Travellers to be evicted

The travellers were on Monday afternoon served with a notice of the hearing and the council’s intent to evict them from the car park, which has 400 spaces.

But none of the travellers camped a short distance up the ring road attended the hearing, nor were they represented.

Granting the order Judge Barraclough said: “I’m satisfied they (the travellers) have been served and I will make an order to the defendants to give up possession of the land of Springwood Car Park ... forthwith.”

Bailiffs have now served the travellers with an eviction order.

Ms Carter said the travellers could be evicted from the site as early as tomorrow morning.

Car parks can be an easy target for travellers as there is no way of stopping them entering.

In April, the Examiner reported that the government was looking at whether or not to strengthen the laws available to councils when travellers park their caravans in places where they are not wanted.

Kirklees has suffered numerous incidents of short term encampments as nomadic communities set up in retail parks, business parks, and on council run parks, playing fields and open spaces.

These have in the past included the former Spotted Cow pub in Salendine Nook, John Smith’s Stadium at Leeds Road and Scammonden and Milnsbridge.

The current laws mean Kirklees Council normally has to apply to a county court for an eviction notice, which can take 10 working days.