TRAVELLERS who have occupied an Oxford Park-and-Ride for more than a week are facing legal action. 

Oxford City Council has served notice on the group of 50 vehicles currently stationed at Pear Tree Park-and-Ride.

Buses have been unable to access the site since the group arrived on Monday, February, 12. 

The city council has issued legal proceedings and lodged a possession claim, based on tresspass, before Oxford County Court. 

This won't be heard until March 2, the earliest available date. 

The council has also asked Thames Valley Police to use their powers under Section 61 of the Criminal and Public Order Act 1994. 

These can be used by the police in situations of criminality or public disorder.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Board Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: "This unauthorised occupation of Peartree Park and Ride has had a severe impact on regular users of the facility and is wholly unacceptable. For the past week, the Council has been working to end this occupation.

“Occupations of this kind cause great inconvenience to car park users as well as costing councils money in legal, repair and clear up costs, and lost revenue.

"The legal process necessary to move people on is lengthy and I call on the Government to look at streamlining it so that any further such disruptions can be more swiftly resolved."