Gypsy family threatened with jail

Like many Gypsy families, Steve and Marie Loveridge, constructed their home in North Curry, Somerset over a bank holiday weekend. But last Monday they were told in the High Court that they face a fortnight behind bars unless they leave their Oxen Lane site within 60 days.

The couple, who have two young children, have resisted previous attempts to evict them from the field. Mrs Loveridge said her family, who have lived there on and off since 2004, now has no option but to leave.

She added: “The council want to move us to a disgusting site at Otterford, but of the 25 families there, only two are Gypsies.

“It’s disruptive – my children attend North Curry Primary School and Little Acorns nursery, who are genuine, caring people.

“Why can’t we live on our land? It’s not costing the taxpayer. We’ve spent a fortune levelling it.”

Mrs Loveridge, who said she wished to thank everyone who had been supportive, claimed she could sell her plot to a pig farmer.

She added: “We’re allowed to return after a year, so, in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, ‘I’ll be back’.”

Taunton Deane Council's barrister outlined in court how the Loveridges had breached legal moves ordering them off.

A Council spokeswoman said: “The council will now work with the two residents to secure their timely move from the site.

“In addition, the we’ll continue to seek removal of all the remaining residents from the site and haven’t ruled out the need to take committal proceedings against other residents at a future date.”