Traveller security blockades
FOUR Huddersfield hotels and restaurants have had to resort to emergency makeshift security measures to stop travellers using their car parks.
The Toby Carvery, Cedar Court Hotel, Premier Inn and the Nag’s Head, all at Ainley Top, decided to act after phone calls were received alerting them yesterday morning.
At the Nags Head, a sign on a car parked across the entrance to the top car park reads: “Due to safety reasons we have been asked by local authorities to close this end of the car park.
“If your car is trapped in please contact reception at the Premier Inn or the bar in the Nags Head and we will move this car to let you out. Thank you for your understanding and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
One member of Mitchells and Butlers staff, which owns the Nags Head and Toby Carvery, said a phone call was received on Friday morning telling them a contingent of travellers was on its way.
The rudimentary security measures at Cedar Court, Huddersfield’s only 4-star hotel, included a car being parked close to the car park entrance and a bollard placed close by preventing access to any unauthorised guests.
Bradley Fisher, general manager at Toby Carvery, said he was unable to comment and it’s unclear for how long the measures will stay in place.
Previously, Mr Fisher said Mitchells and Butlers were looking at installing some barriers at a future date.
Travellers were moved on from Toby Carvery just days ago, which was closed down when three caravans parked up in the top car park.
The manager said thousands had been lost in revenue.
Since then a group of travellers set up camp at Brunswick Street Car Park on Thursday, meaning the council facility had to be closed. A council spokesperson said they were aware of the encampment. They added: “A welfare visit is being arranged and we will begin legal proceedings if we need to.”