Travellers arrive on Broadstone Rec - Dorset

From the Bournemouth Echo

RESIDENTS are fuming after Travellers set up camp at another Poole Recreation Ground at the weekend – stopping children playing sport.

Around 16 caravans moved onto Broadstone Rec from Friday evening onwards.

They arrived soon after Travellers left Canford Heath and councillors believe it is the same group.

Tony Fisher, chairman of the Broadstone Fields in Trust Association, said: “The field is being destroyed.

“The field is used by scouts, the cricket club, and the football club train on it.”

Cllr Mike Brooke, who represents Broadstone, said the Travellers gained entry despite a barrier being locked.

He added: “The council had put two great cement blocks there in anticipation but not actually got around to putting them across the path.”

He said the council would follow its procedures, including checks on the site, and work towards an eviction order.

He added: “I had a lady saying she was scared to walk her dog for the first time in 50 years.

“The youngsters from the football club were supposed to train but that hasn’t taken place.”

Poole council obtained an eviction notice for the Travellers in Canford Heath’s Sherborn Crescent on Friday afternoon.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Canford Heath East, said: “They left around 6.30pm onwards and left a |horrible mess.

“You don’t want children going there until it’s cleaned up.”

There was also a small group of caravans at Whitecliff Recreation Ground, although they moved at the weekend.

Jeff Morley, the council’s regulatory services team manager, said the Whitecliff group was a five-strong group of Romany Gypsies.

He said: “They were not causing any problems and they were using the rubbish bags.

“There was no immediate need for eviction because they were managing the site.

“In those circumstances, we negotiate a reasonable departure.”