AN MP has spoken to Government about Travellers setting up ‘illegal encampments’ in Knutsford.

Speaking on May 17, Tatton MP Esther McVey said ‘immediate action’ was needed to deal with an encampment on Parkgate Industrial Estate.

Cheshire Police confirmed on May 18 that the occupants have since left the site.

Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Ms McVey said: “My constituency has a problem with Travellers pitching on private land and common land and causing a nuisance, currently on Parkgate Industrial Estate in Knutsford.

“Either the police do not have sufficient powers to deal with this issue, or they do have sufficient powers, but they are not using them.

“Will the Deputy Prime Minister get the Government to speak with Cheshire Police to ensure they do have the powers to deal with this plight on our local community and that they use them.”

Responding, Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden said Ms McVey was right to highlight the ‘misery caused’ by unauthorised encampments.

He added: “I understand that Home Office officials do regularly liaise with the national police chief’s council on this but of course the Home Secretary will have heard the representations and I trust she will act on them.”

Ms McVey spoke with Home Secretary Suella Braverman immediately after the Commons exchange to ensure contact is made with Cheshire Police.

Ms McVey added: “Across the constituency we are seeing problems at certain times of the year on both private and public land, the latest being in Knutsford.

“We need to send a clear message that illegal encampments will not be tolerated.”

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: “At around 4pm on Sunday, May 14, officers were called to reports of an unauthorised encampment on Parkgate Industrial Estate.

“Officers attended the site and spoke to those present.

“As the encampment is on private land the owner has been advised that it is a civil matter.

“On Wednesday, May 17, further intelligence was received in relation to the number of vehicles at the site and damage which had been caused.

“As a result, officers had the power to serve a section 61 notice ordering the occupants to leave the site, which they have since done.”