TRAVELLERS who have set up an illegal encampment on Droitwich’s Spring Meadow park have been served with notice telling them they must move on by midday on Wednesday, June 13.
The five caravans, along with a host of other vehicles, arrived overnight between Sunday and Monday and the order was put together by Droitwich Town Council, while the police supported representatives as they handed it over yesterday.
The issue was brought up at last night’s town council meeting as Sgt Sarah Kent was giving her latest police update.
She added police patrols were being stepped up in the area to provide reassurance and officers would deal with any anti-social behaviour which arose.
Coun Sital Harris, who is the ward representative, said: “I have been contacted by a few people who have expressed concerns, especially some of the elderly residents living in the area.”
Coun Tom Noyes expressed his anger that the travellers could just ‘walk away’ once they had occupied land and ‘were never prosecuted’, despite often racking up clean-up bills for the taxpayer.
“They don’t pay for what they have done.
“Nothing happens to them and it is the people who live in the area who suffer.”
Coun Bob Brookes said: “We need to look at how much this is costing the town and we need to contact our MP to see if he can get the Government to do anything to help towns like ours when these situations arise.”
Sgt Kent said: “The legal process has now started.
“There are powers the council can use and powers the police can use, unfortunately the police powers are not applicable on this occasion.
“My officers will always do the best they can with the resources they have,” she added.
* WHAT do you think should be done when it comes to traveller encampments? Do you think there needs to be new legislation? Email your views to [email protected]
