Somerset Council has acknowledged that unauthorised traveller encampments across the county will continue until a permanent transit site is established. Over the summer, multiple public open spaces— including Stoney Furlong in Taunton, Parkway Park in Bridgwater, and South Esplanade in Burnham-on-Sea—have been repeatedly occupied by traveller groups, prompting concerns from residents and local businesses.
Councillor John Cook-Woodman, representing Highbridge and Burnham South, urged the council to adopt a more decisive approach similar to that of neighbouring Devon. He highlighted how Torbay’s Conservative administration has implemented swift removals of unauthorised encampments, sometimes clearing sites in under a week through partnerships with specialist enforcement firms.
Responding at the council’s executive committee meeting in Taunton on August 6, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities and housing, emphasized that Somerset follows the same legal procedures as other authorities. She pointed out that although Torbay outsources part of its enforcement process, Somerset uses its in-house cleansing teams and appointed bailiffs in compliance with legislation.
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“We need prompt reporting of any unauthorised encampments so we can act within the legal framework,” Smith-Roberts said. “Preventative measures like barriers and boulders have been installed at many vulnerable sites to deter vehicles, but a balance must be maintained to keep open spaces accessible.”
Smith-Roberts also announced the formation of a taskforce to identify a suitable permanent transit site. She lamented that a previous site at Westonzoyland was sold off in 2012 by the former Conservative administration, and stressed the importance of finding land—whether council-owned or private—that could support temporary accommodation for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) community.
Council leader Bill Revans added that Somerset is exploring regional cooperation, including dialogue with Torbay Council, to learn from their enforcement strategies. “This summer has been particularly challenging,” he admitted. “We want to protect our residents while respecting the needs of the Traveller community.”
As frustration mounts among residents and businesses affected during the peak summer season, local politicians continue debating how to balance enforcement, community safety, and support for the GRT lifestyle. Without a permanent transit site in place, unauthorised encampments are expected to remain a pressing issue across Somerset.