Update on gypsy and traveller illegal encampment at Upton Recreation Ground

Published: 23 May 2022

The Town Council would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to move the encampment on. This is reliant on the police issuing a Section 62 notice which the Town Council has requested. A S62 can only be served after police carry out a Community Impact Assessment and this needs evidence which should reference the specific community impact e.g. loss of play space, specific examples of ASB etc. The best way for residents to log concerns is to email the police on 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.
Following the implementation of a S62 notice, the encampment will be moved on to Dorset Council's transit site at Piddlehinton. The Town Council will be charged for the use of the site. 

Preparations are already underway to ensure a prompt clean up of the grounds once the encampment have been moved on. Alternative options to ensure the grounds are not subjected to illegal encampments in the future are being investigated as a priority. 

We are aware of events taking place on the recreation ground this week and we are doing all we can to ensure they can still take place.

The Town Council will continue to provide regularly updates as and when the situation develops.