Travellers cost taxpayers hundreds of pounds after leaving 'van-loads of rubbish' in Fenton and Stoke - Staffordshire

From the Sentinel

TRAVELLERS left a 'trail of destruction' on two council-owned car parks – with the clean-up bill running into hundreds of pounds.

Families set up camp at Wharf Place, Stoke, after being forced off Fenton Manor Leisure Complex after a fortnight stay.

They have since moved their 20 caravans and vehicles out of the Potteries but toxic waste has been left at both sites.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been forced to bring in road sweepers to remove 'several van loads' of household waste and potentially-dangerous gas canisters.

Councillor Janine Bridges, cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and community safety, said: "The group left Wharf Place car park of their own will on Tuesday evening.

"The site was tidied yesterday in preparation for staff to start using the car park again from today. I'd like to thank the police for their co-operation in helping to resolve the issue in a swift manner, and both council employees and the public for their understanding while we worked to resolve the issue."

Residents near both car parks have now spoken of their relief after the gypsies left. Dominic Archer, of Stanier Street, Stoke, believes that gypsies should be forced from land the minute they arrive.

The 37-year-old said: "I am relieved they have been moved and hopefully they won't return but they make such a mess, leaving a trail of destruction and then the taxpayers have to pay for it to be cleaned up. It is disgraceful.

"Fortunately it seemed to be cleaned up quite quickly once they had gone."

Chris Burford, of Victoria Road, Fenton, said he now felt confident to leave his car at the sports centre.

The 21-year-old student added: "I am so glad they have been moved on but I am appalled they stayed on the site for such a long time and then had the audacity to stop at another car park so close by.

"They left piles of rubbish all over the place and had no regard for others. I know a lot of people decided not to drive and park at the centre because they were worried about their cars. Some even chose to not go at all. Gypsies have a bad reputation and I think they lived up to that in Fenton. It was very intimidating walking across the car park at night and the ones who used the centre were rude and obnoxious."

The council secured a court order to remove the Travellers from Fenton on Sunday before they moved onto the Wharf Place site, close to the A500. The authority was looking to secure a second order before the families left of their own accord. It is not clear where they have gone.