Action is being taken against travellers over illegal camp in Blackbrook, Taunton

Complaints have been made to Taunton Deane Borough Council and police after caravans moved onto land near Blackbrook Leisure Centre yesterday (May 9).

A spokeswoman for the council has confirmed steps are now being taken to remove them.

The spokeswoman said: “We have taken the first step in trying to regain possession of land at Better, Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa by serving notice to vacate as the travellers are occupying the land without licence or consent.

“Council officers have visited the site and followed necessary procedures, including welfare checks. If the travellers fail to comply with the notice, further legal steps will be implemented.

"Blackbrook Leisure Centre and pool remain open as usual."

The action comes after residents living in St Quintin Park, Bathpool, complained after around a dozen caravans were driven onto land overlooking their homes on the Bank Holiday weekend.

Travellers also left a trail of destruction in their wake after getting turfed off the park and ride site at taunon Gateway, Ruishton, last month.

When dealing with unauthorised encampments on council-owned land, the authority says it has obligations in respect of health and housing which it must assess and a process it must follow.

Officers have visited the site to serve a notice explaining it belongs to the council and that travellers do not have consent to be there.

The authority then requests to be notified of any special circumstances (i.e. housing or health) by way of questionnaires left with the occupants.  A formal notice requesting they leave is issued typically within 24 hours.  Then, assuming no questionnaires are returned, a formal direction to leave the land is issued, again typically giving 24 hours’ notice.