A HIGH Court judge has blocked Basildon Council from evicting families living illegally in the lane leading to the former Dale Farm site.
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.
Precedent? Judge Mr Justice Clive Lewis
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.
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.
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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article