08 Feb Council issues statement on unauthorised encampments in Billericay and Basildon
Basildon Council has been working closely with the police and Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) following a number of unauthorised traveller encampments in the borough since the weekend.
Travellers who formed an unauthorised encampment at Hannakins Farm Community Centre last week moved on to Radford Crescent car park in Billericay yesterday following issue of a court order. Essex Police then served a Section 61 Direction to move on from this location, which they did today (Wednesday 7 February).
The group then pitched up in the car park of the Basildon Sporting Village, in Cranes Farm Road, but quickly moved on after being reminded by police of a High Court injunction which covers this area. The injunction was obtained by the council in November last year preventing unauthorised encampments at specified industrial and park areas within the borough that had been targeted by travellers over the last couple of years.
Late on Tuesday (6 February) a separate group of travellers parked up on land at Hannakins Farm Community Centre, causing damage to sports pitches and bollards in the process. This group also left following service of a Section 61 Direction.
The council has agreed to undertake the work to restore the pitches to their previous state at no cost to the trustees of Hannakins Farm Community Centre.
