Police say plans are 'well under way' to evict travellers from camp in Northampton

Police say plans are "well under way" to move on a group of travellers from land in Northampton.

Officers have made extra high-visibility patrols in the Hunsbury Meadows area after residents' complaints about kids throwing stones and glass bottles, littering and anti-social behaviour.

And following a meeting with local councillor Pinder Chauhan, Superintendent Kevin Mulligan said: "We’ve got a sustained presence at the location and plans are well under way for us to support Northampton Borough Council with the eviction process.

"I’ve patrolled all around the estate and canal today. Overwhelming support was given for what we’re doing and our staff will continue to be there until this is resolved.

"In the meantime, we would encourage residents to continue to report any issues to us on 101. Please do also approach the police officers and PCSOs now assigned to the area as they will also be happy to help."

South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom has led calls for action over the traveller encampment on private land at Banbury Lane.

Mrs Leadsom claimed residents had sanitary towels thrown at them by children on the camp in an open letter to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold.

Northampton Borough Council say the legal process to evict the travellers is a complicated one.

A council spokesman said last week: “Travellers own some of the land but nobody is allowed to occupy any of it as it is considered part of the flood plain.

"This means we and partners can’t just employ our usual procedures when they are occupying public or private land owned by someone else.

“There are a series of steps we have to take and we are systematically working our way through those to move this group on, and in the meantime we continue to work with partners at Northamptonshire Police to monitor the situation and provide reassurance to nearby residents.”

Police officers patrolling the area seized a vehicle found to be carrying stolen goods on Sunday.

And last night (Tuesday) offiicers took away a second vehicle which they stopped in Banbury Lane.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: "Throughout this evening officers have been in the area completing high viability patrols and ensuring the safety of the area around Banbury Lane.

"Part way through the night officers noticed a vehicle in the area acting suspiciously. When this vehicle was found by officers the driver and passenger had ran away from the vehicle.

"After further checks by officers this showed to be a vehicle with no insurance and has been seized by the officers."