Over the last three months, Rastrick has been a hotspot for the Travelling community. 

Groups have illegally encamped on private land on Ogden Lane and Sherburn Road, and also on public-owned open spaces such as Bramston Street Park and Carr Green Playing Fields. 

These illegal encampments cause disruption to peaceful enjoyment of our parks, intimidate residents with their presence, and leave an absolute mess when finally evicted. The Rastrick community have always jumped in to help clear up the piles of litter, fly-tipping, and human waste that is left behind.

It costs the tax-payer thousands of pounds to evict these illegal encampments every time they appear. 

We understand that the Council are confined within the law to follow a strict eviction process from public-owned land. However, we are requesting that the Council review how our parks and open spaces can be better protected to prevent illegal encampments in the future.

We are calling for more secure access points and better monitoring of the parks so that any criminal or anti-social behaviour can be evidenced.