Disruption expected as hundreds arrive for Travellers' funeral - Berkshire

From Get Reading

Bus delays and traffic jams were expected in Caversham this afternoon as hundreds of mourners are attending a Travellers' funeral.

Police were in the area and some pubs decided to close until the early evening because of the huge contingent.

Jo Burton, manager of The Traveller's Rest in Henley Road, said the pub would be closed to avoid any trouble.

She said: "We've opened in the past when these sorts of events have happened, and we had a lot of trouble.

"We had to close the bar early and then it took me about four hours to get everyone to leave.

"I don't know what time we will re-open, we will just have to see what happens."

Nick Willson, who owns The Flowing Spring in Playhatch with his wife Hazel, said the pub would be closed until 5pm.

He said: "It is our third anniversary at the pub this evening so we would still encourage people to come by and raise a toast, but as a precaution we will not be opened during the day."

The cortege attracted attention on Twitter as Caversham people spotted the convoy.

@SimonThomasSky tweeted: "Just seen a huge funeral cortege led by a white pick-up truck with big speakers on the back blasting out Johnny Cash's 'Ring of Fire'."

@nicdoye added: "Four stretched, black Mercedes in Caversham following a pick-up playing Johnny Cash 'Ring of Fire' from big speakers placed in the back!"

Oscar Mortali, Reading Borough Council spokesman, said preparations had been made prior to the event to minimise disruption.

He said: "The Cemetery and Crematorium does occasionally host funerals which attract large numbers of mourners and a large number of people are expected to attend a funeral on Tuesday afternoon.

"The Council has been liaising closely with Thames Valley Police and the funeral director in terms of preparations in advance of the funeral and the Council's traffic management team will be monitoring traffic flows on the day with a view of trying to minimise any disruption."

A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said there have been no instructions to officers to suggest businesses to close, but acknowledged that a significant amount of people were expected in the area, and officers will be responding to any incidents as usual.