New encampment stops bollard work - Luton

From Luton On Sunday

The installation of a bollard aimed at preventing Travellers gaining access to Stockwood Park has been delayed - as there are are Travellers currently on the site.

After agreeing to install the item, Luton Borough Council had materials delivered to the site in Luton, on April 21 with a view to work being completed on April 23.

However, on the morning of April 23, 11 caravans gained access to the park preventing the work from going ahead.

The group accessed the same area as the previous encampment, before moving to the hard surface of the car park at the rear of the Stockwood Discovery Centre following the wet weather.

This is the third time in two months that Travellers have managed to get onto the site, all apparently through the Farley Hill entrance.

One resident, who we agreed not to name, said: “It’s becoming a nightmare. It is frustrating that these Travellers appear to have got in the same way as the previous groups, it just feels like nothing is being done.”

A council spokesman said: “A new Traveller encampment arrived in Stockwood Park on Monday therefore delaying the necessary works to be carried out.

“We are currently going through the standard eviction process and anticipate the Travellers will be moved on by the end of next week and the bollard will be installed as soon as possible once the site is clear.”

Jane Showell, spokeswoman for the Stockwood Discovery Centre said: “We have not closed Stockwood Discovery Centre. We are open as usual and we have not had any complaints.”