A different set of travellers have pitched up in the same park several caravans were evicted from just a week ago.

Hertsmere Borough Council has confirmed that it has begun legal action straight away to move on four caravans and a motor home in Ripon Park, Borehamwood.

The group arrived today.

Following calls to install posts and bollards, the council said to do this around Ripon Park could cost in the region of £40,000.

Council officers have already attended the site and served a notice of direction which requires the group to leave as soon as possible. If they do not leave, a court may grant a removal order which will allow the council and police to take enforcement action.

Borehamwood Times:

The previous group of travellers who were moved on last week

Residents in the town have grown frustrated with the numerous incursions that have taken place in Borehamwood this summer but the council says it is acting as “quickly as it can”.

Meanwhile, Hertsmere’s MP Oliver Dowden has said he is “incredibly frustrated” to see that travellers have returned. It comes days after he appeared in a video with the leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Morris Bright, where the pair pledged to take action on traveller incursions.

Following today’s incursion, Mr Dowden said: “I am incredibly frustrated that the travellers have now returned. I have been in touch with the council and they are seeking injunctions against them in court as soon as possible.

“I hear comments on the need for new measures such as bollards and a blanket injunction. This is something I am raising as a matter of urgency with the council.”

Hertsmere Labour leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark, who has previously called for “swifter” action by the council on traveller encampment, responded saying: “What a farce! Labour councillors called for these measures months ago after last summer’s incursions. We were ignored.”

Chief executive of Hertsmere Borough Council, Donald Graham, said: “We continue to act as quickly as we can within the parameters of the law to tackle these incursions. We are also looking at preventative measures to protect our parks and open spaces but, as an example, the costs of installing posts around the periphery of Ripon Park alone are estimated to be around £40,000 which is extremely costly.”

Councillor Seamus Quilty, responsible for the environment, added: “We do understand the frustration felt by many residents as a result of these traveller incursions but our staff have to operate within what’s required by the legal system. They continue to respond professionally and as quickly as possible.”