Travellers move off illegal camp at beauty spot after six years
Travellers have left a beauty spot where they have had an illegal camp for six years.
A family moved their caravans on to the car park of a nature reserve at the Battram Turn, near Ellistown, in August 2004.
Nearby residents have been calling for them to be evicted since.
The travellers have now finally left the site voluntarily.
It is understood North West Leicestershire District Council, which owns the site, was about to evict them, having secured a court order to do so back in January.
Villagers say they are delighted the travellers have left the car park next to the orchard, pond and nature trail.
Alan Gamble, of Ellistown Parish Council, said: "It seems incredible that they could have been on public land for so long.
"That was a lovely little area before they came and took it over.
"Hopefully, now it will be restored to its former use."
The entrance to the car park has been blocked with huge bags of earth by the council to prevent travellers' returning.
A damaged shed, pot plants, power tools, a bike, car wheels and other rubbish has been left on the site which the borough council plans to clear next week.
The travellers have now formed another unauthorised camp next to the A511 at the Birch Tree Island, at Bardon.
Sgt Simon Ward of the Leicester Multi-Agency Travellers Unit said: "There are four caravans there and as far as we are aware a few adults.
"There will be an assessment next week before we decide what to do about it."
10 Comments
by Graham, Whetstone
Monday, August 30 2010, 8:51AM
“There are often reports in the media of Police interrupting "ravers" causing a nuisance on either public or private land, seizing equipment and requiring the people to disperse; How come travellers can also gather, cause a nuisance and yet it takes weeks/months/years for the authorities to act?”
by Red, Leicester
Sunday, August 29 2010, 11:23AM
“What law is it you want changing "anon"?
So easy to sit at home and tell councils what they should do, tell the police what they should do. If only life were that simple...”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Sunday, August 29 2010, 9:52AM
“J,
I have just realised that I actually know the first female Beefeater as I worked with her in the past. I shall email her and ask your question for you. I would guess that they only eat beef now and again as a diet of pure beef would not be healthy one. If memory serves, at Regimental Dinners she did eat her vegetables as well. She had a particular taste for the chocolate desserts to.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Sunday, August 29 2010, 9:40AM
“J,
Or is that 'contribute nothing to the thread'.
Yes, the latter applies.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Sunday, August 29 2010, 9:36AM
“J,
As usual your constructive comments add to the thread.”
by anon, Ibstock
Saturday, August 28 2010, 6:29PM
“Having visited the vacated site, I can confirm that sheets of hazardous materials have been left by these 'travellers'
asbestos, human excrement, a lethal crossbow, discarded gas cylinders and assorted items of rubbish hedge cuttings.. etc.
are now left for the local council to remove and dispose of at rate payers expense,.
It really is time the law was changed.”
by j, leic
Saturday, August 28 2010, 6:25PM
“"There seems to be far too much latitude given to these travellers (who didn't travel for 6 years)."
Sigh. Kulgan, do you also believe that Beefeaters at the Tower of London live on Beef? Do you also believe that you can't be British if you live in Spain?”
by Dave, Barwell
Saturday, August 28 2010, 12:47PM
“Not only did they stay six years, but having secured an eviction order back in January, why has it taken a further eight months to act? Some backsides need kicking in NW Leics Council or better still, kick out the underperforming deadwood. One easy way of making cuts which all councils muxt do.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Saturday, August 28 2010, 12:06PM
“There seems to be far too much latitude given to these travellers (who didn't travel for 6 years).
Why did it take NW Leicestershire District Council so long to evict them? They had the Court Order in January!!!
The law of the land applies to all and should be applied as such.”
by Neil, Leicester
Saturday, August 28 2010, 10:34AM
“What about an anti-social behaviour order - as trespass is anti-social behaviour. Then, should they break the law agian, they can be punished like anyone else who has a total disregard for the alw.”