Search for bailiffs to evict illegal travellers (From Echo)

Search for bailiffs to evict illegal travellers

5:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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A SEARCH across Europe has began for bailiffs to clear the illegal traveller camps in Basildon – but it could be two years before any action is taken.

Firms can now tender for Basildon Council’s estimated £2.5million contract to remove 86 traveller families illegally living at Dale Farm, Crays Hill, and 15 more at Hovefields, Wickford.

The notice is in the official Journal of the European Union enabling firms across the Continent to apply. It reveals the contract for evicting travellers from the sites could take up to 24 months.

A council source said the timescale was so long to allow for any further legal challenges.

He said: “It has been made clear they are likely to challenge whichever company is appointed and that could lead to a High Court review.

“There are also expected to be challenges around homeless legislation.

“We have to allow for these eventualities, which would push the start date into next year or beyond, to avoid going out to tender again.”

He made it clear if challenges fail, the operation would start much sooner.

The advert states: “This contract represents a high-profile issue within the district.”

Fears have been raised that an eviction could lead to violence due to the number of protesters expected to descend on Dale Farm.

Yet the tender makes it appear a more sensitive task, adding: “The winning bidder must demonstrate commitment to upholding the principles of equalities and diversity legislation and be sensitive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable people, including children, the elderly and infirm.

“There are approximately 50 plots in breach of planning control. This number may fluctuate.”

Our source said a number of companies, including Constant & Co used by the council on previous evictions, had already made contact.

Bailiff firms will have to express their initial interest by August 17.

Selected firms will be invited to make a full application on September 8.

Travellers are still hopeful of an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights and won’t budge unless another site is on the cards. Campaigner Grattan Puxon said: “This is disappointing. The council said it hopes to avoid an eviction. Families will leave, but only if another site is found first.”

Council leader Tony Ball said: “We remain hopeful travellers will take up services we have offered to help them move.

“The council is committed to restoring these sites back to green belt land, and we hope to achieve this by working positively with the travellers to assist them in relocating peacefully.

“However, we have a duty to ensure this alternative is available to us should some of the travellers refuse to relocate.”

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