Barriers to be installed to prevent illegal camps

'LESSONS HAVE BEEN LEARNED' SAY COUNCILLORS

- CARL EVE

EXTRA barriers will be installed at a popular Plymouth playing field to prevent caravans getting in after a group of Travellers set up an unauthorised encampment there earlier this year.

Furious locals had called police and Plymouth City Council within minutes of the caravans being driven onto King George V playing fields on May 24, after a metal bollard blocking a pathway was ripped out. More caravans followed which settled down around the rugby pitch used by OPM Rugby Club. Quad bikes ridden by children were spotted racing around the pitch and the door to the clubhouse was crowbarred open.

As temperatures rose to summer levels, locals took to social media sites to record incidents of harassment and abuse at the 'sandy' playpark attached to the field, while dogwalkers said they no longer felt comfortable exercising their pets there. Piles of rubbish, green waste and excrement including suspected asbestos - was left behind for council workers to clear away, and even weeks later dog-walkers spoke of finding rubbish, plastic and other items strewn across the field.

However, despite frequent police visits, requests by locals for action and an ignored Notice to Quit order, it was not until after a Possession order was granted by the court that the Travellers moved on - to Tothill Park, where a set of recently renovated changing rooms were smashed to pieces.