South Gloucestershire Council has applied to the courts for a removal order after an unauthorised travellers’ encampment in Kingswood became the focus of complaints from local residents and a school community.
Council action and timeline
The authority was first notified of the encampment at Spider Park (also known locally as Court Park or Court Road Park) on Friday, 10 July. Officers carried out an initial welfare check the following day. On Monday, 13 July, the council issued section 77 notices requiring the occupants to leave the land.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 10 July | Council notified of encampment |
| 11 July | Initial welfare check carried out |
| 13 July | Section 77 notices served |
| 14 July | Notice period expired |
| 15–16 July | Council applies for removal order; court attendance confirmed |
Allegations from residents
A member of the public has told local media that children from the encampment gained entry to and threatened pupils at a nearby school. Other complaints cited interference with parked vehicles, disturbance at a block of flats and behaviour at a local convenience store.
“Threatened children on their way to and from the school” and “terrorised a corner shop”.
The section 77 notices expired at 8am on 14 July. According to reporting, some people remained at the site, and the council has since sought a section 78 removal order; it has been confirmed officers will attend court on 16 July to pursue that application.
What this means locally
When a section 77 notice is not complied with, local authorities can apply for a court order under section 78 to authorise removal. The court decides whether the balance of rights and welfare considerations mean the occupiers should be required to leave. The council’s welfare visit is a routine step intended to check needs and vulnerabilities before enforcement action proceeds.
- Location: Spider Park / Court Road Park, Kingswood
- Notices served: Section 77 notices on 13 July
- Court action: Section 78 removal order applied for; court attendance confirmed for 16 July
At this stage the council has sought the legal route to remove the encampment. There is no public record in the source material of police charges or a court ruling as yet. Residents seeking further information should consult South Gloucestershire Council notices or updates from local policing teams.
If the court grants the section 78 order, enforcement will be carried out in accordance with the judge’s directions; if it is refused, the council may need to consider alternative options or further engagement. The council and partner agencies typically continue welfare assessments throughout the process.
Reporters will publish confirmed outcomes of the court hearing and any formal statements from the council or policing as they become available.
