Ladsanddads football games are switched as Gypsies pitch-up in Kidsgrove - Staffordshire

From the Sentinel

FOOTBALL officials have had to reschedule fixtures after a convoy of Travellers refused to move from a playing fields.

Around 20 caravans pitched up at the car park next to Birchenwood playing fields, near Mount Road in Kidsgrove, on Monday evening.

But despite football teams raising concerns that they would not be able to play if the caravans did not move, the Travellers have refused to leave.

It means organisers have had to hastily rearrange matches to other venues, including Eastwood in Hanley and Pool Dam playing fields in Newcastle.

Roland Hulse, vice-chairman of the Staffordshire Ladsandads organisation and chairman of Kidsgrove Ladsandads, said "We didn't want any confrontation, so we didn't have any choice but to rearrange matches, as the car park just wasn't usable and it would have caused a lot of disruption for local people, as well as the police. It's very fortunate that we've managed to keep the fixtures going on this weekend. It took a lot of effort, but we just about sorted it out."

Philip Lowndes, aged 34, of Whalley Drive, Sandyford, coaches Kidsgrove Ladsandads Warriors' under 11s.

He said: "I've had to ring round all the parents, it's been very inconvenient but everyone's been very understanding. Everyone has to travel so far and hopefully it will all be suited soon. It's a nightmare."

Staffordshire Police confirmed it was working with local sports organisers to help rearrange the matches and was monitoring the situation at the playing fields.

Councillor Ann Beech, Newcastle Borough Council cabinet member for environment and recycling, said: "The council recognises residents are concerned about the arrival of Travellers on the car park and would like to reassure them that we are doing everything we can to move them on as quickly as possible.

"We served Travellers a notice to leave the site on Tuesday morning which has been ignored so we are now in the process of securing a court date to obtain a possession order."