Travellers ordered to move by council after setting up camp near Leamington police station
Travellers who have pitched up close to Leamington police station have been ordered to move on today (Thursday April 30) by Warwick District Council.
More than 20 caravans and motorhomes have set up camp on land in Newbold Terrace East, close to Jephson Gardens.
Residents said the group arrived on Saturday April 25 and removed steel barriers installed to protect the green space, which is 400m away from
Warwickshire Justice Centre on Newbold Terrace, which includes a police station and the law courts.
Warwickshire Police say they have not taken action as it is a council matter.
Travellers have also pitched up just one mile away on Ford's Field.
Warwick District Council say the travellers have been ordered to move from the site by today (Thursday April 30) or face further action.
A spokesperson said: “The council has served a Notice of Direction on the unauthorised encampment at Newbold Terrace East, Leamington Spa,
requiring the occupants to leave by Thursday 30 April.
"If they fail to vacate then the council will apply for a court order to obtain possession of the land.
“This is a separate unauthorised encampment to the one at Fords Fields, Leamington Spa for which our solicitors have commenced legal proceedings to obtain possession of the land.
“The council has supplied refuse bins to both sites and will continue to monitor the areas with partners including Warwickshire Police.”
A police spokesperson said: "We were made aware of an unauthorised encampment on Newbold Terrace East in Leamington shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday (25 April).
"Officers are engaging with them and working with our partners at Warwick District Council at this time."