Gypsies blamed for leaving trail of destruction at Chesterton factory - Staffordshire

From the Sentinel

Travellers are being blamed for smashing windows and leaving piles of rubbish behind – with businesses forced to pick up the bill.

Around 15 caravans moved on to the car park of Chesterton-based Regina Industries for almost a week.

Police were eventually forced to serve a public order notice demanding the unwelcome visitors leave the area, to the relief of nearby residents.

But people working near the site say the departing Travellers have left a 'disgusting' mess behind them, including rubbish, smashed glass and even human faeces.

Mike Beardmore, director at the plastic moulding and glass manufacturers, said: "I have never seen anything like it.

"It was just wanton damage to the site and around 28 windows need replacing.

"The children were the worst. I saw them throwing stones and bricks at the windows."

The Travellers arrived at the Parkhouse West industrial site on Monday.

Mr Beardmore, aged 53, added: "As soon as they arrived there was confrontation. When I went to ask them what they were doing here, a man came out and asked me the same thing.

"If they had not caused the amount of damage and aggravation then perhaps we could have tried to understand them a bit better."

The company hired extra security and decided to run a reduced output for fear of goods being stolen or customers being intimidated.

Police were called and officers eventually took decisive action.

Mr Beardmore said: "Luckily the police took some action and they have worked very well with us to draw this to a conclusion."

The Travellers left on Thursday, but the clean-up was still continuing last night as workers remove bags of rubbish and human excrement. Production manager Paul Goulding, of Stoke, said: "Over one night a large double glass window in our tool room was smashed – and the front office window.

"One door looks like it has been hit with a gun of some sorts. The atmosphere was very volatile and we felt as if we were under siege.

"It was like running the gauntlet every time you wanted to get through the doors.

"I think a lot of us felt angry because we are a small company trying to survive in this climate and we were prevented from trading by people who seem to live above the law."

The 58-year-old said their insurance should cover the necessary repairs, but the company will have to shell out for any excess and increases to next year's premium.

Mr Bearsdmore said: "We are now taking steps to make sure this can't happen again. We will certainly do something."