Travellers Establish Illegal Camp in 48 Hours Amidst Village Concerns

Travellers have established an unauthorized camp in the North Yorkshire village of Hillam in an operation described by local officials as having "military scale." The group reportedly began construction on a Friday afternoon, shortly before local council offices closed for the weekend, allowing them to complete the groundwork within 48 hours.

The land, which had been sold as a paddock for horses, was rapidly covered with approximately 50 lorry-loads of hardcore material. Tall fences, constructed with an estimated £33,000 worth of timber, were erected to enclose the site. Septic tanks were installed to service the dozens of caravans that subsequently moved onto the land. Local wildlife, including deer, has reportedly been displaced by the development.

Calls from concerned residents to the council went unanswered over the weekend. North Yorkshire county councillor Tim Grogan stated that the operation was "planned and executed incredibly fast" and that workers were seen "frantically" working, including overnight. He added that by starting work on a Friday afternoon, the group ensured they could continue over the weekend without immediate council intervention.

Residents of Hillam have expressed devastation, with Councillor Grogan noting that some property sales have already fallen through since the camp's arrival. He described the speed of construction as "astonishing," contrasting it with the slower pace of renovation for local authority housing. Some villagers have reported feeling unsafe or reluctant to walk their dogs in the area due to the increased vehicle traffic on the single-track road.

The camp was built approximately two weekends prior to reporting, and it took a week for North Yorkshire County Council to issue a temporary stop notice. A High Court injunction aimed at halting further development was later served to the occupants but has reportedly been ignored, with lorries continuing to arrive. Councillor Grogan conveyed the sentiment of many residents, stating that "90 percent of people feel like they have been let down by North Yorkshire Council" and that villagers feel "betrayed and helpless."

Dean McKeown, a resident living near the site, confirmed that the council's orders appeared to be disregarded. He described the situation as a "disaster for the village" and anticipates his own property sale will collapse. McKeown echoed the sentiment that the operation was "mounted with military precision," with occupants confident in their legal representation.

Nic Harne, North Yorkshire Council's corporate director for community development, confirmed that an interim injunction was secured from the High Court on a Saturday, prohibiting further unauthorized development. This order prevents additional caravans, new structures, installation of services or drainage, and the importation of materials or laying of hardstanding. The council stated it is monitoring the site for compliance with both the injunction and the earlier stop notice. A further court hearing is scheduled in a month to determine if the interim injunction will remain in place. The council pledged to continue taking appropriate action to ensure compliance with planning law.