Last week, our team at West Country Bailiffs was featured in national media for our work conducting a traveller eviction and removing an unauthorised traveller encampment from a business park in Nottingham, a clear example of how professional enforcement and common law rights can deliver fast, practical outcomes for landowners.
The incident occurred on a commercial car park on Millennium Way Business Park where, at around 3pm on Monday 19 January 2026, a group of travellers, thought to include around 15 individuals with five caravans and four vehicles, entered the site after cutting the locks on the metal entrance gates and established an encampment.
The presence of caravans, vehicles and associated rubbish meant that staff and contractors could no longer access the site safely, bringing scheduled renovation work to a halt and causing significant financial disruption for the property owner.
This is a situation that many landowners dread, not just because of the visual impact, but because unauthorised encampments can quickly embed themselves on private land, leading to damage, theft or prolonged dispute. Tools, metals, copper fittings and renovation materials left on site can be at risk, and the longer a group remains, the more complex the eviction becomes.
What Prompted the Call to West Country Bailiffs
The property owner contacted West Country Bailiffs because of our experience in handling traveller evictions and trespasser removals. We specialise in land and property enforcement across England and Wales, and have developed a strong track record in responding quickly to unauthorised encampments.
In this case, the owner acted correctly by seeking assistance as soon as the encampment was established. Time was of the essence, and acting promptly can make the difference between a fast, peaceable traveller eviction and a drawn-out dispute that costs far more in lost productivity, security measures, and legal uncertainty.
How Common Law Traveller Evictions Work
Traveller evictions on private land are typically carried out under common law rather than through the court system. Under common law, landowners have the right to reclaim possession of land from trespassers using reasonable force where necessary. At West Country Bailiffs, we exercise this right on behalf of clients through a structured process designed to be both lawful and efficient.
Once instructed, our team attended the Nottingham site at 8am the following day, having been contacted the previous lunchtime. The intervention took place within 48 hours of the travellers’ arrival, limiting the impact on site activity.
The common law traveller eviction process usually follows these steps:
- Initial Attendance and Assessment
We visit the site to assess the situation, confirm the scope of the encampment, and plan the next steps. - Notice to Vacate
A formal notice is served on the occupants, giving them a clear timeframe to leave the land voluntarily. - Peaceable Removal
If the travellers do not leave within the notice period, we proceed with removal efforts, escalating reasonable force only where necessary. We aim for a peaceful resolution first, avoiding confrontation wherever possible. - Re-securing the Site
Once the travellers have vacated, the land is secured to prevent re-entry. This may include locking gates, installing bollards, or advising on longer-term security measures.
In Nottingham, this workflow was executed efficiently, and the group vacated the site within the same day. The business park was restored to the property owner, and disruption was minimised.
National Recognition for Our Work
The swift action and professional handling of this case drew national attention, with a detailed story about the eviction published by GB News. The feature highlighted not only our quick response and expert management, but also how common law traveller evictions can be an effective tool for landowners facing unauthorised encampments.
Our Director, Jon Spinks, was quoted explaining the importance of acting quickly when travellers set up on private land: “Time is critical in these situations, the longer an encampment remains in place, the more embedded it becomes, increasing the risk of damage or theft, particularly where a property is under renovation and valuable tools, metals, and copper may be present on site.”
Security and Protection After Removal
Following the successful eviction, we advised the property owner on both immediate and long-term security measures. Gates were locked and concrete bollards were put in place to prevent future encampments. While these measures may cause short-term inconvenience for staff and contractors, they are essential to securing the site until permanent solutions can be implemented.
Why Professional Traveller Eviction Matters
Unauthorised encampments are a reality that many landowners face, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas where open land or car parks can be attractive to travellers. While local authorities and police may be limited in their ability to assist directly (often treating such matters as civil rather than criminal), enforcement agents with expertise in common law traveller eviction removals can act quickly to protect property rights.
West Country Bailiffs has experience across a wide range of such removals, and this latest Nottingham case demonstrates our commitment to delivering swift, lawful and peaceful outcomes for clients. It also underscores the growing national recognition of the value of specialist enforcement services in resolving complex land and property disputes.
If you need help with traveller removals or trespass disputes, West Country Bailiffs is here to support you with proven expertise and rapid response. You can find more on our traveller eviction services here or call 01803 895441 to speak with of our enforcement managers.
