- Jun 17
- 2 min read

Travellers leave Bills Lane and move into Duke Street Park to set up camp

On the evening of Monday, 17th June, the Travellers who had been occupying Bills Lane for the past week have now vacated the site and broke into Duke Street Park in Formby.

Witnesses reported seeing the Travellers cutting down bushes to gain access with their caravans.

The occupation of Bills Lane began on Tuesday, 11th June. During their stay, the Travellers left rubbish and damaged the wooden entrance fencing.

Councillors had promptly initiated the process for the removal of the caravans upon their arrival last Tuesday.

In response to the new encampment at Duke Street Park, Sefton Council will now have to issue another Section 77 Notice under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, expected to be served tomorrow. This notice requires the Travellers to vacate the site within three days, although taking into consideration the fact they actually broke into the park, the police could get involved this time.

Camp On Bills Lane

A spokesperson for Sefton Council commented on the situation last time:

"Sefton Council provide a permanent site for Gypsies and Travellers in Sefton. The site is located at Red Rose Park, Broad Lane, Formby L37 0AH. We do not provide a transit site for Gypsies and Travellers moving through the borough seeking a short stay. As a result, this can lead to unauthorised encampments. We have an Unauthorised Encampment Policy to manage these encampments in a way that addresses both the support needs of the Gypsies and Travellers and the rights of the settled community."

In this instance, Sefton Council, as the landowner, is bound by legal processes to move the Travellers. If the Travellers do not leave following the Section 77 Notice, the council must obtain a signed summons from the court, informing the Travellers of a court date where the council will seek a removal order. Upon obtaining this order, the council can arrange for the Travellers to be removed if they have not already left.

Residents have expressed their frustration over the situation, particularly concerning the potential for anti-social behaviour. They are urged to report any such incidents to the police promptly.

As the situation develops, the Formby Bubble will continue to provide updates.