Council gets tough with Johnson family (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Council gets tough with Johnson family

THE Johnson family could face prison if they don't permanently leave their illegal campsite in Withington.

Cotswold District Council gained an injunction to evict the Johnson family from the site last year and they moved on to several other locations in the Cotswolds.

But, last month, the 17-strong group moved back to Withington and the council is planning to take further action through the High Court in London on January 24.

The family claim they are being hounded and say they want to be left alone to get on with their lives.

But head of the council's legal services James Ellis said: "We're asking for the judge to look at committal proceedings and that could lead to them going to prison.

"They left the site about the middle of October and travelled around the district.

"They went back on at the start of December. That was a breach of the injunction."

The legal action started after the family, who claim to own the site, moved there and altered it without planning permission.

Enforcement and Stop notices were then issued, requiring them to remove their caravans, but, when they failed to do so, the council applied for a High Court injunction.

The family then moved around various sites, including roadside locations in the Chedworth area and at Fossecross.

But, after being constantly moved on, they returned to Withington.

The extended family has around 17 members and their pets, including several dogs.

Senior family member Ricky Johnson said the authorities were making it impossible for them to settle anywhere.

"We just want to say we're sorry and find somewhere else to live. I don't want my children or grandchildren getting the treatment we've had," he said.

"Our idea was to move into the middle of nowhere and live away from everybody else. We have put a lot into that land and we're being punished. I'm being victimised.

"If they left us alone for a month at a time, I'd be happy."