Raunds recreation ground restored to public use following ‘unauthorised occupation’
Bassford Recreation Ground has been cleared and restored, with Raunds Town Council thanking local residents for their ‘patience, cooperation and understanding’ during the unauthorised encampment.
Action was taken when an encampment consisting of 17 caravans and 25 supporting vehicles was set up at the green space in Marshalls Road, with access being gained after a padlocked gate was cut open.
The encampment set up on Monday, August 10, was cleared from the recreation ground on Thursday (August 13) following a ‘coordinated multi-agency operation’ by Northamptonshire Police, Raunds Town Council, and the North Northamptonshire Council Traveller Unit and Waste Team.
As of today (August 18), the site has been restored for public use.
Mayor of Raunds, Cllr Bill Cross, said: "We recognise the concern and disruption that the unauthorised occupation caused for residents, particularly those living immediately around the recreation ground. I am pleased that the site was cleared safely and lawfully and that the recreation ground has now been restored for public use.
Raunds Town Council delivered a formal notice and commenced common-law possession proceedings, requiring the site to be vacated on Wednesday, August 12, whereby Northamptonshire Police and enforcement agents then attended the site on Thursday morning.
The encampment was vacated that same afternoon at approximately 1pm, and a clean-up was undertaken by the town council, external grounds maintenance teams and the North Northamptonshire Council Waste Team.
Cllr Bill Cross added: "I would like to thank our councillors and council staff, Northamptonshire Police, North Northamptonshire Council Traveller Unit and Waste Team, and the enforcement agents involved for their work in bringing the situation to a swift conclusion.
"Our priority throughout was to protect the interests of local residents and return Bassfords Recreation Ground to the community as quickly as the law permitted."