Swift council action clears unauthorised encampment from public land

Council officers attended the former Bankside car park on Well Street after concerns were raised by residents and immediately began the formal process required to recover possession of the site.

A Notice to Leave was served on Friday, 17 July, while officers simultaneously prepared an application to the County Court for a Possession Order should the occupants fail to comply.

Although the encampment remained in place following the notice, further visits by council officers confirmed earlier today that the site had been vacated. The remaining items have since been removed, bringing the matter to a close without the need for further court proceedings.

Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:

Law-abiding residents rightly expect the council to protect public land and take firm action when it is occupied without permission.

 

Our officers acted quickly and professionally from the moment this encampment was reported. We made clear that the occupants were required to leave and, at the same time, prepared to pursue the necessary legal action if they refused.

 

I am pleased the site has been cleared without court action, but our message is clear: illegally trespass on council land and we will act swiftly to remove you. Our first responsibility is to protect our communities and ensure public spaces remain safe for their proper use.”

The council will continue to monitor its land and work with the police and other partner agencies to respond promptly and appropriately to any future unauthorised encampments.