A High Court injunction to prevent unauthorised encampments on Barony Park in Nantwich has been secured by Cheshire East Council.
The injunction aims to prevent any future unauthorised encampments at the park for the next two years.
It comes after residents and campaign group Friends of Barony Park have fought for several years to protect the park after a large rise in unauthorised traveller encampments on the park.
The injunction was granted by the High Court in Manchester to Cheshire East Council and Everybody Sport and Recreation (Everybody) – the borough’s leisure trust.
The order bans the siting of a caravan or mobile home for a period of longer than four hours without permission.
If ordered to remove the caravan or mobile home, the owner would have to move off the land within four hours or be in contempt of court, which could result in arrest.
Friends of Barony Park campaigner Rachel Wright said: “We are delighted that the injunction ideas that Kieran our MP brought to light and has fought with residents so hard for has finally been taken up and sought by Cheshire East.
“We hope that Cheshire East now continues with plans for the provision of the transit site at the proposed site in Middlewich.”
Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan, who ran a survey among residents which was used as evidence at the hearing, said: “I want to thank all the residents that took part in the survey I ran on their experiences of unauthorised encampments.
“I know the findings of that survey were vital for the court to understand the impact on local residents.
“Combined with finishing the fencing we are now in a strong place and have finally made progress.
“Friends of Barony Park deserve a huge thanks for all their efforts and it has been great to work with them and get things done.”
Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “We are pleased the court has recognised the need for such an injunction, which gives the council additional powers to deal with any unauthorised encampments for the foreseeable future.
“We hope that this will act as a deterrent to anyone who feels that they are at liberty to occupy this area of public open space.”
Cllr Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “Hopefully, this will bring some reassurance to our residents living in the vicinity of the park who have tolerated repeated episodes of unauthorised encampments over many years.
“We thank them for their resilience and for working with us on our strategy to protect and improve Barony Park, as we strive for future Green Flag stratus, recognising its importance as a peaceful and valued area of green space for the people of Nantwich.”
In the council’s application, the court was told about the general nuisance, anti-social behaviour and damage caused to the Barony Park amenity, the cost of clean-up and the cost of having to close sports and leisure facilities by Everybody.
The court hearing took place on Friday (August 14) via video link before Judge Stephen Davies.
The High Court injunction obtained by Cheshire East Council can viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/yxqlet5h
Well done To everybody who worked so hard on this!
They will just set up camp on the areas adjacent to the Crescent Garage now !!