As the law stands, trespass is a civil matter between the landowner and the individual or individuals using the land or property. In many parts of the country, and indeed within the Wrexham constituency, unauthorised encampments cause misery to landowners and those who live nearby, with reports of damage to property, abuse, littering and noise.
The consultation will take in views from the police, local authorities, the travelling community and the general public, so I would encourage all people to get involved. My own position is that the law as it stands does not give the police, local authorities or private landowners enough powers to deal with people who encroach on land without permission, so I will be interested to see the result of this consultation.
