Key Points
- · Bolton Council is pursuing legal action to remove unauthorised Traveller encampments at Moss Bank Park.
- · Travellers were given notice to leave Moss Bank Park after caravans appeared near the park’s main entrance.
- · The Council follows legal processes including welfare assessments, issuing formal directions to vacate, and court summons if encampments persist.
- · Persistent issues with unauthorised encampments include anti-social behaviour and criminal activities.
- · Bolton Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service manages registered caravan parks and responds to unauthorised encampments on council land.
- · Moss Bank Park is a popular public park designated for family use and is undergoing investment for improvements.
- · Legal framework involves use of Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 for removal of unauthorised encampments.
- · The Council prioritises welfare and safety of all communities, balancing enforcement with support and tenant relocation.
What legal actions is Bolton Council taking against Travellers on Moss Bank Park?
Bolton Council is actively taking legal steps to remove unauthorised Traveller encampments on Moss Bank Park. According to Bolton Council’s Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service documentation, when encampments appear on council land, officers visit and carry out welfare assessments, issue a code of conduct and guidance leaflets, and serve a formal direction under section 77(1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 demanding travellers vacate the land within 24 hours. If the Travellers do not comply, the Council applies for a court hearing. Upon scheduling a court date, the encampment is served with a court summons under section 78 of the same Act. If the order to vacate is ignored beyond a reasonable period, typically seven days, the Council collaborates with the police to enforce the court order.
As reported by Bolton Council, failure to remove vehicles or property and return to the site within three months after an eviction may result in criminal charges with fines up to £1,000 or imprisonment up to three months. This structured legal response aims to control persistent unauthorised use of public spaces while observing legal obligations, including health and welfare assessments for the travellers who often lead a nomadic lifestyle.
What triggered Bolton Council’s current legal action at Moss Bank Park?
The current legal proceedings follow previous incidents where groups of Travellers set up encampments in Moss Bank Park, particularly near the park’s main entrance off Moss Bank Road. These unauthorised encampments have disrupted the park’s operations and raised concerns among local residents and park users. As reported by The Telegraph, the Travellers were formally given notice by Bolton Council to leave the park after their caravans appeared at the site, a response in line with the Council’s established protocols on unauthorised encampments.
How significant is Moss Bank Park to the Bolton community?
Moss Bank Park is recognised as a valued green space and recreational area within Bolton. It holds a strong appeal among families and visitors due to its children's play areas, rock garden, and extensive green spaces. Tripadvisor reviews highlight the park's popularity for children’s activities, family outings, and its overall pleasant environment, despite challenges related to safety flooring and play equipment maintenance.
In recent years, Bolton Council has committed a £600,000 investment to enhance parks across Bolton, including Moss Bank Park. Planned improvements include refurbishing play equipment, replacing aging wooden structures, cleaning and repainting, and repairing key park areas such as the rock garden. These investments indicate the Council’s commitment to maintaining Moss Bank Park as a safe, welcoming area for the broader community.
What facilities and services does Bolton Council provide for Gypsy and Traveller communities?
Bolton Council operates a registered caravan site where Gypsies and Travellers can reside permanently under tenancy agreements. This site accommodates up to 14 families but is currently closed to new clients. The Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service also manages reports of unauthorised encampments on council and private lands, providing guidance and assistance while adhering to legal protocols. The Liaison Service acts as a key point of contact between the Traveller communities, the Council, and partner agencies to address issues arising from encampments, balancing enforcement with support.
What are the main challenges faced by Bolton Council regarding Traveller encampments?
Unauthorised Traveller encampments often involve complex social, legal, and community challenges. Bolton Council reports that persistent unauthorised encampments can lead to anti-social behaviour and sometimes criminal activities which impact residents, park users, and Traveller communities alike.
The legal processes to remove encampments require balancing enforcement with welfare considerations, requiring liaison with health services and police when necessary. There is also the challenge of providing adequate alternative accommodation and relocation support for Traveller families affected by these actions.
What legal framework guides Bolton Council’s handling of unauthorised Traveller encampments?
Bolton Council’s actions are guided by national legislation, particularly the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The act provides mechanisms through which councils can issue directions to vacate land, seek court orders, and where necessary involve police to enforce removal. The council must also adhere to statutory duties to carry out welfare needs assessments before eviction where applicable.
What have local leaders said about the situation?
While specific statements about Moss Bank Park encampments were not separately quoted in the sources, Bolton Council leader Nick Peel, speaking on a related Traveller site closure, emphasised that decisions to close sites were not taken lightly and focused on balancing safety and community needs. Peel remarked on the importance of ensuring safe environments for all tenants and local residents and acknowledged the significance of Traveller families in the community.
Bolton Council’s current legal action against unauthorised Traveller encampments at Moss Bank Park highlights the ongoing challenges local authorities face balancing public space management, legal enforcement, and community welfare for all residents and nomadic groups. With continued investment in public parks and adherence to legal standards, the council aims to uphold safety and enjoyment of spaces like Moss Bank Park for the whole community.