Unauthorised Encampments

There are few things that cause us more comment than the arrival of travellers into the park. This has been at least a yearly occurrence for a long time now and while the Council’s efforts to defend the park have helped matters we are still visited on a regular basis.

Whenever we do get new neighbours, we’re invariably asked for how people can report issues and what the Council are doing to move the encampment on. Hopefully this page will provide some answers to those questions.

None of us want to see the park misused or damaged by visitors, invited or otherwise. By the same token, we recognise that the rights of the travelling community need to be balanced with the rights of other residents to enjoy open spaces.

All Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998.  Gypsies and Romany gypsies have been part of our communities for hundreds of years, with Irish travellers having been here in the UK for over 150 years.  Like other minority groups, they have their own language, traditions and customs that guide their way of life, and which have passed down through generations.

When the Council receive a report of an unauthorised encampment they have certain steps that they are required to take by Law. In the case of Pickering Park they will normally look to serve an eviction notice at the earliest opportunity. Hull City Council do not have specific details on their website, but this link will display the details posted by Luton District Council and the powers are going to be very similar. The Luton website also has an excellent FAQ which deals with most of the questions that are raised by residents.

You can report an unauthorised encampment by calling Hull City Council on 01482 300300.  If you are witness to criminal damage then the police should be informed on 101.  Note that the police will not be able to act on any reports unless there is good, solid evidence such as videos or photographs of the damage occurring.

The buttons below will also allow you to report an incursion into the park – or, indeed, anywhere else. There are also separate reporting options for anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and animals. They all link to pages on the Council’s website.