Plans to tackle the number of unauthorised traveller encampments in the borough are due to get underway, it has been confirmed.
According to Basingstoke and Deane borough council, a ‘substantial number of complaints’ were issued about the use of council owned-land in 2009. Throughout the whole of 2009 there were 64 encampments on land in the borough – a total of 378 caravans.
So far this year there have been six encampments but the figure is expected to rise sharply in the summer months. Borough bosses incurred significant costs clearing up after travellers and residents are being asked to give their opinions ahead of a full review.
It is estimated around £30,000 was spent by the borough council on illegal encampments. A survey is now online at www.basingstoke.gov.uk as part of a consultation that runs up until Friday, June 18.
The findings will then go before the council’s Community Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee who will take a close look at the council’s policies and procedures on unauthorised encampments.
Head of Strategy and Innovation, Therese Lawlor, said: “During 2009 there was a significant increase in the number of unauthorised encampments in the borough. Some of these had a limited impact on local residents, but the regular use of council-owned public open space areas, especially over the summer, led to a substantial number of complaints from the public and costs for cleaning up the sites.
“Having received many complaints themselves, councillors decided to carry out a review of all the council’s policies and procedures for removing unauthorised encampments, including looking at what other councils are doing, to ensure that all unauthorised encampments on the council’s land are dealt with fairly and effectively.
“As part of the review the council is keen to hear about the impact on local residents living near the unauthorised encampments.”
Feedback from the survey will be considered at the committee’s meeting on Wednesday, June 20 together with views from Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary and the travelling community.
An online questionnaire has been launched at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/yoursay or for more information contact the council on 01256 844844.
People without internet access can request a paper copy by calling 01256 845399.
