July 17, 2019 11.29 am This story is over 56 months old

Boston council makes case for more power against illegal traveller camps

The council often has to clear up waste left behind
Image of travellers previously parked illegally in Lincolnshire

Boston Borough Council says it’s facing increasing issues with illegal encampments on green spaces and car parks – some of which leave behind waste “including human excrement and old fridges”.

The problem has forced the authority to seek additional powers to arrest anyone who breached an injunction on property owned by the council.

The council’s application will be heard tomorrow (Thursday, July 18) at 10.30am in the High Court in Birmingham.

Last April, the council was granted new powers by the High Court to issue an injunction to anyone setting up illegal encampments on any property owned by the council including land associated with the Princess Royal Sports Arena. This included any caravan or mobile home.

This was to avoid the delay in taking each individual case of illegal encampment through the courts to obtain an injunction.

Now the council is applying for power of arrest so that the police can immediately deal with anyone in breach of the injunction by refusing to move.

A Boston Borough Council spokesperson said: “The council has had problems with illegal encampments, particularly at green spaces and at leisure facilities.

“Waste, including human excrement and old fridges, have been left behind.

“On April 29 this year an unlawful encampment was set up on Boston’s Maud Street car park. Three people were served with an injunction to move, but did not.

“”They eventually left on May 2, leaving behind a quantity of waste which the council had to clear.”

To see the full application being made to the High Court go to https://bit.ly/2XVQHmO