An illegal traveller site was removed from Dagenham’s Central Park last Thursday (29 March) in the latest demonstration of the council’s powers to tackle unlawful encampments.

Three caravans and four vehicles, including a small tipper lorry, were issued with an enforcement notice to vacate the site within two hours or risk being arrested.

Despite the individuals being aggressive and threatening towards police and council officers, the car park was vacated within an hour.

This is the third time in as many weeks that the council has had to use its new powers, which were granted at the High Court in October last year. The day before, Wednesday, 28 March, the council had moved an illegal site from Millennium Centre car park in Dagenham.

Using the injunction to the maximum effect

Jonathon Toy, Operational Director for Enforcement Services, said: “This is another successful example of our illegal encampment injunction doing its job and protecting our borough.

“This is exactly why we were so determined to secure the injunction. The council and police will continue to use the powers, granted through the injunction, to its maximum effect to ensure Barking and Dagenham is protected.”

The injunction is thought to be the first of its kind in England and Wales and bans unlawful campsites from being set up at a number of designated sites across the borough, including parks, open spaces, schools, and industrial sites. It also prohibits fly-tipping.