FOLLOWING the report on the unauthorised traveller encampment at Whitecliff (July 25), there are several points we would like to clarify. A meeting has been proposed, to be chaired by Cllr Judes Butt, between key agencies including MPs, NHS, the police, councillors and community group reps towards the end of September to discuss the local and national gypsy and traveller agenda to lobby for changes in government legislation. With minority ethnic status there is considerable legal protection of their rights, but clearly, with rights should come duties and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, officers do assess any unauthorised encampments daily. At Whitecliff there are no dogs ‘running wild’ belonging to any of the travellers – there is one dog, which is tethered. Borough of Poole have pursued through the courts for an eviction notice, which is usual council due process in evicting Travellers. We are as frustrated as anybody at the damage to property such as breaking of locks and gates to access land that we all hold in very high regard, but we know, from experience in other areas that to take an aggressive or bullish stance can lead to sites being left in much worse state than is normally the case.

Court evictions can take several days as the court is not interested in anecdotal reports. Clear evidence to support reasons for eviction is a legal requirement. Unfortunately this includes evidence of antisocial behaviour or poor conditions around the site which must be proven to have be caused by the travellers. Regarding this issue, we would ask that any resident who witnesses anything untoward first hand, considers contacting officers at ECPS by either calling 01202 261700 or visiting boroughofpoole.com/ reportit, with a view to attending court with them to support that evidence.

It was the council’s wish to include the whole of the Whitecliff and Baiter Park area in the recent eviction notice when the travellers were moved off the car park at Baiter, but the legal process does not allow for this and they were able to move just along the road. meaning the whole process had to start again.

Information is provided on Borough of Poole’s website and updated daily. We have recently asked that more detailed information be provided to ensure residents know that action is proceeding each day.

We are doing everything in our power to restore our open spaces to their intended state but would ask for a degree of tolerance until we are empowered by the court/legal statutes to move the travellers on.

We are grateful to residents who are working with us to provide local intelligence but if there is any illegal activity witnessed we would ask people to contact the police with whom we are working closely.

CLLR XENA DION (Penn Hill Ward), portfolio holder for environment and consumer protection CLLR JUDY BUTT (Creekmoor Ward), portfolio holder for public engagement and participation