Traveller families moved on from Minnis Bay car park by police and council

The families have moved on

Traveller families who stopped at Minnis Bay car park overnight (March 13/14) have moved on.

The group, consisting of around 16 caravans and vehicles, left after enforcement action by Thanet council and Kent Police.

Thanet does not currently have an authorised Traveller site, with the nearest being in Canterbury and Dover although these are often over-subscribed.

A ‘call for sites’ for Thanet’s updated Local Plan received no response in terms of putting forward land for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation.

A need for 7 permanent and 5 transit vehicle pitches in Thanet was identified in a study for Thanet council. Temporary tolerated pitches are when people on unauthorised encampments stay for an agreed amount of time.

A Thanet council spokesperson said: “We were made aware that a large number of traveller vehicles had arrived at the car park at Minnis Bay on Monday 13 March. Kent Police were aware of the unauthorised encampment and council officers attended to carry out welfare checks.

“Kent Police has confirmed today (Wednesday 15 March), that the vehicles have now left the area, following joint enforcement action taken by the council and Kent Police.”