Determined to stay in the area - Lincolnshire

From the Grimsby Telegraph

WHERE will they pitch-up next?

That is the question fearful residents are left asking as a family of Travellers refuse to leave the area.

Now on their fifth day at land behind Cleethorpes Business Centre, in Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Humberston, North East Lincolnshire Council are seeking powers to evict them – yet again.

But Traveller Mary Smith, 41, one of 17 living there, told the Grimsby Telegraph when their court summons arrives, they will simply move on to land elsewhere in the borough.

The mother of five also accused residents of "racism", claiming they shouted 'pikeys' and hurled abuse at them in the street before they moved to Wilton Road.

She said: "We are determined to stay in the area. We are no threat to people and if there aren't any problems, and people aren't complaining, why should we have to move?

"If we have to move from here, we will, but it will just be to somewhere else in Cleethorpes. We don't understand why they won't let us stay and leave us be."

They moved to their current site from Cleethorpes Country Park, having previously pitched up at Peaks Top Farm in New Waltham, and the King George Playing Fields off Taylor's Avenue, Cleethorpes.

A direction to leave notice was served on Friday by NELC and legal proceedings to remove them are progressing – for the fourth time this month, as every time they move, they have to take out a new order.

Meanwhile, business owners feel "intimidated" by their presence, with some too scared to work late or to leave their belongings unlocked.

And residents of Rosemary Close, Humberston, claim trees have been chopped down and litter and human waste was left behind on their previous camp at Cleethorpes Country Park.

Jason Wilkin, of Wilkin Scaffolding Ltd, based at the business centre, said: "We don't feel safe. I came out of work late when they first arrived. Three lads drinking cans of beer came up to me, with smirks across their face.

"If it had been a woman leaving late, it could have been quite intimidating.

"On Saturday I worked from home, I didn't want to go down there and leave my trailer outside.

"I can't say they are all aggressive, but some have that reputation."

An NELC spokesperson said: "The council has started legal proceedings to have them removed."