Calls to secure Bedminster Down site used by Travellers - Bristol

From the BBC

Two Bristol councillors have called for an area of land at Bedminster Down to be secured to stop it being illegally used by Travellers.

It follows the eviction of a group of Travellers from the site on Sunday, after they had set up camp on 29 March.

Bishopsworth Conservative councillors Richard Eddy and Kevin Quartley want access to be restricted.

A spokesman for Lib Dem-controlled Bristol City Council said it was looking at the possibility of gates.

Mr Quartley said: "We're not talking about completely excluding the land, it will still be open for the public to use.

"It would be in a way which would stop vehicles getting on to it."

Two caravans, two cars, a van and a horse box arrived on the land next to the former Bristol Water depot site in Bishopsworth Road last Thursday.

The Travellers were moved on from the site three days later.

"We do have proper Travellers sites around the country and that is where the Travellers should be going to," said Mr Quartley.

A Bristol City Council spokesman said: "Officers are looking into the possibility of putting in gates to secure the site."

He said local residents would be consulted before any action was taken.