Bridgwater completes major clean-up at Whitegates after unauthorised encampment
Town Council works to restore site and implement enhanced security measures
Bridgwater Town Council has finalised a significant clean-up and restoration operation at Whitegates following an unauthorised encampment departure, reinstating site safety and accessibility for residents.
The clean-up began on 17th August, deploying substantial resources to remove around 18 tonnes of waste, repair infrastructure, and bolster security to prevent future unauthorised access.
The encampment, first reported on 4th August, left behind household refuse, abandoned items, and fly-tipped materials, demanding extensive remediation efforts.
Repairs have been completed to rectify damage to the site and surrounding area, with further measures engaged to deter unauthorised access.
Specialist contractors conducted biohazard clearance and removed human waste left on site.
Whitegates, maintained by Bridgwater Town Council but owned by Somerset Council, saw legal enforcement led by the latter, with notices served by their Enforcement Team on 11th August.
Bridgwater Town Council collaborated closely with Somerset Council, Avon and Somerset Police, and other agencies in response to resident concerns about site access and safety.
Cllr Tim Mander, Chair of Bridgwater Town Council’s Amenities Committee, praised the effort to restore Whitegates:
“This has been a significant operation involving many hours of work from Bridgwater Town Council staff and contractors to restore Whitegates following the unauthorised encampment."
Mander expressed disappointment over the waste and damage:
“The amount of waste and damage left behind was extremely disappointing."
He acknowledged the hard work and cooperation between various teams and the community:
"Our teams have worked tirelessly to remove around 18 tonnes of rubbish, repair the site, address serious health and safety concerns and ensure the area is once again accessible for residents and visitors."
The operation's full cost, incorporating waste removal, biohazard clearance, infrastructure repairs, and security measures, is under assessment.
The council is committed to exploring preventative measures against future incidents that impact public spaces.