Fines or prison for travellers

Travellers could soon face prison or fines for setting up illegal camps in the county.

Fines of up to £2,500 and three-month prisons sentences could be handed to those found guilty of intentionally setting up a camp and trespassing on private land under new legislation proposed by Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Police would also be given new powers to direct trespassers to authorised sites and the legislation would extend the time from which trespassers could return from three months to a year.

Further changes to the law include lowering the number of vehicles needed to be involved in an unauthorised encampment before police powers can be exercised from six to two, and enabling the police to remove trespassers from land that forms part of the highway.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion welcomed the move saying communities had the right to enjoy their neighbourhood without disruption.

“I welcome the move from Government to give more power to the police to remove intentional trespassers,” he said.

“Although a nomadic lifestyle is an alternative way of living which should be respected, this needs to be balanced with the needs of communities.

“Communities have the right to enjoy their neighbourhood without the disruption that intentional trespassers bring.

“Trespassing can be a reoccurring problem for landowners, causing nuisance and unnecessary expense to deal with the issue.

“These changes mean that action can be taken more quickly and efficiently to deal with the problem, giving some reassurance to landowners.”

It is also expected that the law will allow police enforcement against anyone over 18 who fails to vacate a private property when asked to do so by the landowner or police. Those found to be illegally occupying the property will also be barred from returning for at least a year.