Action over nature reserve travellers

A KINGSWOOD councillor is calling for action to prevent travellers returning to the estate.

Councillor Charles Quinn has urged Hull City Council to take steps to increase security on an area of land called Wilberforce Wood, formerly known as Midmeredales, after travellers set up camp on the site last week.

An eviction notice was due to be served to the travellers yesterday after the council began court proceedings.

Cllr Quinn said the council "moved quickly" to put the wheels in motion to evict the travellers from the nature reserve.

"The council was very quick to take action once we were aware of the travellers on the site," he said.

"We will take all the action necessary to ensure the travellers, which are on the site illegally, are moved on.

"We think they gained access to Wilberforce Wood via the emergency road, which obviously needs to be kept clear at all times."

The local authority is working with Humberside Police and residents to limit the impact of the travellers on the area.

A spokesman for the police said: "Humberside Police are conducting an investigation to determine if any criminal offences have taken place.

"We will be continuing to work with our partner agencies."

Cllr Quinn is now hoping steps will be taken to secure the site once the travellers have been evicted.

"At the minute, there hasn't been much disruption to residents or to the estate so, hopefully, it will remain like that until we are able to move the travellers on," he said.

"Kingswood isn't an area which is usually targeted by travellers so we will be doing everything we can to ensure it remains that way.

"The council has moved very fast to tackle the problem."

The eviction notice will mean the travellers cannot return to the site for three months.

The North Carr Area Team also moved quickly to reassure people in a letter to residents.

It said: "We would like to advise and reassure residents that Hull City Council is aware of the encampment and that processes are in place for its removal in line with the Joint Protocol for the Management of Gypsy & Traveller Unauthorised Encampments.

"The protocol clearly states that the primary issue for consideration is the impact that the unauthorised encampment will have upon the quality of life and enjoyment of the settled community in the immediate vicinity of the trespass and clearly identifies 'recreation ground and public playing fields' as land where such encampments will not be tolerated."

Any residents with concerns should report them by calling 01482 300300.