Burnham‑On‑Sea MP Ashley Fox has called for stronger and more consistent action on unlawful traveller encampments, saying recent events in Wembdon and Burnham were “completely unacceptable” and left local taxpayers footing the bill.
An unlawful encampment occupied the popular beauty spot for almost two weeks before leaving behind 18 tonnes of waste, including sofas, washing machines and piles of rubbish. Bridgwater Town Council spent around £5,000 clearing the site so families, children and dog walkers could return.
Ashley Fox thanked council staff for restoring the area but said they should never have been put in that position. He said Somerset must urgently get a grip on two issues: rapid enforcement when unlawful encampments appear, and the long‑delayed delivery of a dedicated traveller site.
He said police and local authorities must act “quickly and robustly” when land is occupied unlawfully, adding that most people understand they cannot simply take over someone else’s land or leave large amounts of waste behind without consequences. “There should be one set of rules, applied fairly and consistently to everyone,” he said.
Ashley Fox voiced support for Conservative proposals to strengthen powers for councils and police to deal with unauthorised encampments and trespass, saying enforcement teams need the right tools and must use them.
But he said enforcement alone is not enough. Somerset still does not have a new transient traveller site, despite the Liberal Democrat‑run council receiving £1.46 million of Government funding four years ago towards a proposed site near Glastonbury. He said residents are entitled to ask why a site has still not been delivered.
A properly managed site, he said, would give travellers an appropriate place to stay while making it easier for authorities to take firm action when unlawful encampments appear on parks, open spaces or unsuitable land.
“Somerset needs proper provision, faster action and stronger enforcement,” he said. “Above all, it needs one set of rules that applies fairly and consistently to everyone.”
