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Travellers Establish Unauthorised Encampment on National Trust Land at Lifeboat Road, Formby

An unauthorised encampment of travellers has moved onto National Trust land at Lifeboat Road, Formby. The encampment, which began on the evening of Tuesday 29th October, now includes over twelve vehicles. Lifeboat Road is a popular access point to the Sefton coast, leading to Formby Point and the Boardwalk.

The Travellers are parked up in the actual car park areas of Lifeboat Road. Due to this, there are not many parking spaces left for public use.

The National Trust, as the landowner, is required to follow a legal process to move the travellers. Initially, a Section 77 Notice will be served, requesting them to vacate. If they do not comply, the National Trust must obtain a signed summons from the court, which will inform the travellers of a court date. At this hearing, the Trust will seek a removal order, allowing for eviction if necessary. This legal process may take a week or longer.

Local residents have expressed concerns, especially regarding possible anti-social behavior. Any incidents should be reported directly to the police.

This area is open to the public to enjoy and is an important area for conservation also. The National Trust will be liaising closely with the police to serve notice to leave.

Merseyside Police have previously stated that it is a civil matter between the landowners and the travellers but, they do usually monitor the situation and see how it goes.

A representative from Sefton Council noted, “Sefton Council provides a permanent site for Gypsies and Travellers at Red Rose Park, Broad Lane, Formby, L37 0AH. However, we do not have a transit site for short stays. Unauthorised encampments are managed through our Unauthorised Encampment Policy, which aims to balance the needs of Gypsies and Travellers with those of the settled community.”