Traveller barriers split a town in two
WHEN rumours of the imminent arrival of 100 travellers swept through a small town, residents blocked entrances to parks and gardens with cars, farm machinery and even wheelie bins.
But the community has now become split after the council erected concrete barriers on a cyclepath and around fields.
Some welcomed the intervention, saying it provided vital protection for open spaces. But others claimed the move in Kesgrave, near Ipswich, was a step too far.
One wrote on the Kesgrave Community Group Facebook page: ‘Kesgrave looks like a warzone just now. How can life here return to normal when we are now living in a neigh- bourhood that resembles a Belfast estate during the Troubles?’
Locals had protested when a dozen caravans moved on to a field. News then spread of another 100 travellers arriving for a Holy Communion and locals acted by blocking access to 30 green spaces. More than 100 cars were assembled, along with a tractor and trailer, farm machinery and bins. Police also increased patrols in the area amid reports of ‘community tension’.
In fact the mass arrival never materialised and the original caravans left on July 14.
But by then Suffolk County Council had installed nine concrete ‘K-rails’ at strategic points. Despite their appearance, the barriers were defended by some locals yesterday.
Swimming coach Stephen Moore, 52, said: ‘They are a bit big and ugly but they are doing a job and we can rest easy that the travellers won’t be back while they are there. I’m all for them.’
The barriers will remain in place until permanent solutions are found. Ideas being considered include earth banks and ditches.