Authorities at one of the South West’s most popular seaside destinations have seen a major reduction in illegal encampments thanks to work by a Bristol enforcement agency.
The number of illegal encampments and van dwellers in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham has plummeted over the past 12 months, with no incidents at all during last year’s autumn season.
Meanwhile the duration of the illegal encampments has fallen to an average of just over two days, rather than several weeks that they were typically lasting in previous years.
It’s all thanks to work between Swisco – a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) set up by Torbay Council – and Bristol evictions experts Able Enforcements.
Swisco is responsible for several day to day operations at the council, including its neighbourhood enforcement department. As such they have freedom to work independently with enforcement companies and local courts to tackle illegal encampments more efficiently than local authorities normally would.
In April last year Swisco engaged with Able Enforcements and its managing director Steve Wood to try and tackle the perennial problem of illegal encampments. Van dwellers and tent residents in and around the popular destinations of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
“The area has long been popular with those who use local car parks and other open land for illegal encampments, as well as other people who want to take advantage of the area without following the rules,” said Mr Wood.
“We know that this is unpleasant for local residents, who would prefer not to have anti-social behaviour, noise and waste pollution in the areas in which they have chosen to live.
“Over the years we have worked with many local authorities to educate them as to legal processes which can quickly and effectively enable them to enforce the laws around evictions.
“So we were only to pleased to offer our specialist services to Swisco, for the benefit of local residents and businesses in the affected areas.”
Figures newly recorded by Swisco show one encampment in April, eight in May, two in June, five in July, four in August and just one in September, with October completely clear. Although official numbers were not recorded until last year, officials are certain that both occurrences and durations of encampments are massively reduced.
“We usually find that the encampments continue right up to the October half-term week,” said Neil Coish, head of environment services at Swisco. “Between early September and the middle of December, we had no incidents at all. So it’s clear that, given that the same people normally turn up over and over again around the South West, word was getting around that Torquay was becoming a zero tolerance area.
“We’re delighted with the advice and practical support that Steve and his team have offered us. Illegal encampments are difficult for local residents and they harm our economy, by keeping custom away from local businesses and by damaging the appearance of holiday destinations.
“We’d certainly encourage any local authorities which are struggling to deal with these encampments to follow our example and consider the measures we have taken. We’re dealing with encampments in hours now, days at the most.”
Able Enforcements have provided Swisco with a variety of documents and best practice instructions, as well as supporting staff with conflict training to help de-escalate challenging situations. Mr Wood is a qualified Conflict Management trainer to B-Tech level 3, and has passed his vast experience to those Swisco staff who may need to deal with hostile situations.
He said that legal powers exist which enable local authorities to bypass the normal County Court procedures of applying for eviction notices through the courts.
“Section 77 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994 gives local authorities the power to direct individuals to remove their vehicles and belongings and to leave the occupied land,” he said. “If they don’t comply, we have the necessary contacts at local courts around the region to ensure proceedings are expedited. Our in-house team prepares the entire process, representing the local authority at the Magistrates Court. We normally complete the eviction the same day.
“illegal encampments and its occupants generally know the law though and we rarely find any difficulty. It’s up to local authorities to understand their rights – once they do, they’ll find the problem much easier to deal with.”
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
