Overview
Report an unauthorised encampment
Reported encampments
20 January: Elmgrove
Following the report of an unauthorised encampment at Elmgrove on Sunday 19 January, the council’s contractor has visited the site to carry out an assessment required under the legal protocol for dealing with unauthorised encampments.
Today we are serving them with a Notice of direction to leave by Tuesday 21 January 2025 under Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
If they do not leave in compliance with this Notice, the council will seek a removal order from the Magistrates Court.
Further updates will be made after this time. The process usually takes on average between 7 to 10 days
In most instances, the issues arising from the unauthorised encampment for the community are minimal. Surrey Police are aware of the unauthorised encampment and will continue to monitor it with the Joint Enforcement Team. Guidance on when to call the police regarding an unauthorised encampment, together with more information, can be found on the Surrey Police website. If you need to report an incident (ASB or crime) please call 101 or report an emergency on 999 or report Anti social behaviour through Elmbridge Borough Council’s website.
Nomadic life
Nomadic life is not illegal, and Gypsy, Roma, travellers have a basic right to this way of life. It's the aim of Elmbridge Borough Council to ensure all its residents, whether living in settled or transitory communities, are treated equally and with respect. We also recognise that this has to be balanced with the rights of the general public to enjoy private and public land.
We are obliged to manage unauthorised encampments within the borough on council-owned land. It is not always possible to stop all access and from time to time unauthorised encampments are established.
For more information about unauthorised encampments, see Surrey Police: Unauthorised encampments and you.