Travellers’ eviction threat after appeal - Lancashire

From the Gazette

Travellers are facing eviction from the site they have occupied for the last four years after a court dismissed their latest bid to stay.

Four Irish families have lived in caravans on the site, on Fairfield Road, Hardhorn, since November 2009.

But they are facing the very real possibility of having to move off the land because they do not have planning 
permission.

The group’s battle to stay saw them arrive in London’s Supreme Court.

But the court rejected the Travellers’ application.

This comes after the Court of Appeal’s decision to throw out their application to stay in 2013, leaving them with little hope of securing the 2.4 hectare fields as their permanent home.

A spokesman for Fylde Council said: “They went to the Supreme Court claiming there was a point of law of general public importance.

“The Supreme Court decided there wasn’t a point of law to either significance and, therefore, they have dismissed the Travellers’ case.

“We need to speak to our lawyers but we believe the Travellers have now exhausted their last legal avenue and there will be a report going to councillors soon, at which we will ask the councillors what they want to do next.

“The question they will have to consider is do they proceed with enforcement of the early eviction notice, but any decision they make will be subject to a legal report.”

Fylde MP Mark Menzies added: “I know residents have been awaiting this decision by the Supreme Court for some time so I’m sure they 
are pleased things can now begin to move forward once again.

“It’s now up to Fylde Council to present its report on the matter to the planning committee and set a date for it to meet to decide what enforcement action is necessary at the site. I am sure will happen at the earliest opportunity.”

The Travellers declined to comment.

see also: The Daily Mail - Victory for villagers as Gypsies [sic] are FINALLY told they will be evicted from illegal camp... but four-year battle has cost taxpayers £200,000

The Telegraph - Village wins four year battle against illegal Travellers' site

The Gazette - Travellers told to accept court verdict