MP says he is impressed with Basildon Council and police plans
Today, John Baron MP met with Council Leader Tony Ball, Assistant Chief Constable Sue Harrison and Police Superintendent Tim Stokes, and senior Basildon Council officials when visiting both the ‘Gold’ and ‘Silver’ Cell control rooms in Basildon Council. He also visited the site itself at Dale Farm where he discussed plans with the bailiffs and other officials. John was fully briefed as to preparations for the start of the site clearance on 19th September, and will be with Councillor Tony Ball on site on the day.
John said:
“I am impressed with the preparations to clear this site in a safe and professional manner. Every precaution is being taken to ensure everyone’s safety, but the travellers should be in no doubt that this site will be cleared. Anyone breaking the law will be arrested by the police.”
“At this eleventh hour I once again urge the travellers and their supporters to move off peacefully. Nothing will be gained from resisting the Council’s action to reclaim this greenbelt land on behalf of the law-abiding majority.”
At this 11th hour, evidence now appears to show that Basildon Council have previously used this ‘greenbelt land’ as a vehicle pound/dump, reinforcing the surface with tons of hardcore,i.e.as brownfield over some decades (please see Observer article quoting previous owner 18.9.11; photo + information on Dale Farm site).
It therefore seems that the evictions should be immediately called off; a more humanitarian compromise solution found, perhaps with the mediation of the Bishops; and the estimated £18m.eviction + police costs better spent on a national solution to the problem of availability of land with planning permission for travellers. This would relieve the pressure on Basildon, and support travellers’ aspirations to improve their social and economic situation rather than destroy their efforts and communities so pointlessly.