An injunction against illegal encampments in Redbridge has been hailed a success.

Since the injunction that protects parks, open spaces and school grounds was put in place in June this year, only one attempted incursion has been recorded on council land and one on private land.

Anyone found to be breaching the new injunction could be faced with a prison sentence, a hefty fine or being charged with contempt of court.

In 2017, there were 40 unauthorised encampments recorded across Redbridge, most of them during the summer months.

Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal has hailed the injunction a success following the reduced number of illegal encampments recorded in the borough this summer.

He said: “I’m very pleased that the interim injunction is proving such a success and is stopping incursions. For years we have taken precautions to protect council land from illegal encampments but there were always those willing to force entry.

“As well as the huge disruption to our residents and businesses that these unlawful encampments cause, the council must foot a significant legal and clear-up bill. Over the last two years alone those costs had reached £350k. In times of austerity, this is money we can now invest in key frontline services.”

If an encampment is found, council representatives have a statutory responsibility to send representatives from Redbridge’s departments of housing, adult social care and children’s services to the site to assess the needs of those found there.

Currently the injunction 235 sites in total on an interim basis ahead of a fuller hearing at a later date.