£70k cost to stop travellers... and rising! - Leighton Buzzard

A COUNCIL has vowed to continue paying for security to blockade a green belt site in Heath and Reach to prevent Travellers from taking up residence.

Central Beds Council say they will bar access to the field, off Mile Tree Road, for as long as it takes to prevent the land becoming another “Dale Farm.” Their commitment is so firm that the authority is now going out to tender to find a security company willing to take on the contract.

Central Beds Councillor Mark Versallion, who represents Heath and Reach, denied that the move would set a precedent that could see other sites being protected from Travellers illegally setting up home.

So far nearly £70,000 has been spent in costs and expenses.