Cumberland Council has this month served a number of eviction notices on travellers living in north Cumbria.
They were served on August 6 on a number of unauthorised Gypsy and Traveller pitches, to the south of Scotby, near Carlisle, in the Wash Beck area.
A council spokeswoman this week confirmed that the enforcement notices were served last Wednesday and added: “The notices require the unauthorised pitches to be vacated, and the land returned to its agricultural state as it was prior to them moving on.
“As with any enforcement notice there is an opportunity for them to appeal the notice to the Planning Inspectorate.
“If the notices are not appealed, they take effect from September 5 with two months to comply with the notice.
“The notices have been served on individuals residing at the site as well as the owners of the land.”
However, when the Local Democracy Reporting Service visited Traveller sites in the Wash Beck area residents denied that any notices had been served in the area.
Local residents said that there were no issues with Gypsies and travellers living in Scotby.
Councillor Gareth Ellis (Wetheral, Conservative) said the action was not before time.
He added: “Myself and the residents in this area are committed to ensuring the rules apply to everyone equally – no exceptions, no special treatment.
“Unauthorised development without consequences should never become the accepted norm.
“While those served notice retain their right to appeal, the council must remain vigilant to ensure this doesn’t become another delaying tactic.
“We who follow proper planning procedures have every right to expect the same standards from others, and we’re determined to see this through to proper resolution.”
