Travellers told to move after pitching on park
A GROUP of travellers has moved onto a Derbyshire park, with residents and a councillor claiming they broke a padlock to gain access.
The travellers arrived at Springfield Park, in Sandiacre, late on Sunday evening and have already been issued with a notice to move on.
Derbyshire police officers were called to the park, in Hollingworth Avenue, on Sunday night and have followed their usual procedure. This involves safeguarding those who have moved onto the site and recording the number of individuals and vehicles present.
A police spokesperson said: “We were called to reports that a number of a travellers had arrived at Springfield Park, Sandiacre, at just before 10.55pm on Sunday.
“Officers have attended the site as per standard procedure to speak with the group and also following concerns from the local community.
“They continue to monitor the situation and are liaising with Erewash Borough Council and other relevant local authorities on the matter
“Officers are carrying out enquiries into reports that a gate was damaged.”
Councillor Wayne Major, who represents Sandiacre on Erewash Bor
ough and Derbyshire County councils, said the borough council planned to issue the travellers with a 24-hour move notice.
He said: “Unfortunately, travellers broke the lock on the gate to Springfield park at roughly 10.30pm last night. I received a call at roughly 11pm and understand the police were already at the location.
“Myself, Cllr Bilbie, parish clerk and wardens from Erewash Borough Council met on site between 7am and 7.30am [on Monday]. Erewash Borough Council will obtain and issue a 24-hour move notice.
“Once they have gone, we will get the parked cleaned up of any mess and lock the gate with a more robust padlock.
“Long term we are already discussing how we can make it harder for them to access in the future, for example, installing bollards.
“I’m really sorry for those that live around the park and use it on a regular basis. Please be assured we are working as quickly as we can.”
A spokesperson for Erewash Borough Council said: “The land is owned by Sandiacre Parish Council, and they are aware of and currently handling the situation.”
Sandiacre Parish Council has been asked for comment.
Residents said that they are frustrated by the travellers’ decision to move onto the site.
They also suggested an alternative area could have been used down the road that would not have blocked access to the park for residents.
One local said: “There’s a perfectly good bit of grass a bit further down near the A52 where they could have parked up.”
Another said: “Feel sorry for all the people who’s back gardens back on to the park.
“The police are there now, hopefully they can get them moving on quick.”
One woman said: “If they are causing no harm, I don’t see an issue.”
A different person added: “If they look after where they stay and respect people, I see no problem.”