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Council Faces Massive clear up costs as travellers move out

31 May, 2000 Travellers on the Tolworth Court Farm moved off on Thursday night leaving a trail of devastation behind them. Liberal Democrat Councillor Vicki Harris has received the backing of local M.P. Edward Davey in calling for a change in the law dealing with travellers.

The latest spate of invasions across the South of the Borough have taken weeks at a time to sort out and will leave the Council with a hefty clean-up bill to pay. The current laws introduced by the previous government ties the hands of authorities in how to deal with travellers and leaves the costs of clearing up on the shoulders of local residents.

Commenting on the situation Liberal Democrat Councillor Vicki Harris said

"This site has been ruined yet again. Residents are having to suffer the effects of these travellers moving in, staying for far too long and then have to pay to clear up after them! Council staff on the ground have worked hard to help resolve the situation but their hands are tied by the current law. This Council has been put in this position for far too long now. The law is in serious need of reform and I hope others join Ed in asking for the government to look again at this.
And local M.P. Edward Davey said

"The Conservative Government tried to reform the law to stop travellers abusing residents goodwill, yet they ended up making things worse. I will be making my proposals and have already had many helpful suggestions from the local police and residents."
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