Travellers descend on land next to country park after being kicked out of Northampton village by police
A group of travellers have descended on to a patch of land right next to a country park and OAP bungalows in Northampton.
The group, believed to be a family, set up camp on green space next to Hunsbury Hill Country Park in West Hunsbury yesterday evening (Tuesday, July 30) and remains there today (Wednesday).
West Northants Council’s Traveller Unit said: “We can confirm that the group has been evicted by the police from their previous location and has moved to another location in Northampton [Hunsbury Hill Country Park].”
On Tuesday (July 30), the travellers were evicted by police from their previous position at The Green in Hunsbury Meadows, just 1.5 miles away from their current location, where they had been since Friday (July 26).
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Lee Flavell said: “Yesterday (July 30), the Northampton Neighbourhood Policing Team served notice under Section 60C of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act for an unauthorised encampment to leave parkland in the Hunsbury Meadows area. This was duly complied with, and the vehicles left the site.
“Officers continue to work with partners in the WNC Northamptonshire Traveller Unit and with communities to ensure a long-term solution is reached.
“Northamptonshire Police understand the concerns raised about unauthorised encampments and will exercise policing powers where possible and required. Anyone with concerns is asked to report them to us by calling 101 or going online at www.northants.police.uk/RO.”
Police added: “Officers continue to monitor this situation and to liaise with relevant parties, including the Northamptonshire Traveller Unit, to find a long-term solution. This includes use of the relevant legal powers where appropriate.”
WNC has also been contacted for further comment.