The Town Council would like to apologise to local residents for the inconvenience caused by the unauthorised encampment at Victoria Park.

Travellers moved onto the site late on Sunday (29 June) evening and the Town Council acted swiftly under the common law powers open to it requesting that the trespassers leave the site by 5pm on Monday 30June, they refused.

The Town Council has since worked with the police to manage the situation, explore all possible options and pursue a resolution.  We are grateful for Police support over this period of time, but it has become clear that the Police cannot use their powers to evict the group.

Further dialogue took place on Wednesday, and it has been made clear by those on the site that any attempt to remove the caravans will be met with resistance. There are very specific laws and powers that can be used in this situation and making legal eviction impossible.

The Town Council is now seeking the only remedy left open to it which is a Court order to evict. This will be issued as soon as possible.

We would like to stress that the Play area, Basketball courts, Tennis courts and on-site Café are all unaffected by the encampment and remain open for members of the public.