An injunction which allowed council officers to move on travellers without having to go through the courts is no longer in place.

Hertsmere Borough Council introduced the instant ban at more than 100 public sites in 2019, after dealing with several encampments the year before.

The injunction has meant the council has avoided having to go through the lengthy and often costly process of moving travellers on from parks and other open spaces in Bushey and Radlett, via the courts.

However the council says this injunction is not currently in force after legal action was brought against it.

The update from the council came to light after more than a dozen caravans arrived at Aberford Park in Borehamwood, also in Hertsmere, yesterday afternoon. 

A large number of vehicles have been parked on grass by a skatepark and although the council has confirmed it has started legal action to move the travellers on, this process could take a few days.

Police officers in Aberford Park on Tuesday afternoon. Credit: Councillor Glenn Briski

Police officers in Aberford Park on Tuesday afternoon. Credit: Councillor Glenn Briski

A council spokesperson said this morning: "We are aware of the large and unauthorised traveller encampment in Aberford Park in Borehamwood and are responding promptly and robustly, and obviously in line with legislation.

"Environmental health colleagues attended yesterday afternoon (Tuesday April 20) and are visiting again this morning to carry out welfare checks and issue notices of direction requiring the group to leave the site, which will be followed up through the courts if necessary. We are in liaison with Hertfordshire Constabulary regarding this matter.

"Along with a number of other local authorities, we recently applied to have our blanket injunction withdrawn after it was the subject of legal challenge by traveller communities."

The injunction was initially introduced by the council after several traveller encampments in Hertsmere in 2018. Forty thousand pounds was also spent putting posts in to stop vehicles getting into Ripon Park in Borehamwood.

There are at least a dozen caravans in the park. Credit: Councillor Michelle Vince

There are at least a dozen caravans in the park. Credit: Councillor Michelle Vince

The caravans seen from Brook Road

The caravans seen from Brook Road

Meanwhile Hertsmere Police wrote on its Facebook page yesterday: "We are aware of an unauthorised encampment in Aberford Park, Aberford Road, #Borehamwood.

"Officers have attended the area and are supporting the landowners, Hertsmere Borough Council, who are the lead agency as it is a civil matter.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation as part of our proactive patrols to provide community reassurance and prevent any breaches of the peace."

Vehicles parked in Aberford Park in Borehamwood

Vehicles parked in Aberford Park in Borehamwood