Council acts to remove unauthorised encampment
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is taking firm action to remove an unauthorised tent encampment from a former car park close to homes near Newcastle town centre.
Council officers issued a formal Notice to Leave to the occupants of the closed former Bankside car park on Well Street last Friday, immediately after concerns were raised by local residents.
A further inspection of the site took place today – and with occupants still in place the council is now applying to the County Court for a Possession Order hearing.
Once granted, the Possession Order will be served on those occupying the site. If they refuse to comply, the Council will return to court to seek enforcement by County Court bailiffs, who will attend the site and remove the encampment.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:
Our first and foremost duty is to stand up for law-abiding residents who deserve to feel safe, secure and respected in their own community.
They should not have to tolerate an unauthorised encampment and reported antisocial behaviour on their doorstep while those responsible believe they can simply ignore the rules.
We acted immediately, served a Notice to Leave and are now driving the legal process forward as quickly as the courts will allow. We will use every power available to regain possession of this land and secure the removal of the encampment.
We are working closely with Staffordshire Police and other partners, and we will press for the earliest possible court hearing so this matter can be resolved without unnecessary delay.”
The council will continue to monitor the site closely while legal action progresses and will keep local residents informed of significant developments.