Basildon urges strengthening of law to prevent re-occupation of sites like Dale Farm

Basildon Council has called for the law to be strengthened to prevent re-occupation of illegal sites like Dale Farm once they have been cleared.

The comments came as the authority re-served injunction papers on residents in five caravans that had returned to the site.

Cllr Tony Ball, the council’s Leader, said: “We have reminded residents of the consequences of breaching this. These attempts to reoccupy the site are unacceptable and put them in contempt of court that could lead to a prison sentence.

“I am very disappointed by these latest events, as Mr Justic McDuff was very clear that he would treat any breach of the injunction very seriously. We have done all that we can legally to prevent reoccupation, and we cannot do any more. We believe that the law needs strengthening in this
regard.”

Cllr Ball said Basildon’s priority remained to ensure compliance at the illegal site. However, he said it would be “looking carefully” at any breaches on the legal pitches and on the roadside and would be taking appropriate action.

Basildon’s Leader added: “The only way forward to the travellers in the long term is to obey the
law, follow rules and regulations and cooperate with local councils like ours. If the law is being broken, we will continue to enforce, as we would with any member of the community and as the public expect us to do.”