Robust security measures have been proposed to deter unauthorised vehicle access to Elm Park after travellers set up an encampment on the field last month.
South Gloucestershire Council served a notice under section 77 Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994, requesting the travellers leave the land owned by Filton Town Council.
On July 27, the council requested a court hearing, which was granted two days later, as a complaint that persons and the vehicles in Elm Park were in contravention of the Act.
The courts made an order in accordance with section 78 of the Act for all vehicles, and those living in them, to be removed.
Bailiffs attended Elm Park on July 30 July and the travellers left.
At a recent council meeting, Filton Town councillors discussed potential measures to secure Elm Park from future incidents and unauthorised activities which may damage the park.
A motion proposed by Cllr Mac Elmorssey intends to counter common issues including unauthorised vehicle access, damage to grassed areas, informal access routes being created, weaknesses in park boundary protection and ongoing maintenance requirements following incidents.
Suggested reinforcements to the park include replacing existing access bollards with more robust security measures, wooden boundary fencing and accessible kissing gates.
The proposal was passed over to the Assets and Open Spaces committee to discuss in further detail.
Throughout the month of August, several other unauthorised encampments were established throughout South Gloucestershire. Affected sites included the Jubilee Centre in Bradley Stoke, Pomphrey Hill Playing Fields, Emersons Green and Little Stoke Park.
Each encampment was resolved by the respective parish or town councils and Avon and Somerset Police.
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, said: “Thank you to fellow residents for reporting these unauthorised encampments, and to South Glos Council, our diligent town and parish councils, police, and all involved in responding to them.
“I’m glad we’ve then been seeing the right outcome in each instance, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t impact on our community – there very much is.
“We’re seeing this disruption affect local businesses, and families and individuals who can’t use community spaces that should be available to everyone.
“There are appropriate ways of locating and securing suitable sites, and this is not that. I fully support the authorities to continue in their approach to challenging unauthorised encampments.
“The sooner this consistent and strong approach is accepted by those involved, the better for everyone — certainly our local community”.
To report an unauthorised encampment, contact South Glos Council via travellerunit@southglos.gov.uk or 01454 868009. Please include the specific location of the encampment, how many caravans are involved and details of the enquiry or complaint.