Travellers have arrived in Glossop Lidl’s car park, adjacent to the Howard Town Mill car park.

Local MP Robert Largan has been contacted by residents and business owners affected by this encampment. Travellers have set up their encampment across a large number of parking spaces, including disabled spaces.

This has not just affected parking capacity and trade for nearby businesses, but has disproportionately affected those who need priority spaces to go about their daily business.

Robert has contacted Derbyshire Police, High Peak Borough Council and the car park operator asking them to take urgent action so residents and businesses aren’t impacted for much longer. He has also reached out to Lidl to offer his support.

The Government has recently brought forward new legislation to make unauthorised camps a criminal offence, not just a civil matter. Part 4 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (PCSC Act) significantly amended the CJPO Act and expanded the powers that police have in relation to unauthorised encampments. The amended powers came into force for England and Wales on 28 June 2022.

The High Peak MP has now called upon the authorities to take the action which they are able to, in order to assist the residents of and visitors to Glossop with going about their daily business.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said:

“I’ve received contact from a number of residents and businesses about the unauthorised traveller site which has appeared in Glossop Lidl’s car park.

“I’ve contacted the Police, High Peak Borough Council and the car park operator, asking them to take urgent enforcement action. I’ve also offered my support to Lidl should they need any assistance.

“Taking swift action is essential to get travellers evicted. Glossop’s residents and visitors, especially disabled drivers, are in need of these spaces.

“I hope that we can get the car park cleared as soon as possible and avoid any sort of lengthy dispute. ”