Articles

Rollits` Property Dispute Resolution Group has recently dealt with a large number of possession claims against trespassers on both residential and commercial land. Whether the unwanted occupants are groups of travellers or individuals, provided that a landowner is able to prove they have title to the land in question, the Property Dispute Resolution Group aims to issue possession proceedings against trespassers within 2 working days of a landowner approaching the Property Dispute Resolution Group for help although often proceedings are issued on the day instructions are received.

In a recent trespassing matter, the Property Dispute Resolution Group was approached by a commercial client who one morning had discovered that a group of travellers and accompanying vehicles had entered onto the client`s land overnight. On being asked to leave, a representative of the client was told by a member of the group of trespassers that they intended to remain on the land for 6 weeks. Unimpressed by this show of bravado, especially given that the land was part of a commercial development site, the client approached the Property Dispute Resolution Group for assistance in removing the trespassers.

By the close of business on the day the Property Dispute Resolution Group was instructed, possession proceedings had been issued, a possession hearing listed by the Court and all Court papers (including notice of the hearing date) served on all the trespassers. A Possession Order was obtained at the possession hearing taking place the following week (instructions were received just before the weekend) but the trespassers had themselves all left a few days after being served with notice of the possession proceedings. Whilst the speed at which a possession order can be obtained is reliant on the Court`s availability to hear a possession claim, the case showed that few trespassers have the gall to remain on site when possession proceedings are served upon them.

The Property Dispute Resolution Group is able to react promptly to any instructions received from disgruntled landowners with a trespassing problem and utilise their expertise and know how to the landowners advantage. The sooner the Property Dispute Resolution Group is involved, the sooner it can address a Landowners primary needs, such being the removal of the trespassers to protect the land and also the securing of the site to minimise the risk of future unlawful occupation.

Should you have a problem with trespassers or simply want to know more about the Property Dispute Resolution Group, contact Ralph Gilbert on 01482 323239

Chris Drinkall