AN ILLEGAL encampment of travellers in Malvern’s Victoria Park have been moved on after what the town council described as a ‘tense week’ for the community.
Travellers moved onto the site late on Sunday, June 29 and the town council acted swiftly by enacting common law powers to request the unlawful occupants leave the site by 5pm on Monday (June 30).
The occupants refused, forcing the town council to involve the police to manage the situation and explore options for resolution.
Further dialogue took place on Wednesday, and it was 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, making legal eviction impossible.
The town council then sought the only remedy left open to it which was a court order to evict. Whilst waiting for an update on their request on Friday (July 4), West Mercia Police placed their own order to vacate and removed the encampment later that day.
Malvern mayor, councillor Marilyn Birks, said: “I understand the feeling of anxiousness you all must have felt during this difficult situation, and I want to thank, you our fantastic community for pulling together, providing resilience and supporting us and each other during this time.
“Malvern Town Council staff and councillors have really appreciated your patience during this situation.
“I want to thank the Malvern Town Council Operations team, who have done a fantastic job tidying up the mess that the illegal encampment had left at Victoria Park.
“At the weekend, I was pleased to see the playground full of little ones, games of rounders taken place and dog walkers returning to the park.
“It was also great to see the community coming to enjoy a coffee and cake at the Bilberry Café.”
The mayor also ensured she would hold a debriefing meeting to learn from the situation and secure the town’s green spaces in the future through support and assistance of the relevant organisations and authorities.
