Overview
Report an unauthorised encampment
Reported encampments
Information on known encampments.
12 September: Waterside Drive, Walton-on-Thames
Following a report of a small unauthorised encampment at Waterside Drive, Walton-on-Thames, the council’s contractor will shortly be carrying out an assessment required under the legal protocol for dealing with unauthorised encampments.
The council will then assess whether to serve them with a Notice of Direction to leave under Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
If they do not leave in compliance with this Notice, the council will seek a removal order from the Magistrates Court.
Further updates will be made after this time. The process usually takes on average between 7 to 10 days
In most instances, the issues arising from the unauthorised encampment for the community are minimal. Surrey Police are aware of the unauthorised encampment and will continue to monitor it with the Joint Enforcement Team*. Guidance on when to call the police regarding an unauthorised encampment, together with more information, can be found on the Surrey Police website. If you need to report an incident (ASB or crime) please call 101 or report an emergency on 999 or report Anti social behaviour through Elmbridge Borough Council’s website.
*a group made up of local partner agencies including Surrey Police and Elmbridge Borough Council
Brooklands Community Park rough sleepers - update 8 September
We can confirm that the group have now vacated the Community Park. A full clear up of the site has been organised and all remaining items will be removed from the site by contractors.
Nomadic life
Nomadic life is not illegal, and Gypsy, Roma, travellers have a basic right to this way of life. It's the aim of Elmbridge Borough Council to ensure all its 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.
We are obliged to manage unauthorised encampments within the borough on council-owned land. It is not always possible to stop all access and from time to time unauthorised encampments are established.
For more information about unauthorised encampments, see Surrey Police: Unauthorised encampments and you.