I know how angry people are over the unauthorised traveller incursions our community has faced this year. I saw the consequences first hand when I visited the areas affected with the Leader of the Council, Morris Bright. A green open space used by all the community for recreation, and particularly by children for playing, was blighted with piles of rubbish, used household items and even dirty nappies. This is completely unacceptable.

Our community prides itself on being open and welcoming to everyone. But people must obey the law and accept the responsibilities that underpin it.  

This is an issue that is going to require local and national solutions, and that’s why I convened a meeting with the Housing Minister, Kit Malthouse MP, and Morris to discuss what action needs to be taken.

I welcome the news that the Government is now exploring in detail the measures used in Ireland to strengthen the authorities’ legal powers to move on trespassers. This is something I have been pushing for over the past few months.

I am also glad that locally the Council are taking action to install bollards around the most at risk green spaces. This will help protect the parks and public land we all treasure.

Resolving this will not be easy and I will be continuing to work on this issue over the coming months on your behalf.