The Challenge
Our team was recently instructed by a landowner who had discovered an unauthorised encampment of travellers on a derelict industrial site in the North West of England. A total of 13 caravans had set up on the land, causing disruption for local residents and posing a potential risk to the client’s future redevelopment plans.
Unauthorised traveller encampments can create a range of operational, safety, and legal concerns for landowners, including damage to the site, waste accumulation and uncertainty about how long they will be on site for. In these cases, swift and lawful action is necessary to return possession of the land back to the landowner. This is where the support of an experienced company, such as CEA, is invaluable to carry out a successful traveller eviction on an industrial site.
Preparing for an eviction on an industrial site
Before enforcement action commenced, our team:
- Served a formal eviction notice under Common Law to the occupiers, giving them notice to vacate the site.
- Undertook a comprehensive site risk assessment to plan for logistics, health and safety, and to identify any hazards associated with the industrial setting and the number of vehicles present.
- Communicated with the client and prepared for all potential scenarios prior to attendance.
Ensuring all legal protocols are followed is crucial in these cases. This is not only to ensure the encampment is successfully removed, but also to protect the landowner from risk or liability during enforcement.
Carrying out the eviction
The following day, our enforcement team attended the site with a full operational plan to carry out the eviction:
- A team of six enforcement agents were deployed to manage the eviction.
- A tow truck was also present to assist with the removal of any caravans that were not mobile, or if the group refused to leave, which ensured the site could be cleared efficiently and safely.
On arrival, the team assessed the current situation and reiterated the deadline for vacating the land. When the travellers did not leave within the notice period, our agents commenced enforcement.
The industrial layout o
f the site meant that there were logistical challenges to consider, including uneven ground, tight spaces and multiple vehicles, but our prior risk assessment ensured that these had been anticipated and were managed successfully.
With a coordinated effort from all the agents on site, the encampment was fully evicted and the site clear within a matter of hours. The site was secured and returned to the client’s control.
The swift eviction process demonstrates how strong planning and professional enforcement brings about a quick resolution and minimises issues for the client.
Our client was extremely satisfied with how smoothly and professionally the eviction was handled, praising the diligence and communication of our agents throughout the process.
Support with a traveller eviction on an industrial site
If you’re facing an unauthorised encampment on your land, swift professional intervention makes all the difference. Contact our enforcement team to discuss your situation today and ensure you regain control of your site quickly.
We can be contacted 7 days a week on 0113 532 8350 or office@cealimited.co.uk.