An unauthorised encampment on council-owned land in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre has been cleared following swift action by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
The encampment at the former Bankside car park on Well Street was vacated after council officers began formal possession recovery procedures. A Notice to Leave was served on Friday, 17 July, with officers simultaneously preparing a County Court Possession Order application in case occupants refused to leave.
Council officers confirmed the site had been vacated during further visits. Remaining items have been removed from the land.
No court action needed
The matter was resolved without the need for court proceedings. Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said: "Law-abiding residents rightly expect the council to protect public land and take firm action when it is occupied without permission. Our officers acted quickly and professionally from the moment this encampment was reported. We made clear that the occupants were required to leave and, at the same time, prepared to pursue the necessary legal action if they refused. I am pleased the site has been cleared without court action, but our message is clear: illegally trespass on council land and we will act swiftly to remove you. Our first responsibility is to protect our communities and ensure public spaces remain safe for their proper use."
Ongoing monitoring
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council will continue to monitor its land and work with police and other partner agencies to respond promptly to any future unauthorised encampments.