Birth of The Port

Birth of The Port

The Pioneers statue celebrates the canal builders who founded Ellesmere Port and was cast in bronze by Liverpool artist Stephen Broadbent.

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Home > Community > Gypsy and Travellers > How does the council deal with Gypsy and Traveller camps?
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How does the council deal with Gypsy and Traveller camps?

If Gypsies or Travellers set up a camp anywhere in the borough council area, the council's Property Unit should be informed.

You can report a new Gypsy or Traveller camp by phoning (0151) 356 6789 or by filling in our online form. Click on the link to use it: Gypsy and Traveller camp reporting form

The following is a description of the process once a Gypsy or Traveller encampment is reported to us:

  1. Property Unit is informed of the encampment by either the Police or the public. Details are taken to establish the location & arrival date .
  2. Property Unit establish who owns the land. If the council owns the land, a site visit is undertaken. If the land is not not council-owned the landowner or agent is notified of encampment
  3. On council land, legal services start the process to gain possession by drafting a notice to the Gypsies & Travellers informing them that the land is owned by Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council and they have 48 hours to move from the land.
  4. The notice is served by a private bailiff company who also carry out the welfare checks on behalf of the council.
  5. If the Gypsies and Travellers have not vacated a further notice is served, this is a possession order for notice of court hearing. The encampment is given 48 hours to get legal representation.
  6. The council will then return to court to get a court order to remove the Gypsies and Travellers from the land with immediate effect. This notice is served on the Gypsies and Travellers the same day.
  7. If the Gypsies and Travellers do not move the court bailiffs are instructed to remove the encampment.

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