CHESHIRE East Council has identified a site in Middlewich to become a legal encampment for gypsies and travellers.


The council says there has been a ‘significant rise’ in the number of illegal encampment across the borough and is looking to solve the issue by creating an authorised site on Cledford Lane, Middlewich.


Across east Cheshire, 78 illegal encampments were reported between January 1, and November 3, of this year.


The police have been unable to move travellers on from encampments due to the fact that the borough does not have a publicly-owned transit site which police can direct them to.


Cheshire East is currently in negotiations with the owners of the site on Cledford Lane with a view to purchasing it.


Clr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Cheshire East will not tolerate illegal encampments. They can have a detrimental impact on an area, resulting in significant clear-up costs, not only for the authority but also for businesses and residents.


“We, however, recognise that we have to make provision to enable the Gypsy and Traveller communities, who are passing through, a safe and secure location in which to stay on a temporary basis.”


Cheshire East will manage the transit site and those located on the site will pay rent and service charges.


Clr Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of localism and enforcement, said: “Cheshire East is experiencing a substantial rise in the number of illegal encampments across the authority.


“Incidents have more than doubled, which has had financial implications for the authority and private landowners.


“Cheshire East Council wants to reassure our residents and businesses that we are committed to providing, as a priority, a transit site to reduce the level of illegal encampments and to enable the police to use their powers, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order act 1994, to direct Travellers on to more appropriate sites.


“This will reduce the negative impact on residents and local businesses. If the Travellers refuse to move to such sites they have to leave the local authority area and cannot return for three months.

 

While occupying the transit site, they will have to pay for services, including rent.


“Living in illegal encampments also has implications for the Gypsy and Traveller communities themselves, as the lack of suitable facilities creates problems in terms of access to health and education and we wish to address these too.”