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The key role of High Court Enforcement Officers in serving Section 77 notices 

The challenge of managing unauthorised encampments is one many local authorities face, particularly when using Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (CJPOA) to remove travellers from land. The process requires that notices are served promptly and in-person to the individuals involved, giving them a specific timeframe (usually 24 hours) to vacate the premises. 

Serving these notices effectively is crucial to avoiding delays and ensuring the legal process runs smoothly. But what many local authorities may not realise is that they could benefit significantly from enlisting High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) to handle this aspect of the process. 

Speed and availability 

Time is often of the essence in these situations. The sooner a Section 77 notice is served, the sooner the process of eviction can legally begin, and the faster the local authority can resolve the issue. However, local authorities may not always have the resources available to respond swiftly to serving the notice. 

This is where HCEOs come into their own. Specialising in quick, reactive deployments, these officers can often be on-site within as little as a few hours—an advantage that local authorities may find difficult to match with in-house resources. Their ability to respond rapidly ensures that the legal framework for eviction is upheld without unnecessary delays, and public spaces can be restored to their intended use more quickly. 

Expertise and safety 

HCEOs offer more than a quick response; they are highly trained and experienced in handling these situations. Serving Section 77 notices isn’t just about delivering paperwork—it involves dealing with sensitive situations. Members of the community may feel uneasy around authorities, and if things aren’t handled carefully, tensions can rise. 

Unlike council staff, HCEOs regularly deal with a wide range of people in challenging situations. They are trained not only in the law but also in conflict resolution and de-escalation. With their professional and empathetic approach, they can serve notices calmly, and often their presence adds a layer of safety for both the community and the officers. 

Maintaining positive relationships 

One critical but often overlooked aspect of managing unauthorised encampments is the relationships that local authorities maintain with the travelling communities. In some cases, a local authority representative may have prior relationships with the group in question, and serving a notice could damage that relationship. 

In contrast, HCEOs come in as neutral, third-party professionals. Their role is to uphold the legal process without personal ties to the community, helping to preserve the relationship between the local authority and the individuals involved.  

HCEOs also have extensive experience communicating reasonably with the community and understand the importance of maintaining positive relationships.  

Conclusion: Expertise where it matters 

When local authorities are deciding how best to serve Section 77 notices, it’s important to consider more than just delivering the paperwork. The process requires speed, safety, and expertise. Marston Holdings HCEOs offer a combination of rapid response, specialised skills, and impartiality that internal teams may struggle to match. 

Their experience with unauthorised encampments and ability to act swiftly and fairly make them an essential resource for local authorities. By relying on HCEOs, local authorities can ensure the process is carried out efficiently and with the care it demands. 

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If you have received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) you must follow the instructions on the reverse of the notice which contains full contact details for the applicable enforcing authority.

Transfer Up instruction form

This service allows you to apply for County Court Judgments to be transferred to the High Court for enforcement.

Writ of delivery instruction form

Our Enforcement Officers are well equipped and experienced in recovering all types of fixed assets whether it be a single car or fleet.

Money judgment enforcement form

We can enforce judgments obtained in the High Court and almost any judgment issued in the County Court.

Commercial forfeiture instruction form

Landlords may instruct us to take peaceful possession of their commercial property.

CRAR enforcement form

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Trespasser removal enforcement form

We can handle the process quickly and resolutely. Our dedicated team will attend the scene on receipt of the warrant and effect eviction without delay.

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Instruct us for evicting residential tenants.

Process serving and tracing instruction form

We specialise in process serving throughout England and Wales. Court and legal documents are served on a same day-basis when required. We also undertake trace enquiries.

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Instruct us to enforce employment tribunal awards. We can apply to the court to register the award as a Judgment.

European Enforcement Order Instruction Form

If you have a Judgment from a Country outside of the Jurisdiction of England and Wales but where the Debtor resides in England and Wales then we can assist you.

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