A review of “vulnerable sites” across part of Lancashire is to be undertaken by town hall bosses – because of the rising cost of evicting travellers from them.
Since the start of 2012, Wyre Council’s community safety team has dealt with 11 unauthorised encampments, which bosses say is an increase on the previous year.
Because they have to be tackled with police and other agencies, the cost to the council is rising, because the operations are described as “resource intensive”.
Among the recent incidents has been a camp which was set up in Lancaster Road, Preesall, which has been fought by the authority.
Following a decision by the Planning Inspectorate the travellers have until October this year to vacate the land
Now the council is set to review sites across the borough which have been targeted by those who camp without authority in a bid to shore up access points.
A report to Wyre Council is due to be discussed at a meeting later this week.
The report, by neighbourhood portfolio holder Coun Roger Brooks, states: “The Community Safety Team have dealt with 11 unauthorised encampments in 2012 representing an increase in travelling activity.
The encampments are dealt with as part of a multi-agency response, and can be very resource intensive.
“As a result of the increased activity it is proposed that a review of vulnerable sites will be undertaken to reduce access points as far as possible.”
The issue is set to be discussed at a meeting of the authority’s full council this week.
It takes place at the Civic Centre in Poulton-le-Fylde on Thursday.
The public meeting gets underway at 7pm.
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