From the Coventry Telegraph
VILLAGERS refusing to quit a protest camp set up after Gypsies moved onto greenbelt in Meriden claim they’ve been warned they could face a £20,000 fine – or jail.
Solihull Borough Council has rejected a call by Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) to let them stay at their Eaves Green Lane site until March 2013.
Instead, the council has voted for legal action against the protesters – despite giving Gypsies until that date to move on.
The village campaigners, including many infirm and elderly, say they now face the threat of court action and a maximum £20,000 fine, or even a possible jail term.
The authority could also look into a Dale Farm-style ‘direct action’ demolition of their 824-day camp.
Around 250 protestors have kept up a 24-hour vigil at the site since Travellers arrived during the May Bank Holiday in 2010.
Neither the locals nor the Gypsies have planning permission for their camps, but the Travellers were told they could remain until next March following a High Court battle with Solihull Council.
Now, following a private planning meeting, councillors have voted to prosecute locals who have defied an enforcement notice issued in April to leave their site. The authority says it will consult lawyers before commencing any action.
Yet protesters remained defiant last night – with many stating they are prepared to go to jail for their cause.
RAID chairman David McGrath said: ‘‘The council could have given us the same extra time deal as they gave to the Travellers who don’t live at the site at night but are causing daytime harm to the greenbelt.
see also: The Daily Mail - Villagers face jail after setting up protest camp against Gypsies... while Travellers stay there illegally
The Birmingham Mail - Protestors against Meriden Gypsy camp claim they face £20,000 fines
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