A Bristol enforcement agency has helped the local authority covering some of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts slash the number of illegal encampments that were blighting the area.
The Torbay area in South Devon – which includes Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – was particularly hard hit by unlawful van dwellers and tent residents in car parks and open land, with residents saying they deterred tourists and damaged the local economy. 
But the problem looks to have been resolved after Torbay Council called in Bristol evictions experts Able Investigations & Enforcements Services.
The number of incidents has plummeted over the past year – with the duration of any illegal encampments that did take place in the borough falling to an average of just over two days from several weeks in previous years.
During last year’s peak autumn season there were no incidents at all.
Able, which has been operating since1993 and handles security and investigations as well as evictions, has been working for nearly a year with Swisco – a company set up by Torbay Council to be responsible for several of its day-to-day operations, including its neighbourhood enforcement department.
As a result, it has freedom to work independently with enforcement companies and local courts to tackle illegal encampments more efficiently than local authorities normally would.
Able managing director Steve Wood, pictured, above left, with Swisco head of environment services Neil Coish, said the Torbay area had long been a hotspot for illegal encampments “as well as other people who want to take advantage of the area without following the rules”.
“We know that this is unpleasant for local residents, who would prefer not to have anti-social behaviour, noise and waste pollution in the areas in which they have chosen to live,” he added.
“Over the years we have worked with many local authorities to educate them as to legal processes which can quickly and effectively enable them to enforce the laws around evictions.
“So we were only too pleased to offer our specialist services to Swisco for the benefit of residents and businesses in the affected areas.”
Swisco figures show that last October was the first month with no illegal encampments in the area after one in April, eight in May, two in June, five in July, four in August and just one in September.
Although official numbers were not recorded until last year, officials are certain that both occurrences and durations of encampments are massively reduced.
Swisco head of environment services Neil Coish said in previous years the encampments had usually continued until the October half-term week.
“Between early September and the middle of December, we had no incidents at all,” he added.
“So it’s clear that, given that the same people normally turn up over and over again around the South West, word was getting around that Torquay was becoming a zero-tolerance area.
“We’re delighted with the advice and practical support that Steve and his team have offered us.
“Illegal encampments are difficult for local residents, and they harm our economy by keeping custom away from businesses and by damaging the appearance of holiday destinations.
“We’d certainly encourage any local authorities that are struggling to deal with these encampments to follow our example and consider the measures we have taken.
“We’re dealing with encampments in hours now, days at the most.”
Able provided Swisco with a range of documents and best practice instructions, as well as supporting staff with conflict training to help de-escalate challenging situations.
Steve Wood, a qualified conflict management trainer to B-Tech level 3, said legal powers existed to enable local authorities to bypass normal procedures of applying for eviction notices through the courts.
“Section 77 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994 gives local authorities the power to direct individuals to remove their vehicles and belongings and to leave the occupied land,” he added.
“If they don’t comply, we have the necessary contacts at local courts around the region to ensure proceedings are expedited.
“Our in-house team prepares the entire process, representing the local authority at the magistrates court. We normally complete the eviction the same day.
“Illegal encampments and its occupants generally know the law though and we rarely find any difficulty.
“It’s up to local authorities to understand their rights – once they do, they’ll find the problem much easier to deal with.”
