Travellers have been served eviction notices after taking over three sites in one seaside town last weekend.
Travellers have set up camp in a West Bridgford car park (Image: Nottinghamshire Live / BPM Media)
Travellers have been served 24-hour eviction notices after setting up multiple illegal encampments in Plymouth. Plymouth City Council had to provide toilets and bins for each site due to legal obligations, but it has since issued Notice to Quit orders, which require the sites to be vacated.
Locals claimed a field next to Plymouth Albion’s rugby pitch was overtaken on Thursday night, which the rugby club said was the second time it had happened this year. The site had been earmarked for Plymouth Argyle’s new football academy. Then on Sunday, travellers moved to council land at Stonehouse Creek, while another group reportedly went to the Prince Rock playing field.
Caravans and vehicles at Stonehouse Creek on Sunday July 13 (Image: PlymouthLive/BPM)
It is common for travellers to take over the field, which is off Embankment Road near Laira Bridge, every summer from May and June.
The council was able to apply for a Notice to Quit through the civil court because it is council-owned; however, if it were private land, the owners would have had to take action. In both cases, bailiffs ultimately enforce the eviction orders.
On Monday this week, around 60 travellers also took over a car park in Nottingham. Police confirmed the group forced entry into the Nursery Car Park in West Bridgford by breaking through a gate and gaining access to the grounds.
Nottinghamshire Police worked with the local council to issue a Section 61 Notice, asking them to leave by midday the following day.
Councils have a duty of care to travelling communities, such as providing toilets and bins, and having designated areas for communities to stay. There is a permanent site in Plymouth called The Ride, but there is a waiting list.
A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council told PlymouthLive: “There are currently three unauthorised encampments in Plymouth.”
It added: “Over the weekend, groups arrived at Prince Rock Playing Fields and at Stonehouse Creek. In order to minimise disruption to residents, we will be issuing both groups with a 24-hour Notice to Quit at the earliest opportunity.”
“Meanwhile, the encampment at Knowle Battery remains in situ. The group were served a Notice to Quit last Monday, and follow its expiry on Tuesday we applied to the court for a Possession Order. We are waiting for date for the hearing.”
It confirmed toilets and bins were provided to minimise the clean-up costs and keep the area tidy.
