Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is taking legal action to remove an unauthorised tent encampment from a closed former car park on Well Street, near homes in Newcastle town centre.
Council officers issued a Notice to Leave to occupants of the former Bankside car park last Friday, following concerns raised by local residents. After a further inspection on 20 July 2026 found occupants still present, the council applied to County Court for a Possession Order hearing.
What happens next
Once the Possession Order is granted and served, the council will return to court to seek enforcement by County Court bailiffs if occupants refuse to leave. The bailiffs will then attend the site and remove the encampment.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said the council is working with Staffordshire Police and other partners to press for the earliest possible court hearing.
The council will continue to monitor the site and keep local residents informed of significant developments.