AN MP SAID 'lessons must be learnt' on how best to tackle unauthorised encampments after caravans set up on a council-owned car park.

The CookHouse Pub in Prestatyn was unable to open after travellers set up on the car park on Friday, November 6.

The travellers eventually left of their own accord on Tuesday but there was complaints about the 'seemingly slow reaction' by Denbighshire County Council.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: "We need to ensure that should a situation such as the one we have just experienced in Prestatyn arise in the future, the council are in a position to deal with it swiftly to minimise disruption to businesses and residents.

“I know many people in the town were extremely frustrated by the seemingly slow reaction of the council over the last few days. I appreciate these situations are difficult as there is legislation and guidance that the council must take account of, but it is vitally important that we learn lessons from this latest experience and work towards putting measures in place to ensure that residents and businesses are not faced with similar problems should the circumstances be repeated.

“I have therefore written to Denbighshire calling for a meeting to discuss the process and trigger points for action if and when similar is repeated in future. I am grateful to the chief executive for agreeing to this suggestion.

“In the meantime, I wish to thank Denbighshire County Council for sending their street cleaning team to clear the site so rapidly after the travellers’ departure.”

A spokesperson from Denbighshire County Council said: "The council had made regular visits to the site and took a number of measures to minimise the impact on the local area.

"Following the departure, officers worked quickly and cleared site.

"Welsh Government guidance issued since the outbreak of Covid-19 states that local authorities should not evict, relocate or disperse unauthorised encampments unless there are immediate and substantial risks to public safety and public health arising from continued occupation.

"The council is currently reviewing its procedures and processes to ensure we are doing all we can to limit disruption from any future encampments while also adhering to Welsh Government legislation and guidance.

"The council understands this was a difficult time for many in the area and would like to thank residents and local businesses for their understanding and patience."

The CookHouse, who is re-opening its doors today (November 12), posted on Facebook on November 10: "We are relieved to confirm that our temporary (unwelcome) neighbours have now vacated the car park next to CookHouse. We are now able to place our orders and instruct the staff that they are welcome to return to work.

"We would like to express our gratitude for the fantastic support received from the people of Prestatyn."