Over the past week, we have had some pretty disturbing issues with illegal traveller encampments in Atherstone. During this time, I have been in contact with the local Council and police, who I have to say have dealt with the situation promptly. These are always challenging incidents to deal with and the type of land (private v council) can lead to different approaches. However, illegal encampments are something I have raised a number of times in Parliament over the last few years and was pleased to see a change in the law earlier this year which enables the encampments to be moved on more quickly.
As an update on the current situation, using the new Government powers, the illegal encampment at QE School were moved on over the weekend and whilst we would anticipate that the group move out of the area, it is also possible that they would look for other sites and so I would encourage land to be secured where possible. I know that NWBC are taking steps to protect their open spaces already.
Moving forward, I have been speaking to police and the council about an injuction, and whilst this is not straightforward to do as they are often challenged under law, as there have been several incursions by the same group, this will now be brought forward early next week.
In terms of use of the areas, the council have done a fantastic clean up operation of the two previous sites and it is anticipated they will be fully safe to use within 48 hours.
I would like to thank all the police, Council staff and Local Councillors for their hard work in making sure that this illegal activity could be dealt with as quickly as possible and that the sites were returned back to their proper use for the community, as soon as they possibly could.