The cost to remove a “large encampment of travellers” set up in a popular park over the weekend has been revealed.
A large number of caravans first showed up on Moss Bank Park on Friday, August 15, and a section 77 eviction notice was issued on the day they arrived.
But the travellers did not move from the park and remained there until Tuesday, August 26.
Cllr Garry Veevers, of Smithills, asked the question at a Bolton Council full council meeting on Wednesday (September 3) evening.
He said: “Due to the failure to ensure that all of the travellers obeyed the court order and vacated the park when required on the August 22, those that did leave decided to return and were joined by new arrivals.
“This large encampment, right in the heart of the park, left many residents unable to use the park on what should have been the busiest bank holiday weekend of the year.
“It also led to most traders in the park having to close with considerable loss of revenue and the fire brigade also attended on several occasions to deal with fires.”
He added that there was also a “considerable cost” to the council resulting from the clean-up operation after the caravans had left.
Cllr Veevers asked what the expected cost was from the clean-up, loss to traders and what actions will be taken against them for failing to obey the court order.
He added: “Can you also confirm that it’s very dangerous for potential visitation in Bolton if we get a reputation for not enforcing court orders to leave.
“I do know that the group that was evicted from Smithills then turned up at another park in another ward – perhaps being encouraged to test the council’s resolve in light of what happened in Moss Bank Park.”
Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.co.uk
Cllr Sean Fielding, the council’s executive member for adults and community housing, said that it was expected to cost the council £226 in court fees and £354 for the clean up.
But he said that this didn’t include officer time and attendance, administration and court appearances.
READ MORE: Bolton Ukrainians given honour for friendship agreement
READ MORE: Bolton Council paid off tens of millions of pounds worth of debt
READ MORE: Pensioners to face time restrictions on free bus pass use from tomorrow
He added: “We cannot quantify the impact on traders affected by the travellers presence – that would be subject to their decision to close or otherwise and any impact on reduced customers.
“The size of the encampment and its timing over a bank holiday weekend caused a short delay in those resources being deployed and available.”
Cllr Fielding said that a section 78 order, an order to remove, can be issued if the section 77 is ignored.
Under the removal order, it’s an offence to return to the site within three months, and if that happens, the police can seize vehicles, which he said acts as a “significant deterrent”.
Share