A GOVERNMENT review could give people more power to challenge unauthorised traveller encampments.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has welcomed the review which will explore options in dealing with the problem.
In Warwickshire there have been 30 unauthorised encampments since the beginning of the year prompting complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour including fly-tipping and noise.
Mr Seccombe said: “Tackling the problems caused by unauthorised traveller encampments has been something that we have prioritised in Warwickshire, so I welcome the opportunity to be able to have a national debate on the powers available to police, local authorities and landowners.
“Last year I held a summit meeting to discuss the existing legislation and what powers might be helpful in supporting better management of encampments when they occur.
“It lead to the establishment of the Warwickshire Protocol on Unauthorised Encampments, which has helped to foster a collaborative approach to dealing with unauthorised encampments when they occur, as well as looking for longer term approaches to reduce the problems faced by both the traveller and settled communities.”
The consultation covers police and local authority powers, court processes, government guidance, the provision of legal sites, and the impact on settled and nomadic communities.
