Police 'must act over rec hostilities - Cambridgeshire

From cambridge-news.co.uk

Police have been urged to tackle tension between youths from the settled and Traveller communities at a recreation ground.

Problems in Willingham grew after the number of Traveller pitches increased, said Cllr Ray Manning, who represents the area and is leader of South Cambs District Council.

In the latest incident, on Saturday, two 10-year-olds – one a Traveller and one from the settled community – were arrested after a fight. The village boy’s father was also arrested.

Cllr Manning alleged young Travellers were “intimidating, threatening and generally making life miserable for the village boys” at the recreation ground in West Fen Road.

He said: “We’ve always had Travellers in the village and there was never a problem but in the last few years we have taken on so many that they are now a significant minority.

“Previously the Travellers used to join in or keep themselves to themselves but now they’re big enough to form their own gang.”

Cllr Manning said he wanted police to make the issue a priority but was concerned that as it involved an ethnic minority it would mean “kid gloves and back away”.

He said: “The police ought to have a more visible presence, and when they see a group of youths gathered they should walk up and ask what they are up to.”

Sgt Paul Rogerson, the area’s top officer, said concerns could be raised at the next neighbourhood panel meeting, although he was not aware of any ongoing tension issues.

The 10-year-olds will be dealt with using restorative justice, while the fate of the father is yet to be decided.