Statement from the Town Clerk, Monday 15th September 2014 I was notified that travellers had set up camp in Rock Park on Sunday, and am working with the Police, legal advisers and security support to evict them at the earliest opportunity. The legal process we have to follow is frustrating but necessary. We hope to be able to obtain a court order within the next couple of days and to carry out the eviction if the group has not left before then. The Town Council deplores this completely inappropriate incursion into Rock Park, preventing its use as a recreational and sports facility. We deeply regret that the park was unavailable for football fixtures on Sunday, and the inconvenience to other users of the park. Although we understand the group’s desire for a place to stay, the choice of Rock Park is completely unacceptable. We urge them to recognise this and move on without the need for a formal eviction, but we will use the law as swiftly as possible to ensure that their stay is as short as we can legally make it. They are not welcome in Rock Park. I have received reports of damage caused to the park while the group has been there. The Town Council (call 01271 373311) and the Police (call 101 or 999 in an emergency) would naturally want to hear from witnesses to any criminal activity in the park. We would also urge people not to engage with the group in any way that might inflame this already difficult situation. I am now hopeful of getting a court hearing on Wednesday afternoon. Will Austin, Town Clerk, Barnstaple Town Council. Tel 01271 373311
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:18:04 +0000
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