Travellers were removed from Long Sutton encampment by Spalding police

Travellers who had set up a camp in Long Sutton have been moved on by police.

South Holland Police served a notice under section 61 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to the travellers who had stayed an unauthorised encampment on a field off the A17 yesterday.

South Holland Neighbourhood Policing Insp Nick Waters said: "Police have been in contact with the person who occupies the land concerned, the travellers and SHDC since Thursday. Following reports over the weekend, a section 61 notice was issued on Monday morning and police supervised the travellers leave the location later that day.

"Police powers under section 61 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act are used in exceptional circumstances, not as a matter of routine with unauthorised encampments. Contrary to popular belief, the police cannot just “move on” travellers.

"An unauthorised encampment relates to any encampment on land that hasn’t been authorised by the landowner. It is not a criminal offence. Some encampments exist for a matter of days without notice, while others can be longer and more impactful. When an unauthorised encampment occurs, in the first instance, it is the landowner/occupier’s responsibility to resolve the issue and there are certain laws that can be used by the land owner/occupier to move groups on who are there without permission.

"Where appropriate officers will monitor the encampment and maintain contact with the land owner/occupier. At this stage trespassing is a civil matter between the landowner and occupier and not a criminal offence. The police should be called if you see a crime taking place or there is significant anti-social behaviour or disorderly conduct."