Dale Farm residents win further reprieve

High court extends injunction to stop evictions by Basildon council at illegal Travellers’ site in Essex Residents have won another temporary reprieve in their long-running battle to stay on the UK’s biggest illegal Travellers’ site. A judge in the high court ruled on Monday that residents of Dale Farm near Basildon in Essex were entitled to an extension of an injunction to stop their evictions until the courts have ruled on the legality of their proposed removal. The ruling was a blow to Basildon council, which is facing additional legal action that could prolong its 10-year battle to clear the site, expected to cost £18m. Travellers have more litigation in the pipeline which could further delay evictions. They plan to seek a judicial review on the grounds that eviction is “disproportionate” under human rights laws. On Sunday night the Travellers’ supporters called on council representatives to “return to the negotiating table”, saying that continuing the action will only see costs spiral even further out of control. The campaign group Dale Farm Solidarity (DFS) said several high-profile figures had offered to mediate, including bishops Thomas McMahon and Stephen Cottrell, UN representatives and the local MEP Richard Howitt. Kate O’Shea, from DFS, said: “We call on Tony Ball [the council leader] to return to the negotiation table. “The situation at Dale Farm needs a sensible and common sense approach and we urge all parties to use this pause to find an amicable solution. “The UN and two local bishops have offered to mediate any talks should this be required, and we urge Tony Ball to accept their offer.” The Gypsy Council echoed the calls, saying it had become clear during Friday’s hearing that the site would not necessarily be returned to open countryside even if the eviction went ahead. In a statement it said: “Pursuing this eviction would be a bad thing for both sides.” Dale Farm Roma, Gypsies and Travellers guardian.co.uk

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