A GROUP of travellers have arrived today at St Matthew's Field in Bridgwater.

Sedgemoor District Council said it is aware of the illegal encampment that has been set up, and in conjunction with police the council's legal team will be serving a notice on the group, giving them 24 hours to move on.

In order to move travellers on from a site when an incursion has occurred, SDC must follow a strict process.

  • The travellers are issued with a letter advising that they are occupying council land without consent and are usually required to vacate within 24 hours
  • If they do not vacate an application is made to the County Court for a Possession Order and the notice of hearing is then served on the travellers.
  • Under court rules,  travellers must be given three clear days’ notice of the hearing, not including the day that the notice was served, the day of the hearing and not including week-ends or bank holidays; which is why is takes at least a week to move them on.
  • If they do not vacate, the Council attends the court hearing and seeks an Order for Possession Forthwith. This is then usually served on the travellers the same day with the instruction that they vacate within 24 hours.
  • If they still do not vacate, the Police and Bailiffs are called in to assist with the removal.