Up, up and away

A CRACKDOWN on unauthorised travellers’ camps around Hollinwood resulted in those responsible being driven from the borough.

Council officers worked round-the-clock to solve the problem after they were notified of an illegal camp on Pump Street on June 1.

The group left within 24 hours after officers visited with police and served a notice for them to leave.

They went to a plot of private land at Drury Lane, where the council intervened on behalf of the landowner, obtaining a court order on June 7 directing them to leave.

The group teamed up with more travellers to return to Pump Street the following day, but again were moved on when they were served with yet another 24-hour notice.

Last Thursday, the travellers set up camp on a playing field at Westwood Primary School, prompting another visit from officers, and another 24-hour notice being served, before the group finally left the borough at 8.30pm that day.

Councillor Rod Blyth, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: “This was a particularly challenging situation that required determination from our officers to allay the concerns of local residents and landowners.

“Travellers pursue a different way of life and — when taking action against illegal camps — we are required, as a local authority, to assess their welfare and the potential problems caused to the neighbourhood.

“Where sites are classed as sensitive, notice can be given by the police for travellers to leave within 24 hours. The legal process which the council must adopt can take up to seven days — or even longer if there are welfare issues.”

He added: “Everyone has the right to live in a community in which each member has responsibilities and rights, and where none should receive preferential treatment.

“In conjunction with the police, staff worked around the clock at evenings and weekends to bring this matter to a conclusion.

“Oldham Council will take action to remove travellers where they do not have permission from the landowner to stay.”

Contact the council on 0161-770 2222 to report any incidents.