Legal bid to evict travellers camped on Plymouth playing fields since last week
PLYMOUTH City Council is moving to evict a group of travellers camped on playing fields in the city.
Caravans, vehicles and trailers appeared on Staddiscombe playing fields last week, angering locals who use the area for sport and recreation.
Council leader Vivien Pengelly, a Plymstock councillor, said the caravans belonged to the same people who recently camped at Central Park.
She said the travellers were yesterday being served a legal notice requiring them to leave by noon today.
Mrs Pengelly said: "If they do not comply with this notice, we will then look to start legal proceedings for forcible removal."
She said council officers had visited the site at Staddiscombe playing fields and found five caravans, along with assorted trailers and vehicles.
The officers reported that there were no welfare issues, but she had instructed that bins and portable toilets be delivered to the site.
Mrs Pengelly said residents and sport groups who used the fields were "very upset". "They are well-used playing fields and not a place where it's suitable for travellers to camp."
One resident who contacted The Herald said his wife was intimidated while walking her dog past the encampment.
Another man was concerned rubbish on the site cost local taxpayers thousands to clean up once before.
6 Comments
by C, Plymouth
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 8:40PM
“What a good idea spanner, except leave the boulders there and sell the caravans and contents to help towards the cost of clearing up the mess they leave behind. They can take what they can carry, that way they will be true 'travellers'”
by Spanner, Peverell
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 8:25PM
“We should let them stay.......but surround them with large boulders which prevent them from moving their vans off site. This would stop them going out and earning without paying tax. I'm fairly sure they wouldn't want to hang around then. The council could then let them out once they had cleaned the site first.”
by Angry Tax Payer, Plymouth
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 12:33PM
“Same story - different location. They are playing our Council for a fool. They know exactly how long they get at each site and must welcome the visit from our council officers. They know their 'facilities' are on the way. What a shame to such a lovely area enjoyed by many different people, as I'm sure it will be left in the same disgracful state as usual.”
by Dave, Mainstone,Plymouth
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 11:43AM
“I will BET you they will make there move to the bit of land near wrigleys AGAIN!!. The Council has done nothing to stop them getting on this bit of land as if they want them to return.”
by Mark, Cornwall
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 10:43AM
“It's crazy that the law do nothing about these so-called travellers. Squaters more like!! If they are going to pitch up tent illegally, either move them on or have them arrested. It should be one law for all not one for honest hard working people and another for scroungers and thieves!!!”
by David, St Austell
Tuesday, July 27 2010, 9:55AM
“How do they get preferential treatment? I'm sure if I camped illegally somewhere it wouldn't be long before the strong arm of the law moved me on. Why employ a bunch of already rich lawyers just move in and make them go. Ther's no need for legal proceedings they are camped illegally so should be shifted.”