This is when travellers will have to leave football pitch near Chesterfield – after reports of fire, litter and damage

Councillor Ross Shipman, North East Derbyshire District Council member for Tupton, has confirmed that the required papers have been served on the traveller encampment at a football pitch in Wingerworth this morning (Friday, September 4).

The encampment, which was set up off Hornbeam Drive over the bank holiday weekend, has to be removed by 8am on Monday (September 7).

This comes after a multi-agency meeting which saw North East Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire police and the landowner The Land Trust come together to discuss the next steps.

Councillor Ross Shipman said: “I am pleased that this difficult situation is now progressing, and that we are finally seeing a route towards bringing it to an end.

“The landowner (The Land Trust) has now issued the illegal encampment with the required papers this morning, for them to leave by 8am Monday, 7th September, and specialist agents have been appointed to assist in securing the site.

"Partner agencies remain in regular contact and continue to work closely with the landowner as this process progresses.”

The travellers have allegedly caused damage to gate locks at the green space, started a fire and left rubbish, including human waste scattered around.

Councillor Shipman added: “This has been an incredibly frustrating situation for residents and the wider community, and I know many people are understandably angry about what has happened.

“The behaviour of those on site, and the way our local area has been treated, is nothing short of disgusting.

"Regardless of who is responsible for causing damage or disruption in our communities, I will always do my utmost on behalf of residents to ensure these matters are dealt with as quickly as practically possible."

He added: "The district council are aware of reports relating to fly-tipping, damage and fires in the area.

"Residents should continue to report any incidents through the appropriate channels, along with any evidence, as this helps ensure concerns are properly recorded, investigated and, where appropriate, supports the gathering of evidence for enforcement action or prosecution.

"Residents should not put themselves at risk when reporting incidents.

"Any criminal activity should be reported to Derbyshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

A further multi-agency meeting is set to take place later today with an update expected in the late afternoon.

Councillor Shipman added: “We have a further meeting later today with all of the agencies involved to assess the current situation.

"I am hoping that we will be further forward from both a criminal damage and environmental health enforcement perspective, and that those responsible can ultimately be held accountable and, where appropriate, brought to justice.

“I will continue to work with the agencies involved and keep pushing for the appropriate action to be taken.”

Inspector Matthew Brown, who leads policing in the North East area, said: "Work has been ongoing throughout the week between police, council and the landowner following an unauthorised encampment in Wingerworth.

“The site, off Hornbeam Drive, has been subject to increased police patrols since the encampment began on 30 August and we are fully aware of the concerns of residents in the area.

“Following a further meeting between partners today (Friday 4 Sep) a court order has been served requiring those present to leave by Monday at 8am.

“If those present have not moved, then their removal will be supported by officers.

“Encampments of this nature are governed by strict legislation that, as a police force, we must abide by.

“The primary responsibility for the moving those involved sits with the landowner, unless specific criteria are met which means that police can issue a directive to move on.

“That criteria states behaviour must cause, or be likely to cause, significant damage, disruption, or distress. The site has been subject to continuous monitoring by officers – and has not met the bar to enforce those legal powers with no spike in either crime or anti-social behaviour seen being reported to us.

“We continue to monitor the site and, should that criteria be met, then those powers will be used.

“Any incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour should be reported to us immediately, by either using the 101 non-emergency number, or if serious and requiring immediate police attendance by ringing 999.”