Outcry as Travellers set up on car park in Bradeley - Staffordshire

From The Sentinal

Officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council say they have been liaising with the landowners and police about the issue, but it is not yet known when the Travellers will be forced to leave.

Residents living near the site say they hope the caravans can be removed as soon as possible.

Janet Wrench, aged 70, of Moorland View, said: "They've been there about a week.

"The first I knew about it was when I saw the kids climbing up onto the roof just after the caravans arrived at the weekend.

"I don't like the fact that they're there, but I don't think there's anything we can do about it.

"Presumably they'll get moved on eventually.

"I'm not sure how they managed to get on there in the first place, as it had been secured.

"We've heard rumours that a supermarket is going to be built on that site, which I think would be very good for the area.

"We don't really have anything like that at the moment, and there's a lot of elderly people who live around here."

Her neighbour Jacqueline Reaney, aged 65, added: "That site's been empty for as long as I've been living here.

"Even without the gypsies it's an eyesore, so they really should do something about it."

Peter Harrison, of Moorland View, is also calling for something to be done with the site.

The 56-year-old said: "I don't have any particular problem with the Travellers being there myself, but they probably should be moved on.

"It would be nice to see something done with that site, but I'm not sure what."

The site was formerly occupied by Mr B's Furniture.

And it was last used as a showroom by Spas4fun.

In 2005 the shop was completely destroyed following an arson attack.

It is understood that the shop has been out of use ever since the fire, and a sign on the site says it is currently up for sale.

Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and community safety at the city council, said the authority was looking into the issue.

She said: "We have been in communication with the land owner and the police about the group.

"The land that this group of Travellers has set up on is privately owned and we will support the land owner where possible.

"At the moment no dates have been confirmed as to when the site will be unoccupied."