Police swoop on Chelmsford park as Travellers stop for lunch - Essex

From the Essex Chronicle

IRISH Travellers caused a stir when they parked their caravans and trucks on a Chelmsford park.

Police and the city council swung into action when the Travellers parked their two caravans, three camper vans and a truck on Savernake Park, in Writtle Road, next door to homes on the Westlands Estate.

But the Travellers say they were not setting up camp, they were only stopping for lunch.

Police officers stood by while the Travellers' children and locals played together on the play equipment, while the Traveller adults sat in small groups drinking tea.

Their spokesman, Midge Michael, who is originally from County Sligo but has been travelling in England for 20 years, told the Chronicle: "We were on the industrial estate in Robjohns Road last night.

"We went out for a few drinks and an anti-Traveller gang came and started a fight. When it was light, we moved for our own safety and have stopped here for a while.

"If the authorities had transit camps for Travellers, locals would never have us on places like this.

"We are looking for a holiday park that will let us on."

Within 90 minutes and a brief chat with one of three police officers watching, the Travellers moved off.

A passer-by, who did not want to be named, said: "I know the council will be taking action but they have not caused any trouble. You hardly noticed them there."

A Chelmsford City Council spokesman said: "We have no reports of them stopping elsewhere in the area."