Travellers set up camp at park for second time - Luton

From Luton On Sunday

Travellers have gained access to Stockwood Park for the second time in just three weeks.

A group of around 20 caravans first broke on to the site in Luton on March 16.

After leaving five days later Luton Borough Council began the clean-up - the cost of which is still unknown.

However the council has now confirmed that another group of Travellers gained access to the park via the main entrance gates at Farley Hill on Monday, and that the standard legal procedures to get them evicted have been started again.

These latest encampments come just six months after a group of caravans, some of whom arrived from Dale Farm in Essex, were evicted from the site.

A council spokesman said: “Following the group of Travellers who gained access to Stockwood Park two weeks ago by breaking the entry gates opposite Whipperley Way, we are looking at increasing security measures which will include a strengthened gate being constructed which be installed in approximately three weeks time.

“We are arranging a meeting of all interested parties including Active Luton, Stockwood Discovery Centre and Baylands Equestrian Centre to see if there can be an agreement for a barrier to be erected at the Farley Hill entrance.

“All parties must agree to lock the barrier after allowing access for delivery vehicles otherwise it would not offer any deterrent to those who wish to access the park illegally.”

see also Luton Today - Plans to keep Travellers out