Unauthorised traveller encampments injunction renewed by High Court
A Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) application to renew an injunction for unauthorised traveller encampments against ‘persons unknown’, for a further 12 months, has been successful.
In May 2024, the High Court granted an order to prohibit the setup of unauthorised traveller encampments in certain parts of the borough. It included a five-year injunction against ‘persons known’, however case law currently dictates that only one-year orders should be made against ‘persons unknown’.
The order, which was granted on Friday 9 May 2025, covers around 17 square miles, encompassing all of Andover, as well as the Alma Road car park in Romsey, Romsey Rapids and the Nursling and Rownhams hall and recreation ground. All areas which have seen significant problems over many years.
During her judgment, Her Honour Judge Richardson said the current order has been extremely effective in preventing not just the number of unauthorised encampments, but the length of their stay and the reduction in clean-up costs.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “I’m delighted that the order against persons unknown has been renewed for another 12 months. I attended the High Court last week and I am very grateful to Judge Richardson for her decision. The hard work to get our injunction in place is paying off. Since May 2024 there have only been two breaches of the injunction area and in both cases they were moved on the same day.
“This decision continues to protect those living in the injunction area from the appalling behaviour that we’ve had to experience over many years. Unauthorised traveller encampments won’t be tolerated in Test Valley. The reinstatement of the power of arrest against ‘persons unknown’ in May 2024 means that in partnership with the police we can move on any perpetrator very quickly without having to seek protracted court orders. I’m sure this will also act as a deterrent from unauthorised encampments from coming to Test Valley in the first place, along with all the other work we have done to better protect our open spaces.
“I wish to recognise and give thanks to the officers across the council who have worked tirelessly over many years to gather and present the evidence to support our case. Their efforts are appreciated.”