Travellers camp near crematorium - Lincolnshire

From the Grimsby Telegraph

TRAVELLERS have left Humberston – and turned up on land near Grimsby Crematorium.

It is their fifth camp in four weeks after repeatedly pitching up on private and council-owned land then being moved by officials.

But their arrival on the Weelsby Avenue field has not shocked residents, who have been waiting for their arrival.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I was expecting them because Travellers come here every year.

"You hear Traveller or Gypsy and you instantly think to lock your doors, shut your gates and keep your eyes on everything. It is worrying."

They arrived on the field – which is opposite Oasis Academy Wintringham – at 3pm and four Humberside Police officers and a North East Lincolnshire Council employee arrived at 4.50pm.

An inspector and PC spoke to four Travellers for ten minutes – in what is understood to be normal procedure. The inspector confirmed no criminal incident had taken place.

The Travellers moved to their current site from land behind Cleethorpes Business Centre on Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Humberston, having previously camped at Cleethorpes Country Park, Peaks Top Farm in New Waltham and the King George Playing Fields, off Taylor's Avenue, Cleethorpes. They say they have no plans to leave the area and want to find land they can rent and live permanently on – and are interested in the fenced-off land next to the field they are on.

John Smith, 44, one of 17 Travellers there, said: "We like it round here and we are not moving any time soon.

"We want somewhere we can stay permanently. It would be good to know who owns the land next door."

But nearby Drew Avenue residents are worried.

A 66-year-old woman, who did not want to be named, said: "It is unnerving having them so close by.

"When other Travellers came last year we had to call the police. I have been worrying they would come here after reading about them.

"It doesn't make you feel safe in your own neighbourhood."

Another added: "The ones who came last year used the alleyways between the fields and our gardens as a toilet because they know the council will come along and clear it away.

"Some neighbours are petrified of them, but I knew they were coming and I know they will leave.

"I just wish they cleaned up after themselves."