Crantock villagers stop Travellers invading recreation ground - Cornwall

From the Cornish Guardian

EAGLE-EYED villagers spotted Travellers towing caravans onto the recreation ground in Crantock on Sunday – and called for police back-up.

Two trucks with caravans drove onto the field, owned by Crantock Village Hall, a registered charity, at around 5.30pm.

Within minutes police officers had arrived to ask the trespassers to leave, serving them with an official eviction notice, and at 9.45am on Monday the group trundled out of the village, to the delight of the community.

Police have praised the swift action taken by locals, and confirmed the only damage caused was to a lock on the main gate at the recreation ground.

PC Darral Mares said: "Due to the early report of the arrival of the caravans from a nearby resident, police assisted and early intervention took place with the caravan occupants. With the help and pressure of local community and their swift actions this assisted with the removal and prevention of their return.

"The stance from the local community instigated a quick departure of the caravans and vehicles.

"Myself and the PCSO for the area attended the following day to ensure their departure and that they had not entered any nearby locations."

Frank Cox, spokesman for Crantock Village Hall, said the last time Travellers tried to occupy land near Crantock was around ten years ago.

He added: "We'd like to thank the police who acted extremely promptly."