After a decade-long battle the proposed eviction of Dale Farm in Essex is due to take place today [19 September] – sparking concern among the region’s farmers and landowners as to where those evicted will go.
The residents of Dale Farm may choose to accept the accommodation provided by the local authority. But the team of rural lawyers at Birkett Long has picked up from farmers and landowners that there is a growing concern as to whether those evicted could try to move on to other sites such as farms, fields and land within Essex and the bordering counties.
Keith Songhurst, Partner at Birkett Long, said: “With the eviction currently anticipated to commence today, the question of where those evicted will go is probably of the greatest concern to local landowners. We are advising landowners who are concerned their land could be targeted to take preventative action and to make sure they have secured their land as much as possible to prevent access and unlawful entry.
“If any landowners are unfortunate enough to find that travellers have set up camp on their land, they should act quickly and seek immediate legal advice to help evict them before costs escalate and any lost revenue from the land mounts. Sometimes it is possible for eviction to be achieved very quickly, with the assistance of Certificated Bailiffs and without the need to go to court.”
Keith leads the Commercial Litigation team in Birkett Long's Chelmsford Office. If you need legal advice regarding eviction proceedings, Keith can be contacted on 01245 853821 or keith.songhurst@birkettlong.co.uk
Mark Wrinch can also advise, and was recently interviewed by Chelmsford Radio on the subject - mark.wrinch@birkettlong.co.uk
