TRAVELLERS setting up camps in public green fields, car parks and other open spaces can be very frustrating for residents.

It was only last month when a group appeared at the site of the former Countrywide Store in Ducklington Lane, Witney, and Oxfordshire County Council said that an eviction was being sought through the courts.

Where travellers cannot park

Groups cannot set up camp on any land they do not have permission for.

Currently, there are six permanent council-owned sites in Oxfordshire, providing 89 pitches.

There are also 21 privately run sites. 

Where travellers can park in Oxfordshire

Sites managed by the Oxfordshire Gypsy and Traveller Services

Middle Ground, Wheatley - 16 plots

Ten Acre Park, Sandford-on-Thames - 16 plots

Redbridge Hollow, Hinksey Hill - 24 plots

The Sturt, Oakley Wood, Benson - 5 plots

Woodhill Lane, East Challow - 12 plots

The Furlong, Downs road, Standlake - 16 plots

What can landowners do if travellers park on their land

Oxfordshire County Council advises that landowners should see if a leaving date can be agreed between the two parties.

If this is unsuccessful they can take proceedings in the county court under the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 to obtain a court order for their eviction.

There must be a minimum of two clear days between service of documents and the court hearing.

Can the council remove travellers from their land immediately

No, the council must:

Show that the travellers are on the land without consent

Make enquiries regarding the general health, welfare and children's education

Ensure that the Human Rights Acts 1998 has been fully complied with

They must also follow a set procedure in terms of proving ownership of land and details of the illegal encampment that will enable them to successfully obtain the necessary authority from the courts.

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What can the police do

The council or landowner can contact the police if a traveller site is trespassing and they can be immediately evicted from the site if there are two or more people, they have six or more vehicles parked on the land or one of them has caused damage or behaved in a threatening or abusive manner.

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