A HIGH Court judge has blocked Basildon Council from evicting families living illegally in the lane leading to the former Dale Farm site.

Echo: Never-ending battle – the caravans in Oak Lane which have been ordered to leave

Staying put: traveller caravans in Oak Lane

The case could set a precedent as the families living there since the October 2011 eviction in up to 20 caravans are on someone else's land.

Echo:

Precedent? Judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis

Echo: LOOKING AHEAD: Tory chairman Eric Pickles

No inquiry: Eric Pickles

The council agreeded to remove the families, who claim they have nowhere else to go, by force in 2012 but the eviction has been heled up by legal challenges brought by travellers Mary Flynn and Nora Sheridan against Communities Secretery Eric Pickles decision not to allow a public inquiry because the families do not own the land.

Echo: Demolished pitches like this at Dale Farm are being used as business "head offices"

Wasteland: Dale Farm after the clearance

Judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis has ordered a public inquiry takes place into their right to remain there, a process which could taken several months.

 

Echo: In a

Legal victory: Mary Flynn

judgement handed down at court today Judge Lewis said: "The Defendant (Mr Pickles) erred, however, in failing to consider whether or not Mrs Flynn had an implied licence to occupy the land at the relevant times."

Special report in Friday's Echo.