Travellers 'may take advantage of Jubilee to camp on land' - Saffordshire

From Staffordshire Newsletter

AN AGRICULTURAL lawyer is warning Staffordshire’s farmers to be vigilant over the extended Jubilee bank holiday weekend - a time when she says Travellers will be looking to illegally occupy land while the courts are closed.

Rural specialist, Karen Bridgewater, a partner at Midland law firm MFG Solicitors, believes that Travellers will take advantage of the Jubilee weekend, which will see courts closed on Monday, June 5 and Tuesday, June 6, to trespass and camp on land they do not have authorisation to be on.

“Specific groups within the travelling community are well aware of the legislation surrounding illegal trespassing,” she said.

“But they are also fully switched on to the fact that when courts are closed, that buys them vital time to remain on land as it takes much effort to evict them, their vehicles and their animals.” Ms Bridgewater said it was a known fact amongst travellers that, unless they volunteer to vacate land, landowners and farmers have to expend considerable time and cost to evict them.

She said: “Travellers know only too well the eviction process takes a matter of weeks, not days, especially if they take over land during a holiday.

“This is because court dates need to be confirmed and possibly, a bailiff appointed.” She said it could be a frustrating time for farmers who are basically powerless until the court process concludes and the possession date was agreed.

She added that landowners, process servers and local authorities were working together to accelerate the eviction process and challenge those who chose to occupy land illegally, but warned that farmers should not let their guards down in the weeks ahead and should make every effort to secure any weak spots around their land.

“Any farmers who find Travellers or their animals to be trespassing on their land should act fast and seek prompt legal advice to understand their rights and the correct legal procedures,” she said.

“For the majority of people across Staffordshire the Diamond Jubilee holiday will be a time to celebrate and take a welcome break,” said Ms Bridgewater.

“But it is also a weekend when the county’s farmers must be on their guard against groups of Travellers who are intent on playing by a very different set of rules.”