Cheshire East Council is dithering over applying for a court injunction against unauthorised travellers in Nantwich because of the “costly legal procedure”, says a Cabinet member.
Yet, the authority has so far failed to provide any details of this cost when questioned by Nantwich News.
Friends of Barony Park and other campaigners have been pressing for an injunction for several weeks, following successful applications by other local authorities around the UK
The ongoing row comes as hundreds of people are expected to attend a public protest on Barony Park this weekend.
And the 13th unauthorised encampment of travellers arrived on the park last night (September 3).
In its latest statement, Cheshire East Council says it is still investigating “the legal process for obtaining an injunction”.
Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “The legal process for obtaining an injunction is being investigated.
“But the council is aware that in some parts of the country this has not been successful and, before entering into any costly legal procedure, the council must ensure that this is likely to produce an effective and satisfactory solution.
“We continue to explore other options for addressing the issue of unauthorised encampments and we are currently investigating the availability of land suitable for permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the borough.
“Whenever an unauthorised encampment is reported to the council, the site is visited by an experienced Gypsy and Traveller liaison officer, who will carry out welfare assessments and, if there are no issues, will then serve a section 77 notice, requiring the occupiers to leave.
“If the notice is not adhered to, court proceedings may follow. The team has to work within the guidelines set down by central government.”
Nantwich Town Council says it is not officially supporting Saturday’s protest, but some councilllors may decide to attend as a personal choice.
The town council also said a public meeting to discuss the issue – which was promised at a council meeting back in June – is now unlikely to go ahead due to a lack of agreement on any short, medium or long term resolution.
“We will continue to press Cheshire East Council to obtain an injunction to prevent unauthorised encampments, to progress the allocation and completion of transit site(s) in Cheshire East, and to consider reasonable preventative measures,” said a spokesman.
A £2 million investment plan by Everybody Leisure – which includes protection of Barony Park and its leisure facilities – is still to be approved by Cheshire East Committees.
Cheshire Police said they are aware of the planned protest on Saturday (September 7) and the arrival of the latest unauthorised traveller encampment.
A police spokeswoman said: “We are aware of a protest planned for the weekend at Barony Park in Nantwich and will be giving passing attention.
“Our role is to impartially allow for peaceful protesting, while ensuring that others can continue in their legitimate business activities, or commuting.”
(main pic provided by Desmond Evans)
I fear nothing will change until we confront the travellers and engineer direct confrontation. I’m prepared for that.
These itinerants are driving across the parkland putting the lives of park users and dog walkers in considerable danger -why are the police/council not taking action over this as it is not the first time this has happened. The cars being driven over the parkland and onto the highway have young children in wearing no seatbelts ,there are also no child seats in the car,which is on Irish plates. If I behaved in this fashion the police and council would come down on me like a ton bricks. These individuals seem able to behave as they like with impunity ,why is this the case?.
What would happen if we, the residents of Nantwich erected something to prevent access?
Seeing as the beam Heath/ barony is held in trust for the dabbers ( in my opinion unless a conveyance to Cec can be produced) I can see no problems with the locals taking action, and have no doubt that this idea will be mooted on Saturday at 10 on the barony
Also, Nantwich town council have surplus cash reserves of over 1 million pounds, yet they charge us the highest local levy precept of anywhere in Cheshire! The previous mayor David marren insisted on new robes costing 10k ish!!
Arthur Moran and this lot refuse to even spend a bit of our town and residents cash protecting our best asset from this constant abuse, let alone hold the meeting they promised. What a load of old cobblers. I’m so annoyed and frustrated with this now
A million quid? That’s insane
I thought the twenty odd thousand they just spent on recording equipment to record their own voices was a waste.
They’ve got a million quid and won’t even pay for an injunction to stop this mess? What are these trumpeters even doing!?!?!?
Nantwich town council have 12 paid members of staff and a clerk whom attends and facilitates about 24 meetings a year at a wage of 40k pa, but they can’t even sort this out!
Mayor Arthur Moran promised us a residents meeting to express our desired option moving forward so that Cheshire East would be aware how we feel but he has not bothered to do it. I feel like we have been taken for mugs on this
This is further evidence that this council are not to be trusted. Invest the money to stop access to the park as suggested by the residents of Nantwich and the problem will be solved!
Once again the people of Nantwich are suffering because of the councils inaction. What is it going to take for them to do something?
Inaction is less costly than action
But apparently they’ve got a million quid. How much can it possibly cost to apply for an injunction
The previous message does not appear to have been reported in it’s entirety . So I say again:
This situation is unacceptable. The need to get their overpaid derrières and take action NOW. We the taxpayers have put up with Cheshire East apathy, inertia and ineptitude. These individuals are not welcome here and should go now taking their contempt for normal society with them.
This situation is unacceptable. The council need to get off their overpaid derrières and take action NOW. We the taxpayers have put up with council
Agreed.