Travellers on Land at Vicarage Fields, Adjacent to Cherry Tree Nursery

Bournemouth Council officers together with Dorset Police are working jointly to take action following the recent arrival of a group of travellers onto land adjacent to Cherry Tree Nursery.

Eight vehicles arrived at the site last night (30 August 2010) and Council officers and the Police have been quick to liaise with the travellers.

This follows an encampment on the same site in July and the site was made secure with the installation of a new gate. However, it is believed that the current group of travellers broke in to the site to gain entry.

Council officers have carried out a needs assessment with the travellers and have been informed that they are on Council land and must move otherwise a court order will be sought. Action is now being taken to seek a court hearing as soon as possible.

Councillor Rod Cooper, Cabinet Member for Economy, Leisure and Tourism said: “Our council officers and Dorset Police have taken swift action following this recent traveller encampment. They will be doing all they can, taking the necessary legal action to move the travellers on as soon as possible.”
If the travellers refuse to leave the Council will proceed with the following action:

• The Council as landowner will apply for a court hearing date
• The travellers are given notice of the hearing date with documents posted around the area of encampment and handed to the travellers
• Court hearing takes place, court decide whether to grant eviction order
• If eviction order granted, the order is exercised by a court appointed bailiff when they become available
• The site will be subject to a clean up if necessary when the travellers depart and made secure

If any member of the public would like to report any issues please contact Edward Barker, Traveller Liaison Officer on 01202 451673.

Source of this Article:

Bournemouth Council (opens a new window)

By Heidi Rees (Bournemouth 2026 Partnership)

Posted: Wednesday 1 September 2010

Permalink: http://www.bournemouth2026.org/travellers-on-land

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