From the Macclesfield Express
Calls have been made to protect Wilmslow’s green spaces after a community of Travellers set up camp on a third site in the town.
Travellers were kicked off the playing fields at Wilmslow High School, off the A34, after spending almost two weeks at the site, and have now arrived on Carnival Fields, off Altrincham Road, with about 20 caravans.
A group had also set up camp on land next to Alderley Edge Golf Club in May.
It is unclear whether this was the same group of Travellers.
Ward councillor Gary Barton, who represents Wilmslow West, said more needs to be done to prevent anyone accessing the areas with caravans.
He said: “I understand people’s concerns. The damage to the fields is extremely frustrating.
“We understand the lifestyle but it is perceived that they cause a lot of damage as a result of their behaviour.”
He added that he has received more than 20 phone calls and another 20 emails from residents concerned about safety and damage caused as a result of the camp.
He said: “We are aware that they may move on to another site in Wilmslow. I will be raising this issue at Wilmslow Town Council. This is happening too often.
“We need to make the fields more secure and investigate how they are getting in.
“These spaces still need to be accessible as a recreation area for all those who wish to use it, but at the moment they are not able to.
“Unfortunately Wilmslow is blessed with a lot of green belt and green spaces which makes it very attractive to Travellers.”
A resident on Altrincham Road, who asked not to be named, said: “We need wrought iron gates to stop this happening.
“My house backs onto the field and I feel very vulnerable. It’s a cost issue too.
“They have moved here from Wilmslow High School and it’s going to cost an absolute fortune to clean up after them, but they don’t care.”
Travellers were reported to have arrived on the playing fields at the high school on June 18, but were evicted last Monday (July 1) after being served a notice to leave.
A Cheshire East Council spokesman said they had started legal proceedings to evict the Travellers from Carnival Fields.
The council hopes to have obtained a repossession order if they had not moved on by today (Thursday).
He said: “The police are aware of the Travellers and are, like council officers, frustrated with the group’s movements.
“Cleaning up after unauthorised and illegal encampments costs our communities and local taxpayers thousands of pounds.
“This is money that could otherwise be spent on improving our roads or local services.”
Sgt Andy Miller, of Wilmslow neighbourhood policing team, said that informing and reassuring residents was a priority for Cheshire Police.
He said: “Patrols are visiting the Carnival Fields on a regular basis to monitor the situation and provide reassurance to the community.”
“We are working with Cheshire East Council to ensure that there is a speedy resolution to this matter and we will endeavour to keep local residents informed through the media.
“Cheshire East Council has served legal notices on the encampment, and this matter will now be dealt with in court on Thursday.”
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