Following a huge increase in the number of trespass incidents involving travellers over the last two years, Croydon Council has set up a working group to speed up the enforcement process, writes Cara Summerhayes.

Two years ago, there were between four and six encampments annually, but this level has risen to as many two or three a week. This, in turn, has seen an increase in fly-tipping with either the council or private land owners 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 injunction which takes up to 10 days.

Once the court order has been served, the travellers tend to move on 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 to seek to impound any trespassers' vehicles involved in fly-tipping.

A "one-stop" help line has been set up to deal with enquiries concerning travellers on 020 8760 5507.

December 7, 2001 15:00