Residents can report camps out-of-hours in new trial

North Northamptonshire Council has implemented a trial to report unauthorised encampments

Unauthorised encampments on council-owned or managed land can now be reported outside of normal working hours.

North Northamptonshire Council is trialling an out-of-hours response service between 17:00 GMT and 20:00 on weekdays, and 08:40 to 17:00 on weekends and bank holidays.

Unauthorised encampments are temporary settlements, such as caravans or tents, placed on land without the owner's consent.

Councillor David Howes said: "This trial will, hopefully, allow the team to work quicker to resolve any issues that might come through out of hours and reduce problems typically associated with encampments."

The trial is being run by the Northamptonshire Traveller Unit (NTU) alongside a contractor.

'Needs of all residents'

After a report was made out-of-hours, a contractor would carry out a full assessment, including statutory health and welfare checks.

This would enable the NTU to make a decision on how to manage the encampment the next working day and refer any occupants needing support to partner agencies more quickly.

Jason Smithers, leader of the council, said: "As a council, we have a duty to consider the needs of all residents, both temporary and permanent.

"The NTU must balance the needs of the occupants of the encampment with the impact on the surrounding area.

"Removing an encampment is always seen as a necessary last resort."