Nomadic life is not illegal, and Gypsy, Roma, travellers have a basic right to this way of life. It's our to ensure all our residents, whether living in settled or transitory communities, are treated equally and with respect. We also recognise that this has to be balanced with the rights of the general public to enjoy private and public land.
Sites
Surrey County Council owns 17 Gypsy, Roma, Traveller sites in Surrey and 16 of these are managed under an Agency agreement with the Boroughs and Districts. These are permanent sites with plots for which the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller signs a licence and pays rent. These should not be confused with transit sites, of which Surrey has none.
Enquiries about the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller site within Elmbridge (The Oaks) should be made directly to Surrey County Council on 020 8541 8036.
Unauthorised encampments
We are obliged to manage unauthorised encampments within the Borough on Council owned land. It is not always possible to stop all access to Council owned land and from time to time unauthorised encampments are established.
The Council and Surrey Police have agreed a protocol so that policy and clear lines of responsibility are in place.
This protocol sets out the overall approach in Elmbridge by Elmbridge Borough Council
Find out about any currently reported unauthorised encampments.
To report an unauthorised encampment please use the contact details below:
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on land owned by Elmbridge Borough Council - contact us
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adjacent to the public highway - Surrey County Council on 020 8541 9327
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on private land - Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 (ask for the control room)
Council Protocol
Management of Unauthorised Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Encampments.
