Large group of travellers of around 50 caravans arrive in Emsworth causing fear
Efforts to evict the group have began
A large group of travellers of around 50 caravans and vehicles arrived at a popular location - leaving frustrated residents feeling unsafe.
An illegal encampment was set up on Friday around 6pm at Hollybank Recreation Ground in Southleigh Road, Emsworth.
It was reported by locals that “around 50 caravans and motor homes and cars” turned up on the green space that is popular with children and dog walkers and is where cricket matches are played.
Police are working with the landowner to remove the group. A force spokesperson said: “This was reported just after 6pm on Friday. We will work with the landowner to discuss next steps.”
One resident questioned how the group got into “what I thought was a secure site” and said: “Why do they have so many rights? As there are so many of them I don't feel safe to walk across there to the Co-Op. I'm sure parents that take their children to the play area and dog walkers would also feel the same.
“Every year it's the same old story and over the decades it has cost councils millions to deal with things like cleaning sites and court costs.
“What an absolute waste of resources and more importantly tax payers money. No wonder Havant Borough Council don't have funds left to improve and maintain facilities like toilets, parks upkeep and cricket pavilions maintenance.”
They continued: “Why can't the issue get sorted once and for all? Remember how the government dealt with the minors strikes and many other similar protests over the years. Yes it really does need something bold and drastic to sort the problem out. Probably far too extreme to destroy their caravans/motor homes.
“One solution could be simply to take away some of their vehicles like you would if someone had parked wrongly in some places. The vehicles could then be sold off or broken for spares to recoup clean up/court costs. These are the things that I would face if I did the same. Be bold and start taking direct action. Please apply the same rules to all.”