A CIVIL eviction order was served on the eco-warriors squatters living at Yorkley Court Farm at 9.30am this morning, Thursday March 10.

Gloucestershire Police closed the road for 600 yards to allow the team of bailiffs employed by Brian Bennett, the landowner, to carry out the eviction.

The Community Farm has been on the site for three-and-a-half years and the eviction was carried out two days before Mr Bennett’s possession order expires.

Some 25 police officers were in attendance and were located around the site to keep the peace and to reassure the local community that the actions undertaken are lawful as well as dealing with any criminal offences that may occur whilst the action takes place.

One man was arrested after he had barricading himself on the makeshift tower built at the entrance to the farm site.

Once he had been removed from site, a mechanical digger knocked over the makeshift tower.

Other members of the community are still occupying tree houses built on the land. A 'lock-on' removal team, used by the bailiffs to remove anyone who has locked themselves to the property, were also present.

Inspector Steve Chester said: “Our presence is simply to prevent a breach of the peace.

"The eviction was deliberately timed so as not to interfere with the school run.

“Everything is legal and so far we have made just one arrest. It has been a peaceful eviction.”

The eviction is still ongoing. Mr Bennett declined to make a statement.

Full story in The Forester on March 16.A police spokesperson said: "A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of obstructing a court bailiff in the execution of his/her duties and a breach of the peace. "He remains in custody at this time."