Travellers on council land

When dealing with unauthorised encampments on council land, the Council has an agreed procedure to follow. It also has obligations to the travellers in respect of assessing health and housing needs, and asks to be notified of any special circumstances by way of questionnaires left with the travellers.

First notices are served which give the travellers 24 hours to vacate the site.

A Direction under Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 then advises that they are still on site without licence or consent, and provides a deadline date for them to leave.

If the travellers fail to comply with the notice, then the council will implement further, formal eviction procedures, including court action.

We work actively with Avon and Somerset Police and other multi-agency partners to keep disruption to amenities and services to a minimum.