North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) has pledged to carry out a full review of recent traveller activity in the borough and its own response to the situation.
Between May and June, multiple traveller groups set up unauthorised camps on at least five separate sites across the area, including Weelsby Woods and a public car park in Cleethorpes. The encampments resulted in property damage and several tonnes of waste being left behind, which cost NELC thousands to remove.
The incidents prompted legal action by the council against the groups, while two private landowners were forced to take independent steps to evict travellers from their land.
Speaking during a recent council-led Q&A, Council Leader Philip Jackson confirmed that a review would take place. He added that while such incidents are not unique to the borough, the council would assess “what happened and how we handled this particular situation” to draw “lessons for the future.”
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, described the situation as particularly difficult due to the number of groups involved. “We’d never experienced three lots coming in at once,” he said.
He explained that a strict legal process had to be followed, which included proving the groups had no consent to be on the land, obtaining a 24-hour notice to vacate from the Magistrates Court, and then seeking further eviction orders if necessary.
Despite facing “aggressive” and “threatening” behaviour, Councillor Shepherd praised council staff for acting swiftly and professionally. He also said the council would explore measures to deter future encampments, such as restricting access to known hotspots.
“On council land, I want to reassure you that we need to be tougher, we need to grow, we need to be stronger and deal with these people as they deal with us,” he added.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.