MALVERN Town Council has issued an apology to local residents after difficulties with an illegal encampment at Victoria Park.
Travellers moved onto the site late last Sunday evening (June 29) and remain there despite the town council’s best efforts to have them removed.
The town council acted swiftly by enacting common law powers to request the unlawful occupants leave the site by 5pm on Monday (June 30) but those residing there refused.
Since the refusal, the council has been forced to involve the police to manage the situation and explore options for resolution.
Further dialogue took place on Wednesday (July 2), and it was made clear by those on the site that any attempt to remove the caravans would be met with resistance.
There are very specific laws and powers that can be used in this situation and other which make 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.
A spokesperson for Malvern Town Council said: “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.
“We would like to stress that the Play area, basketball courts, tennis courts and on-site cafe are all unaffected by the encampment and remain open for members of the public.”
