Travellers 'will be evicted' from camp - Lincolnshire

From the Grimsby Telegraph

TRAVELLERS who have set up camp in Cleethorpes will be evicted, council leaders have pledged.

Residents said they were worried after around five caravans appeared on the former Lindsey School playing fields off Taylor's Avenue.

It would appear the gate to the field has been forced open and those living nearby are concerned more Travellers may yet arrive.

The group arrived on the North East Lincolnshire Council-owned land on Saturday, but because its legal department does not work weekends, an eviction notice will be served today or tomorrow.

Speaking from a 1940s party in Brighouse, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Mick Burnett told the Telegraph: "We will serve an eviction order as soon as we can. When we return on Monday we will get the wheels in motion.

"We understand residents are concerned, but we have to go through the legal procedure to evict them. We did the same when Travellers set up near the Boating Lake and we will do the same now."

The camp is in front of BMXing spot The Trails, which attracts dozens of children every day.

In April, Travellers set up camp in the Boating Lake car park, but left after NELC imposed fines and issued 48 hour eviction orders.

Some Travellers pitched up close to Cleethorpes Light Railway – seemingly unaware the land belongs to leader of NELC, Councillor Chris Shaw.

Councillor Keith Brookes (Cons, Haverstoe) fears more Travellers will arrive if action is not taken soon.

He said: "I was surprised to see them on that playing field because the entrance is gated. It must have been forced open.

"There are four caravans, but normally the traditional practice is a forwarding party set up camp and prepare the way for a further ten caravans or more."

Mr Brookes added: "They were removed off the land near to the Cleethorpes Light Railway by whatever influence very quickly and I hope the same influence can be brought to enact the same response and remove them from the playing field.

"I look forward to seeing the same action by Tuesday or Wednesday."

Meanwhile, the Travellers' presence has unnerved residents living near the playing field.

One, who did not want to be named, said: "It looks like they have snapped the padlock on the gates and then fastened their own chain and padlock.

"Residents round here are worried."

Another resident, who also wanted to remain anonymous, added: "I don't want them here. I hope they get moved on."

At the time of going to press, no one from the police was available for comment.