Travellers Relocate Again in Formby raising concerns over repeated incursions

The group of Travellers that had recently occupied Duke Street Park in Formby have now this evening, Thursday 20th June, moved onto Watchyard Lane field, reportedly cutting down a significant portion of hedges and bushes to gain access.

Police are currently on-site managing the situation, which marks the third relocation of this group within Formby over the past two weeks.

The Travellers first arrived in Formby after vacating a site in Ainsdale on Tuesday, 11th June, where they had set up camp on Bills Lane. Their week-long stay at Bills Lane resulted in rubbish being left behind and damage to the wooden entrance fencing.

Travellers at Bills Lane

On the evening of Monday, 17th June, the Travellers moved from Bills Lane to Duke Street Park, where they were observed by witnesses cutting down bushes to facilitate the entry of their caravans.

Broken fences at Bills Lane

This latest move to Watchyard Lane field continues to raise concerns among local residents and authorities. Sefton Council has reiterated its stance on handling such unauthorised encampments.

A spokesperson for the council commented: "Sefton Council provides a permanent site for Gypsies and Travellers at Red Rose Park, Broad Lane, Formby L37 0AH. However, we do not provide a transit site for those seeking a short stay, leading to unauthorised encampments. We have an Unauthorised Encampment Policy to manage these situations in a manner that addresses both the support needs of the Gypsies and Travellers and the rights of the settled community."

The council, as the landowner, must follow legal procedures to move the Travellers. If the Travellers do not comply with a Section 77 Notice to leave, the council must obtain a court order for their removal. This legal process ensures that the rights of all parties are considered and upheld.

Local residents have expressed frustration and concern over the repeated incursions, emphasizing the impact on community spaces and the environment.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to take the necessary legal steps to resolve the issue.

The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as the council progresses through the required legal actions to address the unauthorised encampment on Watchyard Lane field.