all in school and there are after-school clubs. They used to get to 12 and their parents would take them out of education and they would start work.

“Strong management is really important,” she said. “Residents can see visible improvements to the site, but they know that unacceptable behaviour is dealt with appropriately.”