Council expresses 'Disappointment' over continued illegal Traveller occupation - Essex

From the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

The Council has been working extremely hard to have Travellers removed from their illegal occupation at the Millennium Centre in the country park - to the extent that a legal hearing was set up to seek an Order for eviction late last week. However, the Travellers brought evidence to the Court that one of their members was unwell and - following presentation of that evidence - the Magistrates decided to adjourn the Hearing until after the Christmas break.

Councillor Mick McCarthy, Cabinet Member for Environment said: “This is a very disappointing decision which means that one of our most beautiful areas of green space will be blighted over the festive period.

“This particular group of Travellers has previously set up in various parts of the borough over the last few weeks - and each time the Council and other agencies have taken urgent action to have them evicted from where they illegally camp but now we must wait a fortnight before the Hearing can continue.

“This is all very frustrating especially when scare resources have to be deployed in order to safeguard our green spaces for residents of Barking and Dagenham - we will be making a representation to the Government.

“I want our award-winning parks to be somewhere people want to visit and spend their leisure time. Parks should not be blighted by illegal encampments like this. It is simply unacceptable - I look forward to the Hearing resuming in the New Year and the Travellers eviction soon after.”