TAXPAYERS spent nearly a quarter of a million pounds on evicting travellers from council land last year.

It was revealed a total of £243,000 was spent on tackling illegal campsites in Redbridge during 2017 at a meeting of the borough council on Thursday (January 18).

Authorities have had to dismantle a number of camps including one Evergreen Field in High Street, Wanstead, and another at Roding Valley Park in the past 12 months.

Travellers have also been accused of fly-tipping at several sites in the borough during that time.

Northview Caravan Park in Hainault is Redbridge’s only permanent site for travellers.

Councillor Gwyneth Deakins, leader of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, asked how much taxpayers had to spend on evicting trespassing travellers.

Councillor Sheila Bain, cabinet member for civic pride said: “The approximate cost was £243,000 excluding significant costs incurred by private land owners. The figure includes legal costs.”

Cllr Deakins then asked what was being done about an injunction to stop travellers setting up illegal camps on council land.

After travellers were evicted from Roding Valley Park in October last year, Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said the borough will submit an application to the High Court to stop travellers erecting illegal campsites.

Cllr Bain responded: “We are building the case. This is a detailed area of work and we’ll make a formal application in next few months. If successful, it’s hoped the injunction will be in place by the spring.”