Burnham has been battling a Traveller problem as fears mount that the town’s reputation has suffered over the summer. Town councillors have already met with local police to address reports of anti-social behaviour, theft, vandalism and unauthorised Traveller parks. Peter Clayton, councillor for Burnham-on-Sea North, said the Traveller parks have damaged the town’s reputation, as well as causing it disruption and financial loss.
He said there had already been 10 encampments between June and September, telling a recent council meeting of number plates removed, laundry strung across public areas, litter scattered, and a fire to burn plastic off cables. Cllr Clayton also claimed to have been threatened and witnessed shoplifting, which isn’t often reported as locals don’t think anything will be done. He suggested a dedicated police officer log and report anti-social behaviour, SomersetLive reports.
He also asked the council why why eviction timescales vary and why vehicles with no number plates are allowed to stay in the town.
Cllr Clayton said: “Residents and traders in Burnham are fed up with inaction. Other councils seem able to act more quickly, yet Somerset is consistently slow to respond.
“Our town has lost valuable parking income and coach visitors, and local businesses have suffered.
“We need faster enforcement, tougher deterrents, and progress on a proper transit site. Our community deserves better than being left to pick up the cost of disruption every summer.”
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, said the council was at the mercy of the courts when it comes to serving evictions orders.
She added that the council was exploring using land for temporary and permanent sites after the Supreme Court rules that blanket injunctions were unlawful.
