Following a huge increase in the number of trespass incidents involving travellers over the last two years, Croydon Council has set up a Corporate Working Group to speed up the enforcement process.
From between four and six encampments annually two years ago, the level has risen to two or three a week, resulting in fly-tipping with either the council or private land owner having to foot the clear up bill.
The council is currently limited in its powers to move travellers on immediately because they need to seek a court which takes up to 10 days.
Once the court order has been served the travellers tend to move and set up camp on other land, starting the process again.
So now the working group has been established to work with the police, Environment Agency and other boroughs to speed up the process, and impound any trespasser's vehicle involved in fly-tipping.
A one-stop help line has been set up to deal with enquiries concerning travellers on 020 8760 5507.
December 13, 2001 14:00
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