Further steps have been taken to protect our parks as a group of travellers was evicted from a Borehamwood site.

Council officers attended Ripon Park this morning (Thursday, 13 September), supported by police and bailiffs, to enforce the removal order that was issued by St Albans Magistrates Court yesterday. 

As part of the same operation, gates to other parks across the town were kept locked and vehicles parked in front of entrances to prevent the travellers from moving elsewhere.

In total, there were 21 caravans and 27 other vehicles at Ripon Park after a group of 14 caravans joined a separate seven caravan encampment.

Donald Graham, Chief Executive of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “This action shows that we will act robustly within the parameters of the law to ensure our parks can continue to be enjoyed by the public.

“We are looking at a range of extra measures to prevent future traveller incursions including borough-wide orders, in addition to any further fencing or bollards that can be put in place to stop caravans entering parks.

“However, we must also balance these preventative measures with the need to ensure that the public can still access and enjoy these open spaces.”

Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, said: “We understand the public’s frustration at the time needed to resolve the traveller incursions, but our staff have to operate within the legal process and this can take some time.

“However, they have always responded professionally and as swiftly as they can to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.”
Council contractors are visiting the site to clear any remaining waste.