Stratford District Council statement on Unauthorised Campers and Animal Welfare

On Monday Stratford-on-Avon District Council secured a court order which required the unauthorised campers who have been occupying Stratford Leisure Centre car park in the town centre to leave the site.  This was served on Tuesday 8 January.  The unauthorised campers have now left the site, but have moved to the Recreation Ground in Stratford-upon-Avon.  This site is also owned by the District Council and we are currently working with the Police to return the car park to its proper use.

The District Council is arranging for the rubbish left by the unauthorised campers at the Leisure Centre car park site to be cleared.  The District Council would like to thank residents and leisure centre users for their patience, tolerance and understanding in this matter.

A number of enquiries have been made regarding the animals which are travelling with the group. The District Council has limited powers in terms of animal welfare; the areas of District Council responsibility relate to the licensing of breeding premises and the collection of stray or abandoned dogs.  Other powers relating to animal welfare rest with the Police and the RSPCA.  We understand that they are aware and have assessed the situation.