Travellers moving on from Harpenden

Harpenden Town Council released the following statement today, 17 July 2020:

Update 10am 17 July 2020 – Unauthorised Encampment on Harpenden Common

We have visited the site again this morning and carried out an assessment of the situation. As a result we have taken the decision to instruct Enforcement Bailiffs to attend the site and issue a ‘notice to leave’ under Common Law by tomorrow morning. Enforcement bailiffs will attend the site tomorrow morning and carry out a physical eviction if they have not abided by the notice to leave.

Unfortunately there are limited powers available to us to deal with these type of unauthorised encampments and so we have to carefully decide our actions to ensure the quickest outcome. In this case we feel the use of Common Law is appropriate given the environmental importance of the part of the Common that they are on and the potential for a negative impact on the rights of the local community.

We are also aware that a fly-tip has appeared adjacent to the encampment and we will be following this up.

We are aware of this issue as they are expected to move overnight/tomorrow morning.

Please remember to call 999 in an emergency.