Council issues legal notices as caravan owners ordered to move on from North Shields
An illegal encampment in North Shields has been moved on after legal notices were issued to the owners and occupants.
North Tyneside Council has issued section 77 notices to those living in their vehicles parked along Clifford’s Fort, in North Shields. Further notices will also be issued, and people will be informed that they will face prosecution if they remain in the area.
John Sparkes, director of regeneration and economic development, said: “We can confirm that Section 77 notices have been issued in relation to caravans currently stationed near Clifford’s Fort, requiring the owners and occupants of those caravans to vacate the site.
“As the local authority, we have a responsibility to protect the beautiful and iconic setting of North Shields Fish Quay, as well as the health and safety of visitors and the successful operation of businesses in the area. In line with our established process, we engaged with those affected and informed them in June of our intention to take this action. We have carried out welfare checks and offered support where appropriate.
“This action forms part of a wider package of measures designed to address concerns around waste, anti-social behaviour and the impact of long-term encampments on this important heritage location. We have also recently introduced an experimental traffic regulation order to help manage parking in the area and discourage future overnight occupation of the site, while continuing to work with partners and local businesses on longer-term solutions.
“We will continue to monitor the area closely to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming location for residents, visitors and businesses, while protecting the historic significance of Clifford’s Fort and the wider Fish Quay.”
In May this year, North Tyneside Council stated it aimed to resolve the issues around the increase in overnight parking in and around Clifford’s Fort. A council statement at the time stated that the concentration of oversized vehicles on Clifford Street for long periods of time has “prompted concerns about health and safety, waste disposal.”
The council also expressed concern about the vehicles encroaching on the Grade II listed Clifford’s Fort itself.