Council consults with bailiffs over illegal Travellers' site - Berkshire

From the Royal Borough Observer

THE Royal Borough is putting together its plans for direct action if the occupants of an illegal Travellers' site fail to leave.

A 28-day notice to leave the site was served on the owner and occupants of the unauthorised Traveller site at Five Oaks Farm, in Shurlock Road, Waltham St Lawrence last month and expires on Thursday, March 14.

The notice outlines the council's intention to use direct action to clear the land if the owner and occupants do not leave voluntarily by that date.

A council statement read: "The enforcement team is actively taking steps, including liaison with partner organisations and High Court bailiffs, to establish an action plan and date for the works.

"Once this date is agreed, the owner and occupants will be given at least 48 hours' notice before the work to clear the site starts."

Direct action would involve the council clearing the site of all caravans, amenity units, fencing and other Traveller paraphernalia deemed to be in breach of planning control.

The statement added: "In the meantime the council continues to work with the occupants to find a satisfactory solution leading to the site being cleared voluntarily."
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