Council secures High Court injunction to prevent unauthorised encampments

Cheshire East Council has secured a High Court injunction to prevent any future unauthorised encampments at Nantwich’s Barony Park for the next two years.

The injunction was granted by the High Court in Manchester to Cheshire East Council and Everybody Sport and Recreation (Everybody), the borough’s leisure trust.

The order bans the siting of a caravan or mobile home for a period of longer than four hours without permission.

If ordered to remove the caravan or mobile home, the owner would have to move off the land within four hours or be in contempt of court, which could result in arrest.

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “We are pleased that the court has recognised the need for such an injunction, which gives the council additional powers to deal with any unauthorised encampments for the foreseeable future.

“We hope that this will act as a deterrent to anyone who feels that they are at liberty to occupy this area of public open space.”

Cllr Mick Warren, cabinet member for communities, said: “Hopefully, this will bring some reassurance to our residents living in the vicinity of the park who have tolerated repeated episodes of unauthorised encampments over many years.

“We thank them for their resilience and for working with us on our strategy to protect and improve Barony Park, as we strive for future Green Flag stratus, recognising its importance as a peaceful and valued area of green space for the people of Nantwich.”

In the council’s application, the court was told about the general nuisance, anti-social behaviour and damage caused to the Barony Park amenity, the cost of clean-up and the cost of having to close sports and leisure facilities by Everybody.