Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Cllr Mike Morey, said: “Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, there has been a delay in partner agencies being able to undertake the statutory welfare checks required of travellers at any encampments. These checks must be made before an application is made to gain possession of the land through civil proceedings at the County Court.

“We can confirm that these checks have now been made and an application for possession of the land has been made to the courts. Progression of this application will depend on the court’s current capacity to process and determine the application.  We would like to reassure residents that our highest priority is to reduce the spread of coronavirus in line with government guidance and also to minimise any disruption to local residents.”