§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he offers to the police and local authorities on the removal of unauthorised traveller encampments, with special reference to nuisance to the general public; and if he will make inquiries into the persistence of a rave beginning on 22 June at Borough Hill, Daventry. [1447]
59W
§ Mr. DenhamBoth the police and local authorities have powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to direct travellers or other trespassers to leave land when the appropriate statutory requirements are met. These are discretionary powers and it is the operational responsibility of the chief officer of the force concerned to decide when and how to enforce these powers.
The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire police informs me that about 1,000 people attended the illegal rave at Borough Hill, which began on Saturday 23 June and lasted until the afternoon of Monday 25 June. I understand that it was not considered practicable in the circumstances to bring the event to a conclusion before Monday. Police have since met with council officials to discuss the problems caused by this event and the strategies needed to be put in place to prevent any recurrence and have held a public meeting with residents to discuss the issues arising from the incident and to reassure them should anything similar happen in the future.