One group was found a plot in Willingham, but court action was still required to induce them to move there. This created considerable fear amongst nearby residents, for example due to threats and thefts of milk money, and also posed sanitation and dog control problems. This family was not interested in applying for a plot at Willingham. The reason for their encampment could not be determined, but they were thought to have had relatives housed in Cambridge. This is often Leisure Services.
Private landowners are responsible for encampments on their land.
In both cases, Environmental Health will assess whether the encampment presents a public health nuisance, and will encourage private owners to deal with the situation responsibly. Property Services section may act in court proceedings for private owners, but this is only recommended as a last resort. Staff could be asked to recall incidents they have been involved with. The Travellers Research Officer has agreed to incorporate this work into the research project.