Matches called off as travellers park by pitch
YOUTH football matches had to be cancelled on Sunday after a family of travellers moved on to a recently revamped pitch.
Truro City Council has leased the former rugby pitch at Kenwyn from Cornwall Council and spent more than £2,000 replacing the rugby posts with Football Association standard goals and facilities for youth games.
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The travellers' caravans which have been moved to the former rugby pitch at Kenwyn.
But matches on Sunday had to be cancelled after a Roma family moved on to the site at the end of last week.
Truro mayor and Cornwall Council member for Kenwyn Rob Nolan said two vans initially arrived on Thursday evening.
He said: "Somehow the chain and lock on the gates at the entrance to the pitch had been broken, apparently before they arrived.
"They said they would only be there for a couple of days but more have arrived. The police think they might be there for a month or two.
"We have spent a couple of thousand pounds sorting out the land for youth football and now we have had to cancel one of the first matches.
"It's more than a nuisance. A lot of money has been invested up there for the community."
Truro council hoped the newly enhanced pitch would help meet growing demand for facilities in the city, as well as relieve the frequently water-logged Boscawen Park in wet weather.
Parks manager, Richard Budge, said the travellers have not used the field and are parked on the hard-standing.
"They are blocking the access to the facilities up there," he said. "We felt it was inappropriate to put people in a position where they had to negotiate with them to use the facilities and thought it best in the situation to cancel the games."
Mr Nolan said Gypsy liaison co-ordinators at Cornwall Council had issued the travellers with a behaviour plan.
Truro police's Inspector Mark Richards said: "We will no doubt be discussing a way forward over the coming days."
A statement from Cornwall Council said: "The council and the police will endeavour to move them on as soon as possible."
17 Comments
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by cousinjack2
Thursday, February 16 2012, 12:19PM
“I suggest the vans be moved to a beach site at low tide or a golf course
The way the law is being administered is an open invitation to the public
to forcibly take over police duties”
by josdave
Monday, February 06 2012, 12:42PM
“He said: "Somehow the chain and lock on the gates at the entrance to the pitch had been broken, apparently before they arrived.
That alone is enough to charge them with something. Come on councillors earn your money and get rid of them. Criminal damage and illegal trespassing is enough to charge them and tow their vans off the pitch.”
by JeremyBadger
Friday, February 03 2012, 4:46PM
“They could call themselves a "Peace Camp" then they could park down by the cathedral, thats got a good hard staning too. Better still how about placing a couple of 100 ton boulders at the entrance of the pitches, having given these pikies a couple of hours notice to clear off or be blocked in for ever.”
by josdave
Friday, February 03 2012, 2:29PM
“I must admit to being curious as to what would have happened had they parked their vans on a golf course. Me cynical? Whatever gives you that idea?”
by HelloMyLuvver
Friday, February 03 2012, 1:25PM
“Let them do what they want. The main thing is they make a positive contribution to the wider society and pay their way like everyone else. They're honourable people and work hard for their money... they'd never be a burden to the taxpayer. After all, they'll look after the pitch - probably returning it in better condition (when they feel like leaving)
The best way to deal with this situation is to have a council meeting to discuss the situation. Ideally this should be 'facilitated' by someone who understands their plight; maybe someone from Solihull Council? Then, and only then, should a highly publicised eviction be considered. Preferably one that costs a fortune.
Someone I know mentioned an old mineshaft big enough for a caravan, some gaffer tape and a lump-hammer, but that sounded a little cruel to me”
by crgee
Friday, February 03 2012, 12:21PM
“.... Vox_Populi..... I don't think they like ''pansies''... oops”
by Vox_Populi
Friday, February 03 2012, 11:08AM
“"Mr Nolan said Gypsy liaison co-ordinators at Cornwall Council had issued the travellers with a behaviour plan."
Bet that's got them shaking in their boots!
What next from Councillor Nolan - send them a nice bouquet of pansies?”
by josdave
Friday, February 03 2012, 8:26AM
“Whatever their ethnic status does not justify illegal trespassing and the heavy gear should be brought in immediaely and have their caravans etc removed. In addition they should be made to pay the cost of that removal not us the taxpayers. It happens all over the country look at Dale Farm, we,'ve just heard the total cost of clearing that site is £7million, and those who abide by the law and pay their taxes are picking up the bill for illegal trespassers.”
by PatVulgata
Thursday, February 02 2012, 10:30PM
“Generalizing about nomads is a bit like generalizing about people with fixed homes.”
by Hanky_Spanky
Thursday, February 02 2012, 8:22PM
“Yes KJHXXX well I think they should pay taxes and abide by the law. I have not advocated otherwise.”