Taunton Encampment Persists Despite Eviction Notice
A large encampment of caravans and towing vehicles has remained in Victoria Park, Taunton, despite an eviction notice being served by the local authorities. According to reports from the Somerset County Gazette, the encampment, which first arrived on Thursday, April 17, has continued to expand in size, with multiple caravans and towing vehicles added to the site.
The Somerset County Gazette understands that Taunton Town Council confirmed on April 18 that eviction notices had been “served by police” to the encampment at Victoria Park. The council also confirmed that it was working with its “enforcement partners” to clear the site “at the earliest opportunity.” However, despite the notice, the encampment at Victoria Park remains, as of Easter Monday, April 21.
A spokesperson for Taunton Town Council told the Somerset County Gazette that: "Please be aware there is an unauthorised encampment at Victoria Park. We are following our Unauthorised Encampment Policy and Procedure to swiftly seek their removal from the park, the local policing team have been informed."
Councillor Tom Deakin, a representative of Taunton Town Council, expressed his gratitude to residents for their patience whilst the council follows the appropriate procedures. He stated: “Thank you to residents for your patience whilst the council follows the appropriate procedures – I fully understand the inconvenience those things cause.” Cllr Deakin also thanked staff at Taunton Town Council for their hard work in making this happen on a Bank Holiday and to Avon and Somerset Police for their support.
The Somerset County Gazette has learned that it is not known when the encampment will be dispersed by the relevant authorities. The persistence of the encampment has likely caused concern among local residents, who may be worried about the impact on the area. As the situation continues to unfold, the Somerset County Gazette will provide updates on any developments.
The issue of unauthorised encampments has been a recurring problem in Taunton, with the Somerset County Gazette reporting on multiple instances of such encampments in the area. The Somerset County Gazette will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
In related news, the Somerset County Gazette has reported on other instances of unauthorised encampments in the Taunton area. These stories can be found on the Somerset County Gazette website, providing readers with in-depth coverage of the issue.
