Elmbridge borough council has been granted an injunction order banning unauthorised encampments on over 150 parks, open spaces and car parks.

The three-month injunction, granted by the High Court on Thursday (August 16), prevents any individual from occupying land and depositing waste during that period.

The council will be able to order the removal of encampments, without having to obtain court orders, which can take several days to obtain.

In a statement published online, Elmbridge borough council announced this year saw a hike in unauthorised encampments, with 27 encampments on public parks, open spaces and private land, some up to 60 vehicles in size.

Cllr Tim Oliver, the leader of the council, said: “The injunction will bring huge relief to our residents and local businesses who have experienced unprecedented and wholly unreasonable disruption throughout the summer.

“We will now carry on with the work we are doing to review the security of all of our open sites so that our communities can enjoy their surroundings, whilst continuing to closely monitor any illegal activity across the Borough.”

Superintendent Andy Rundle said: “We are now hopeful that with this injunction in place we can respond proactively to the concerns of local residents and reduce the negative impact of unauthorised encampments upon the local community.”