Huge chunks of the sprawling migrant camp will be torn down over the coming days - although the court said it could not be completely destroyed.
The news will put Belgium on high alert as the ruling may mean those evicted from the Jungle will try to reach Britain via the Channel Tunnel there instead.
Huge chunks of the sprawling migrant camp will be torn down over the coming days - although the court said it could not be completely destroyed AFP
Thousands of UK-bound migrants are now bracing themselves to be cleared from the largest refugee camp in western Europe after a judge agreed part of it could be destroyed.
‘Force will be used in the evacuation if necessary,’ said a spokesman for the Pas de Calais prefect’s office. ‘It is expected to take place early next week.’
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the eviction would be done ‘progressively, by persuasion and with respect for people's dignity’.
There are up to 3,500 people sleeping rough in the Jungle as they try to get to Britain, where they hope to claim asylum.
A family from Iraqi Kurdistan, carry water back to their tent in a makeshift camp where over 1,000 migrants mostly from Iraqi Kurdistan live in Grand-Synthe, near the northern town of Dunkerque, France, Wednesday Feb.
24, 2016.
Following days of legally wrangling, Judge Valerie Quemener decided to ignore protests by humanitarian groups and the migrants themselves.
After hearing arguments from lawyers, she agreed that demolition workers supported by riot police could move in.
In November, the same court ordered the French government to clean up the camp by adding running water, toilets and dustbins.
It also called for better care for some 326 children without families who are said to be living on the camp.
Now the court has decided that the southern part of the camp is not fit for long-term habitation, and should be closed.
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