Latest News on the Travellers at Dalewood Gardens

5.14.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 16th Mar 2006

It is now looking more than likely that the Travellers will be moved on from Dalewood Gardens by Wednesday Morning at 10am. In a letter to the residents of Dalewood Gardens and adjacent areas of Woodfield Road, Magpie Walk and Woolborough Lane issued today the Borough Council say "…the Travellers have been unsuccessful in their attempts to appeal against the Judicial Review case recently heard in the High Court. As a result, the Council has negotiated with the Traveller's solicitor a signed consent application to a forthwith unopposed, possession order. Therefore, next Monday when the order is made, the Council will issue the warrant and inform the travellers that their eviction will take place on Wednesday 22nd March at 10am.

Below is the letter in full from Crawley Borough Council.

Dear Resident

ENCAMPMENT AT DALEWOOD GARDENS

I refer to the traveller encampment currently situated on land adjacent to Dalewood Gardens. My purpose in writing to you now is to provide local people with an update regarding the latest situation.

The Council's Legal Services Team has informed me, that the Travellers have been unsuccessful in their attempts to appeal against the Judicial Review case recently heard in the High Court. As a result, the Council has negotiated with the Traveller's solicitor a signed consent application to a forthwith unopposed, possession order. Therefore, next Monday when the order is made, the Council will issue the warrant and inform the travellers that their eviction will take place on Wednesday 22nd March at 10am.

The Council would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your patience over the last six months, during the period the travellers have occupied Dalewood Gardens. I know that many of you have expressed your dissatisfaction about the unauthorised encampment but Council Officers and Ward Councillors have attempted to do everything possible whilst having to wait for authority from the courts to move the travellers on.

Finally, the Council will continue to work hard with other agencies like Sussex Police and West Sussex County Council to prevent unauthorised encampments occurring in the Crawley area.

I trust that this information has been helpful to you and if you require any further updates on traveller encampments please call the Traveller Helpline on 01293 438219.

Yours faithfully

John Dale

Community Liaison Officer