Traffic chaos as Christian Travellers descend on Slough for week-long event - Berkshire

From the Slough Observer

AN INFLUX of Travellers pitching up in Langley for a week-long Christian event caused traffic chaos this morning.

Motorists were stuck in lengthy queues as the Travellers arrived for the event, held on private land on the corner on Parlaunt Road and Market Lane, to be told by the owner the site was not yet open.

The council and police were inundated with complaints and have released information to assure residents they are monitoring the situation.

The police and council has agreed:

- Dedicated police resources will be on site and around the area from 8am to midnight each day the event takes place and supported by patrol team colleagues

- The council's neighbourhood enforcement team will be undertaking noise patrols at key times and are considering serving a noise abatement notice on the site owner

- The council's environmental health and health and safety officers will continue to visit the site to ensure the event complies with the relevant safety requirements

- A cctv camera has been placed opposite the site and will be monitoring activities 24 hours a day

- Flyers with key contact details for the council and police teams will be delivered to local residents

- Council and police officers will be attending the local neighbourhood action groups (NAGS) to reassure residents of the actions we are taking

- Council and police officers will be liaising with local shopkeepers and licensees offering advice and information.

The event, this year, is substantially larger than in previous years and there was major traffic disruption this morning after problems with access to the site.

The council and the police have already visited the site today to inspect the conditions on and to speak to the site owner and event organiser.

The council's traffic team will also be liaising with the police about preventative measures to stop similar traffic issues when the visitors leave on Saturday.

DCI Jim Reeves from Slough Police, said: "The council and police are working together and we would like to reassure concerned local residents that we are monitoring the situation closely.

"Officers will be on site to deal with any issues that may arise and we would encourage residents to report any problems to us and the council to ensure we have a full picture of what is taking place."

He added: "The traffic situation this morning was unprecedented and unforeseen but we are aware of the impact that disruption caused in the area.

"This situation should not recur and we are putting plans in place to help make sure residents are not inconvenienced when the event finishes at the weekend."