Firm dismantles migrant caravans

About 300 migrant people work on the site

A fruit producer has begun dismantling accommodation for 300 migrant workers after a long-running legal dispute.

S&A Davies built the caravans without planning permission at its site near Leominster, Herefordshire, in 2004.

Two secretaries of state have ordered their removal and the firm must dismantle them by Thursday after failing to get an injunction.

The company will erect temporary structures and take its fight to the European Court of Human Rights.

Earlier this month, a High Court judge rejected the company's bid for the injunction to stop Herefordshire Council taking enforcement action.

'Acted properly'

The enforcement required S&A Davies to remove a sewage treatment works and amenity buildings at Brierley Court Farm. The company is appealing against the decision.

In a statement, the firm confirmed it would erect temporary accommodation.

"Accordingly the company has commenced the dismantling of the existing campsite facilities at Brierley as required by Herefordshire Council's enforcement order and will do everything it can to clear the camp as soon as practically possible.

"S&A will however continue the legal process against Herefordshire Council through the European courts.

"The company will, as it is permitted so to do by UK planning laws, now provide temporary alternative welfare facilities of an acceptable standard for its seasonal workers at Brierley Court Farm."

Kevin O'Keefe, from the council, said it had "acted properly throughout the planning process" and awaited the outcome of the appeal against the High Court decision.