Travellers to be moved on from Canal Way, Ilminster site - Somerset

From Yeovil Express

TRAVELLERS who arrived in Ilminster at the weekend were due to be moved on yesterday (Tuesday) as the News was going to press.

A number of concerned residents reported a camp which sprung up in the Canal Way area at around 11am on Sunday to the police, town council and district council.

Around 12 caravans, with trucks, Transits, dogs, children and other equipment, were spotted at the Minster Business Park near a popular cycle path.

But as it was classed as a civil trespass matter on private land it was down to Yeovil-based land owners Abbey Manor Group to secure the necessary documentation to force the Travellers to move on, giving them a deadline of 9am on Tuesday by which to leave.

One of the Travellers, calling himself Mr Price, said he was disappointed with the treatment the group by the authorities.

He said: “All we want is a couple of days here so we can get back to the Midlands, but they wouldn’t even give us a couple of days.

“They just want us gone, and they’ve forced us to leave or they said they’ll bring the bailiffs.

“There were seven lots of police cars down here this morning and two riot vans at the gate.”

Ilminster Mayor Cllr Roger Swann was keen to reassure residents that the matter would be resolved quickly.

Speaking to the News on Monday, he said: “I believe the authorities have everything in hand and are securing the necessary official documentation to assist them.

“I think the situation’s well under control.”