Essex MPs Robert Halfon and Jackie Doyle-Price have written a damning letter slamming their local authorities for a lack of action in response to a ‘siege’ of illegal encampments in both Harlow and Thurrock.
The letter, which is addressed to the Home Secretary, the Communities Secretary, and the Justice Secretary, sets out a range of complaints including lack of action by the Chief Constable of Essex Police, failure of the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner to uphold his public duty, as well as Councils being slow to use enforcement powers.
Both Harlow and Thurrock have had a large number of illegal encampments in the last year. In both constituencies, local people have reported distressing stories of mess and antisocial behaviour.
Jackie said "I am concerned that there are a number of agencies involved in dealing with unauthorised traveller encampments and not all are pulling their weight. I appreciate the efforts that individual police officers are making to deal with the consequences of illegal encampments but their efforts need to be supported by appropriate policy on the part of Essex Police and by prompt action by local authorities and other agencies who have enforcement powers. In view of the numbers of unauthorised encampments that have emerged in Essex this year, it is clear that the approach of Essex Police should be reviewed."
The letter summarises the issues and concludes by saying:
“It is our understanding that there are relevant laws that could be used to tackle this issue including laws on trespass, highways and antisocial behaviour. Given the adverse effect that not using these powers properly are having on the people of Essex, we urge you to hold an inquiry looking at the actions of both the Chief Constable, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, to see what lessons should be learnt, and what more can be done. We would also appreciate advice on how councils can act more effectively.
The residents of Harlow and Thurrock have suffered enough, and it is time that immediate action is taken and the law upheld”