Travellers on Goosemoor Park in Retford are to be moved on, but the illegal encampment cannot be forced off the site until an earliest date of July 15.

Bassetlaw District Council was granted a possession order at Mansfield County Court on June 17, which requires those illegally occupying Council-owned land to leave.

However, the court stated that the council was not permitted to enforce the eviction until at least July 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, the council is also investigating a potential breach of planning on a nearby site, and have issued Stop and Enforcement Notices in respect to any further development of the land.

The illegal encampment of travellers on Goosemoor Park.

placeholder image — The illegal encampment of travellers on Goosemoor Park.

People living close to the site off Goosemoor Lane raised concerns about changes to the land and wildlife being disturbed there earlier in the month. Part of the site off Goosemoor Lane is within the Retford South conservation area,

Cllr Jonathan Slater, deputy leader and ward member for East Retford North, said: “We have received a large number of enquiries on this issue and understand the concerns of residents.

“We have been given a clear instruction from the courts and will put measures in place to carry out eviction proceedings as soon as we are legally permitted to.

“Please be reassured that we will continue to work through the legal process and once the site is vacated, take steps to improve the security of the land.”

If residents have any concerns or witness any illegal activity taking place in the area, they should contact Nottinghamshire Police by calling 101.