Cheers as Travellers leave Southport Deaf School site

Cheers as Travellers leave Southport Deaf School

West Birkdale Councillor Tony Dawson is delighted that the travellers who took over the Birkdale Deaf School site have left the site this lunchtime.

Councillor Dawson says:

“As was the case at the Blind School which the travellers previously broke into and occupied, the resolution of the local residents has been magnificent in the face of  a distinct lack of activity from landlords, council and police.

“That is why this week I made a direct approach to Mr Harry Ruttle, the principle owner of the Deaf School. Mr Ruttle explained to me that he had thought that physical actions such as dumping concrete blocks and soil would have persuaded these travellers to move on but, as we saw, these moves only prompted the travellers to show their ingenuity in getting rid of the obstacles.

“So, Mr Ruttle agreed with me that the only way forward was for him to use solicitors and Bailiffs. Formal notice was served on the travellers yesterday, requiring them to move off the site. I am very pleased, as are the residents with whom I have been in contact, that they have now gone.

“What we need now are two separate things.  Firstly, the authorities covering Southport need to work together to develop a far more integrated and pro-active response to invasion by travellers.  Secondly, there is a need for sensible proposals to be made for the Deaf School and its surrounding land which respect the conservation area and the listed building status.  I have agreed with Mr Ruttle that we will meet soon to discuss this matter further.”

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