A notice ordering a group of Travellers to leave a Chester unauthorised encampment has been served.

Previously we reported that the encampment had been set up on Wednesday, July 10, at Westminster Park. It is understood entry to the playing field area was forced by breaking an access gate.

In Cheshire West and Chester Council's update on Friday morning (July 12), it has now been  confirmed a Section 77 notice has been served on the encampment.

The notice orders the residents of the encampment to leave by a particular deadline, with a court order that can also be sought to enforce their removal.

Such an order would be obtained via Chester Magistrates Court, where a hearing would take place to determine if the eviction should be enforced. Unauthorised campers have the right to attend the hearing and contest the eviction.

If a court order was pursued and approved, 24 hours have to pass between the court order being obtained and enforcement action to remove unauthorised campers and vehicles, via the council or bailiffs. 

It is a criminal offence for Travellers to return to an unauthorised encampment site where they had been a resident within three months.