A Home Counties village is experiencing significant disruption following the rapid establishment of a new, unauthorized encampment of approximately 20 caravans. Residents of Tilsworth, Bedfordshire, claim that the new site, built over a single weekend, has led to conditions described as 'hellish,' with concerns about construction noise, fires, and alleged threats.
The development began on Friday, June 12, just before the weekend closure of Central Bedfordshire Council staff. Locals reported observing workers bulldoze a field adjacent to an existing legal traveler site. Within days, an unauthorized encampment had been erected.
Central Bedfordshire Council stated that officers responded promptly and treated the matter as a priority. The council was notified of the works on the evening of June 12 and arranged for an on-site visit the next working day. A Temporary Stop Notice was served on June 16, requiring all further construction work to cease. The council also indicated that plant machinery was being removed from the site and that they are in the process of seeking an injunction from the High Court to ban further work.
However, villagers have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the council's response, labeling it 'useless.' One resident shared an email from a council official that they interpreted as 'threatening,' stating, 'The frequency of these emails are starting to prevent the officers conducting their duties.' Locals have complained about constant building noise and environmental damage, including destroyed hedges and habitats. Some residents believe the proximity of the new encampment is making it impossible to sell their homes and could devalue their properties.
The new encampment reportedly houses 19 motorhomes and caravans, adding to the 70 already present at the adjacent legal site. With the village having approximately 140 homes, some residents feel that the traveler population now outnumbers locals. Further complaints include claims of a sewage tanker on the existing site overfilling and waste being burned, causing smoke to billow over the village.
Councillors are reviewing a retrospective planning application for the new site, which has raised concerns among some that it could be granted official approval. The Conservative party has called for ministers to prohibit retrospective planning approvals for traveler sites established without prior permission.
Some travelers at the new site denied causing problems, with one stating he had only been there for two days and would be leaving soon. Central Bedfordshire Council has stated it must follow legal processes and is awaiting a court date to pursue an injunction.
Central Bedfordshire is noted as having nearly 50 permanent traveler sites, one of the highest concentrations in England.