TRAVELLERS have once again stopped Rugby residents enjoying public green spaces after setting up camp illegally.
Two separate camps were seen in the borough – on Whitehall Recreation Ground close to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre and on the field off South Road in Clifton-Upon-Dunsmore.
Visitors to Whitehall Rec were angered to see the amount of rubbish left behind by the travelling group – including human excrement left close to play equipment.
A visitor to the park posted on social media: “I took my daughter up there earlier and the park is a disgrace. The amount of rubbish and glass bottles there but also human waste in a child’s park – absolutely disgusting!
“I have nothing against travellers but these type of people give the nice ones a bad name. No respect for anyone or anything.”
The travellers have since moved on from the site, and the park is set to be cleaned.
An effort to remove the small band of travellers from the camp in Clifton proved difficult for parish councillors who attempted to block the field to ensure no further travellers would be able to join the group. They were forced to remove the barriers to allow emergency exit for a pregnant traveller.
Working with Rugby Borough Council’s Environmental Protection Team, the parish council began the eviction process and after a week’s delay due to the bank holiday, the travellers moved on from the site on Sunday September 4.
An official statement from Clifton-upon-Dunsmore Parish Council said: “While we appreciate that the continued presence of the Traveller families was the source of great concern to some residents, they have vacated the site as agreed, without the need for eviction by Baliffs under Common Law or a lengthy court process.
“The Travellers have left behind just the bagged refuse which the borough council had agreed to clear at no additional cost to the parish.
“The council have also agreed with a local farmer to park an agricultural vehicle in front of the gate until a more robust security measure can be installed.”
The statement continued: “The Parish Council would like to thank residents for their forbearance and support during this difficult episode.”
Warwickshire County Council is still in discussion on whether to approve emergency stopping places for gypsies and travellers, including a potential site near Southam.
