Since October last year, there have been multiple cases of illegal traveller sites springing up around Harlow, resulting in mess and antisocial behaviour. Figures up until August show that the cost of dealing with these illegal encampments has cost Harlow taxpayers over £41,000. This petition therefore asks that those individuals responsible for causing damage should be pursued by Harlow Council and forced to compensate those affected.

Following a visit by Local Communities and Government Minister Brandon Lewis, it emerged that Harlow Council has not made any applications to the Traveller Pitch Funding Programme (TPFPthat helps to meet the needs of the Traveller community, as well as prevent illegal encampments from being set up. This petition demands that Harlow Council apply for this funding.

The petition also asks for more regular use of Section 61 notices by Essex police, which says that illegal encampments can be moved on quickly, when there is either antisocial behaviour or six or more vehicles present on a site. Although the Police have used these, they have been issued inconsistently and often with delay.

It also asks that all Harlow councillors and Harlow TUC condemn the illegal sites, due to the misery they cause to local residents.