Moves to evict camp from development site - Devon

From the Plymouth Herald

TRAVELLERS have pitched up illegally at a disused sports ground in Beacon Park.

Five caravans and other vehicles set up camp at the old Civil Service Sports Club off Recreation Road on Sunday.

Similar camps have been moved on from Central Park and Derriford in the past three weeks.

Redrow, which owns the land, is taking legal action to evict the trespassers.

Keith Annis, Redrow South West planning director, said: "We have alerted the local council to the trespassers and have also been in touch with local police who are monitoring the situation. In addition, we have been in touch with a number of neighbours to let them know that we are taking legal action to deal with it.

"We recently held a public exhibition to show what could be developed on the site and following further discussions with the council we are now advancing these plans. This will allow us to implement a permanent solution to benefit residents and prevent future problems like the one we are currently experiencing."

The firm said the gates had been broken open, having been closed and locked prior to the arrival of the Travellers.

Beacon Park residents have complained to the council and police, saying dogs have been allowed to run wild from the site.

A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The dog are running around in the road and messing on the grass, barking all night."

Plymouth City Council deals with around 25 illegal encampments every year, partly because there are no organised transit sites in Plymouth.

When on private land, it is up to the owners to take legal action.

Strict legal guidelines mean each unauthorised encampment can take between ten days and four weeks to evict. The only permanent Gypsy and Traveller camp in the city is at The Ride, next to Chelson Meadow.