Illegal gypsy and traveller encampments in Elmbridge will face increased security measures after Elmbridge Council took the decision to put in place a £120,000 scheme following a surge in pitches cropping up across the borough.
Caravans at Hersham Recreation grounds
Unauthorised sites will forcibly be removed if occupiers fail to comply with removal orders, according to a public document released by the council.
“Harsh” metal posts that are “less in keeping with a green and pleasant borough” will also be implemented to stop travellers setting up camps, according to the document titled the Joint Elmbridge Borough Council Traveller and Gypsy Protocol published last month.
Two gypsy and traveller liaison officers will be recruited and trained in addition to the two already employed and security works are also set to begin this month.
Councillor Mary Sheldon, portfolio holder for leisure and cultural services, said: “Following the incursions over the last summer, the council has taken a proactive view on strengthening the security of the borough’s open spaces to further protect the council’s land holdings.
“Whilst there is no absolute protection, sites were reviewed for improved security through ditching and banking, wooden posts, metal posts and in some cases selected tree planting.”
Recent unauthorised pitches were found at Waterside Drive open space, Tilt Common in Cobham, Walton Park car park and Hersham recreation ground.
David Tipping, from Cobham Heritage Trust, said the group of travellers previously at Tilt Common had caused “no major problems” and even made sure the area was cleared of litter when they left.
One of the caravans at Hersham Recreation ground
He added: “The feeling of people is that there should be more permanent sites, but at the end of the day people should have to pay their way and shouldn’t get it free of charge.
“You can’t just turn up and use open land. It’s a conservation area and residents would be up in arms if it happened again.”
Charmaine Valler, of Friends, Families and Travellers, a charity dedicated to ending racism and discrimination towards the Gypsy and traveller communities, said: “If there are no provisions made for them by the council, where can they be expected to go?
“You’re denying the children from having schooling, you’re denying people from having healthcare and it just goes on and on in a very vicious circle. The council have a very difficult decision as everyone will just say ‘Not in my back yard’.”
Elmbridge Council will spend £80,000 on the protocol this year and the remaining £40,000 next year.
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