THE unauthorised encampment at Boscombe’s Ashley Road ‘Occupy Homeless Sanctuary’ site has been served with an eviction notice.

Bailiffs secured the site yesterday, meeting little resistance.

Just a handful of campaigners remain at the former coal yard, although a number of tents were still pitched there yesterday lunchtime as bailiffs moved in. Landowners Brightmark Ltd were granted an eviction notice at Bournemouth and Poole County Court early last month. The ‘sanctuary’ was established early in January.

Yesterday, a Bournemouth Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the legal proceedings taking place by the private land owners of the former coal yard site in Boscombe. Our priority is the safety and welfare of any vulnerable people who have been staying on or visiting the site, and to this end we have been working closely with relevant partners including social services and the rough sleeper’s team.”