Issue - meetings

(i)            That the successful progress achieved in protecting the Boroughs public spaces from unauthorised encampments be noted.

(ii)          That the County-wide protocol proposed by Staffordshire Police be endorsed.

A report was submitted to Cabinet updating Members on the management and enforcement activity regarding unauthorised encampments across the Borough.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recycling, Councillor Trevor Johnson advised that the number of travellers incursions had reduced significantly since 2017.

Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 2 which listed where preventative measures had been taken, the type of deterrent and costings.

Reference was made to the draft Protocol that had been circulated to all Staffordshire District Councils for consultation.  Members were advised that the protocol was largely based on the successful approach adopted by Newcastle Borough Council over recent years.

A copy of the draft protocol was attached at page 19 of the agenda.

The Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg thanked Councillor Johnson, stating that it was a work in progress with Howard Place, Westlands now being considered for preventative measures.

The stumps had made a difference.  They were a deterrent and, while some people may move them, the police had powers to evict.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the Executive Director for Operations – Dave Adams and Councillor Johnson for their work on this matter.

Resolved:     (i)         That the successful progress achieved in protecting the

Borough’s public spaces from unauthorised encampments

be noted.

(ii)          That the County-wide protocol proposed by Staffordshire Police be endorsed.