Council Pledges Action on Traveller Encampments
Expiry of injunction raises fears of increase in incursions ahead
A traveller encampment in Brentford in 2019. Picture Diane Newman/Facebook
Hounslow Council has pledged that it will continue to be pro-active in tackling illegal traveller encampments in the borough.
There has been a resurgence of camps in the borough and neighbouring areas since the High Court ruled that an injunction that it had obtained previously was not permissible. Concerns have been raised that this will lead to an increased number of incursions of council land over the next few months.
The injunction had accelerated the process by which camps could be moved on. Without such the injunction the police in Hounslow Borough now must rely on powers given by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, said, “Hounslow Council continues to have a duty to protect the borough’s public spaces and parks so that they can be enjoyed by all our residents. Illegal encampments can cause damage to public spaces as well as disruption and upset to residents and businesses nearby.
“Working in partnership with the police, we will continue to use the enforcement powers available to us to protect our public spaces and best serve the needs of the community as a whole.
“We have a good record of tackling and preventing illegal encampments and we thank residents for continuing to report these as they arise.”
The council have also spent £10million on the Hartlands Caravan Park in Heston making 30 new pitches and facilities exclusively for the use of the Gypsy and Traveller community.
Cllr Dunne added, “We are also committed to opposing discrimination of all types against all members of our communities, including Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, irrespective of ethnicity, culture or background. That is why we have been active in using available powers in housing and planning to provide for the needs of these communities.
“In 2016 we completed an investment of over £10m to modernise our award-winning, which made available I’m proud too that in December 2020 we submitted plans to the Secretary of State which, if approved, will allow us to expand our provision further.”
Residents can report illegal encampments to Hounslow Council by calling 020 8583 5555.
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June 11, 2021