Gateway Park and Ride - CLOSED - in Taunton - Somerset

From westcountrynews.co.uk

AN UNLAWFUL occupation of the Taunton Gateway Park and Ride site by a large number of families of the gypsy travelling community has seen the site closed.

Site owners Somerset County Council and Park and Ride operators, Webberbus, have just announced the decision.

The council's Cllr David Hall said: "We have families with children as young as five living in an area where buses and cars are manoeuvring about.

"It is obviously a dangerous environment and we therefore have to close down the site.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause but hope people will understand that there is nothing we can do in these circumstances.”

Police have been informed about the incident and have started enforcement action to remove the Gypsy families but this is not likely to take place until Monday morning.

In the meantime, the Park and Ride site will be closed all day on Saturday, and Monday morning.

It will continue to operate as normal tonight to enable motorists currently parked there to remove their cars.

Motorists are advised to check on the Council’s website for information about closure of the Gateway Park and Ride before travelling – www.somerset.gov.uk .

It is anticipated that the park and ride will be operating as normal from Monday afternoon. The Silk Mills Park and Ride will be open as normal.

see also: Taunton People - It's the park and occupied