Illegal campers moved on by police from leisure centre car park

People camping unlawfully in a leisure centre car park have been moved on by police after complaints about anti-social behaviour, including children under the age of 10 throwing stones. The encampment at Evesham Leisure Centre[1] was initially made up of six caravans and police said led to disruption for the public and staff.

Evesham Safer Neighbourhood Team issued a Direction to Leave under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act on Monday, September 18. This new legislation empowers the police to create an offence for any person over the age of 18 residing on land without the authority of the occupier, possessing or intending to possess at least one vehicle on the land, and causing significant damage, disruption, or distress or being likely to cause such disruption because of their presence.

Reports were received by the police regarding isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour, including shouting among group members and the throwing of stones by young children. Police said they were supporting the council’s attempts to remove a group of individuals from the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller community who arrived on Sunday, September 17.

Wychavon issued its own Direction to Leave, and, simultaneously, Community Protection Notices were issued to specific individuals within the encampment, directing them not to return to the Wychavon area for the next 12 months. However, when the group failed to vacate the site at the specified time, the SNT took further action by issuing a Direction to Leave under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Wychavon and Malvern Hills Dave Wise said: “The style and tone of how we police are key – officers should be respectful to the needs of all persons involved, listen to any concerns, consider any vulnerabilities and act in a way that is fair, objective, reasonable, and inclusive. However, where local amenities are deprived to communities and local disruption to the economy, as well as other significant disruptions, it is right for the police to take preventative action."

Councillor Rob Adams, Executive Board Member with responsibility for Community Safety on Wychavon District Council, said: "Partnership working is so important when dealing with these types of situations and this is a good example of how we have supported the police to act swiftly to prevent any further disruption or distress to leisure centre staff, users and residents in the area.”

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References

  1. ^ Evesham Leisure Centre (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Gloucester death: Major police update issued after man loses life (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ our newsletter (www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk)

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