Council to take direct action at Shurlock Road if Travellers do not leave voluntarily - Berkshire

From the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Yesterday, Tuesday 19 March, was the 28th day since a 28-day notice was served on the owner and occupants of the unauthorised Traveller site at Shurlock Road, Waltham St Lawrence, that the council will take direct action to clear the land if they do not leave voluntarily.

A site visit by the council's enforcement team confirms the occupants are still there.

The issuing of the 28-day notice followed the failure of the Travellers to vacate the site by Monday 11 February as required by the enforcement notice.

The 28-day notice was served to inform the owner and occupants of the council's intention to enter the land to carry out the steps required by the enforcement notice. The landowner, Mr Mark Pickett, had previously appealed the enforcement notice unsuccessfully.

The council continues to work with the occupants to consider their needs and find a satisfactory solution leading to the site being cleared and to encourage them to leave voluntarily.

A further meeting of the cabinet prioritisation sub committee will be convened to review all of the latest information and occupants' circumstances before deciding whether to affirm the previous CPSC decision to take direct action.

If affirmed, the owner and occupants will be given 48 hours' notice before the council enters the land to carry out the works required by the enforcement notice.

The council continues to liaise with partner organisations, including bailiffs and the police, to establish an agreed date for the works.