The group of travellers which arrived in John Leigh Park yesterday has been served a 24-hour notice to leave by Greater Manchester Police.
We reported last night how the group, which yesterday numbered nine caravans and other assorted vehicles, had set up camp in the Altrincham park after reportedly arriving from the Midlands.
Environmental health officers from Trafford Council today visited the travellers with officers from Greater Manchester Police.
After being served notice by the police, the travellers have 24 hours to leave the 98-year-old park – so must do so by 1.30pm tomorrow.
Below: The travellers in John Leigh Park
The last group of travellers to be served with that notice in Altrincham – at Long Hey playing fields in June – complied with the notice and left soon after.
Should the travellers refuse, the police can use their powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to move them off the land.
However, the Friends of John Leigh Park community group told us they were “still waiting for clarification from the police as to whether they are prepared to do so on this occasion”.
According to the 1994 Act, that decision would depend on factors such as whether there was criminal or anti-social behaviour on the site and the impact on the environment and the local community.
Should the police decide not to enforce an eviction, the only option will be to start the more lengthy process of attempting to obtain a court order.
And according to information provided on Trafford Council’s website, a court would allow the travellers to stay if there was an unavoidable reason for them to be on the land, or if the council had “failed to make adequate enquiries regarding the general health and welfare of the Gypsies/Travellers”.
The guidance added that the length of time before removal would “depend upon the circumstances of each individual case”.
