Caravans ordered to move from historic fort site
Bill PiniPeople living in caravans at a Grade II listed site have been issued with legal notices as a council looks to move them on.
The Section 77 documents have been issued in response to the vehicles being parked along Clifford's Fort, in the Fish Quay area of North Shields.
Prosecution could follow if the encampment remains in the area, North Tyneside Council warned.
John Sparkes, director of regeneration and economic development, said the organisation had acted because it had "a responsibility to protect the beautiful and iconic setting".
An experimental traffic regulation order to help manage parking and discourage overnight occupation of the site has also been brought in.
'Historic significance'
"As the local authority, we have a responsibility to protect the beautiful and iconic setting of North Shields Fish Quay, as well as the health and safety of visitors and the successful operation of businesses in the area," Sparkes said.
"In line with our established process, we engaged with those affected and informed them in June of our intention to take this action.
"We have carried out welfare checks and offered support where appropriate.
"We will continue to monitor the area closely to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming location for residents, visitors and businesses, while protecting the historic significance of Clifford's Fort and the wider Fish Quay."
In May, the Labour-led council said the concentration of oversized vehicles on Clifford Street for long periods of time had "prompted concerns about health and safety [and] waste disposal".
It also voiced worries about vehicles encroaching on the fort itself, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Earlier this month, an illegal encampment at The Links, in nearby Whitley Bay, was moved on.
However, the vehicles reappeared just days later.