Nigel Farage speaks of "crazy things councils have to do" after Gosport travellers get dusty welcome
Council vehicles also blocked off access to the site
Reform leader Nigel Farage has had his say on the “crazy things councils have to do” to remove travellers after a tractor subjected a flock of nomads to a dusty welcome in Gosport.
A small band of travellers arrived at the scene off Grange Lane in Rowner around 4pm on Monday before they were showered in dust, as reported.
Gosport Borough Council vehicles swooped to the area to block off any more travellers joining the group.
A video showed a grounds’ operative cutting the grass causing a massive swirl of dust to sweep across the encampment.
Mr Farage said in a post accompanied by the video showing the tractor cutting the grass: “These are the crazy things that councils have to do to remove illegal encampments.
“Gosport Borough Council sent a tractor to 'cut the grass' to force them out. Local residents reported that they returned as soon as council staff left.
“Labour and the Tories talk tough on illegal encampments but they've only made the problem worse. The numbers rose by around 25% under the Tories and Labour are now making it easier for them to do as they please.
“Only Reform will give the police powers to remove illegal encampments immediately, seize the vehicles and make arrests.
“Local communities have been plagued by this madness for too long because the legacy parties are too weak to do anything about it.”
The travellers have now been served with an eviction notice this morning. Currently four tents and two caravans are at the site.
A Gosport Borough Council spokesperson said in an update on Tuesday: “We are aware of a small traveller encampment on land at Grange Lane. The council is monitoring the situation and is working with relevant partners to ensure the welfare of all those involved, while minimising any impact on the local community.
"At this stage, the encampment remains relatively small and there have been no reports of significant disruption. The council will continue to assess the situation and take any appropriate action in line with its legal responsibilities and established procedures.
"We understand that residents may have concerns and would encourage anyone experiencing issues associated with the encampment to report them to 101."