Barking and Dagenham Council has saved almost £1 million on clear-up costs thanks to powers secured in the High Court that prevent illegal traveller campsites in the borough.

The injunction, which was amongst the first of its kind granted in the capital, prohibits any unauthorised encampments at a number of locations across the borough, as well as banning fly-tipping. It was the first to be granted on an indefinite basis.

Since being granted a year ago today (30 October) by Mr Justice Turner, the order has enabled the council to take action against illegal traveller encampments 18 times.

Figures show between 2014 and 2016, the council spent £945,073 on cleaning up after 84 unauthorised sites across Barking and Dagenham. In 2016 alone, the clear-up costs were £819,731.

Since securing the injunction in 2017 the cost to the council, and local taxpayers, has been zero.

Protect parks and open spaces

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "Applying for this injunction wasn’t a decision we took lightly, but the reality is that in just 12 months we have saved almost £1 million of our residents' money – which can now be put to better use.

"As a council, we owe it to residents and businesses to be able to use their money wisely and protect our parks and open spaces from the small minority who think Barking and Dagenham is a dumping ground." 

The injunction bans 23 named defendants, who are individuals the council had previously identified as engaging in unauthorised encampments and commercial scale fly-tipping, as well as "persons unknown", from setting up illegal camps at 133 sites in the borough.

Those who breach the injunction could have their assets seized or even be arrested, fined and sent to prison.

Legal site in the borough

The council has a longstanding, close relationship with the Gypsy and Traveller community and values the cultural diversity that they bring to Barking and Dagenham.

The injunction does not impose a blanket ban on Gypsy and Traveller sites in the borough, rather, it is purposefully limited and focused on the very small and unrepresentative minority who set up unlawful encampments without permission and with a view to using the site to further commercial fly-tipping operations.

The borough has one legal site, situated at Eastbrookend Country Park, which has 12 pitches available for rent.

Unlike other councils that have secured similar powers, the injunction is not time limited and will remain in force indefinitely.