A convoy of caravans has returned to The Links near the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay, just days after being issued an eviction notice. North Tyneside Council confirmed it is monitoring the re-emergence of the encampment, which had initially been ordered to vacate the land on July 6.
Eviction and Return
The group first arrived over the previous weekend and was served a notice to leave on July 6, prompting a relocation to a car park near St Mary's Lighthouse. However, the caravans have now returned to The Links, prompting renewed action from the council's community protection team.
Peter Mennell, Director of Housing and Property Services at North Tyneside Council, stated: “We are aware that the group has returned to the Links in Whitley Bay after leaving the St Mary’s Lighthouse car park site. Our Community Protection Team is aware of the situation and has visited the site to engage with those present and make them aware of the next steps.”
Council's Legal Process
Mennell added: “In line with our established process, we will continue the legal process to ensure the group leaves the land as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and manage it using the appropriate legal powers.”
Whitley Bay North councillor John O’Shea acknowledged resident concerns: “Concerns have been raised by a number of residents about this encampment and it’s always a difficult situation to resolve, but I am told council officials are working on that to get the issue sorted.”
Historical Context
In 2016, similar tensions arose when around 15 caravans set up an encampment in the Briardene car park, near St Mary's Lighthouse, before eventually moving on. Such encampments are protected under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Human Rights Act 1998, which safeguard Roma groups and travellers from discrimination.
The council continues to balance legal obligations with community concerns as it works to resolve the situation.
