Residents today today won a temporary reprieve in their long-running battle to stay on the UK’s biggest illegal travellers’ site.
A judge ruled that residents of Dale Farm near Basildon in Essex were entitled to an
extension of an injunction stopping their evictions until the courts have ruled on the legality of their proposed removal.
The ruling was a blow to Basildon Council, which is also facing other legal action that could
prolong yet further its 10-year battle to clear the site, expected to cost some £18 million (€20 million).
Travellers have more litigation in the pipeline which could further delay evictions.
They plan to seek a judicial review on the grounds that eviction is "disproportionate" under
human rights laws.
Last night the travellers' supporters called on Basildon Council representatives to "return to
the negotiating table", saying that continuing the action will only see costs spiral even further
out of control.
Campaign group Dale Farm Solidarity said several high-profile figures had offered to
mediate, including bishops Thomas McMahon and Stephen Cottrell, UN representatives and local MEP Richard Howitt.
Kate O'Shea, from Dale Farm Solidarity, said: "We call on Tony Ball (council leader) to
return to the negotiation table.
"The situation at Dale Farm needs a sensible and common sense approach and we urge all
parties to use this pause to find an amicable solution.
"The UN and two local bishops have offered to mediate any talks should this be required,
and we urge Tony Ball to accept their offer."
The Gypsy Council echoed the calls, saying it had become clear during Friday's hearing that the site would not necessarily be returned to open countryside even if the eviction went ahead.
A statement said: "Pursuing this eviction would be a bad thing for both sides."
PA