Basildon fends off latest challenge to Dale Farm evictions and site clearance: report

Travellers at Dale Farm in Essex have failed in a last-ditch attempt to halt next week’s planned evictions, the BBC has reported.

The appeal was brought by resident Mary Flynn after a High Court judge refused to grant an injunction at the end of August.

Basildon’s Leader, Cllr Tony Ball, yesterday wrote an open letter to the residents, pointing out that the council’s decision to clear the site had been supported by the courts and the Prime Minister.

“The time for talking is now almost at an end,” Cllr Ball said. “There has been much talk about the amount of resistance the council might face next week when we move in to carry out our lawful job of removing homes from the site before digging up hard surfaces.”

Basildon’s Leader said he was concerned that any resistance might lead to law breaking and violence.

“If this does happen it will not be in anyone’s interest,” he suggested. “The only thing that such action could achieve is to put you, your families and indeed council staff and police in danger. In the end the site must and will be cleared.”

He also warned that unlawful behaviour or violence from individuals claiming to be supporters of the residents would be “hugely damaging”. Cllr Ball said: “If they really care about you, they will make their protest in a peaceful manner and help you to move from the site.”

Cllr Ball urged the residents to pack up their belongings and leave the site in a peaceful and orderly fashion.