Extra security to prevent unauthorised encampments in Newton Abbot’s parks

Extra security to prevent unauthorised encampments in Newton Abbot’s parks.

TEIGNBRIDGE District Council has taken steps to reduce the chance of travellers establishing unauthorised encampments in Newton Abbot’s parks and open spaces

The authority has installed new height barriers and other measures, such as earth banks and wooden posts, in Osborne Park, Forde Park, Courtenay Park, Bakers Park, Decoy Countryside Park, Sandringham Park and Coach Road.

The move follows six incidents across the district last summer which caused upset among residents and landed the Council with hefty bills to cover the travellers’ removal and clean-up costs.

News of the improved security was given to Newton Abbot Town Council by District Councillor Jackie Hook.

She told members, in her latest report, that the search was now on for ‘tolerated’ stopping spaces.

‘These are locations identified as being suitable for occasional, short-term use, for a few days or at most a couple of weeks,’ she said.

‘When a travelling household uses a site there may be a need to provide some basic facilities to meet welfare needs (e.g. portable toilet, refuse bin, etc.).

‘There would therefore be some associated costs, but these are likely to be less than the legal and clear-up costs resulting from unauthorised encampments, and less than the costs of maintaining permanent transit provision.

‘Little or no capital expenditure would be required to make such provision across the County.

‘The development of such a network of stopping places is the preferred approach. To progress this collaboration is required between Local authorities in Devon.’

Photo: An abandoned caravan