Unauthorised Traveller Encampment Forces Business Closures in Boston Town Centre

An unauthorised encampment of travellers has taken over the Cattle Market car park in Boston, sparking safety concerns among local businesses and forcing several to temporarily shut their doors.

This marks the second unauthorised encampment in the town in just one week, after travellers reportedly broke into Jenny’s Wood, a popular community green space, just days ago.

A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council has confirmed that the last camper van has now vacated the site.

A spokesperson from Boston Borough Council, said: “Statutory Notices were served yesterday, Monday 21 April, on all vehicles forming an unlawful encampment on Cattle Market Car Park. All Notices were formally served less than 2½ hours after the encampment was set up. Following the issuing of these Notices, all but one vehicle has now left the site. If the remaining vehicle is not removed, or if those responsible do not comply with the requirements of the Notice, further legal action can and will be taken.”

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police confirmed that the unauthorised encampment had been reported to them, saying: “Incident 166 of yesterday is a report of an encampment on Pen Street in Boston. This was called in at 11.47am on Monday 21st April.”

Multiple businesses have closed their doors as a precautionary measure.

Neighbouring venues, including the Bombay Club, Wetherspoons, The Eagle public house, Goodbarns Yard and Boston Snooker Centre, have all closed their doors.

The last time an unauthorised encampment occupied a town centre car park in Boston, it cost the council almost £9,000. These expenses included staff time, clean-up operations, repairs, lost parking revenue, and legal fees.

Local residents and business owners have taken to social media to express their frustration, urging the council to find a long-term solution to what some are calling a “growing and costly problem” for the town.

No timeline has yet been given for the removal of the current encampment. The situation remains under review.

Developing story – updates to follow as more information becomes available.

10 campervans have been seen spread out around Boston’s Cattle Market car park this evening.