PRESS RELEASE

10 April 2002

OTTAWAY SUPPORTS BILL TO CLAMP DOWN ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOR BY TRAVELLERS

Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, has given his support to legislation that will make it easier for local authorities to evict travellers illegally trespassing on land.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"Every year I receive a number of complaints from constituents about travellers including damage to property, mountains of waste and intimidation. Despite efforts by Croydon Council, the legal framework appears to protect the interests of misbehaving travellers rather than local residents."

"This legislation will improve the situation by amending the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to clamp down on the antisocial behaviour of these groups of the travelling community who cause damage. It will strengthen the power of local officials to deal with this nuisance."

"Law-abiding travellers have nothing to fear from this legislation - it will improve their position by clamping down on those who give travellers a bad name"

ends.

If you require any further information, please call 020 7219 6392.

Note to editors:- The Trespassers on Land (Liability for Damage and Eviction) Bill was introduced to Parliament by Crispin Blunt, Conservative MP for Reigate, on 26th March 2002. It will receive its second reading on Friday 10th May 2002.