Gipsies descend on green space (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Gipsies descend on green space

TRAVELLERS have set up camp behind a Swindon secondary school but residents want them out.

The six caravans, which arrived on Thursday night, are parked on a green space opposite Highclere Avenue and behind Churchfields School.

Swindon Council's travellers liaison officer has visited the group and says they are English gypsies who are travelling across the country and plan to leave soon.

Walcot ward councillor Peter Mallinson (Lab), said: "When travellers leave a site there has always been a problem with clearing up after them.

"Already some fridges and bikes have been found dumped in the bushes by the gypsies.

"There is an inbuilt feeing of insecurity with people coming and occupying land illegally. The residents are worried about what will happen next.

Coun Mallinson is also concerned about the fact that the travellers are camped so close to Churchfields School.

"Usually travellers choose green spaces that are well away from schools. I'm just worried that it might be an enticement to the children as they may try to approach the site."

Emma Ray, deputy headteacher of Churchfields School, said: "We are in close contact with the police and they have been looking into the travellers' rights.

"There have not been any issues so far but the safety of our children is paramount and if there were any issues they would be dealt with in the correct way."

She added that very few children go out of school during break and lunchtimes so she is not concerned about them wandering onto the travellers' site.

Harry Crockett, 80, of Highclere Avenue, lives opposite the site.

He said: "I don't like them being here at all. On Thursday night they were lighting fires and they were riding their lorries and motorbikes up and down the paths that are supposed to be footpaths.

"There was noise, shouting and that sort of thing. There was no music but a sort of drumming sound. Being an old man I'm frightened of break-ins and that sort of thing with them around."

John and Maureen Mabberley, both 67, also live in Highclere Avenue.

Mrs Mabberley said: "This is the second time this has happened in 10 years.

"That green is supposed to be a litter free zone but they are letting their dogs run all over the place and do as they please.

"We just want them to leave as soon as possible."

A Swindon Council spokeswoman said: "The Swindon Council traveller liaison officer visited the site with the police.

"Apparently the travellers are from England and are moving across the country.

"They are expected to leave fairly shortly.

"If they have not moved on by Monday we will have to reassess the situation.

"Local residents are being reassured and informed at all stages."

Police say they are monitoring the situation.

Diana Milne