Wrexham Council called on to pursue Travellers for park clean up costs

From the Leader

TAXPAYERS in Wrexham are more than £600 out of pocket because of a ‘Travellers’ camp.

Wrexham Council has revealed the cost of clearing up after the unannounced camp, which was set up on land at Alyn Waters Country Park in Llay in August.

The total clean up bill is estimated to come to £649.28, Wrexham Council have revealed.

The authority said the costs – which were uncovered after a Freedom of information request by the Leader – include money to cover staff and park ranger work hours, as well as vans and equipment used in the clean up.

The camp was on land which included football pitches used by Llay United Youth Football Club.

Wrexham Council said damage to the pitch was minimal, although it may require some reseeding work.

Cllr Malcolm Taylor, who represents Llay ward on Wrexham Council, said if at all possible he would like to see the local authority pursue the ‘Travellers’ involved for payment of the bill.

“They are the ones who are responsible for all the mess and damage that took place, it is only right they should pay to put it right,” he said.

He stressed it was not fair at a time when the council was facing cutbacks and financial difficulties the budget had this extra cost to meet.

“I would want to see the people who carried out the damage taken through the courts if need be,” Cllr Taylor added.

“The camp caused a great deal of upset and distress for the residents of Llay and surrounding areas. I was regularly getting phone calls and emails from people complaining about the Travellers."