Efforts to evict the group have be
A large group of travellers of
around 50 caravans and vehicles arrived at a popular
location - leaving frustrated residents feeling unsafe.
An illegal encampment was set up on Friday around 6pm
at Hollybank Recreation Ground in Southleigh Road, Emsworth.
It was reported by locals that
“around 50 caravans and motor homes and cars” turned up on
the green space that is popular with children and dog
walkers and is where cricket matches are played.
Police are working with the
landowner to remove the group. A force spokesperson said:
“This was reported just after 6pm on Friday. We will work
with the landowner to discuss next steps.”
One resident questioned how the
group got into “what I thought was a secure site” and said:
“Why do they have so many rights? As there are so many of
them, I don't feel safe to walk across there to the Co-Op.
I'm sure parents that take their children to the play area
and dog walkers would also feel the same.
“Every year it's the same old story
and over the decades it has cost councils millions to deal
with things like cleaning sites and court costs.
“What an absolute waste of
resources and more importantly tax payers’ money. No wonder
Havant Borough Council don't have funds left to improve and
maintain facilities like toilets, parks upkeep and cricket
pavilions maintenance.”
They continued: “Why can't the
issue get sorted once and for all? Remember how the
government dealt with the minors strikes and many other
similar protests over the years. Yes, it really does need
something bold and drastic to sort the problem out. Probably
far too extreme to destroy their caravans/motor homes.
“One solution could be simply to
take away some of their vehicles like you would if someone
had parked wrongly in some places. The vehicles could then
be sold off or broken for spares to recoup clean up/court
costs. These are the things that I would face if I did the
same. Be bold and start taking direct action. Please apply
the same rules to all.”
The News 10th August
