Traveller misery for Telford factories - Shropshire

From the Shropshire Star

Staff at Alumasc on Halesfield Business Park arrived at work yesterday to find the camp settled on their premises.

Bosses at the company say Travellers have been frequenting the car park since February, costing the firm more than £1,000 to move each time they set up.

Mac Harwood, operations manager at the company said on this occasion the group had taken down a barrier in order to get access to the car park.

“Staff have been unable to park their vehicles,” Mr Harwood said.

“Across the road they can’t get their vehicles through because there are horses tethered up.

“Each time, what you have to consider is that it is left with the landlord who has to remove them through a common law order, which is then passed on to us.

“And there is the costs for 24 hour surveillance and security guards which has to be paid weekly. The problem is that larger vehicles struggle to get past them.”

Mr Harwood said company property had been damaged on previous occasions when Travellers had stopped on the car park.

He said: “There has been damage to our water pipes, excrement left on the paths and walk ways, excrement has been thrown at one of our directors.” Alex Casewell, from Pelloby, next to Alumasc, has been helping by offering parking for staff. He said: “We have turned into work this morning to find our friendly neighbours at Alumasc on Halesfield 19, have been besieged by Travellers now camping on their staff car park.

“We cannot sustain this continued level of gross intrusion and the effects it has on our local business.

“The clean up costs alone are running into several thousands of pounds, not to mention the damage to property, gates and fences that are ripped apart to gain unlawful entry.

“Pelloby have some very lucrative contracts in the utilities and energy business and find it increasingly difficult to keep finding excuses for our clients and suppliers when visiting our facility.”

Because the Travellers are on private land, Telford & Wrekin Council is not able to move them.